The Third Act

Saturday

It's another summer-like day.  I did relent and turn on the AC.  I mean, I need to keep Avery cool, right??  

Other than spending time watering the garden in the morning, the day has consisted of grocery shopping, starting another fermented soda and giving attention to the new infused oils I'm making  (not much to show, really).  I have to be honest, I'm in a strange zone right now.  It's not depression, exactly, and it's not anxiety, exactly...loneliness, well that's always kind of there.  Maybe it's just the weather shift.  You'd think I'd be used to the ebbs and flows by now...and I am, probably more so as time has progressed.  But still...

 

 

 

96F

I think the temperature is supposed to be a record breaker today.  That's not particularly something to celebrate!  But we're doing our best to stay cool.  I used my desert living tactic of closing up the house, shutting the blinds and keeping the cool air from the night inside.  Currently it's about 79F upstairs.  The low tonight is supposed to be 74F.  I'm still being stubborn and not turning the AC on yet.  But tomorrow, because the night will stay warm, I may relent and flip that switch.

In some good news, I finally got my new refrigerator worked on again!  I've been waiting for several weeks for the part to be available.  Although the technician today said the part that was replaced last time was defective.  He replaced that and the part we were waiting on, which is the controller.  What a goofy, goofy thing.  I'm crossing my fingers that this does the trick, so I can shop normally again (I've been using a mini fridge for the most perishable foods).

 

 

 

feels like summer

It's currently in the mid-80s outside.  I watered the garden around 9:30 in the morning and even then felt how hot the sun was getting.  Today is supposed to max out in the upper 80s and then into the upper 90s Friday and Saturday.  Those temperatures are coming on early, but hopefully more average, cooler temps will return as of Monday.

In reality, I'm not minding this heat.  The house is still staying cool enough without AC, as long as I close it up early and keep the fans running.  Saturday is supposed to be the hottest day, pushing triple digits.  That may require turning on some cooling...but then again, I'll probably be stubborn ("no AC before Memorial day!!").

The garden should be okay throughout these days.  The tomatoes are really pushing out, as are the cucumbers.  Some of the peppers are also showing a growth spurt.  Perhaps this will also kick all my bread seed poppies into blossom status.  While looking at a video from last year, I see how further behind the garden is this year.  That may be because I revamped the whole thing and in many ways started from scratch.  But even so, the perennials also slower.  Just making the observation.  Every year is different in many ways.

So...halfway through May, almost halfway through 2022.  Faster and faster time passes, my perception tells me.  Many more years behind me than ahead.  I try to keep that in mind, and still maintain my equilibrium (if I think about this stuff for too long it can trigger existential angst).  And keeping it in mind, so I make my time count, even if that means focused rest and silly joy.

 

 

Looks like a summer sky to me...

 

The garden is really filling in...

 

The hops are so lush now that they have more sun.

what could be better?

what could be better than fresh eggs from your neighbor's flock...or herbs plucked from outside your door...or hooting owls at night...or birdsong during the day?  what could be better than a canine friend to spend time with...or human friends that offer you eggs from their flock...or someone who checks in with you every day to see if you're ok?

The world is a crazy, mixed up, sometimes horrible place, but what could be better than having a handful of simple things to be grateful for?

 

 

 

 

whole lotta photos

I started by taking a few photos of the my latest kitchen activities (ginger/buckwheat honey fermented soda, brined radishes, lettuce harvest and dried comfrey leaves), then went on to the garden.  And there is so much to see in the garden these days...(captions below photos)...

 

 

starting up fermented soda production again

 

two kinds of radishes with a salt brine, dill and garlic

 

I've grown more lettuce this year than the whole time I've lived here

 

comfrey leaves drying for oil infusion

 

 

milkweed blossom buds

 

blueberries forming

 

clematis bud opening (Audrey?)

 

red clover blossom

 

California poppy

 

many California poppies

 

valerian blossoms

 

chamomile

 

peony

 

English pea blossoms

 

sunflower plant

 

new growth on the yuzu

 

larkspur

in reserve

It's always good to have a few photos in reserve, all waiting to be posted in a blog and/or on Flickr.  I was focused on a number of tasks today and the time just slipped away.  In reality, what does it matter if I miss a day of posting?  It really doesn't, especially in the grand scheme of things.  But I set that intention on my birthday in January, that I'd make a blog post a day, including an image (or images) and I don't think I've missed one yet.  

Maybe it's the significance of having a commitment on the daily that somehow relates to my art (my life?) that feels important.  Maybe it's that in some ways it helps me be less of a recluse.  Maybe it doesn't matter why it's important if I feel it is.

Anyway...here are couple of out takes from pinhole day...

 

 

 

Sunday

It feels a little like summer today.  The humidity and temperatures are up.  There are what appear to be thunderstorm clouds out in the distance (although not much of anything is predicted for today...we get that tomorrow).  

I did my obligatory lawn mowing.  It had been put off for a while on account of wet weather.  Everything had grown like crazy, which is has a tendency to do with damp and warm conditions.  Because of a cranky shoulder I was concerned about exacerbating pain.  To be honest, I'm not sure it makes much difference.  Getting the work done is satisfying, plus it looks so nice.  Ask me tomorrow how my shoulder is...perhaps I'll change my tune.

You know, I really don't mind being older.  I definitely don't mind being beyond menopause.  But I do wish I could find the magic bullet for my pain.  Acupuncture is great for certain things for me, but it really doesn't address pain.  Massage has always been the biggest help there and that's what I'm going to be seeking out next (my long time therapist retired).  The thing is, when I consider what I get done with this discomfort, I think I'd be almost unstoppable without it.

 

 

 

Avery

She's watching something.  Most often it's a lizard.  Sometimes it's a snake.  Sometimes it's another dog out for walkies.  Whatever it is,  she certainly has focus.

 

"Avery. Avery!  Look at me to get your picture.  Okay fine, I'll take the picture of you looking out to the yard.  D'oh!!"

 

blooming

All sorts of things are starting to bloom in the garden.  I'm anxiously awaiting the bread seed poppy plants to put up bud spikes.  These plants were a little burnt from cold and are looking less than robust, but I'm still hoping for flowers.  However peonies, California poppies, chamomile, roses, raspberries and blackberries all have pretty blossoms right now.

It's damp and warm today.  There may be some storms this evening.  The sky is gray, which is good in a way because it would be hot if not.  But summer is on our heals, so the heat will come.  In the mean time, it's comfortable enough to have the house open and let it fill with birdsong and fresh air.

 

 

 

 

 

home

I changed the guest room up a bit today.  Well, I switched the orientation of the bed.  I cleaned too.  It feels good to clean.  I always forget just how good it feels, which tells you something about the regularity of said cleaning.

It's a gray day, but not cold just cool.  There's been some misting, but heavier rain is predicted for tomorrow.  At least the incessant wind has currently subsided.  Giving myself a pat on the back for getting around to tipping out the rain gutters as well (which have been functioning at less than optimal).

Why do I keep thinking it's Friday?  Reminder to self:  it's still Thursday.