When there is a frost advisory and you leave all your annuals outside (without cover), you're a tad apprehensive the next morning: did the temps drop below the expected 35F? Three degrees and you lose the bet (and your annuals).
The verdict: yes, it did drop lower than predicted, but only by one degree. I could tell that the flowers were not at all affected.
It's a sunny day of course (a freeze would only be a worry these days on a clear night). We enjoy a morning meal in the sun room.
And immediately after, I go out to continue my winter pruning and, too, my bulb planting.
The beauty is now again in the crab apple: it heralds spring with a riot of lightly pink blooms and it welcomes autumn with ruby red fruits that will sustain our bird population all winter long.
But I must also give credit to the front bed -- the new plantings, combining annuals with colorful autumnal perennials look pretty good! I spend some time here, finding spots for bulbs.
It remains cool all day -- in the 50sF (just above 10C). But of course, it's October. And the sun gives that wonderful illusion that it's actually not too bad out there.
As Snowdrop leaves school, she is delighted that the stroller waits for her. It means we get to walk.
At the coffee shop she is exceptionally patient as they slowly make my cappuccino.
And we nibble on our treat outside! Why not?? We're joined by a sparrow who catches some of the crumbs that fall out of Snowdrop's hand. It is a wonderful set of minutes.
The playground is right there and predictably, Snowdrop wants a little while on the equipment. Swing, yes, of course, but she also challenges herself with climbing, bulky jacket notwithstanding...
...and of course, she is now a pro at all the slides here.
Even her last holdout -- the curvy one presents no issue for her now.
She is, in fact, in great spirits and despite the fact that it's time for her nap, I can't turn down her request to play ball.
She has quite the spirited throw!
How quickly these hours go! Before we know it, her mommy is home from work and we all climb into gaga's car and head out to pick up take-out Thai food, to be eaten at the farmhouse.
It is a wonderful dinner.
Honestly, I don't think I'd ever seen Snowdrop eat so much! Shrimp, baby corn, mushrooms, cauliflower in red curry over rice. She is thrilled with all of it.
There's always time for a little play after dinner. A raisin dessert maybe?
A tickle, a giggle...
As before, Snowdrop is extremely eager to go out at night to help Ed round up the cheepers. As we walk to the coop, she looks up and takes note of the bright, bright moon. "Circle moon!" she tells me. I pause. We stare at its brightness with awe.
Beautiful night. For us, for you as well, I hope.
The verdict: yes, it did drop lower than predicted, but only by one degree. I could tell that the flowers were not at all affected.
It's a sunny day of course (a freeze would only be a worry these days on a clear night). We enjoy a morning meal in the sun room.
And immediately after, I go out to continue my winter pruning and, too, my bulb planting.
The beauty is now again in the crab apple: it heralds spring with a riot of lightly pink blooms and it welcomes autumn with ruby red fruits that will sustain our bird population all winter long.
But I must also give credit to the front bed -- the new plantings, combining annuals with colorful autumnal perennials look pretty good! I spend some time here, finding spots for bulbs.
It remains cool all day -- in the 50sF (just above 10C). But of course, it's October. And the sun gives that wonderful illusion that it's actually not too bad out there.
As Snowdrop leaves school, she is delighted that the stroller waits for her. It means we get to walk.
At the coffee shop she is exceptionally patient as they slowly make my cappuccino.
And we nibble on our treat outside! Why not?? We're joined by a sparrow who catches some of the crumbs that fall out of Snowdrop's hand. It is a wonderful set of minutes.
The playground is right there and predictably, Snowdrop wants a little while on the equipment. Swing, yes, of course, but she also challenges herself with climbing, bulky jacket notwithstanding...
...and of course, she is now a pro at all the slides here.
Even her last holdout -- the curvy one presents no issue for her now.
She is, in fact, in great spirits and despite the fact that it's time for her nap, I can't turn down her request to play ball.
She has quite the spirited throw!
How quickly these hours go! Before we know it, her mommy is home from work and we all climb into gaga's car and head out to pick up take-out Thai food, to be eaten at the farmhouse.
It is a wonderful dinner.
Honestly, I don't think I'd ever seen Snowdrop eat so much! Shrimp, baby corn, mushrooms, cauliflower in red curry over rice. She is thrilled with all of it.
There's always time for a little play after dinner. A raisin dessert maybe?
A tickle, a giggle...
As before, Snowdrop is extremely eager to go out at night to help Ed round up the cheepers. As we walk to the coop, she looks up and takes note of the bright, bright moon. "Circle moon!" she tells me. I pause. We stare at its brightness with awe.
Beautiful night. For us, for you as well, I hope.
