Cooler weather…finally

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One of the many great things about living in Texas is that you can grow food all year round. I am so happy to be back in the garden after retreating from the blazing heat that we were assaulted with this summer. We actually had fifty (yes 50) days where the temperature reached 100º or higher. Seriously, that's hot, right? Well my cold island heritage is no match for the über heat of the Texas summer, so I just let my late summer garden choke & die. Mainly I do this so I don't, choke and die that is.

Some brave soldiers have trudged through the summer heat to enjoy the cool soil that the past few mornings have had to offer. These plants include marjoram, lavender,lemon balm, parsley, sage, rosemary & thyme. I've even had my eggplant wake from their dirt nap….kind of the plant equivalent of falling asleep on the subway and waking up at the end of the red line…"Next stop shady Grove" I'll let them stay and see if they produce.

See below to see what my fall garden promises…

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The town where I live is on one of the two main highways that lead to and from the Galveston/Houston area. Needless to say this weekend was so very sad/scary for everyone who had to evacuate. As I was driving in to work this morning I could see there were quite a few cars heading east toward the coast… meaning they were headed home. I hope for most of them that everything was just how they left it.

“Let the wild rumpus start!”

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One of my most prized possessions in this life is a copy of Where the Wild Things Are, which I had signed by Maurice Sendak himself. When I was living in Washington D.C. I had the great fortune of hearing him speak at the Smithsonian. It was kind of a one on one interview a la James Lipton. I remember being amazed at how candidly he spoke of his depression, his childhood and darkness. He also said how he was so offended that people thought his books were too scary and dark for children and should be bright and cheery like other children's books. I'm thinking the sheer number of devotees he has might prove that bright and cheery theory wrong. I believe that all my favorite books, songs and movies from my childhood were rife with sadness, fear and melancholy…

The Three Lives of Thomasina

I can remember screaming "Thomasina's out the window!", tears streaming down my face. Oh, how I loved that movie. May need to get a copy.

Winnie -the Pooh

I've always had such a soft spot for this sad bear… he doesn't even know he's sad.

Leaving on a Jet Plane by Peter, Paul & Mary 

Okay, maybe this one is pushing the boundaries on the whole children and melancholy thing, but it definitely explains a later devotion to Joni Mitchell that carried me (sullen and sobbing) through my teenage years.

I came across this article in New York Times online today. Made me think of this.

Just booked

our cabin for our 10th anniversary getaway in Mountain View, Arkansas.

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A great place to get my knit on while Steve hits the trails on his bike. I'll bring mine too, but think I'll be spending a lot of time right here. Should be spectacular color in October.

 

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