Yesterday, eager to get outside and get some work done, I ventured out – tools in hand – after running an errand. But the wind CAME BACK (for the 3rd day in a row.) So there wasn’t much I could do but snip a few stalks left over from last year and prune a lot of the brambles, which resulted in several encounters with thorns.
After cleaning up (and giving up,) I came in the house and cleaned all my tiny wounds, took a shower, put a topical antibiotic on two of the nastier wounds, and stayed in the rest of the day. The wind is hard on my allergies so I end up feeling very, very tired and stuffed up – even though I was wearing sunglasses and a mask.
We have one more night of lows in the thirties and then I think we’ll have turned a corner.
I took these photos with very strong winds whipping the branches back and forth. I wanted to show you my favorite crabapple blossoms. They’re on a tree down by the road.
I love the deep rose and pale pinks.
Of course, I had to hack my way through brambles to get these pictures.
We visited our local nursery and purchased some plants and potting soil, but I had to stash them in the living room because of the winds. They’ll stay inside until tomorrow and then I’ll start potting. Today, I’m going to clear out more of the beds. So far, it looks relatively wind-free out there. I’m on a very strict budget this year so I’m cutting back on the amount of flowers I buy. I’ll try to make it look lush around here with less.
I think my big Annabelle hydrangea has died. At least, the bulk of it. Last year, we had a big freeze/snow event that really did a number on it. It did bloom, but not nearly as much as it usually does. I’m waiting to see if it’s just late in developing leaves, but a couple of offshoots of the main plant are already leafing out, as is the limelight hydrangea. So I may have to get in there and dig it up. Makes me very sad.
Okay. I finished the Michael Connelly yesterday and started the new Susan Hill – but it’s taking me a while to adjust to her very different style, most likely because my attention is scattered.
Stay safe.
Happy Saturday.
hope those wounds and your allergies heal quickly, the hydrangea plant recovers and the winds slow down.
those crabapples are beautiful. love the colors.
wren and bertie are sweet.
ditto on the budget.
after another week of long days (gone twelve hours, plus a couple hours of tasks here), i am taking a slow start here today … but looking forward to spending time with my family and also getting some stuff done.
hope you have a good day and enjoy the new book. stay safe.
kathy
Have a lovely weekend, Kathy!
Stay safe.
I, for one, appreciate your hacking your way through the brambles to take those pictures of the crabapple tree! Gorgeous!
Sorry to hear about your Annabelle….maybe they’re just slow this year in budding out? I don’t have any Annabelle’s, but I was wondering if they grow on new wood or old? Hope the good branches can be saved at least.
Indoor activities all day here….enjoy your day! ;)
They bloom on old wood, which is why I’m holding off and watching.
Thanks, Donnamae.
Stay safe.
I’m so bummed about your Annabelle. I hope it surprises you — don’t tear it out yet! Sorry about the thorns. Been there, done that and no fun. We’ve had a rainy, gloomy one today. I painted most of it, finishing the last of my workshops before the videos go down tonight at midnight. (Or maybe before — they might be posted from Europe). But two of the instructors offered free classes and one has loads of youtube videos I’m looking forward to explore as part of a more daily practice, even if it’s not sitting down for hours. Spent a little time with the Julia bio and now salmon is marinating, corn salad made and we’ll settle in for some good video tonight. It’s chilly out. Quiet is good!
Have a lovely evening and I hope your wounds heal well enough to pot tomorrow.
I won’t tear it out yet, but it’s depressing over there!
Quiet is very good. I’m trying to get motivated to paint again. I can’t get a feeling for what I want to do. Advice?
Stay safe, Jeanie.
Give your Annabelle some more time. I have had this happen to mine in the past and have my fingers crossed this year that Annabelle will recover from the cold once again.
Okay. I’m going to take your advice. It looks hopeless, but maybe it isn’t. Fingers crossed!
Stay safe, Betsy.
Those crabapple blossoms are gorgeous. Sorry you had to suffer to achieve recording their beauty for us. My family had crabapples when I was a child, but I don’t recall them ever having such dark intensity.
The other crabapple trees don’t. They have a different flower. But this one, oh how I love it!
Stay safe, Martha.