As the days become relentlessly shorter, and the nights much longer, I find myself waiting impatiently for daybreak.
At 7:30 a.m. I looked outside again.
It's strange, as you see the early sky each day, you wonder if that was the best one of all.
They sort of run into each other. Maybe it's just my short term memory!
So I took a couple of pictures.
So, as soon as daylight actually arrived, I threw on a warm jacket over my nightie and wandered into the garden.
Funny how you think all those plants that you love so much have either expired or have gone dormant for the season. But, as you look closely, camera in hand, you start to make small-treasure discoveries!
This little machine is truly a masterpiece of composting technology.
It's heavily insulated, bear proof, unobtrusive, efficient like you can't believe, and able to fit into a neat little corner of the garden.
I can go directly out of the side door, and put all my kitchen scraps into it.
It has two compartments, and mine is a small one. At first glance you think there is no possible way it could meet the needs of composting large amounts of kitchen waste, but it does --- usually in a matter of weeks rather than months.
You'll see that there is always a lovely container of compost tea that collects underneath it, and it is diluted and used for the garden plants.
My Jora came from Buddy Boyd, who owns the Gibsons Recycling Centre, not far from us.
Here is where he explains how easy it is to use it.
More edibles from the Fall garden!
So, I ate them.
These did grow this year, or are still growing!
But gardeners are always some of the most optimistic and determined people on earth. Who else would experience failure, death, and annoying predators, then come back for more the following year? Instead of moping, they will reach for their seed supply, and start planning for the next growing season.
Then they find delight in connecting with friends, and eagerly anticipate the new seed catalogues. You don't need big things you see. small things, small joys and appreciation that you find in a garden, create big hopes and plans for the future.
We are knitting blanket squares for homeless and folks who have no family of their own.
All the squares are tastefully put together and the group has 55 blankets completed so far!
And then there was something else one of the knitters was doing that just completely intrigued me. It was one of the sweetest things I've ever seen, and it so simple.
Because gardeners love to give surprises, I'm just going to give you the link to it. If it doesn't make you think or say "Awww!" I'm going to be amazed. So here it is ... (Click the text -- link's embedded.)
Connecting with friends in the off-season!
While you're relaxing, if you haven't already done so, give yourself another treat and read Equine Therapy by crazyhorseladycx. It was our guest post in Monday's edition of From Loss to Living.
Wishing you a wonderful, relaxing and peaceful weekend.
Vicki