FEED YOUR GARDEN

     So, I read somewhere that coffee grounds and egg shells were good for the garden.  This is not such a difficult chore and I decided to try it.
     I dry the egg shells and save them in a bag.  When I have enough to cover one raised garden bed I crunch them up and sprinkle them over the ground.
     Coffee grounds just go directly from the pot to the garden.  I believe all these little enhancements really work as we always have great success with our planting.

FOOD FROM NATURE

     I am so happy it is now chantrelle season and the local foragers are working hard and very early.  I got a message on my Facebook that touted their seccess and offered me some of the bounty.  Of course, I said "Yes!"
     That night we feasted on angel hair pasta with a sauce of chantrelles, shallots, white wine, butter, and a bit of cream.  Truly an epicurean delight.
     The next morning brought a lighter fare - chantrelles quickly sauteed in butter and served with local organic scrambled eggs.  Oh, could it get any better?     

A GARDEN BY THE SEA

     I had just finished mowing the back lawn when I went out on the balcony and looked down on my three beautiful raised garden beds.  If I raise my eyes just a bit I am looking at the sea and at our neighbor islands and the scent of salt is on the air. 
     This particular garden looked so lush to me that I had to capture it on camera.  Too bad I can't capture the feeling of looking down on all this healthy splendor or the scent of the sea. 

END OF ELECTION DAY

      I live in a small town on a small island off the coast of Maine.  The year round population is a little over or a little under 2,000.  It's nice and I love it.  Most everyone knows each other.  Our polling place is the local high school gym.  This is what it looked like near the end of our last election day.  As you can see there is no standing in line and waiting and no reason to produce 4 or five items of identification.  When I walk in the volunteer on duty just says "Hi Thom" and hands me a ballot slip which I patriotically mark with a pencil.  What's a voting machine?

 

ROOM WITH A VIEW.
     Actually our combination studio/guest room is a room with many views depending upon where you look.
     This was one impressive view a few days ago.  Not only could I sea the sea and the next island; I also was able to catch the sight of a large working cargo ship and a unique sardine boat re-purposed  as a whale watching pleasure boat.  This one is a really big hit with the tourists.
     Sometimes I  find myself just standing on the studio balcony being submerged in the wondrous sites and I completely lose track of time.  I feel like it is one of those Zen moments where I am actually experiencing only the now!      

PAINT THAT FENCE.
     Well, another cloudy and very wet day and we are not amused.  But - so far, there has been no rain.  Perhaps I can get the new lily bulbs planted today.  I would really appreciate some good strong sun so I could get the inside of the fence painted before the growth of the white garden makes it impossible.

SPRING AWAKENS OUR LILIES.
     Finally it has warmed up enough for Spring to make her annual appearance.  It the southwest corner of our front yard She manifests herself as beautiful white Casa Blanca Lilies. 
     The top photograph was take this morning and the bottom photo was taken last summer by a charming neighbor as she passed by to admire the scent and beauty of the white garden.  She was kind enough to give us a copy of the picture.  I can almost smell the heavenly blossoms now.  When it full bloom, the lilies can be nasally detected over a block away.  At night when the windows are open it presents the perfect scent conducive to comforting slumber.     

BIRD ON A WIRE?
     It has always fascinated me how these large crows we have here are able to sit upon the highest and tiniest branches.  Most of our crows are as big as your head and one would think they might have a bit of weight to them.  Yet, here they sit at the top of the tree calmly supervising their territory with no apparent effort.  Observing them with binoculars I can really see how tiny and fragile the perch seems to be. 

BEAUTIFUL BUT WET DAY.

     Again I am amazed that I have neglected my blog for such a long time.  Sometimes I just drift about and feel so lazy.  But - when I motivate myself and accomplish something I am so happy and satisfied.
  The past several days I have been enjoying the love-labor of gardening.  It is something I can kind of "Zen" out on and just be in the moment.  It is very peaceful and relaxing; although at the end of the day my tired older muscles are a bit stiff and sore.  I have convinced myself to accept and live with this minor discomfort as I am not giving up my gardening and there is still much to do. 
     This lovely nourishing rain will now awaken my little seeds and the next sunny day will call them to the surface.  Now I understand why the Hawaiians call this type of rain a "Female Rain" - because it is gentle and nourishing.

MORE SNOW.
     
     Of course it snowed again and again.  Here's one of the beautiful snow pictures of the front of the house before the landscape got all soiled and dirty
     It is always such a special feeling when the first snowfall of the season arrives. Things look so bright and clean.  All the world seems hushed.  The air is so dry the snow squeaks underfoot.  The air tastes different - good, healthy and feels so invigorating!    
     The sad thing is that it all must pass, turn to water, mud and perhaps dangerous ice.
     To me it is comforting to know that winter is not over yet and there will be another beautiful and awe-inspiring snowfall to come.