Tuesday …

Ann Schwartz

June 4

I don't have an actual plan for the day: is that okay?

Though I didn't get started at 5:30 like I did yesterday morning, there is so much to do. Today it is windy and cold.

True, I'm obsessed with mostly the "ornamental" gardens and not feeding the public or saving the world. But it feeds my soul.

Gary trims a lilac while I sit with my feet up.

Something new happens every day in a garden. Flowers burst forth while others "finish", and though sometimes plants die for no obvious reason, others flourish, even thriving on neglect.

I have been on this property so long that saplings I planted have become stately trees.

Last year someone asked how I provide shade for all the dogs. Turned out, she hadn't been here for 25 years.

Back then, I was covering runs with tarps for shade, or positioning kennels in the shade of existing trees. By the time I retired, there was sufficient shade for many dogs.

In my latest creative pursuit of reorganizing photos, I have looked at some old images from when I first bought this acreage. it makes me feel better about myself.

This yard started from nothing but hayfield right up to the house. No flowers, very few trees. The place was virtually abandoned, owned for many years by a bachelor and his elderly mother who had moved away.

The only evidence that someone once loved the yard was the odd crocus that appeared through the grasses. But, with the help of friends, I obtained a mortgage and worked toward making the acreage a haven for three daughters and myself.

I could have done more here. Or … I could have stayed at the farm and not collected pets to feed my soul, and worked on the yard there.

But then I would not have this life and my Gary.

And I didn't leave the farm simply because I couldn't keep a lawn mower running.

'Nuff said: I am on friendly terms with my ex, and many things are forgiven on both sides.

At the Pet Hostel today, we have only Carly. We love each other, but the senior dog is increasingly stressed over almost everything. Her loving owner says she is fretful at home as well. He is going to start taking Carly everywhere with him.

Breakfast time! I didn't take a photo (and a friend mocked me for blogging with pictures of what we eat, etc. 🤷🏼‍♀️). Montana told me that a frittata she had at a restaurant in Kelowna was not as good as mine. 😀👍)

Have a good day, everyone!

Love, Ann