Preview of Spring

Well, I think it's about time I posted something, don't you? I have had these pictures uploaded here for more than a week, I think, just waiting to have some sort of explanation. And since it's a Saturday night and I haven't much else to do, besides eat (I am getting a rumbly in my tumbly), do some stitching (which I will probably do once I am finished with this post) and sleep (what I have done almost all afternoon), what better way to fill that time? I am kind of disappointed that we didn't get to go and enjoy the "Spring Fest" or whatever they were calling it down in town and across the river in Linden. I can still hear the really annoying....I mean, fresh local talent thumping away on the makeshift stage down the hill in town. I don't care for the redneck talent that seems to run a muck around these parts once it starts warming up, and I like it even less when all I hear is the bass and drum beats. Now, to clarify, by using the term "redneck talent", I mean that practically all you sing about is a "country good ol' time", which by accounts around here, involves the river and a case of beer and some scantily clad women. Basically the sort of thing I go out of my way to avoid anymore. Once upon a time, I would have been one of those scantilly clad redneck women, chugging 'em down with the rest of the guys. Now I see how pathetic that sort of thing is and it really grates on my nerves when it's all I hear about around here. "Redneck talent" would also allow for the fact that, while you have wonderful talent when it comes to playing instruments of your choice, you really only have 2 or 3 songs that you have written yourself and, oh I'd say, probably FIFTY cover-songs you do really well. All the while waiting to really hit the big time. But the folks around here really think they're something. Doesn't hurt that they're playing directly across the street from the local liquor store...I bet that guy stays open late tonight...

But anyway, back to the topic at hand...the pictures. At least that is what I am making the topic now :)

This is my first year of attempting a "real" garden. Last year I tried to grow a few things, all that made it were the little tomatoes I bought from Wal-Mart. But this year I am going to try again, and try a few more things, since I have some area I can put a garden in now. It's going to be interesting to see how things pan out, since I have all these little plants started and it's still about 3 weeks from our frost-free date, and I essentially don't have any experience. But, it'll be a learning experience if nothing else! So, here is my little "greenhouse" in the closet of the guest bedroom. I assure you all of it is legal...I've already gotten a couple cracks about growing stuff in the closet. Hardy har har. Most of the things in the styrofoam cups are peppers of some sort. I've made an attempt at some cayenne, bell, banana, serrano, chili ( I think), jalapeno. Oh yeah, I want some peppers ;) I used to have alot more in the cups, but, like a big dummy I left them no way for the soil to drain until recently, when I put some holes in the cups. LOL. Do they make a "Gardening for Dummies"? I could probably use it. My foxglove and larkspur consequently didn't make it. Actually, none of my flowers have made it, save the few that I planted in the peat cups and trays...I should probably make a note of that. So far, almost all my peppers are still showing signs of life.

I've also started some corn and beans. Those aren't seeds I've ever seen sold as being started, like peppers or tomatoes, but that's not to say it doesn't happen. I just haven't seen them. It'll be interesting to see how those work out...they're still beautiful and live and I'm tickled...hopefully they won't die and I can have corn and beans a little earlier! I've also started some cucumbers and tomatoes. Tomatoes are looking okay ( so much has changed since having taken these pictures, well, not a whole lot, but they have changed) but I've never started them before, so we'll see. Cucumbers have already experienced a couple of casualties; I had a few that had grown so tall they were leaning over, and still hadn't gotten their "true" leaves. A coworker of my husband's suggested planting them in deeper soil, maybe it was that they were growing too big for the little planter I had them in. So I did for 3 of my little peat planters and now two of them have shriveled up. I've got some spices that are peeking up out of the dirt now; basil, oregano, marjoram, a few others I can't think of at the moment. I've also tried a couple of peas, a squash.

My sweeties :)

And some beautiful blooms!

These were so lovely, but kind of smelled...bad.

I just love spring, and I am so thankful that it seems she is here to stay, at last! I can't help but think about the beauty that God has made in the new green life around us, and how He seems to bring out the best of so many things in this season. I am reminded that, like spring, He has made us new creations through His Son, Jesus, that we might be full of life and beauty, and not like the dead things without renewal. We were meant to be thus, and I am forever grateful.