The Daily Drivel

One thing that I really enjoy about living on my homestead is waking up to a beautiful day. Really. Most mornings start out sunny and dry, not too hot or too cold, with the birds singing and a gentle breeze in the trees. Gosh, sounds like a fairy tale. What more can you ask for? 

This morning I was up and active by 5, not a big deal for me. I'm a morning person. Today I was treated to an incredibly stunning sky chuck full of stars and a brilliant milky way. Having lived most of my life with too much city lights or too much clouds, I lack that innate sense of the stars always being there above me head. So a sky with billions of stars still surprises me. It's magic! I went back into the house to grab a throw blanket off the sofa, spread it on the ground, laid in my back and proceeded to absorb the sky's magic for a while. Eventually the stars began to fade but by then I was satiated with a sense of being an infinitesimal small bit truly belonging in this universe. Such magic! 

Now I had a glowing sense that this would be a good day. Probably just fooling myself, but what the heck. I'll take the ride for as long as I can. The birds had begun to sing. A few flitted around. Yes, a good morning all in all.

Back in the house the animals were starting to stir. I couldn't help but smile to discover that one of the cats has been sleeping with the old collie. How cute! 

It wasn't long before all were awake and demanding breakfast. Me! Do me! Do me first! 

Before heading out to the community garden this morning, I noticed a few things I'd like to share with you. First of all I discovered that one of my ornamental pineapples is in bloom. 

This plant is viciously spiky but so pretty. It's a delight when it blooms, just don't touch without wearing full armor. Metal armor is best, but thick rawhide leather will work pretty well. 

The taro patch is responding to the recent rains. Just this past two weeks the plants are putting on height. Taro progressively grows taller over time then just as the corm begins to enlarge, the plant gets shorter. Actually it's the new leaf stems that are shorter, but the whole patch appears to shrink. I leaned a yard stick against one of the plants to show you how tall they suddenly got.

The only fertilizer they get is via the fruit and vegetative waste that rots down between the rows. The technique works real good. 

I cover the bio waste with a bit of soil or cinder, then grass clippings. 

And as a parting shot, this should make you smile. If not, you need to climb back into bed and try starting your day all over again. These are hubby's sock monkeys that reside in his car. Guaranteed to remind oneself not to take things too seriously. You've gotta smile!