Not Quite Normal Yet
It is mid-May and we have been back in our summer home in Philo for about six weeks. As we have mentioned previously, we have the rotation between summer and winter homes down fairly well. This spring the move went almost as planned. A challenge could have been the travel from Mexico with the overlay of the COVID virus. It turned out not to be too difficult to book a flight. Unfortunately the planes were full. And as we have witnessed previously, processing through DFW could have been smoother. US airports could use a lot of improvements.
When we arrived home there were the usual, routine things to do. Before we had left we knew the lawnmower would need its checkup and then some. Plumbing maintenance discovered a leak and avoided a catastrophe. Our pond folks found several fish, salamanders, and tadpoles. Only a few non-essential items remain to be completed.
The largest challenge is the continued monitoring of Mrs.T's esophagus to ensure that cancer has not returned. She had another endoscopy as soon as we could schedule it. We are also trying to determine the problem with her oxygen and breathing. Lots of doctor appointments but nothing of an emergency nature. Unfortunately Rebecca broke a tooth and now we are working on a mini-implant to fix that.
It is always fun to return in the spring and see what flowers are blooming. This is especially exciting for Mrs.T. This year was quite a colorful beginning, apparently because of a relatively mild winter. And as Rebecca relates, she discovered at least one new flower. Enjoy the brief description of our return.
At home in Ohio we are getting set up. Dan and I have both taken our two vaccinations and are waiting to hear how to enter the $1 million shot lotto in Ohio. It has to be one of the stupidest things I 've ever heard of but that doesn't mean I won't enter. (She probably won't. -dt)
We got my lawn mower blade replaced. I unfortunately ran over a big rock and bent it. Then the steering broke and we needed to fix that. I have mowed once more cautiously. (The transfer of mowing responsibilities was one of the stipulations by the editor for moving to the forest. -dt)
We have several wood ducks which are visiting the pond regularly. They are so lovely. I have tried to sneak out several times to take their picture but they fly away. We have squirrels who sit on the back step and peek in to see what's going on. (They nibble on the greenery on the rock. -dt) And we have a nest of phoebees with babies in the front porch nest. (We think the young ones have taken test flights. -dt) And in the pond we have salamanders - I saw them mating or at least chasing each other around - tadpoles, frogs, fish and today finally I saw one of the big turtles! (And we have the normal bird population. -dt)
I have had procedures in my throat but am still waiting for biopsy results. But anyway my throat is beginning to feel better. This cancer thing is no fun. I like the treatment in Mexico better but we can't do too much of that because the insurance won't pay. I think perhaps the bigger the hospital the worse they treat you. I still seem to need a lot of oxygen; I would like to just ignore it but not breathing does not seem to be a good choice.
I have been working outside a lot: planting, trimming, cutting down small trees, and such. (There is plenty of 'such' to do. -dt) I really enjoy it. And things are looking better but I only do a little and I get tired. At this time the red horse chestnut and the scarlet spicebush are in bloom. Some of the white dogwoods are also blooming. The lilac is finished blooming. I love the smell of lilac, don't you? I have a few peaches. I hope they grow to fruit. Some are on the new tree Nick and I bought to replace the one that died. I really should knock them off to tell the tree to concentrate on growing this year but I haven't the heart for it.
Nick and I bought two more rose bushes. The knockouts (A disease resistant variety -dt) seem to do well and I planted them around the big rock in the front yard beside two others that survived the winter; they are all dark pink. I love roses. This year a lot of new wild flowers popped up in the woods and I have to get out my books to see what they are. I think perhaps they showed up because we had a mild winter, or perhaps it was just their time. I think naturalists kind of float through time forward and backwards and are continually amazed, at least I am. Of course there are some doubters who think I am simply a nut. (Just slightly cracked. -dt)
I tried to convince Dan to take me to my favorite plant store but he refused. Silly man, he is pretending to be frugal, but I know another word for it. (I take her whenever there is a sale. -dt) I have been looking for native orchids to plant in my woods. I'll frugal him, HE! HE! HE! One of the prettiest volunteers is the Italian Crimson Clover which I had never seen before. Some of these plants are ones I planted years ago and they are just now deciding to grow. This is called the area's seed bank, seeds that magically appear as they have been waiting for the perfect moment. (Mrs.T has randomly distributed many seeds over the years. -dt)
I have been reworking my labyrinth with potting soil and transplanted violets and other things. Dan has been supplying lots of suggestions but no help. Although it is not perfect it is getting better. I have plans in my head to redo the garden paths and add more benches. Yesterday I planted a lot of wild geraniums and tomorrow I hope to plant some dahlias. Planting things makes me happy. (Time to mow again. -dt)
Here are a few pictures. If you can, turn on the volume for the short video of Mrs.T in her element. https://flic.kr/s/aHsmVHc8QZ
As we write this, vaccinations are up and infection rates are beginning to decline for COVID. The CDC has issued new guidelines for masking and social interactions. Things are heading toward a new kind of normality. We expect by mid-summer to be enjoying many of the activities that we previously took for granted.
Stay safe and healthy.
Dan and Rebecca
www.casa-de-terrible.blogspot.com
Sent from Outlook
