Cicada

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FsoCAg_Ek0E

This Morning's Uninvited Guest

Godly Influence

Who are the people who have influenced us most? Certainly not the ones who thought they did, but those who did not have even the slightest idea that they were influencing us. In the Christian life, godly influence is never conscious of itself. If we are conscious of our influence, it ceases to have the genuine loveliness which is characteristic of the touch of Jesus. We always know when Jesus is at work because He produces in the commonplace something that is inspiring. -Oswald Chambers

The Ongoing Gardening Cycle

I have really been neglecting my blog. Well not exactly, I have merely been spending more time with the actual backyard than the virtual one. I ccan't believe a whole month has passed however since my last entry.

Things have gone well out there this summer. I have loads of Daylily crosses which I'll begin to pull in soon. There are new wildflowers like this one which just made its appearance for the first time. The tomatoes are coming in now and the carrot tops look to bring in some good returns.

Many people comment that the gardening is just for the spring and summer. Actually I only take 6 weeks off. From Thanksgiving weekend until New Years we have a vacation from the garden. But that is not totally accurate. We still feed the birds and the composting continues. There have been times until recently where we have brought horse manure in as well a week or so before Christmas.

We still have several things which have not bloomed yet. The Jerusalem Artichokes will open soon as will the Mums and the Golden Rod. We have already begun preparation for next summer. Daylilies have been relocated, seeds are being scattered naturally and many things are going to need to be thinned out.

It is still very enjoyable to sit and watch. Today a good number of Monarch Butterflies were out there stocking up for the long flight to Mexico. The chickadees returned after a few month absence. We are keeping watch for the box turtle as well.