Working Shoes

There comes a time in every shoe's life, when its purpose changes. Shoes usually begin their journey with only one, maybe two of three responsibilities: support, comfort or looks. Usually "looks" does not coexist with comfort or support. As time goes by however, their responsibility, and therefore worth begin to change. Depending on how well you like the shoe, the pair could take a variety of turns:
1) You quickly realize the shoe cannot hold up to your standards. The shoe may have been seen as something you could rely on, but its true intent was hidden. Therefore, the shoe is removed from the pile of usage, and stuck in the back corner, never to be worn again until it is bought at the DI by an unsuspecting customer somewhere down the line.
2) The shoe may provide you with a false sense of pride when worn. These are the shoes that were purchased for pure physical attraction. You wear them, knowing they catch the eyes of passers by and you get a sense of accomplishment at knowing those people definitely want your shoes. However, when a shoe's sole responsibility is to look good, there is not much room for the more important issue of comfort and support. As a result, this pair will not last long in the closet of the sore-footed wearer.
3)There are many pairs of shoes whose goal is complete support and comfort to the wearer. These types of shoes have, with some exception, completely abandoned the outer attraction and gone straight for the foot's enjoyment. To someone who has no issue with a boring, thick soled, usually white or black shoe, this is not a problem. the may have five pairs. But to someone who wants to be able to look at shoe and feel that attraction, it can be a serious mistake of a purchase. In this case, the shoe will never see the light of day, or will only see it when covered by long pants.
4) The laster. A really great shoe will combine looks with comfort and possible support into a glorious combination that has you going back for more. These are the shoes that last forever. They are used first for every day cuteness. As they age you will swap their use to just walking, or casual, and then eventually resort to using them to work. but the fact is that you love these shoes because they have been through everything and they still are comfy, and they still (to you) look good! 
  And so it is with my garden shoes. I truly believe that most garden shoes are loved best by their wearer. Garden shoes earn there spot in the world. They have toiled in many areas, and now get to retire to the lovely soil and gentle work of the garden...they are the lucky ones!  

Wicked turn of events

Despite the cool weather we have experienced I was rather proud of how my garden was coming along, until things took a wicked turn. I awoke to ice crystals on the lawn. Ackkkkkkk-that means the garden is in danger. Sure enough the potatoes, tomatoes, peppers, and beans were all stunned by frost. June 17 for heavens sake. I should know to expect that here, but it seems to always surprize me that we could be this far into summer and still under attack by the cold. I thought this was an interesting thing, note the picture of two bean plants. The one on the left is very frost damaged, the one right next to it is fine. How could that be? Isn't cold air everywhere at once? This is some super plant that is cold tolerant? Maybe I should save the beans and replant them next year.

The Culprit

Well well well. I was indeed correct! I found the sneaky little monster eating my flowers. I guessed that it was snails, and oh boy was I right! I did some research about the little beasts and they are actually hermaphrodites and reproduce BY THEMSELVES! They also eat small plants and they do it so sneaky that most times you don't catch them. 
  So I used a tactic I found on one of the advice websites I discovered and put oats around my flower beds. Well, the oats disappeared, maybe from the snails, maybe from the rain. But I hadn't seen much as far as bites so I was feeling victorious. Until...

ACK! They are back! I guess I need to keep up with the oats...or find another weapon. Marmy suggested I use a mix of ammonia and water to spray on the flowers. Apparently they hate it. I will do it. So, to give you a better idea of what these babies look like, I found one of the culprits slipping away from the scene:

If you can't quite determine just how big these guys are here is my finger to show you. They aren't your regular little "Aw cute!" snails. These are ugly pests. 

Aren't they nasty! I guess I'll keep up the battle and see if Holland is smarter than a gastropod! I truly hope so.

Right about...now...please!

So, it has become apparent to me that
1) A garden is challenging 2) Flowers have a mind of their own, and 3) A garden is challenging.
  Sadly, I have been out of commision (out of town) these last few weeks. Life got all crazy on me and took me away from my beloved garden for nearly two weeks with a few short, yet sweet, visits in between. Not nearly enough time to show the yard my true devotion! however, as I am now in Vernal, on yet another work trip, I shall begin my show of love immediately upon my return. I was however able to snap a few photos of the...hmmm...progess? whilst visiting. 
  First let me tell you about another new addition to the yard. The front yard flower beds got a new neighbor, and I'm not sure that things are exactly working out. No plates of cookies for the new guys if you know what I mean! I planted some Irises that my friend Nic gave me right before my two week leave. This is what they looked like:

They look good yeah?? So I was pretty excited about the way they were turning out. Well, here is what they look liked after I got back...can someone explain? I was thinking maybe they need to be in more dirt...is that a possibility with Irises?

Just look at em. All brown and yellow. bloomed...but befuddled. I really hope they don't die because I just love them in the spot I put them. Can I replant? SHOULD I replant?

  Now to other matters. Snails. I haven't done much research on the snails in my front and back yards, however I think they are taking priviledges that aren't theirs. Namely...my petunias. What do you think about these bites?

 ACK! what is it? That is definitely not human, dog, or anything besides a creeping thing! Any thoughts?
Well I need to slip off to slumber town so here is a thought for ya'lls.
"Not everything that can be counted counts, and not everything that counts can be counted."
A little Albert Einstein there for you as I say ado for now! And a bright spot in my yard to make your day!

Life is Beautiful

Peter Rabbit appears

Way last February before the snow had begun to melt, I saw a little rabbit out by the shed. I assumed he had been seeking shelter in the shed and was lucky that the owl had not attacked him. Then yesterday morning as I was doing dishes I noticed him again. He was hopping his way across the back yard, nibbling a dandelion here and a little grass there. He continued right over to the garden where he investigated the new onions and carrots. I beat it out there before he discovered the peas, but before I could even clear the deck he had scooted under the playhouse and disappeared. I felt like Mr. Macgregor, hunting Peter up and down the garden. I think he got through the fence and escaped through the field. The big question now is what do I do about him, and how many brothers and sisters does it have? Camille suggested we may have to try and trap him and remove him, others were looking for a gun. I hope he thinks better of his ways and stays away from the garden.