Tuesday, March 19, 2024
A Story - "Lake Swim" and Cabbage Beef Soup
Tuesday, March 12, 2024
A Story- "Once Upon A Time" and Crocuses
A Story
Once Upon A Time
Once upon a time there was a little girl. At bedtime, she always read her story books.
As the years went by, the sunshine of wonderful people and animals nurtured her. Growing-green challenges and red-fired adventures added interest to her life. There were dark purple times, too, sad and difficult. This life was like stained glass, and reading was the lead between the pieces.
When she was old, she started to write a story a stained-glass window made from the rich, bright, dramatic colours of her life. Books she read were the lead between the panes. Once upon a time.
Tuesday, March 5, 2024
A Story - "Work" and Snowdrops
A Story
Work
The scribe memorized the decree stating that the priests supported the king. It seemed like a waste of time to write out what was obvious to all. Adding to the burden, he would have to transcribe it into, not just one, but three languages. No mistakes would be tolerated. The task would demand all his concentration and energy. He groaned as he began his arduous work.
Two thousand years later, in London, a middle-aged tourist gazed at the Rosetta Stone awed by its beauty and importance. Here was the key that finally unlocked mysteries of the ancient Egyptian world.
Tuesday, February 27, 2024
A Story: "Wedding Bells" and Primula
A Story
Wedding Bells
"Weddings: great places to meet guys."
Sandy had her eye on a guy when an attractive young woman came up to her.
"Hi, I'm Lily. I love your dress. You must work in a creative field."
"I do. I'm a fashion designer."
"Fabulous! I'm a visual artist."
The conversation took off like a mustang galloping over the range. Sandy felt like she'd known Lily for years. They exchanged phone numbers and hugged before Lily finally dashed off to find her boyfriend.
When Lily reached Sandy's chosen one, she gave him a big kiss. Sandy's heart sank.
When was the next wedding?
Primulas are one of my favourite spring flowers. My zone 4 garden is just barely warm enough for some of them. They are considered a short lived perennial even where it's warmer. Ones I have bought in stores will only make it through one or two winters.
However, some that I have started from seed have come back for many years.
Primulas like to have spring sun and summer shade like a lot of spring blooming flowers. They do well in the shade of deciduous trees. They need to be fed compost every year and should be watered if it's been dry. Apart from that they are pretty easy and not prone to pests or diseases. They are easily split into more plants. In fact, that will keep them vigorous for longer.
This year I bought Primula Lighthouse Mix from William Dam Seeds in Ontario. I have been happy with their seeds in the past - they are never treated and they all germinate well. The package of primula seeds contained 12-15 seeds according to the package. 13 have sprouted so that's great. They are slow to grow so they likely won't have time to bloom this spring. I will pot them up and leave them on the deck where they will get morning sun and maybe they will bloom in the summer. If not, then next spring. I'll plant them in the ground at the end of the summer so they can settle in before winter.
Tuesday, February 20, 2024
A Story -"The Boring Conversationalist" and Bougainvillae
Monday, February 12, 2024
A Story -"Indolent" and Easy Orange Chicken with Pecans
A Story:
Indolent
"Indolent!" his wife exclaimed. "How does that word in any way apply to me?"
He looked at her slim body toned by regular trips to the gym, her stylishly cut hair and her tailored suit perfect for her position as partner in a progressive law firm.
"Definition of indolent: lazy, careless, slow-moving. That is so not me."
"He didn't mean it as an insult."
"Well, it sure felt like one."
Her husband tried to look supportive but found it hard to dampen his smile.
"The doctor was just describing your cancerous thyroid tumour. Be glad it's not ambitious."
Tuesday, February 6, 2024
A Story - "Election Game" and mini African Violet
A Story:
Election Game
The spectators wiggle impatiently in their seats. Finally, the incumbent makes his first dramatic serve. The opposition zings it into the far corner out of reach. Fired up with moral outrage, the incumbent slams an ace. In a new volley, the opposition suddenly lobs a short ball and the incumbent falls trying to catch it. The pace of the game picks up. Blasting forehands and fiery backhands send the ball criss-crossing, zig-zagging over the court. The spectators have difficulty following the play.
At last on Election Day, the winner is announced.
The spectators are already restless anticipating the next game.
I bought this little African violet on impulse at Walmart the other day. I've never seen such a small one in bloom. Must be some special potion they give them at the greenhouse.