Hi Gramma Jan! Welcome back!
What have you been up to?
Patti

Just want to say I appreciate mor, pat, tx, dancer, bec and others I may not be aware of all looking for me. So here's a bit of the interim saga.

Family has kept me busy. DH had two shoulder surgeries that I wouldn't deem a success. He has just as much pain and is now more limited in function--means more of the work is on me. I have to help with things over his head, but he can still ride bike. In fact, the position is more comfy than a chair for him.

Sadly, my bro had a stroke night before last, they continue to run many tests. He is in ICU at AZ Mayo. I find myself touching bases with people I think of as old friends, because of it.

My older DD is still a nurse at Mayo and loves it. Younger DD lost her job due to companies move, but has found another more to her liking. Her kids, our grands, are now 12 & 14 y/o. Where does the time go? We have spent time at school events, ball games, music concerts and dance recitals. We did all this once. I guess I was blind sided. I didn't realize all this was in the grands job description too.

I've been busy with volunteer work as well as I was teaching oil painting. After being a nurse and chaplain and now a teacher, I quit all employment this year--it just gets in the way of living. I considered teaching out of my home, but don't seem very enthusiastic, so better not start it.

As the grands grew, so has my garden. I have added teepees and trellises of clematis and plan to start some in my lilacs to see out the study window, a bunch of lilium and daylilies, a few disease resistant hardy roses and a long desired butterfly weed. This year was the first time for cannas and an annual banana tree. Decided I didn't like their looks. DH did, so we shall see...

The biggest endeavor has been starting a hosta bed half way down one side of the house and wrapping all the way across the back boundary. They are all still small. I hate to think when some those hit 6' wide.

In addition to flowering plants, you got me started on wanting a pottage garden, yes it is your fault. My only sunny spot was on a slope. Finally, gg built it up and flattened on another rock terrace. Then I had my garden guy (gg) build a raised bed on top of that. It is small, so I did square foot gardening of tomatoes, pole beans, herbs, summer squash, cukes, lettuce, carrots and radishes.

The bunnies got all the carrots early on, so I had gg put a fence around it. I figure my produce is about $500 a pound. chuckle I need to do more tree pruning to increase the sun it gets.

We still travel in the winters and this year have had at least one short trip every month while at home. It make keeping up with the garden quite difficult, but I've learned to let a few things go or do less often--like dead-heading.

Looking forward to hearing what's happening in your lives.
gramma jan

"I figure my produce is about $500 a pound", you got that right.
My favorite legumes are black-eye-peas. I have had a pot of them and I am guessing they cost more than prime rib.

We are still in extreme drought conditions. I got maybe 8 tomatoes before the temps hit 100's. As of yesterday, we have had 57 days of 100 or above.

Kathy/natvtxn/plantmaven

oops....I forgot to send well wishes for your brother.

I remember when your DH was going to have the first shoulder surgery. I am so sorry those did not do well.

Thanks for the update, Gramma Jan. It's no surprise that you're keeping busy. Your hosta bed sounds like a grand project. I've had fun doing something a bit similar with different sedums, since I have very little shade and lots of sun and sandy soil.
I hope your DB is feeling better.
Best wishes to you,
Patti

Glad to see you here, grammajan. You were missed!

On grands and their activities, my explanation is that we did such a great job while raising our own kids, that their experiences are now their fondest memories. It stands to reason then that they WANT the people who made their lives great, to be there to support their own kids and make their lives great. That's family at it's finest! Pat yourself on the back...you are a great parent :)

On gardening this season, I've had the best season ever in my flower garden. Cool weather and blessed rain have made all the difference. Zone 3 winters are beyond harsh but zone 3 summers are the best! I did not have much good luck in the potager. Apparently cool weather is appreciated by many bugs that we don't normally see much of. Cabbage worms were especially awful until the chickens discovered them. When the worms were gone, they turned their attention to the tomatoes and we have yet to get a ripe one. I just hope the chickens are healthier and fatter now as butchering time is near ;)

The best of good wishes to your DH and DB.

Hugs,
MeMo

PS When I hit the post button things got hung up and just stuck in the waiting pattern. If this posts twice...my apologies in advace.