Look at the overnight growth of recently nurtured plants.

Perusing the garden on a chilly, rainy morning revealed how quickly the plants have responded to their outdoor environment (versus weeks under the tarp shelter). I’m delighted!!

It bears repeating: I am so blessed!!

Less than four days ago, bumped my head. Three-and-one-half years ago I took a fall that required stitches. Four years ago the first serious bump to the head. 

Hard headed (tête de bois)?

One month short of four years ago, this was the scene in my garden–in North Carolina.

My sympathy to all the millions of people suffering in the current miserable severe weather across the nation. In my old age, I am not fond of “cold” weather!! As I type this, it is fifty-eight degrees outdoors and sixty-six degrees indoors; cloudy with occasional rain sprinkles. No, I’m not using the furnace; yes, I’m wearing a heavy sweater!! (The propane tank is en route for a refill.)

Followers of my blog know I passionately love Bluebirds.

Yesterday, I “thought” I saw a Bluebird–but uncertain. I put mealworms in the feeder. Today (praise the Lord), I saw and photographed my visitor (telephoto lens, through the window).

Bluebird babies.

Bluebird House

Skating rink for Bluebirds

Speaking of Bluebirds

Obsession with Bluebirds

Camera mounted in the Bluebird house

Five little Bluebird eggs in the nest

Bluebirds (I love them)

Perfect gift (I was leaving for a cruise.)

Back in business for Bluebirds

Do Bluebirds migrate?

Wikipedia has a lot to say about Bluebird of Happiness.

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My apology to the Robin (lol). There are dozens of Robins in the field adjacent to my yard. I’m guessing the soggy wet earth forced earthworms near the surface so a feast for the birds.

Fewer aches and pains but I find myself frequently rocking in my indoor lounger. Nine hours sleep but that didn’t seem enough. I longed to go back to bed!! Instead, I spent about an hour in my “yarden”–with frequent periods in my outdoor lawn rocker (watching the birds and/or watching a brief rain shower). A heavy rain last night but only one-quarter inch in the gauge. While in the yard, I was tracking through mud (and into my trailer home).

Door open all pleasant night (in January). I slept comfortably and, surprisingly, didn’t need to get up during the night. That was “comforting” because my body aches from head to toe!! My unverified diagnosis: “Whip lash” because my neck is really sore!! I only mention this so I can repeat my gratitude, praise, thankfulness, etc., etc., because the accident didn’t put me in the hospital.

Is that an oxymoron?

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“Yours truly” feels “puny”!! Seriously!! I’d sit down for a few minutes thinking about the pain in my neck. I’d jump up when I thought of something I needed to do. Example: To remove labels, bottles soaking in the sink. (Yesterday, a friend gave me a large Trader Joe’s paper shopping bag full of wine bottles.) I “needed” my kitchen scissors–which were outdoors. At least an hour went by before I was back indoors. I moved more plants from the tarp shelter, trimmed away dead growth, and thoroughly watered. Outdoors, I was “perky” and did not think about my aches and pains.

Yes, we may have another occasion of freezing temperatures but I’ll cover these with a couple of layers of old sheets. Until that day, I hope I’m giving the plants an opportunity to grow.

Working in my “yarden”…

…all morning and several hours during the afternoon.

Just think, only one month until Valentine’s Day.