Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer 2016-2017

When we first moved here, there was rain pretty often.  It was quite different from the short drizzles in San Diego. The trees were gorgeously painted with various colored leaves. It was as though I google-searched images of "autumn leaves,." They not only littered the maple and other trees, but also many grounds around the city. We went on a road trip to visit my sister, and her family. It was nice to have another go through the mountains. Our winter gave me my first experience of living with snow. We had an awesome mini-blizzard, and the virgin snow was hypnotizing. It looked like a down comforter, stretched across the yard, nice and neat, without seams. I stared at it for the longest time in awe. It was so beautiful! Pure! Flawless! Am I beating a dead horse? Haha! Eventually, we went out and cleared 3ftx3ft of the snow from our yard for our pup to do her business. She wanted nothing to do with this evil plague hahaha! Once we tainted the snow with our footprints, we decided to go all in. There were snow angels, holes from jumping, pawprints all over the place, mud, sludge, etc. The front yard area of our place stayed tidy, though haha! Then I learned the danger of stirred snow. It becomes a thin layer of slick ice. At times, it's hilarious, and great entertainment. Other times, it's super scary, especially when it's on the sidewalk, or more serious, when it's on roadways. I didn't drive the whole week while the snow stuck. School was shut down, people were joking about out-of-towner's (me) who'd stocked up on groceries (me, again). I was afraid we'd be in the house for I love the winter here, I LOVE getting all cozy, having warm coffee, and cuddling. Mmmm... The summers here seem to be very similar to our South Texas Summers. Heat, humidity, and mosquitos. There have been beautiful thunderstorms and many rains. I am gardening again, I had lost almost all of my plants, from back home, during the drive up here. However, I did purchase several more. I planted dahlia bulbs, some heirloom seeds from my Pops, marigold seeds (gotta have them anywhere I go!), carnation seeds (didn't make it), a dahlia, African daisies, a couple of succulents, pothos, begonias (which have died), and discounted, dying caladiums (which are doing amazing) . I found an umbrella and patio set on Craigslist for $65, and set it up. It all came together. I found a deal at Wal-Mart for a patio rug made from plastic, which is perfect since it rains and the sun would probably fade colors from other materials. I found another umbrella at Wal-Mart, since my Craigslist umbrella was proving to be a pain to open and close. The new one has a nifty crank! Mikey and I came upon a few pieces of lattice, with brackets on it. So, I assembled it according to existing markings and drilled holes, and it turns out it had been a small arbor. It's a bit flimsy. I hope to find some large pots, and rollers for them, to plant flowering vines in. That should hold the arbor down, and make for a splendid show when it blooms. I put up 2 strings of solar lights, but one popped during one of the storms. I have them weaved through the arbor, and the winds had pushed it over. It's adorable, anyway. I love being out there when we have breezy, overcast weather. Well, that's about all for now, I have to get back to life.

-Esther Marie