Just a Regular Old Update

I realize that I have been slow in getting back to the blog lately-mostly because I am doing well, and we are very busy. We have been getting back to Asheville most w-e's except when we are headed to the beach with friends, or to Charleston with Holly's Dad, or to Kansas for her niece's wedding. Asheville has finally gotten its share of wet weather after 2 yrs of drought, and our garden is thirstily drinking it up. I have spent a great deal of time recently mowing, mulching, separating and generally tending to all of the plants there. The plants have really spread out, and the garden is all a mish-mash of spent peonies, irises, bee balm, phlox and other varieties. I am still trying to tame all of the weeds that got a head start last year when I wasn't able to play in the dirt due to my cancer treatment. I spent most of Monday getting some order to the bigger area of the hillside, prying out miniature tree stalks, native grape vine gone wild, and just plain old grass. It was quite satisfying to get a bit more order going there, even if there is still much to do.

The garden here in Hillsborough seems so orderly by comparison but that's only because it is young still and hasn't taken off yet. There are more trees along the fence here (on purpose to act as a plant barrier) and fewer perennials, giving it more daylight and mulch between plants. I have just harvested my second crop of romaine lettuce for a dinner we are having tonight with friends. I love being able to say "I grew that." I have also planted broccoli (hope I'll know when it's ready), herbs, tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, and berries.

I have been meaning to relay a story about our latest visit to hear music at the French Broad brewery a few w-e's ago. We had gone to see the Leigh Glass band with some of our pals, who also like bluesy, folksy rock. I was sitting at one of the tables when this guy comes up and offers to buy me a beer. He tells me that Leigh Glass, the woman singer and front musician for the band, wanted to buy me a beer. I deferred telling him that she didn't have to do that but thank you. Then a song or two later she announced that sometimes she googles the band's name to assess the presence and impact of their bookings. She said that one day she came across this blog from someone doing her own healing and wanted to thank me for being there with my pals. She'd been having a bad day, wondering if what she does is worthwhile. It was uplifting for her to see that she IS making a difference. I was very touched by her gesture; she certainly didn't have to acknowledge my struggles in such a kind, encouraging way. Leigh if you're reading this, thank you. And keep on playing-you are making a difference.