When the world wearies and ceases to satisfy, there’s always the garden.

While this is a quote that is common to most of us, these few words have spoken volumes to me during 2020. And, 2020 just keeps giving us more and more reasons to retreat to the garden … to work  … to think … to just be.

In my world, the weather is doing all it can for us with unseasonably warm temps, bright and beautiful sunny days, and a fall sky that is bluer than I ever remember.

GARDEN WORK…

While we have this window of opportunity, I am buying and planting more bulbs. Many of today’s bulbs will go outside our home office window under Mr. G’s bird feeder.

Today the morning shadows gave us a beautiful sight out that window. 

Mr. G and I love birds. We have a funny story in the family of our dedication to birds …. birdhouses and feeders were on the property long before the house.

Yesterday I noticed that one of our climbing roses that was previously all tied up for winter has sent out more extremely long canes and needs another love touch. That’s on the list for this week too.

I “buried” the two ‘Moonlight in Paris’ roses that were in pots on the deck. I will unearth them in March and see what we have. I have used this method before and my fingers are crossed that it works again. All I need to do is add the mulch!

TOOL TALK…

I have a new tool!

I showed Mr. G an Instagram video on garden tools from Michael Marriott @michaelrosarian and Rosie Irving @rosieposeyirving on their @growingcooking Instagram page. He loved the part about the Hori Hori knife. Believe it or not, I didn’t have one. Mr. G is all about tools so a week later, Amazon delivered a surprise. I haven’t used it yet but if it’s Rosie’s favorite, I know it is going to change my world. #itlookssharp #sayaprayer If you don’t follow this dynamic duo on Instagram, do so! They will be a very bright spot in your day.

DEALING WITH STRESSFUL TIMES…

I’m curious about what you do in times of stress.

I noticed that in the last few weeks I reverted to some old habits I picked up when Peyton Manning (my all time fav) was playing football. Whether in college or the Pro’s, I felt it my duty to see that he came out of the game alive and hopefully the winner. This is due in part (a big part) to my upbringing. I was raised in a home where the name Manning was often spoken as my dad was an Archie Manning fan. I heard these stories as my dad painstakingly taught me the game of football.

So, what did I do to survive the big games and other stressful times? I know you are excited to know!!!

IRON AND PRAY

Yes, I ironed and I prayed. I practically wore out our clothes with the iron. We never looked so “pressed.” Know this, I do not like to iron but it works for me!

Other ways I destress….

CLEAN GLASS

My glass is looking quite sparkly, don’t you think.

WORK IN THE GARDEN

Weather permitting … this is the best of all. There’s no place like the garden. I think God planned it that way.

There is another phrase that you see around a lot but it still rings true… You can bury a lot of problems digging in the dirt. From the time I was a little girl I knew — dirt is magical.

Friends, I am praying you are healthy, safe, and secure as we deal with all that life is throwing our way. And, that you are able to always find the beauty around you.

CERTAINTY

Here’s what I know for sure…

Nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Romans 8:38

Until next time, love to you…