Seeds

One of the most delightful things about a garden is the anticipation it provides.

~W.E. Johns, The Passing Show

I have started the first seeds of the spring and summer growing seasons. I planted basil (can't wait for this year's round of fresh pesto), grape or jelly bean tomato, Roma tomato, chives, sage, zinnia, sweet pea, and lavender. I love the idea of seeds, taking something so tiny and of seemingly little value and watching it become a full grown flower or fruit producing wonder. It is always amazing and surprising to me when my seeds spout and grow. Last year, my herbs really flourished and we enjoyed the flavors of the season on many lovely dishes. I hope to expand the garden this year adding some other things to the mix. I have started with these few things, as not to be overwhelmed with too much to plant at once. I will plant new seeds when these reach germination.

Gardening is sort of new to me. I began herb gardening in containers in an effort not to pay the ridiculous prices for pitiful quality and quantity herbs in the grocery store. I also wanted to make sure my herbs and veggies were organic. I kept a dutiful eye on my perennial plants all winter making sure they stayed warm and healthy, so I don't have to start completely over with my herbs. My neighbor, who loves to garden, has been a great encourager. She gives me advice and babysits my seeds or plants if I have to be out of town. It is such a blessing to share tips with each other.

I am also a sucker for all the beautiful flowering plants. I love all the bright colors and wonderful smells. Flowers make me smile. I hope to spend more time this spring on creating some nice flower beds as well as tending to the veggies and herbs.


Even though I am not a particularly skilled gardener, I do enjoy the fruits of my labor and the satisfaction of the hard work that comes with the task. It is a real joy and makes me think of the scripture verse from I Corinthians 3:6 "I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth." I pray this truth for my garden and my life.

Holly Sews

For Christmas, I bought the girls a sewing machine, nothing fancy, just a simple machine to teach them how to do something very useful that I love. They are both taken with all sorts of crafts and most homemaking endeavors, so I thought it fitting. They love to use the machine, much to my delight! Holly made, for her first project, a bag or purse that is really cute and she did a very good job. Today, she made a fabulous apron. It was much more challenging than the bag because of the curves and she had to make bias binding. I helped a little more than I had to with the bag, but she did all the sewing herself. I helped with the ironing and pinning. I am proud of her work and so is she! So cute, good girl.