just another week in paradise

Let's see. After planting about half our seedlings on Saturday, we had an unprecedented cold snap and have had to cover the beds to protect them from 3 nights of frost. As of this morning that should all be history. Note to self: do not to plant seedlings until first of April next year.

While the seedlings were growing I did some research to be sure I knew how to treat the vegetables and flowers. I discovered that one lovely little flower I was growing is considered a noxious weed in some states. Hmm. Alabama was not one of the them but, to be on the safe side, I determined it might be best to put those in pots. After transplanting them last weekend, I did a little more research- reading some personal reviews. It turns out that Convolvulus is commonly called Bindweed because it binds to everything. Including cars and outbuildings. Apparently I was growing the flowering equivalent of kudzu. Several reviewers used the word "evil". An Alabama woman had written a similar review saying that after a 2 week vacation she returned home to nothing but Bindweed..., so I thus determined to remove the noxious weed that I had lovingly tended. I hope I got it all. Why does the home improvement store sell packages of noxious weed seeds?

I had an annual Dr. exam on Monday. The scale there said I had lost 3 pounds. Before you jot off congratulations I should tell you that my own scale and, more importantly every piece of clothing I own, tells me otherwise. I have gained, not lost. The universe is playing a cruel cosmic joke on me and I don't appreciate it. I don't joke about weight. Ever. In fact, since my last visit with that Dr. I've doubled my weekly exercise. Yet, I see no change. Middle age is its own force of nature. Like a hurricane, only slower.

The lay leader of our church has requested input on the future of the church. Of particular concern is overcrowding in the early worship service and under-crowding of young adults in general. I have thoughts. You know I have thoughts. Many thoughts. Which ones to share and how to do so is what I haven't yet figured out. I've been putting it off for 2 weeks, and now I have to do it. I hope to have some clear headed moments this afternoon while my daughter is in choir. By evening each day I'm so tired I can't write a clear sentence about anything. Wish me luck, or better say a quick prayer? I don't want to overwhelm this nice man who is genuinely trying to do what is best for the congregation. But, I'm sure he has no idea where I really stand on much of anything.

My mom is doing very well. thank you again for all of your prayers. She says she no longer wakes at night from leg pain. I had assumed for years that the night time leg pain was arthritis. In fact it was the circulation issue, which makes perfect sense. She also said that walking is much easier, though she hasn't done a great deal of walking yet. I'm hopeful now that my mom won't be so depressed as she has been for several years. For an active, lifelong gardener to be unable to work in her garden- it has been devastating to be unable to stand or walk (for long) or bend. I don't expect she'll go back to 6 hours a day out there, but if she could just stand and water or do a little cultivating, she'd feel much better.

Like I said, just another week in paradise. Have a great day in your own paradise.