Heritage Iris

Yesterday I transplanted the iris. As I dug holes and set them in place, it reminded me of Mom. Even at 95 years old, she was ordering bulbs and planting flowers. It is a quiet affirmation of life. Will I be here next spring to see these bloom? These particular iris were given to Mom by my grandmother Stewart from her garden before I was born. Mom moved them every time the family moved, and as they multiplied, she would dig them up, separate the new growth and replant them. I remember, as a little girl, helping her set them in place beneath the kitchen window. When she moved to Assisted Living after my father died, she called my sister and I to ask if we wanted some of the "big blue" iris for D's city garden and my garden on the farm. This is the third time I have transplanted them.

In the midst of world tension, political discourse, and economic uncertainty, planting a garden is an act of faith. I believe that life is good and I want to watch things grow. I look forward to sharing bulbs with my children when they have a home with a garden.

September

I love the fall. I can see the fulfillment of all the farmer's hard work. The wheat is now safely in the elevator. The corn is drying down, and will be harvested in early October. The rush of student athletic physicals and preschool shot is behind me. We have a new family practice physician starting today. I will be able to get more done during the day instead of nights and weekends on the computer. There is a collective sigh of relief as the work load is redistributed and the next generation of physicians join the team.

Whooping cough arrived in the area last week. If it has been more than ten years since you had a tetanus booster, it is time to go get a Tdap vaccine, which protects against tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis(whooping cough). If you have friends with young babies, encourage the parents and grandparents to get immunized too. The only way to protect the youngest and most vulnerable until they are fully immunized is to surround them with a community of people who can't carry the germ home to them.

Tucker is sound asleep at my feet. I would take a picture but he hates the camera. You will have to take my word for it. He doesn't worry about anything. Yeah, Tucker!

golf country style

Labor Day weekend is a traditional time for golf and barbeque with extended family. It was breezy and cool, with a brief rain shower.
 Last night we had part of a 25# watermelon the farmer grew. It is a great time of year to eat fresh. Onions, zucchini, tomatoes, and basil straight from the garden. Life is good.