Well, it's almost the end of another semester, whew! This one was every bit as intense as the fall semester, despite actually having a lower work-load; I'm really, really ready for a break, and so am taking the summer semester off. I really need to brush up on my Algebra as all I have left is sciences and math is such a prerequisite for all of them.

The garden is in fine form; these nice days have enabled me to get out some squash, cukes, melons, spinach and lettuce seed, and some kale. The leeks, thyme, root parsley, chives and most of the other herb garden occupants all wintered over and are hardy as can be. I was also able to fit in the building of another raised bed, before the rains came; this one for bog plants, such as cranberry, bear-berry, sweet-fern, and pitcher plants (if I can score some.) I am trying to grow some ginseng from seed this year, since Johnny's didn't send me any roots last year, despite having placed my order in Jan. I have tried again this year to obtain some root stock, but am trying some from seed, just in case.  The two peach trees are loaded with blossoms, despite having been severely pruned. The apple is healthy and the lone remaining cherry tree is trying really hard to come back (it looks so sad with just two little 4" branches throwing out leaf....) I put the bear-berry that was up back, into the bog garden, and it began to look healthier almost overnight. I went to transplant the lone cranberry plant from up back, and much to my surprise, there were 8 little seedlings right in front of it. The really miraculous part of this is that the seedlings were growing right on the lip of the digging we did for the asparagus root that is coming. I don't know how we missed killing it.........it was really fly-shit* luck. Anyway, all the bear-berry and cranberry is in the bog, now, ready to be kept company by more plants on order. Ahhhhh........... anticipation..........just one of the many joys of the home gardener!

The birds are doing incredibly well, also. We just happened to see a free Cockatiel on Craig's list, who was looking for a home with another 'tiel, since he'd just lost his buddy. Well, we brought him home and another miracle promptly occurred. Sparky, (our very frightened cage-bound 'tiel), has decided that humans aren't so bad, after all. What a transformation! In just a few short weeks, he has gone from never wanting to be near humans, to sitting on Rich's lap and shoulder, having his head scratched with the horrible human hand! For those of you who don't know much about birds, believe me, this is truly miraculous. It just doesn't happen very often. So, now we are three; Clover (my little girl parrot), and the two boys; Sparky and Floc. We are surely blessed.

*to see where the expression "fly-shit luck" came from: read Shel Silverstein's epic saga called; The Devil and Billy Markham. Be prepared to sit for awhile; it's hysterical, but long (there are at least 4 installments......) cheers. monarae.