There is something therapeutic about putting your hands in the dirt. You just feel better afterward. Grownups need to take lessons from the children who play in the dirt. Yes, they get dirty, but what fun they have doing it.
I haven’t been ”playing” in the dirt per se, but have been planting plants in the garden. It is not a very big spot and we have actually run out of room already.
I am the only one in the house who actually likes tomatoes but we planted four plants. We also have squash — several kinds — and different pepper varieties, along with herbs. There were a couple other things I intended to plant but looks like that will have to wait until next year. We wanted to give it a try this year to see how we would do and if successful we will expand next year.
It’s been several years since I have had a garden and I am used to larger ones so it was hard for me to pare back but it was necessary.
Right after I got all the squash plants in the ground, it began raining so I went inside to try and wait it out. Sometime between me going in the house and coming back out, our furbaby, Roxie, decided she wanted to help dig in the garden. She had dug up several of the squash plants and covered up several more so I had to redo about a third of it. Thank the good Lord, it looks as if the plants are going to survive after all of that planting and replanting. Now every time I let her out I remind her there is no digging in the garden and she hangs her head as if remembering getting in trouble!
She is always trying to help us do things and when we dig holes she seems to think she is helping by digging with us. That is okay for some projects but not for the garden.
I come from a long line of farmers and spent a lot of time on my Granny’s farm as a child. In the past I have had good luck with gardening but as I said, it has been a while and I am rusty at it. I could always call daddy with a problem or question but since there is no phone line in heaven, that is not possible. So I am relying on my memory and on my husband’s as well.
My Granny and my Daddy both had green thumbs and could grow anything. Daddy was a walking information book on gardening as well as most other things you could think to ask about and I was always picking his brain about something.
Granny and one of my uncles grew vegetables and fruits and would sell them from the back of a truck on the road. Seemed no one could grow watermelons that tasted any better than theirs. And maybe it’s just memories but the ones today don’t taste as good to me.
There is nothing better than going out and picking fresh vegetables and then cooking them right away. I also love using fresh herbs. They just add more flavor than dried ones.
While going plant shopping, I found a cinnamon basil herb plant. I did not know about his particular herb but it smelled heavenly and so I bought one to plant. I have since learned it is good in fruit dishes as well as baking and for teas, so I can’t wait until it is ready to start using. Like most herbs it can be frozen once you harvest it and the frozen is more like fresh herbs than the dried.
The thing about gardens for me, is the waiting. We already have small tomatoes on some plants and a bell pepper or two so before you know it we will be harvesting vegetables.
Seems this year is just flying by faster than usual. Here it is the middle of April and summer will be here before you know it. Of course, this is a busy time of year for those of us in the newspaper as there are so many things going on. Not just festivals, but graduation and Memorial Day and many, many other events. Not complaining mind you, just have to keep those running shoes on until June when things will slow down a little.
Beginning with today (16th) we have exactly one year to get ready for our youngest daughter’s wedding. We have been doing things here and there but now have to put a big push on because there are major projects involved. Wonderful hubby is building a gazebo in front of the pond since that is where the ceremony will take place. He’s well underway but there is also a deck to put up on their house, clean-up of our yards, a burn pile that has to be burnt before the burn ban takes effect again. It seems the list gets longer every day. Planning a wedding is certainly not for the faint hearted. I’m just thankful to be actively involved and in helping make the day special.
She has her dress but we still have bridesmaids dresses as well as my dress to figure out. Since I am walking her down the aisle, I want my dress to be something I can easily walk with her in.
Life is always an adventure: some days more than others. Blessings to you this week. Remember to always count those blessings.

VICTORIA SIMMONS is a columnist, motivational speaker/ minister and publisher/gm of The Post/Byron Buzz. Reach her by email at vsimmons54@gmail.com