Sweezie van Winkle

(With apologies to Rip and Washington Irving.)  Apparently, I am either totally delusional or totally in denial.  When I did not snap back into vibrant health and physical vigor two weeks after surgery, I slid into what I imagine is depression.  Sort of like a human pill bug.  Or an armadillo.  It's not like nothing went on - sheep had to be sheared.  I tried black soy pasta that cooks up grey.  Then spent a considerable amount of time trying to reason out why it was more pleasing as black than grey.  When I tossed the leftovers to the chickens, they were just as put off as I was.  They just came around faster.

My oldest hen, Izzy (Isabel) went through an excruciating demise.  It was cold.  It was hot as hell.  It rained and blew in between.  The weeds in my garden are spectacular in their own way.  I wonder who's bright idea it was to put the garden in the front of the house - where I am subjected to the weedy eyeful countless times a day.  Oh.  Right.

I've had my post-op appointment and got a clean bill of health.  Ditto with the dermatologist.  During all of this, I remained curled in upon myself and finally, finally started to perk up.  (Thanks SO much to those dear hearts who emailed to check my pulse...)  While it's unlikely that my garden will amount to much more than a weed display, I have compromised a bit and planted collards in my window boxes, tomatoes in pots, peppers in pots and assorted herbs here and there, within reach.  I had plopped some lettuce and arugula in the cold frame - which managed to survive without me.  

In farm news, Norman has moved to the next town in order to provide company for an older gentleman sheep, Lucky.  As you know, Norman and I have had a love/hate relationship from the get-go.  I needed to keep Linden here to pal up with the llama (who cannot be rehomed at this point), but tried not to sound gleeful at the idea of no more Norman.  I did what I could to get ready, but was lucky enough to have my farmer neighbor volunteer his stock trailer, with back up from another couple I know.  It went without  a hitch.

Norman knows something is up.

A little help from my friends.

Leave it to farmers to have
all the solutions.

Lucky catches his first view of
his new roomie.

Introductions went well.
(My thanks to Lilly for the great pics)

I couldn't go along for the transfer, as I had to head north for a much-needed haircut.  Unfortunately, my 'stylist' was channeling her inner barber that day, so I was as shorn as the sheep.  I do not have luck with hair cutters.  They seem to give me a great cut the first time, then it's downhill in a greased pan from that point on.

Yesterday marked four weeks from my last surgery, and I have rounded a corner.  I think my problem started when I underplayed the fact that I had two major surgeries within four months.  That, and I am totally and inherently impatient.  I plan to go out and - gently - tackle a raised bed so that I can get my kale planted.  If all goes well, I will do another for summer squash - because Summer:Zucchini, right?  I have put away all my packets of flower seeds and all the rest.  Next year's garden is going to be spectacular!