Zinnias

It’s the time of year when zinnias collected from my pollinator bed won’t be missed by the ones that crowd my summer squash. 

As I remembered back over 2022, one of my favorite things was the novelty of growing squash. This year I planted several varieties. To catch up with whatever I last had to say “here” I’ll note, I feel stiff as a writer. Can I sit here with my morning quiet and coffee and write myself into a practice of reflection again? 

This year we drained the pool that came with the house we bought in Texas and found that it was yuckier looking than the clear water made it appear. I googled and wrapped myself up and had fun sandblasting, nothing to learn, just load a bucket with sand (they called it glass beads), point and pull the trigger. I actually enjoy restoration type work. The band of decorative tiles and the coping edge look beautiful. I’d like to sandblast a glass door just to see, but I probably won’t. We spent a small fortune on a wonderful new front door … it’s wood with four very large glass panels. I liked the idea of light streaming in, but when the new black hardware was installed on the old front door I knew the lack of privacy was too much for my husband’s sensibilities. The door leans against the wall in his study, an unfinished wooden slab with clear glass panes. Sometimes I think to advertise it for sell. Mostly I don’t think about it. 

There is sandblasting yet to do though. The back porch had been fitted with screen walls and a door by the previous owner. There is the stubborn remnant of  (I guess) spray foam where the screen walls met rock columns. That area is open now and has shears keeping mosquitoes out. The stubborn remnants of foam insulation will want to be removed before I take on my next big project, smearing the exterior walls of the house. Summer is the perfect time for that, but back to the pool.  My husband acid washed the pool walls as part of the prep to paint.  I chose a conservative pool blue color, but when repaint in a couple of years, I’ll go darker. We figured the DYI was worth a try and it turned out to be a very satisfying experience. 

I’ve spent the past few years learning how to garden in the limestone rock layer prevalent on the West side of I35 in Central Texas. It took a real jackhammer, too big for me to handle, a willing husband and vast quantities of improved soil. There are also lots of potted plants. The one banana tree we bought in the RGV has proliferated to three very large bell shaped terra cotta pots. It’s a joy to see new leaves unfurling. I didn’t know that I would enjoy gardening. 

 

The zinnias were barely blooming when that picture was taken.