Our Family Is Growing, So To Speak

I finally got back out into the garden today. Maurice drifted by to see if I was doing anything of interest after I'd been there for about fifteen minutes. She hung out for quite awhile. The plants above her at the top of the picture are turnip greens. They're getting there. When I weeded, I saw that some are beginning to make turnips too. We eat them together, the greens and the turnips themselves. They are delicious. 

Mostly what I did was weed but I also pulled the dead marigolds and collected their seed pods. Now I need to depod the seeds and dry them out to keep for next summer. They surely put on one hell of a show this year. 

Another thing I did was to trim the deadwood off the Thai basil, the African basil, and the Mexican basil which was hands-down the biggest pollinator attractor in the garden this summer. I thought all of them had entirely frozen and died in that one quick freeze we had a few weeks ago but upon inspection today, I discovered that was not entirely true. 

All three of them are showing regrowth at their bases. I picked a piece of the Mexican basil and put it in water to see if time and patience result in rooting. 
And I swear to you- I saw bees still trying to find buds on those plants. I should grow an entire garden of basils just for them. And I so want to know what basil honey tastes like. 

It felt so good to get out in the sunny but cool day to pull weeds. I think lately I have been so overwhelmed by all the work my yard needs that I don't even know where to start. And of course I have started in some places but I don't feel as if I've achieved any control over those areas, merely a temporary fix. I know I discuss this too often but it weighs heavily on my mind and I feel so much guilt about not working in the yard more often. When I'm out there doing it, I am generally very happy. It's not that I dislike the work. I do like it. It's the knowledge that it's a never-ending task, never entirely done or finished that causes me to try and ignore the situation. But it does make me feel stronger and more capable when I've put some time in outside. 
Now. The next day can be painful. But I can live with that. 
I will try to do better. I swear, I will! 

I say this about a lot of things. It's the follow-through that seems to be the problem. 

And so that's been about it today. I spent some time trying to find Mr. Moon a pair of slip-on waterproof shoes online. There are plenty fitting that description but the ones that would be most suitable do not come in his size. Or as Glen says, "real man size." 
Oh, he's a funny guy.

So. Back to the puppies. Here. Just to remind you.

It has been suggested that the pups are boxers or hounds or even AI. 
But no, none of those. 
That is the truckload of dog babies dropped off at the animal shelter in Tallahassee yesterday. Actually, although there are eight in the picture, the real number was nine and yes, all from the same litter except for one. 
Their breed is a mix of St. Bernard and Bullmastiff.

And Lauren has adopted one. And Maggie is beyond joyful. 

Sigh.

Well, I hear both breeds are calm and laid back, patient, loyal, and good with children and families in general. 
Also, both breeds are very, very large. 
Lily wanted to name her Marge, in fact, so they could call her Large Marge, but a reindeer name has been chosen for some reason and that is Vixen. 
On, Donner! On Vixen! Etc. 

Of course things could always fall through but this is what the plan looks like now. She will be spayed tomorrow and then Lauren can take her home. 
Both Mr. Moon and Lauren's dad have suggested that they will have to buy a saddle. Well, Glen said a saddle and a bridle. 

This is going to be an experience! And an adventure! And...when you think about it, that is a fitting dog to live in a Moon-gene household. Just think- when Owen walks this dog, both of them will look like they're normal sized! They better teach that dog not to jump on people. It could kill me with one good affectionate greeting. 
It probably won't. But wouldn't that make a great obituary? 

Mary died of an overabundance of her granddog's exuberance. In lieu of flowers, we ask that you make a donation to your local humane society. 

Love...Ms. Moon