Last night I had a hard time going to sleep. Probably because my gardening adventure yesterday was a little too rigorous for my delicate constitution. So, when I have a hard time sleeping, I try to think of something pleasant to help me drift off to slumberland. This is always a conscious choice. I don't let any 'ole thing pop into my consciousness and follow that thread. I deliberately choose what I want to think about so that I can plant the happy thought before I sleep.

I had a great time in the garden but now I'm paying for it. My back in killing me, and I bet that I'll be limping around tomorrow! I'll let you know how it goes. However, every time I look out the window and see nature's handiwork (and mine!) it feels worth it!!!

What a shame. I could not cook today at all! The kitchen was being painted...and the hammering from outside made being inside not fun at all. But one must suffer for beauty! We're very excited about all the changes because we want to start getting together with friends, and being outdoors will feel safest for now. You know, we have been in this house for almost 35 years, and I still love it. I loved it when we couldn't afford new carpet or furniture, and I loved it after the

I need to get going on this project. I really like the idea that I will leave a record of my china and its history for my girls. Because even if they sell some of it - which I am sure they will want to do, it will be good for them to know where I got each piece, so that this can be a roadmap for what to keep (please!) and what to dispose of without giving away the family jewels! I think I've told you that I don't have any true family jewelry of any real worth, because both Ro

Jenny is planning Cora's First Birthday! Cora's a Sesame Street Fan! (Especially Big Bird!) Take a peek at the all the fun she has planned!

It was too hot - but I persevered, and had a grand time. The spring garden is such a lovely place to be. So calming, and yet filled with anticipation. Some of my readers were downhearted about planting tomatoes because of all the creatures that plague them. Fortunately, I have not had a pest problem, but I did have some yellowing leaves last year that I treated. Today I sprayed all my roses with Captain Jack's Dead Bug... and I hope that takes care of the aphids, because thos

Oy. The Senate Judiciary Committee hearings have been excruciating to watch, to listen to, even to think about. However, I am proud to be a woman today because of the calm, dignified, intelligent responses of Ketanji Brown Jackson. Thank God for people like her. However, coping with the outrageous behavior of some of the senators on the committee is another thing. Screaming helps. Or maybe even a screaming surrogate. I'm going to take the high road and revel in the beauty, an

Whoa! It was a sweaty day - dragging all the junk from the backyard to the front driveway. But we did it - in the 90 degree heat! Who knew it would get so hot! Here's the deal. 1-800-GOT-JUNK is not cheap. I'm sure we could have done it ourselves for much cheaper. But that would have meant several trips to the dump, plus yanking all that stuff onto and out of Robert's truck. Or we could have employed a freelance worker who would have done the job for cheaper, but we wouldn't

It's ok to have a lazy day. Today was that day for me. I just couldn't get up much energy to do anything except take down the St. Patrick's Day decorations, and wander around my garden. I do need to plant my tomatoes -- that will be for tomorrow. Last night I thought a lot about where I will plant all of them! I'm thinking about Easter, and I've already bought presents for the grand babies and my daughters...I guess that was something else I did today but it almost doesn't co

It's spring ...and time to plant tomatoes! I bought 9 or 10 (I need to count them tomorrow!) tomatoes, and I am still thinking about where to plant them all. If I plant them all in the raised bed garden I won't have room for any other veg! I'll figure it out - but I am anxious to get them in the ground. I bought two repeats from last year based on my taste test with my oldest daughter, Jenny, at end of season in 2021. You can view those videos here: https://www.everydaywithji

Just finished the dishes from the most fabulous St. Patrick's Day meal. (Thanks Dan! It was delicious...plus the hot cross buns! Wow!!). Enjoy the celebration! Have a good weekend! I'm buying my tomato plants this weekend from Tomatomania! Can't wait!

Wear Green, play some Irish tunes, and put a smile on your face. It's gonna be a good day! May the sun rise to meet you. May the wind be always at your back. May the sun shine warm on your face, And rains fall soft upon your fields. And until we meet again, May God hold you in the palm of his hand.

Two years ago on March 14th, I wrote the word CV Day 1. It was how I marked the beginning of the Covid lockdown, and the start of my journaling about it. March 14th was a Saturday. And as the Director of the Doctoral Program, I was worried about the dissertation defenses that were scheduled for that Monday. The advisor wanted to hold them in person, and I was not so sure -- but not senior enough to override her decision. It felt like a perilous, contentious time. I can see no

It was such a beautiful day with our new family members, as we enjoyed the late winter sunshine, the newly bloomed wisteria, and the giddiness that comes from planning a day you've dreamed of all your life. I wore an iris pin on my lapel (you can see it in the thumbnail above) and Julia wore a ring that my mom and dad gave me, because I wanted to remember them as we plan our youngest daughter's wedding -- and make sure that their love and generosity is part of all that we do

Gearing up for the big day! Bought the corned beef and cabbage, dec'd the guest house, AND my Julia is home!!! Today we toured the wedding reception venue for Julia and Dan's wedding. I took video!!! So I can show you everything tomorrow! We are very excited, and Dan and Julia are so darling! I am loving the daylight savings time - more time in the garden!

Just a little Friday fun! A Bickett Hubbell tradition since I don't know when! PLUS baseball is going to be back soon! Spirits lifted for the weekend! But we'll keep praying, too.

One of the things about gardening is that it requires lots of patience and faith. Patience to wait for plants and vegetables to mature. And faith that nature will take its course, and blooms and vegetables will arrive. It's one of the things that I like best about gardening. The anticipation of waiting for a 4 inch plant to grow into a 10 foot plant; it's just thrilling to see the process! And not all plants are successful in their journey, which makes those that do all the m

Just this tonight. Blessed.

There's lots of un-sexy things about gardening. And one of them is fighting the bug population that tries to undermine all of your hard work. In fact, I communicated with a reader this week who said that he was giving up growing tomatoes because the bugs were so bad last year. It's true, things can get so bad that you want to give up. But I'm not giving up on my citrus trees. I worry that I let them go too long without intervention as it is -- but I am taking steps before spr

Despite the difficult news over the weekend about the Ukranian conflict, the garden still grows, and there are still joys to be anticipated. It's emotionally taxing to live two lives like this...one that is anxious about world affairs, and another that is trying mightily to keep things as normal as possible for family and for myself. But I intend to keep trying, because, well we have no choice. And so, I will celebrate St. Patrick's Day. And plan for Easter. And enjoy my fami