Memorial Day Parade and Planting Our Garden

 

Fully developed leaves and fresh cut grass!

 

This picture of plantings in our front yard was taken a few days ago, during a rare moment of sunshine. These past few weeks have been cool and rainy-- storms here and there, but mostly just a perpetual drizzle. Still, things are growing and the snow is gone, so no complaints here.

Michael with high school band

Both Michael and Emma played drums with their marching bands during Colfax's Memorial Day parade. This was Michael's first time marching in uniform with the high school band. His usual instrument is the bassoon, but since it's awkward to play while marching, they let him play the drum instead.

Emma with middle school band

This was the first time Emma marched with her middle school band. Like Michael, she doesn't normally play the drums but gets to during parades (she plays French horn). She did a good job covering for an equipment malfunction she experienced while playing (I didn't even notice that it happened till she told me about it later). But apparently one of the supports holding up her drum broke, so she had to manually hold up her drum for most of the parade. She didn't miss a beat, though!

Michael in uniform

I wish I'd gotten some pictures of them, but I didn't so you'll just have to believe me :)... Macy and Nathan watched the parade with us. Afterwards they met us at our house (along with Jonathan and Jack) for lunch and a "play date" with the kids. It was fun. We mostly stayed inside because it was rainy. Nathan and Macy left relatively early because they had another family gathering later that day.

Helping Grandpa at the planting table

Jonathan and Jack stayed most of the afternoon and helped us plant our garden.

Jonathan helping with some heavy lifting

Jonathan helped his dad move some large beams to add beds to our garden. One bed is for something new we're trying-- asparagus. We both LOVE fresh spring asparagus, but this is something you have to be willing to wait a few years for, while the plants get established.

Strawberries and garlic

The other new bed is for herbs. So far I've planted parsley, cilantro, sage, thyme, mint, and oregano. I still want to add basil and dill.

Emma helping Jon with the tomatoes and peppers

Besides the asparagus and herbs, we planted a variety of tomatoes, peppers, and beans, as well as zucchini, summer squash, butternut squash, and cucumbers. We also have peas, garlic, and strawberries. I'm growing lettuce at my neighbor's greenhouse up the hill, and Jon plans to plant a large crop of corn at Johnne's farm, as well. We're trying it there because it will be right next to her dog pen, and we're hoping barking dogs will discourage the raccoons somewhat. Last year we lost our entire crop of corn to raccoons.



I'll close with some other pictures from our planting day. In my next blog I'll probably be talking about our big trip to Kentucky and West Virginia. We leave this Friday! As you can imagine, we're very excited to hit the road.

 

Iggy gets some love

Jonathan kicking back

Jon's tractor "collection"

Fresh sand in the sandbox!

Behind my little willow tree

A slow ride around the yard

Her face is dirty but her spirit shines bright

Leila holding Jack??

Jon relaxing in the shade

I should point out that the picture above shows a new structure Jon built at the front of our house... a little covered trellis to provide support for our grape vine. We're hoping the vine will eventually cover the sides and top of the trellis. Jon intends to build a swinging bench inside the trellis.