Nature Notes

Just picked a handful of large, juicy red strawberries, the first of the year. I have been working indoors and the weeds have nearly taken over the garden, which actually looked pretty good last year. On the plus side, I finished the bookcases two weeks ago. I tried staining the mantlepiece, but it was just too much dark wood, plus the (lovely) grain detracted from the beauty of Aaron's design. So I've just finished painting it Medici Ivory. I think this will work. Tried Roman Column yesterday, but way too white. I'd almost give another 1/64th shot of pink and yellow to the Medici -- but I do want it to read White, not Ivory.

I am all ready to measure for curtains, having spotted fabrics I love last autumn. But I have mail-order tomato plants and roses, and a few herbs from Hy-Vee, waiting (some for weeks) to be put out.

About 10 days ago, I finally identified 3 major things that really were getting me down -- laundry, curtains, and paper. So I called a repairman who said I would probably be better off just getting new appliances, so I bit the bullet and went to Slager's. I got their lowest-level GE washer, and would have done the same with the dryer, but most people get the second-level washer and the basic dryer model -- leaving the company with too many basic washers and too few basic dryers. So I got the second-level dryer for the price of the basic, plus got a large discount on delivery, and they hauled the old ones! I did 5 loads of laundry Tuesday night (the day they were delivered), and at least one load per day since. I have too many clothes, but now I think I can begin to let some go.

The curtains are next, and I had planned to go shopping today, but I really need to get these plants out. Okay, any excuse not to have to drive on a weekend....

I watched Gina chase a deer this morning. They faced off yesterday, with neutral results. Today I thought Gina was trying to befriend it -- she loves to rub up against other people -- and the deer seemed more interested than offended, compared to yesterday. But a second deer came up, and Gina charged it. I think she won that one. I would love to see her befrind one, though!

Anyway, yesterday I finally took the plastic off the sofa, put floor guards under the piano legs, and moved them both to where I think I want them. Not a lot of choices, in such a small room.

There's not much wind, so I should go spray weeds.