After a few busy, hot days on the mainland, we’re back on Martha’s Vineyard, enjoying the smells of honeysuckle and ocean air. Two luna moths greeted us when we arrived last night — the best welcome I can imagine. Rainy weather continues to hang around the East coast, but we’ll sneak in trips to the beach between raindrops and fog.
Have a wonderful July weekend!
I’m tempting fate as I garden this summer, because our property is full of poison ivy. I managed to get a couple of small spots, one on my stomach. I am not sure how that happened. I was not gardening in a bikini! I look carefully before I put my hand into the weeds and as I step around the yard.
I noticed a few clumps of poison ivy on the ground where I park my car, right next to the driver’s door area. I geared up for battle, with long sleeves and gloves, and boldly pulled the small clumps. I rubbed my gloves in dirt and crushed oak leaves in the gloves to remove the plant oil. Inside, I rubbed a poison ivy remedy all over my arms and washed down with soap. It’s a ritual that will be repeated many times during the gardening season.
I’m cutting a new edge around a large bed. It might take me all summer. By the time I cut a clean edge around the half moon shape and remove all of the weeds, the weeds should be popping up on the side where I started! It’s an endless cycle that gives purpose to my nonworking summer.
Speaking of lots to do, I’m going to reduce my workload by not posting on the blog for the next two weeks. Our son and his partner are coming for a visit next week and I’m taking a break to enjoy their company (and continue my garden project, of course). Louis and Jorja have offered to cook dinner for us. They are great cooks and I can’t wait to taste whatever they make! Following their visit, Tom and I are taking a week off.
Here’s what I have for you this weekend.
- Lewis Capaldi’s Glastonbury set displayed the best of the human spirit – and put disability centre-stage — A great read about the importance of accepting and supporting someone with a disability instead of feeling sorry for them. (The Guardian)
- Cheering for Camp Jabberwocky — I happened upon Bill Eville’s heartfelt piece about his uncle, who had cerebral palsy. (Vineyard Gazette)
- American Ballet Theater Does Not See Me as I See Myself — A look at commitments to diversity and how they impact people. (The New York Times)
- My Path Back to My Family’s Language — Thao Thai tells a powerful story about relearning her first language and connecting with family. I want to read her new book! (Cup of Jo)
- Mango and Radish Salsa — Sharing a delicious salsa to serve at your next outdoor gathering. (Sea Salt and Sailor Stripes)
- Goodness: Farmers Markets Thriving Since Pandemic as Shoppers and Vendors Form Unbreakable Ritual — I love a visit to the Farmers Market. (Good News Network)
About the photo: After a rain, sunlight streams through the trees and shines on a local dirt road.