In the blink of an eye, the citrus groves around us, have come alive (as have the weeds, which we shan't discuss). Their green lushness is poxxed with yellow or orange. I have yet to see limes, but lemons and oranges abound.
The last two rain storms awoke from slumber what appears to be the bright-green grass, Nutsedge. I am glad for its appearance as it makes it seem as if grass is growing everywhere and it is eye-catching when compared to the now winter-drab oak trees. Nature is such a trickster, or a giver, depending upon your lens - she takes away one and sends another. Either way, she is in charge and I continue to be enthralled by her.
The fallen maple still clings to its neighboring oak. I hope it remains thusly so, as we've yet to address the fallen oak further up the creek. We never did hear back from the county about its removal. Paul and I have a healthy fear of the chain saw, but know we will need it plenty in our future.
Paul has removed all of the small trees at the top of the property, to enable a easier turnaround for a fire or rescue vehicle, should one ever need to come up the dirt road. We considered taking the green waste to a local green waste dump but then thought about chipping it for the gardens and trails. We purchased a large wood chipper and we've been chipping wood ever since.
I've placed landscaping fabric between all of the raised beds and am now covering it with the chipped wood. Across two days, Paul chipped the entire pile of green waste. We have one more pile to address, a much larger one than the one we recently created. This monster pile was here when we purchased the property. It seemed the previous land owner would collect the green waste into one area of the property. I wonder what treasures we will find when we start to chip away at it.
We've collected enough wood pallets now to start the greenhouse and build the last three raised garden beds. I hope by the new year, the greenhouse will be ready for use. Paul has done a great job with its design and reclamation of the building resources needed. His abilities continue to amaze me.
The black sage, all over the land, is starting to return to its glory. I continue to be a great admirer of this plant and have been resembling something of a mad scientist as I toy with the perfect recipe for a black sage ointment. Even now, I've sage leaves bathing on my kitchen counter in the finest of organic oils, ready to be turned into something magical. Black sage is well-regarded for its medicinal uses with chronic pain and strong anti-inflammatory properties.
I am enjoying the new trails that Paul has worked hard to create. They are quiet and smell of sage. Freya, ever curious and explorative, is always happy to walk with us.
I've been seeking more solitude of late, so the new trails have been timed perfectly.
I unexpectedly lost my father last month. I took this picture as I was frantically flying to my parent's home to be with mom. To be honest, the hours it took me to arrive are a blur. That is, everything but this moment, and this picture.
The clouds, fooling the eyes, at first looked like gentle ocean waves. But, then the reality and magnitude of being witness to such a miraculous sight, hits you. I had strong desires to feel weightless and half-bounce, half-float, my way across those clouds, diving into them like a dolphin in the ocean, streaks of playful silver, here and there. I imagined my dad giving God a nudge and asking Him to send me something unforgettably beautiful before the plane descended from the heavens and the gravity of my loss became undeniable.
Solitude and soul-reflection are healing for me. Paul understands this and because he loves me so, he focuses his efforts on creating things around us that will allow me to have this space. I've always believed he is my filter to the world. No doubt, I am blessed.
From Rivendell Sanctuary, Merry Christmas. We look forward to 2023 and all that it will bring.
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