Gardening is a pastime I took on after we had an enclosure behind our duplex and a pretty front porch. I view it as experimental; the seeds I plant can either flourish and thrive or not. If I view it as such, it isn't too disappointing when pretty flowers don't emerge. But, I have to say I find so much pleasure when my flowers bloom and stay healthy.Like my hydrangea (the green, leafy plant in the front pot pictured above), which I purchased at Trader Joe's in plant form, withered away during the winter. So I pruned the dead growth right above the tiny green buds, that were beginning to emerge. Now it has come back with abundance and I can see the beginnings of the large flowers it will hopefully develop.
This previous fall, I wanted to plant some tulips and the garden center, across the street, sold them by the dozen. So I bought a variety in all different colors and shapes. I know, boorrrring, but as they have bloomed it has been somewhat exciting to see who they will become. The tulip here on the left was gorgeous and I loved its more rose-like petals.
This last weekend I was invited to Joy's baby shower in Jackson and, essentially, asked if Chris and I could come and visit for the whole weekend. I hadn't been out to the Sutters Creek area since Joy and Brian got married around five years ago. It was only two hours away, but it felt as if we were in another state. Rolling green hills and livestock was a welcome contrast to the Bay Area's cramped conditions and pollution.
As you can see below, Joy and Brian's newly built home is in the middle of a large plot of land, or really, a ranch. Another rancher leases the land for his cows, horses, and miniature donkeys. It was truly lovely and I hope we visit often, even if when we go back out there there will be a fussy baby to break up the lowing of the cows and stillness. When we have our own kids, it will be fun to go to Joy and Brian's "Ranch."
As you can see, the boys had fun with Brian's guns, using the ground squirrels as target practice and going turkey hunting (unsuccessfully) Sunday morning. While Joy and I were getting ready, putting together a friend's house for the shower, the boys also panned for gold in the property's natural spring
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In other news, I am in the last weeks of my course. May 16 is my graduation date and I will earn a Special Education Credential, a Multiple Subject Credential and an additional Master's degree. Right now I'm putting out yet another "fire" because I haven't passed the US Constitution test for a second time. This is very disappointing and coming at a time where my time is best spent doing my other studies. I.E.: My master's creative works (like a thesis). It is almost insulting that I have not passed because I know I am smarter than this exam. I passed the RICA the first time around, and that was awfully hard. First of all, this "hoop" is the most frivolous and asinine, in my opinion. I have had four semesters of student teaching and feel very competent in being able to man my own class, but I won't be able to apply for my two credentials without this requirement being fulfilled. So pray that I can pass the next scheduled test. I can't afford to not pass it.