Gardening

[Murfreesboro]

Skunks we have.

I had no idea schools might be so near mountain lion habitat. There used to be some kind of large cat in this part of the country. It got called different things, panthers and such. I don't know if it was the same thing as a western mountain lion or just a cousin. They were mostly killed off in the late 19th century, but there's a rumor that someone has seen one recently out at the battlefield (Stones River Natl Battlefield, Civil War site on the edge of town).

[Andybev01]

That particular neighborhood is in a wetland, sea level area that has a network of drainage ditches similar to the Los Angeles river, that wildlife use as their own freeway coming down from the mountains and going all the way to the San Francisco Bay and back.

You rarely see them because they're out of sight, down in the trenches.

[Murfreesboro]

Oh, interesting. I've seen the Los Angeles River, so I know exactly what you mean.

[Andybev01]

Nature finds a way...to stalk your kids and have them for lunch.

[Murfreesboro]

Well, if the big cats are as elusive as domestic cats can be, I'd say that's true. We've been feeding a young Tom since his kittenhood four years ago. Recently he's gone AWOL, though I know he's nearby because he's come by once a week or so for the past month. He discovered lady cats, and we are just too dull for him now.

[Andybev01]

Speaking of gardening...

Our crop of pumpkins is coming on like gangbusters!

The photo is from 2 weeks ago, and 2 weeks after the seeds went in.

'Spooky' variety in the back and a mixed variety of mini's in front.

They have since doubled in size.

[Murfreesboro]

Oh, wonderful! Anytime I've tried to grow pumpkins, some varmint has come along and eaten the blossoms in the night

[Andybev01]

The word varmint always makes me think of Yosemite Sam!

[Murfreesboro]

Lol. I guess my southernness is showing.

[Andybev01]

I could address you as 'Miss Murf' if that would make you feel mire at home.

[Murfreesboro]

Not necessary, but always acceptable.

[Andybev01]

Actually, 'Ms. Freesboro' sounds more appropriate.

[Murfreesboro]

The name of the town is a mouthful.

There is a Murfreesboro, Arkansas, too, where the Crater of Diamonds State Park is. It's near Texas. When I was a little girl, about 6, my grandmother brought me back a t-shirt with that weird word on it. I could barely make it out and certainly couldn't pronounce it. Pretty funny that I ended up living in a place named that.

[Andybev01]

Pumpkins are proceeding unhindered!

The lawn however...

[MauEvig]

I like your garden boxes, Andy. My dad just built some raised beds himself.
I may eventually end up going that route, but I quite like the grow boxes for my tomatoes and peppers.
But for stuff like pumpkins and squash I think they'd be ideal.
Lack of rain where you live? I think you're on the west coast right? I hear it's brutal with droughts and wildfires out there. It's awesome you were able to keep such a nice garden going though despite the lack of rain.
We haven't had a lot of rain either on the eastern side of the United States. We had one rain storm this week and we're supposed to get light rain tomorrow.
I try not to go out there with the garden hose too much to conserve water. But when I do, I make sure to water everything good and fill up some jugs to use later.
As for pumpkins, I have two big ones that sprouted pretty well. One little surprise one as well that sprouted where my marigolds were supposed to sprout. I reckon those blessed chipmunks and squirrels got into them. Especially since not one of them sprouted where they were supposed to.
...I've been living down south too long haven't I?