61°f /16°C this morning, clear and just beautiful. It got up to 80 and a bit humid, but bearable. Worked in the gardens til around 2.
We thought we would go to the West Virginia State Folk Festival this weekend. After all, it's the festival's 75th anniversary, and so many of our musician and writer friends will be there.
But then my oldest son called, and asked if it would be okay if he came for a visit this weekend. Well, swift and happy change of plans! I love my friends, but my son, you know. He's pretty special.
Today is also West Virginia's birthday, the day the state separated from Virginia, in 1863. Don't believe those who say it was because of slavery. Much as I would like that to be true, the real truth is more about politics and power. And there are times I think we'd be better off financially if we had remained part of Virginia, but if I said that out loud I am pretty sure I'd have bricks (or pepperoni rolls) thrown at me! The celebration for the 150th anniversary was amazing, but nothing like that is happening this year.
AND tonight at around 10:20pm, it's Solstice! We have our fire ready to light to celebrate this turn of the year. Solstice often happens tomorrow, the 21st, which is my birthday, but not this year. Still, I like the idea of being born on the day the seasons shift. There's something primordial about that.
I haven't listened to the news in days, which has been very good for my peace of mind. Instead, I have been in the gardens morning and evening, weeding, planting, tying tomatoes, and rejoicing in the beauty of it all. Those who don't garden will not understand the joy of the first tomato, the perfect rose, the sprouting beans, the tumbling, heavy grapevine. But if you read this blog, you know.
One more celebration, no, make that two: granddaughter Hannah got a new job after being laid off last month (just after buying a house), and her sister Haley bought a new-to-her house, with 10 acres. She and partner Desiree will get married in September, too, so more celebration ahead!
happy birthday! Much to be celebrated in your family, for sure!
ReplyDeleteIt's good to have granddaughters who are doing well. And a son who wants to come and visit. Congratulations on avoiding the news - you haven't missed a thing.
ReplyDeleteWe are very close to solstice as I write this — 30 minutes to go. Have a good visit with the boy.
ReplyDeleteWell happy, happy Birthday, to a new great year in your life with loads of happy gardening! And so much to celebrate this post made me smile big! I harvested all strawberries...
ReplyDeleteCongratulations for your annual moment of another trip around the sun! Such good news about your grands and a son's visit. Have fun!
ReplyDeleteHappy first day of summer! Good for you for not watching the news, very good therapy for you to get away from it all.
ReplyDeleteHappy, Happy, Happy Birthday! I know it will be lovely and especially nice having your son there. Better than the festival (though that sounds pretty terrific!) And good news for your grands too!
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday to you! Wishing you a terrific year filled with fun adventures, good health, and happy gardening!
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday 🎈🎈🎈🎈 How great is that, being born on the cusp of Summer! Your son's visit is no doubt one one your best gifts. I hope your day was grand.
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday, Susanna! How nice that your son will be visiting to help celebrate.
ReplyDeleteI would have been happy to have been born on the solstice. The end of February doesn’t have the same cachet!
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