Storms

Recently the eastern states have experienced a horrible storm.  The devastation is so bad that it will take a long time for them to clean up and rebuild.  Many lives were lost as well as homes, businesses and properties.  In one area fires broke out leveling the whole housing neighborhood.  Water has flooded towns all up and down the coast, leaving property destroyed or damaged beyond repair.  It seems that area of the coast line, is a direct hit during the hurricanes season.  I don't relish the expense and trauma the people are suffereing.

It's Cool Out

The contrast from 80's to 40's is not to my liking.  Here in Texas they say if you don't like the weather just wait a few minutes and it will change.  Somehow I don't think that will apply today.  It's predicted to be in the 50's at the most today.  That's a bit shy of the 80's yesterday.  I really hope our winter months gives us the needed cool days to combat the insects next year.  Still I don't relish the idea of snow, sleet and cutting cold winds.

Cool Front

I have been watching the local news and weather in the last few days to keep up on things.  It looks as though we are expecting a cool front to hit today.  The news caster tells us that by 4pm, we will know that the weather has changed.  As I write, the wind is churning up with strong gusts and the clouds are drifting in. 
Since I have the house windows open to let in fresh air, I assume that this cool front will make me close them.  I am a bit cold natured and don't like it when my hands and feet get cold.  I put the electric blanket on my bed yesterday when I changed sheets, so I'm ready for the cool weather.

Money

It's amazing the amount of money that can be spent on keeping up a yard and garden.  Last year I remember investing large amounts just to keep the yard in city code shape and clean.  It means that if you want to have a yard that keeps standard viewing, then you are going to spend money on it.
My vegetable garden cost quite a bit of cash as well.  This leaves me to think about down sizing the coming year.  I did the type of garden one is accustomed to having in the years prior to now.  Back then you had a huge garden with all types of vegetables to support the coming harvests.  Today, it's not feasible to have such a garden considering the things that just won't grow right in certain soils and the weather.  Certain soils take a large amount of mulch to get it in shape for planting seasons.  I'm one person who is not young anymore.  I have to pay people to come and do the heavy work for me.  Here in you have more expense. 
This coming year I am considering having raised beds that can be easier controlled.  The harvest will be less but I'm sure the area involved will produce better.

Grass

I got on the riding lawnmower and mowed the yard today.  It was getting high with the rains we have been having here in Texas.  The mower is limited to the areas it can access and therefore it will need the weed eater.  That's another story, since the one that I bought from a guy, hasn't made it to my front door as yet.  I guess when he decides that I really need it he will come and bring it or do work around here to make up of the money I gave him.  That's what happens when you trust extended family members to be straight up with you.
There are a few weeds that grace areas where the lawnmower couldn't get, so if I can get my lazy butt out there before the ground gets too dry and pull them up then it will look much better.  If not then they will get larger and go to seed.  Darn weeds.

Storms

Last night was full of weather.  In the afternoon and during the whole day the wind blew as if it would never blow again.  Only a few showers had come and gone when I turned off the TV and went to bed around 11pm.  Around 2:15am I was awakened by loud thunder, brilliant lightning, high winds and heavy rain.  The storm lasted about 40 minutes and even after you could hear it moving further down the country side with it's loud thunder rumbling along the way. 
I went out this morning to a beautiful sun lit day, no mess to clean up like fallen trees or limbs. So I feel good about they way the storms controlled themselves.  As you know Texas has storms that get out of control more often than not.

Hey Lady

How cute of this lady with her ideas about planting bulbs and getting rid of the pests.

Cold

My son, who lives up in Cheyenne, WY. just text me and told me that they have snow.  There's about 2 inches already and it's not over yet.  I saw that they front we are now experiencing was making it through their area yesterday.  We won't have snow here, but the panhandle of Texas may get some.  I know it's cold here and that's enough for me.  The temperatures were in the 70's & 80's here yesterday and this morning they are in the low 50's.  That's Texas weather for ya!

Time to Mow

It seems the grass wants to grow again, now that a good rain came by.  Along with all the leaves that have fallen, I'm sure it will make good winter mulch once I have mowed.  Maybe this will be the last time I need to mow for this season.  I don't relish the winter months but the freezes are needed to combat too many insects from hatching next year.

Cover Crops

Planting Fall Bulbs

Planting fall bulbs that will bloom in the spring is a great idea.