1 post from July 2008

So it's been a while since I touched base (on so many fronts).  Lyn and I returned from a 10 day road trip to KS where we found all in good health and spirits.  The wheat harvest was underway in the Winfield region and, if the rains would let them, the folks should have a pretty good yield.  Lots of amber waves of grain, although they are planting more yellow varieties lately instead of the "Russian" red.  Still cannot get used to wheat only being about 18" high and ready to harvest.

The front garden has crocosimia in bloom (palm frond leaves with a vivid scarlet flower), purple coneflower (echinecia), coreopsis( small little yellow flowers) and orange day lillies.  Hummers are regular visitors, and we have a pair of cat birds nesting in a holly that give the jays a run for the money in the scolding department.  I constantly am fooled by the mockingbird either mimicking someone or making up new noises and sending me scrambling to see "what the heck is THAT!?".

Rose moss loves the hot weather we have been having.  The gladiola are up and about to bloom, as is the hydrangea.  Our hibiscus on the patio are fragrant, and I hope to make some tea later.

I start my new job with the US Army Corp of Engineers, Transatlantic Program Center, Afghanistan Engineering District on Monday.  You can check the website http://www.aed.usace.army.mil/ for a peek at some of what I'll be doing.  I will be working in Winchester, VA, about 20 miles north of here, but there will be some travel involved...  Am really excited by the opportunity to help the country get back on it's feet.