“I love spring anywhere, but if I could choose, I would always greet it in a garden ”

— Ruth Stout

Spring Flowers (A Visual Diary)

April 27, 2020 by R. Craig Eaton

Until next time…

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Brave New World

April 13, 2020 by R. Craig Eaton

There are times throughout our collective history that have shown us all just how difficult a particular struggle may have been, and how determination and resilience and effort have always advanced the common good and defeated the enemy. Our current days are no different. We may be in a battle the likes of which none of us has ever experienced before, but with our combined determination and much hard work, we too will push back this new foe and find greater strength and better times in the days ahead.

Scientists and medical experts have long feared, and warned of a global pandemic, but for the average citizen, these particular thoughts were perhaps only the makings of a Hollywood movie, or nightmare. Sadly, and vividly so, our worst nightmare has now become our new reality. The days we are living are tense and sad and uncertain. But somewhere within all of those dark clouds of stress, there truly is a silver lining. I will not venture so far as to say exactly what that ray of hope may be, but I will tell you that it is there and that it will surface and that we will be a better country, and indeed a better world, for having endured.

The collective ordeal that we are globally experiencing will one day begin to fade, and will then ultimately become our history. As human beings, no matter how we handle or experience this moment in real time, those of us that make it through this crisis will come out as changed people. And I truly believe that the change will be for the better. Who among us is not keenly aware of the necessity of strong leadership at times such as this, or of how the lack of such leadership can prove to be so devastatingly dangerous? How is our economy and our health care system working, and for who is it that they are either working for, or against? Have we not all seen the global images of what our world environment looks like with all of us taking a bit of a break from the harm that we generally cause to the environment on a daily basis? And who among us has not regularly seen the true heroes of our time - the medical personnel and front line workers who are selflessly putting their own lives in danger to save the rest of us? These images will remain with us indefinitely and they will ultimately assist us in exactly how we choose to think about our future behaviors, reactions and responses.

When we eventually travel past this current time, there will be many questions. And those questions will need to be answered. From that knowledge, better things will come. The nature of human beings is to persevere and to move forward, not backwards. We have always evolved, and will continue to do so, even through what are some of the most difficult times that any of us have ever known in our lifetimes. Generations before us have survived many life-altering experiences, including pandemics and wars. History can teach us all what we need to know about strength, resolve and determination. If we just take a moment to listen, to remember, to clearly think, and to take in the facts of our current time without succumbing to the self-serving voices that are trying to distract us, we can not only face the reality of that which we have been thrown full force into, but we can then also handle the moment, and do what is expected of us so that we can ride the storm fully through. Yes, there will be a light at the end of the tunnel, but only if we do not ignore the warning signs posted along the highway that are signaling us to practice caution.

A moment like this truly takes a village to overcome the hardship and the pain. Together, collectively making our very best effort to do what is needed, we will indeed get through this. Better days and better times are certainly ahead. Please do take care of yourselves, and your families. Remember to check in on those that are older, or may be alone or in need of particular assistance. Practice your very best social distancing techniques always. And be especially mindful and kind - because we all need an extra large dose of common sense and thoughtfulness right about now to see us through these very unsure days. With some luck and effort, armed with knowledge and fortitude, tomorrow will surely be the start of a brave new world, or at least the hard-earned attempts to acknowledge a better one…

Until next time…

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A Mild Close of Winter

March 02, 2020 by R. Craig Eaton

It was definitely a mild winter here in New Jersey. There were some colder temperatures, of course, but nothing too extreme and certainly not sustained throughout the season. There were only a few light dustings of snow, with nothing to really shovel this year (no complaint about that). Of course, with grey days, bare trees and a dormant garden, it was indeed winter - the season was just rather boringly bland and uneventful. I am not one who particularly likes the snow anymore, but I do prefer cold and crisp winter days that make hibernating inside by the fireplace seem like the thing to do, without making one feel as if they were being too lazy. I am unsure of the exact number of fires that we had this year, but it was far less than usual.

So, as February comes to a close and March begins, it is noteworthy to mention that while taking a look around the garden, despite the lack of any real blooms, the shoots of green and other signs of spring are indeed appearing very early this year. My landscape still remains rather barren when viewed from afar, but upon closer inspection, all sorts of things are starting to sprout up and green and bud. It’s all very minor, but all of the activity is early - weeks early - compared to other years. I have noticed over the last five or six years that our winters seem to be less harsh and that the garden seems to come to life earlier and earlier, but this year is by far the earliest spring activity that I have noticed since I have been gardening.

The unsual thing about the garden this year, is that along with the crocus and daffodils and other early spring bloomers that always send up hints of green early, I am also noticing things that usually bloom much later starting to come up too. Muscari blooms here in late April and continues well on into May. And although it tends to send up some of its foliage in the fall, it usually does not begin to green-up until late March; it is currently green and growing. Likewise, some of my alliums and camassias - typically things that I do not see bloom until late May and into June, are already starting to come up near my front walkway. The hydrangea and other shrubs are also starting to green and bud much earlier than any other year.

The oddest thing about what is currently happening in the garden is that so many things seem to be waking up at the same time. In other years there was the anticipation of the first hint of green from one of the early flowering builbs (like crocus), that I have planted in my side garden. Starting in late February, I would always begin to take notice of the brown earth to see if there were any signs of green. Almost invariably, there was one white or one purple crocus that popped up unexpectedly. And it was a sure sign of things to come, but that said, it was the only sign of things to come - the rest of my garden was always still fast asleep and not yet ready to be awoken. This year, almost as if all roused at the very same time, multiple plants that traditionally bloom anywhere from late February through late May are all announcing themselves in an unusual, synchronized cacophony.

This week, the beginning of March, the temperatures are supposed to be unseasonably warm. I fully expect the green growth that I see throughout the garden to increase considerably. This will surely be a busy week in the garden for me - the first attempts of the new gardening season, in fact. Most years I tend to casually get back out in the garden around the middle of March, but this year I am being pulled out much earlier (and I already feel so far behind). Sprouts of green are appearing at the base of many perennials, which I have not even cut back yet. My amelanchier trees are clearly going to be in flower very soon, when they should be blooming in April. And weeds are already showing up - even before the flowers! Yes, there are lots of unexpected things this year, but nothing that cannot be handled; the unusualness of the season is just very pronounced this year - and it is not even spring yet! Clearly, our gardens take great joy in always knowing that they can still surprise us!

Until next time…

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A Peek into The Cottage: Interior Views

February 24, 2020 by R. Craig Eaton

In late February, it seems that the relaxed, hunkering-down, cozy feeling of hibernation is just about to end; in fact, we may be a bit tired of it and long for more involvement and activity. But it is also not yet the time to open up the windows, take off our winter coats and welcome spring. At this time of the year, a sense of transition begins. On a colder, grey day, we may still wish for nothing more than to sit by the fire with a good book in hand. But when the temperature warms, as it seems to be doing with increasing regularity, and our February days suddenly seem much more like those of March or April, we begin to long for the garden and other outdoor activities.

I think that the garden will be coming out of its winter slumber early this year. A few shoots of green in the side garden are already evident. But the reality of winter and the possibility of still experiencing some cold temperatures from time to time insist that nothing can be rushed. So while I am dreaming of crocus and daffodils and alliums and tulips, I am still content - for a little while longer, at least - to just enjoy the warmth of a fire and the familiar comfort of a worn blanket. Pouring myself a little something or two, books and garden catalogs nearby, I settle into the comfy chair and acknowledge the near ending of the month. Soon the days will be longer and the garden blooming, but for right now, it is still time for indoor relaxation and coziness, and for the appreciation of the surrounding walls that allow me that great privilege. Oh, to relax and dream!

Interior Views of Elm Cottage:

Until next time…

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Yes, The Garden Will Return!

February 17, 2020 by R. Craig Eaton

Every year at this time I find myself wandering the garden and staring at all of the brown and lifeless plants and wondering if, and how, they will ever come back? Yes, I do have a good amount of evergreen structure and other ornamentation in the garden that provides good winter interest, so I think that as a whole the garden always does look somewhat presentable - even in winter - but on those particularly cold and grey days, the imagination takes over and one is left to wonder? Perhaps it is just me, but I am prone to worry. So, when an overcast, February afternoon coaxes me out into the garden to take a look around, I cannot stop the initial thought of dread that inevitably creeps into my head. Standing in the garden, aloud and to no one, I ask “will this really all come up again?”

And of course it will! That is the beauty of a garden, and of nature in general. The resilience and strength of our botanical friends can certainly teach us all a lesson. Deep down I know that I have nothing to worry about; it’s just that late winter feeling of worry, the ‘what if’ idea of the garden somehow not returning (even though it always has and always will) that temporarily invades my thoughts. It really is more of a mental dance than anything else. Going back inside to take a look at a few pictures of the garden from the previous summer that I have stored on my computer does wonders to correct any lingering concerns.

**The contrasts of the winter and summer garden**

The winter garden indeed has its own beauty. And most days I fully see this. It is just not the same as the abundance of the summertime garden - the exuberance of the flowers, the warm sunshine, the buzzing bees and visiting butterflies - which is probably the thing that most gardeners work towards and look forward to most. A walk around the garden in February is certainly enjoyable for me, but I am longing for some hint of green to start showing through the dull carpet of soil. I am longing for even one crocus, for the hint of a daffodil or tulip or allium. And those things will come; I know that they will; I must be patient. The garden is only temporarily sleeping, resting and gathering strength to put on its grand show once again. I know this, I really do - so with just a sigh or two, I fend off my winter worries and realize that I ultimately have nothing to be concerned with: Mother Nature is in control and she knows exactly what she is doing; the precise timing of the first push of green a mystery until the very day.

Until next time…

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“I have fun writing. I don’t make it a chore. I don’t have to struggle with it.”

— Elmore Leonard

A Blog About A Blog

February 10, 2020 by R. Craig Eaton

Writing shouldn’t be a chore. A blog of one’s own should not be thought of as ‘that thing I have to get done’. Really, it’s no fun to constantly be thinking that you have a project due for Monday morning (per the ghosts of school-days past). Writing is something that I very much enjoy. I find it to be an outlet, an expression, and certainly theraputic for one who tends to keep thoughts inside. I genuinly find writing to be pleasurable, and always have. And while I have had many deadlines before - with things needing to be done (as do we all) - the attempt at regularly writing my own blog posts has at times stumped me (creatively speaking).

**Writing should never be considered a chore**

Not wishing my own writing to ever become something merely perfunctory, I have decided to change things up a bit around here. I mean, how ridiculous would it be if writing my own blog actually did become a chore? I started this particular blog - about my home and garden - about my daily life as seen through the context of house, home, and nature because I wanted to tell a story. Living here at Elm Cottage has been a terrific joy and wonder. Trials and tribulations, for sure - but the house and the garden have always brought me back to a good place in the world, and that is what I wanted to share in my writing. And although very new to the blogging world, I think that I have made at least a faithful attempt at fulfulling my original intentions.

That said, I do find that something is missing. It’s not that I am unhappy or that this is really a chore, it’s just that I have so much more to say that I am trying to think of new ways to say things. As it has been a slow start to the year, I just want to shake things up a bit. I want to be able to not only write, but to better convey the thoughts within my head. While I still will be writing just as I always have, I also want to introduce a few new avenues that will better allow me to tell my story. Much will stay the same, as I am happy with what I have been doing, but since new ideas are constantly coming my way, I think that now is a good time to draw up a plan as to how I will continue.

For one thing, I am really not going to set any rules for myself (hear the refreshing sigh of relief?). As I said earlier, the idea of a ‘paper’ being due first thing Monday morning was not really the feeling that I had wished for when starting out on this new endeavor. Which leads me back to the ‘how-to-shake-things-up-a-bit’ question? And it’s not like I really want to rock the boat - I truthfully much more prefer calm waters - but I do want to let it wander from harbor to harbor at times, so to speak, in order to seek out new horizons. What I want to do now is to just introduce a few new elements, some new things that will help to not only boost my own creativity, but that will hopefully allow my readers a better understanding of my experience.

So, in summary, my writing will indeed continue in much the same way as I have been doing, but with perhaps a few tweaks, some alterations, and maybe some new additions. At times, I would like to make my blog post much more brief; a paragraph or two just to share a thought, as opposed to a lengthy group of successive thoughts. I am also going to, from time to time, post photographs only (with perhaps only the briefest of thoughts interspersed for good measure). I tried this once before, and very much like the way it came out. I may also actually delve deeper into particular subjects and write a blog post that is much longer than the fairly minimal ones that I have been writing (some subjects do in fact just require lengthy writing). Another thing under consideration for me is to include some fiction writing on my blog. I am not exactly sure what that would be at the moment (and that is all the fun of it!), but in my head I am thinking of some kind of a continuous story - perhaps in diary form - relating to life here at Elm Cottage - with fictional characters (people or perhaps animals, or both?). I suppose that only time will tell now, but I hope that all of you will continue to stay tuned in order to find out. The ride has just begun!

Until next time…

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“I am only one, but still I am one. I cannot do everything, but still I can do something. And because I cannot do everything, I will not refuse to do something that I can do.”

— Edward Everett Hale

The 'To Do' List

February 03, 2020 by R. Craig Eaton

Okay, it’s suddenly a brand new month (how quickly that happens) and we are now well into the new year, and there are lots of chores to be done! Perhaps the above quote references ideals far more worthy than any home or garden chore, but the sentiment is still a good overall example of what it may feel like to take on a list of tasks that may at first seem daunting. The realization that with some determination (and perseverance) there is always something that we can do is helpful encouragement. For me, as I shake off the blues that I have been experiencing lately as best as I can, I am marching straight into February with a vengeance. There certainly is much to be done and things are not going to get done by themselves if I do not initiate the process. Having plans is a great way to anticipate the new day, next week, or even the coming months. Depending upon the size of the plan itself, tasks may get done rather immediately (a fairly instant gratification), or they may become longer, more intensive projects that take more time, but that will still bring results eventually. Projects and plans, both large and small, are the current order of the day.

**A good thing to keep in mind when planning a ‘To Do’ List**

Getting things done is what is important, and in order to better organize, and to reach my goals, I am going to start by making a list. This should be the easy part, but as anyone knows who has sat down to do such a chore - or worse yet, who has been ‘handed’ a list of things to do - sometimes the very amount of tasks that we begin with seems overwhelming from the start. That is when a little bit of good old fashioned editing comes in handy. Sure, there are lots of things that we ‘wish’ to be done, but then there are also those things that ‘need’ to be done. How about we just begin with things that need to be done for now (and admittedly, sometimes the need list is not nearly as fun as the wish list, so feel free to give yourself some slack in order to best accomplish your own goals). Yes, I would love to have my old wooden windows re-strung so that they work better, but perhaps I should actually finish that kitchen renovation I have already started so that I can actually have some kind of a wall in place behind my countertops instead of merely staring at studs and insulation.

So with a little bit of earnest thought, our way-too-big list of wants and wishes gets edited down to something more basic. Keep the entire list, as you can always go back to it in the future. But from a realistic standpoint, too many things on a list just makes that list unattainable - economically and physically and even mentally - too many things to worry about just often frustrates and leads to inaction. Better to have a few key things on a ‘to do’ list that can realistically be accomplished, than to have a multi-page document that stops you short of any level of action right from the beginning, simply because the demands seem too immense and intimidating. Smaller steps and even paces lead much more often to accomplishment than a multitude of grandiose ideas. Be reasonable, not only with yourself and with your skill level and budget, but also with the expectations of what you truly set out to do; it is not a race to check off every box on the list as fast as possible.

Realizing that there is always something to do, and that there will always be something to do, I make my list without worry of getting it exactly right. As I have mentioned, I am most likely a bit biased towards my ‘wish’ list, rather than to my ‘need’ list, but I make the effort to realize this. Assuming that both parts of the list will most likely - eventually - see their own particular agendas accomplished, I am not worrying if I tuck in something from my ‘wish’ list that is not totally necessary, as opposed to the more pragmatic concerns (sometimes you just have to give in to whim). Yes, there is that small leak in the roof upstairs that I know that I have to have fixed, but I am also really looking forward to the marble countertops in the kitchen that I have wanted for so long. I know what I should choose. I know what I want to choose. And I actually know what I will, or have already, chosen. So, the old kitchen pan will just have to stay upstairs for a little bit longer in order to catch the rain drops, I suppose.

Yes, sometimes we do justify our decisions, but no matter how we begin to check off our lists, and no matter in what order, the most important thing to remember is that as long as we at least begin, as long as we start - with anything - then hopefully the other tasks, or most, will soon follow. Not everything has to happen overnight (or over the course of a weekend, for that matter). Bottom line being, if you are in need of tackling a few new projects - and who isn’t? - don’t get too carried away or overwhelmed. Do what you can. Make the attempt. Enlist the help of family and friends. And always remember to budget for an outside contractor to do the things that you cannot do, so that whatever job you are taking on gets done correctly and safely. Make some lists, draw up some plans, garner the energy to tackle that annoying project that you have been putting off for far too long already, and dive in head first without any further thought. But as you come up for air, just remember to also indulge yourself with that little something extra - that special project - even a very small one - that makes you happy. It is important and will help to keep the overall momentum going in the long run. At least those are my plans!

My current To Do List (in no particular order):

Marble countertops for the kitchen
Repair roof leak
Build a small garden shed from recycled materials
Paint front and back doors
Paint steps leading to basement
Reupholster wing chair
Repair front of driveway (decide exactly how and with what materials)
Fix pump in garden fountain for spring
Paint garden arbors and other outside metal and wood furniture
Paint front porch

Until next time…

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Goodbye, January!

January 27, 2020 by R. Craig Eaton

I must say that I will surely not be upset to see this past month out the door - perhaps with even a good quick, kick-in-the-pants goodbye. No offense to January itself - which some years can have a lot going for it - but this particular January was not in the least kind. For a month that is supposed to be all about fresh starts and new beginnings, for me it was all about personal loss and depression. And while I do realize that no particular month of the year can truly bear responsibility for how I feel, this current month is still just something that I will be more than happy to see on its way; sometimes we just need to blame the perceived culprit, although not always necessarily involved. I’m thinking now that perhaps February will provide the new boost of energy and renewal that was supposed to have already taken place? Perhaps one month late, resolutions and determination can wake me in the morning with a bit of a much-needed jolt, instead of the groan and sigh that I have been allowing to invade my day.

Don’t get me wrong, either - I fully realize that my current tribulations are not by any means the end of the world, and that things could be much worse, without doubt; I’m not so much wishing to complain, as I want to make things better. However, running away from one’s own feelings, or even hiding them and internalizing them, does absolutely nothing for overall health and well-being - all of which I wish to maintain. Admittedly, I have had a good case of the blues, and they have indeed lingered without truly going away. So maybe now I just resign January to the ‘terrible month’ bin and I move on to the next one? It may seem unlikely, or even silly, to expect that the turn of a calendar page - that the mere changing of a month - could be the cure-all that I wish, but the first day of any new month does always seem to present itself with some kind of a mysterious, new promise. Clearly, an entirely new month does offer up lots of new possibilities. So, just as last month did for so many, the start of this new month will hopefully be my time to say good riddance to unhealthy habits and thoughts, and to usher in a brand new plan that will begin to make things better.

There is certainly nothing wrong with trying. One just needs to take the first step. And however one initiates that first step is irrelevant, as long as it happens. Currently, we are still in the process of taking down the Christmas decorations here at Elm Cottage. Yes, that in itself is a project, to say the least. Our collection has grown so large, that the Christmas season truly takes over a good two months of the year now - from unpacking everything just after Thanksgiving, until sometime in January when everything comes down and is stored away again until next year. I mention this only to say that as much as I truly love Christmas, and all of the excitement that it brings, I am very much looking forward to having the house fully back in order and to have things be a bit more subdued and quiet, calm and clean. Yes, I am in the proper mood right about now for a bit of a relaxed space, for some air, rejuvenation. I am relishing the opportunity to breath in fully, to take a moment or two for myself, and then to just move on.

So what I am planning is to come up with some type of a motivational list (more to come about this in greater detail next time). Making lists is always a good way to form a plan. Jotting down ideas, thoughts, wishes - things that need to be done - any type of an itinerary to keep mind and body on track is a useful and productive thing. A very brief survey around the house and garden tells me that there is lots to be done. An old house always requires some type of work here and there to keep it in good shape. The garden, although fast asleep at the moment, will also be something that will soon require a good deal of my attention, with many chores needing to be done. My list will start with these things at hand, to keep my home in order - both house and garden. From those beginning steps - from that list - I will then just continue…

Until next time…

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Chasing Away The January Blues (Garden Pictures)

January 20, 2020 by R. Craig Eaton

We’re nearly through January now, and for that I could not be happier. No, it has not been a good month. It has not been a good start to the year. So during these rather dark days, I am looking for just a small amount of inspiration. The holidays always push me through the fall months and the beginning of winter, but once the end of January nears - going into February - everything seems to become rather lackluster and withering (spirit, mind and landscape). Perhaps more so for me this year, personally, but even during the best of times I find that January is always disappointingly dull and bleak.

Not one to undermine the need for a winter rest - both for myself and for the garden - and realizing how important the hibernation is to both vitality and renewal, I still find that come this time of the year, energy fades and a bit of depression always comes to call. Keeping busy is the key to warding off such worry. But still it creeps, as it does, and sometimes it is just too easy to roll over and submit - to almost luxuriate in the downtime that is January - all the while figuring, why not?

And while a bit of that luxury may indeed help to replenish us, too much can also send us spiralling downward. I for one love to just sit inside, either in bed or near a fire, and read through my garden books and catalogs - looking and longing for hours on end. That is a part of the winter season for me. Dreaming and planning the garden to come is always a delight and always an encouraging way to chase away the winter blues, or to at least keep them at bay. Making plans, even for those with no January-energy problems, is still a very useful tool to use in order to achieve future goals. If we cannot do something at the current moment, for whatever reason, hopefully we will be able to see that dream or idea come true sometime in the very near future.

At times, just a bit of encouragment is needed; a dose of healthy inspiration. I very much rely on such motivation, in any form, when feeling down or lethargic, as is the case with the ‘bleak-January’ syndrome that I have been mentioning. Even if you are fully on your game, a boost of sorts can always help. And that inspiration can come from nearly anywhere: talking to friends, reading a book, taking a walk. For me, when the true January-blues hit, and I find myself longing for spring, there is nothing better than looking through old photographs of summertime days in the garden. That lifts me up and keeps me going. I always find a renewed sense of energy and encouraging inspiration from seeing what I have created in the past, and to contemplate that which may need to be done in the future. A few pretty pictures on a cold and grey winter’s day is sometimes just the jolt needed. Hope you all enjoy!

Garden Pictures for Mid-Winter Inspiration:

Until next time…

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