Keeping busy

I went to the library this morning and got books, which makes me happy. Then I came back, sat down, and finished a book which was deeply satisfying. I wanted to say that it made me even happier except it really isn't that kind of a book. (Will make a post about it in the other blog.)

Then I went out and started on the not-inconsiderable amount of yard work. It's amazing how much weed such a tiny yard can accumulate in three months. I have, I think, scientifically robust proof that weed growth is exponential and to a high power than the growth rate of plants that you meant to grow. I'm a little disappointed with the wild flower seeds that I put in in September though (with the vague hope that they'll be easier to take care of that they'll live even if I'm not here and my parents still can't recognize most of the plants in the backyard). Apparently, no matter which combination of flower seeds I put in, the only things that will grow from any mix are: poppies, alyssums, and calendulas. I'm not very happy with the calendulas, not because they grew the fastest -- or should I say, not only because they grew the fastest -- but because they are aggressive and give me a rash if I handle them without gloves. They bloom pretty though. Maybe I'll make infused oil with them, though I'm not entirely sure who has the need for calendula-infused-oil (mint, maybe, lavender, definitely, calendula, not so much).

Dad dragged home a lot potted plant while I was in SD, which turned out to be one of those braided fig things (boring and reminds me of every single office I'd sat in while waiting for people to straighten out my paper work) (admittedly, I'm happier in a room with a plant in it than one without). Having inspected it today, I've concluded that I can possibly save the dying plant but I'm not sure if I want to (see parentheses above). The pot is just the right size for Mikey, besides, and that avocado's due for a transfer to a larger pot.

Dad also wanted to know why the strawberry was dying. Current hypothesis: the bugs living on the roots. Will wash and transplant to see if condition improves.

There were also lots of weeding (surprise!) and some pruning (mom once commented that she can try to do it if I don't want to, "because it's just cutting off things and should be easy", and since then I've refused to let her prune things without supervision). Then I went in and did some Christmas shopping and filled out a few cards (academia encourages "networking", I'm already sick of the concept after hearing the song and dance three times), discovering that I should avoid glittery cards in the future as the glitter sheds like mad. It's like cat hair and has the same magical property of being able to get into the most improbable places.

That concludes today's post. Now I must go and apply stamps!