Is it Spring?

 

This is always a tricky time in north Texas. The birds are singing, the bees are buzzing, we're getting 5-6 eggs a day, and my green thumbs are getting itchy.

It feels like Spring, but I've been lulled into a false sense of security before. Last year, we had early and very long spring-like weather. Is it possible to have it a second year in a row?  

I'm gambling that we will. I started my seeds, even those I shouldn't start for another three weeks. If I'm wrong, I'll simply repot them into bigger pots and leave them in the greenhouse.

The only seeds I'll wait to sow are hot weather fruits like watermelon and pumpkins, and veggies like jicama and sweet potatoes. Those really need long, warm months. They sprawl too much to keep them in pots so I'll bide my time.

The only reason I tend to start seeds early is because there's always a chance we'll have a short spring and a long summer. Hot summers are no fun.

My piece of Texas has an extremely long growing season. It's not uncommon for vegetables to continue growing even into November. 

My greenhouse has been an enormous help, especially through the bitter cold of January. We still don't have all the bugs worked out though. 

Greg built an ingenious venting system that sucks the hot air into the dead space below the deck. This lowers the temperature significantly, but not quite enough during the two hours when the sun is directly overhead. We need a shade cloth to keep the greenhouse from overheating.

The plan was to put up the shade cloth by now, but without a truck we can't buy the 20 foot metal posts we need to hang the shade cloth. Yes. The truck is still at the dealership. Apparently, engines are on back order.

Greg is unreasonably calm about this. I would've raised hell long ago. Being without a vehicle this long is unreasonable and irresponsible on the part of the dealership, considering the truck is under full warranty. 

We've had plenty to keep us busy though. I was glad we only had a few weeks of cold weather, and only two days of it were harsh. So far, so good.

If we can continue like this for three more weeks, we should be in the clear.

In other news: I was supposed to see my knee surgeon for one last checkup, but I canceled my appointment. I walk fine and I can even kneel on that knee without too much discomfort. The only thing I'm bummed about is that I can't twist and stretch my leg like I used to.  

Greg, and several friends have assured me that it's normal. My doctor's assistant told me during the last follow up that the artificial joint has some limitations and I might never be able to stretch or twist like before. 

That makes me sad, but it's better than I was before the surgery. I count my blessings and not my losses.

Put into perspective, life is good. We have setbacks like everyone else (mostly physical limitations) but we're still kicking and that's what counts. 

I've always believed it's how you react to misfortune that defines your life. If you think it's the end of the world, your subconscious is going to find a way to make that so. 

I'm so disgustingly positive that I was sure I didn't need a new knee...until I saw the x-ray. But that's when you suck it up and you say, okay, this is the new game plan. 

I might never again be able to do a fully extended standing leg raise, but I'll keep trying.

What have I got to lose? 

Is it Spring by you?

 

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