Later… I made this feast of latkes and sides for just the two of us, and K. was complementing me on all the things, while enthusiastically going at it.  He even opted to finish eating at the table, not downstairs at his screen as usual, because, as he said, “This is too good of a meal to not eat at the table!”  The ultimate compliment!  It makes it all worthwhile.

We even did a science experiment at the table, seeing if we could set matzah on fire with the candles, and if it tastes any better. Conclusion: No, and No.  I told him it’s like drywall (fire-resistant and tasteless).  Toasting it does not improve the flavor.  But we had fun trying.

I asked if he wished he had been able to go to PA, but he said he’s glad he’s here where it’s peaceful, and not in PA having to deal with all the kid frenzy (paraphrasing).  I guess we have a pretty good thing going on.

Apropos of nothing, I did discover that none of us really likes radishes–also that guinea pigs shouldn’t eat them because they’re semi-toxic!  That should tell you something.  So what was I thinking planting row upon row of radishes?!  I must have lost my mind.  Lesson learned.  Just because you’re supposed to plant a vegetable in theory doesn’t mean you have to!  Radishes are like some people–pretty, as a garnish, but bitey, tasteless, and pointless.

I had this drink…some kind of Serbian pear brandy, to which I added a fancy maraschino cherry to try to improve it.  No comment.  It looks prettier than it tastes.  (Kind of like radishes!)  Pesach “drinks” suck!

All in all, a very fine and worthwhile day.

Last night was a beautiful full moon, which I took a picture of early this morning.  It was so bright out, I think it woke me up.

It being the first day of Pesach didn’t stop me from being a whirlwind of activity, inside and out.  I did laundry, changed the beds, swept floors, cleaned out the fridge and freezer and organized them (there were some evolving science “projects” in there!), prepared food for tonight (second “Seder”), made Percy his salad as promised, reorganized all my seeds, and that was me just getting started.  Then I went out back to garden!

I planted two kinds of nasturtiums in the middle of each annual herb bed, a mix of beneficial flowers in the remaining patio bed (marigolds, calendula, and zinnias),  the rest of the greens and lettuces I had been hardening off on the patio in the veg garden, three kinds of onion seed in the next row, and finished prepping the future asparagus patch with amendments.

Then of course I took photos of more flowers, including, wait for it, bluebells!.

This evening’s dinner will be potato latkes with sour cream and apple sauce, other Pesach Seder side dishes, and a salad (tested and approved of by Percy).  Speaking of seal of approval, I should mention K. loves my charoset, even though it’s merely “adequate”, so that was a big compliment.

Pretty festive for an un-Seder, wouldn’t you say?  All the basics are represented.  K. even requested one of the essential elements, which pleased me.  The flowers are upgraded to fancy.  I made matzah ball soup.  My charoset is…adequate.  For some reason I’m drinking slivovitz, do not ask why.  I just wish my son could be here, but he is in spirit.  I’m representing for us all.

If you look closely at the nest on top of the front door light, you’ll see a robin!  (And lots of redbuds.)

Meteorology in STL is never half-assed.  After high winds, loud hail, more tornado threats, and thunderous storms, we have lots more natives budding out, all my garden plantings are watered, and it’s pleasantly warm and wet out, like a wetland.  I heard tree frogs yesterday.  Hopefully it will clear up and turn into a nice “summer” day for Avdi’s long trip, and K’s week here.

This morning I went through the symbolic motions of burning the chametz, setting up the Seder plate, matzah, and Pesach table, and feeding Avdi little samples so he wouldn’t feel like he missed out on the action.

Not that there will be any.  I’m afraid most of the action will be at Avdi’s end, and not necessarily of the festive kind.  He’ll be driving, herding kids, then working hard giving a presentation at a conference in Philly with J.  They’ve been preparing all week, and judging from the outbursts and expletives, it’s been…challenging!  I wish them much success.  I think I got the easy end of the job.

First, a correction: I think the little white native is Erythronium albidum, white trout lily, not Dodecatheon, shooting star, though they look very similar.  Here it is, opening up:

This next one isn’t a native, it’s a spring bulb–I think it’s Leucojum.  And here’s the first tulip of the season, in Avdi’s favorite color.

Next we have a ubiquitous native, Claytonia, spring beauty, tiny but lovely, and even more ubiquitous violets, which are covering the yard.

Here is a Pesach bouquet.  I remember this same time of year in the NE, scrounging for anything blooming in time for Pesach.  Here in MO, it’s just a matter of going out back and choosing from all the options on this summery day.  It was already 75 degrees early this morning.  It got into the 80s!  In early April!

This next one snuck in here stealthily, trying to pose as a native!  (Psych!–I voted in our latest local election.)

Much later…I think I outdid myself my first day out on the garden project.  I got on a roll and just kept on going until I was exhausted.

First I cleaned out and amended all the patio raised beds with a mix of garden soil, compost/manure, and some sand.  I started planting the herb beds (annual and perennial), leaving room for more of same plus later edible flower seeds.  I planted a section with insect-beneficial wildflowers, and one of mint.

I dug up and potted the potato plant, to make room for future cucumbers (they don’t like potatoes).  I planted a row of brassicas and other greens seedlings in the veg garden.

I prepared a permanent section (nothing to show yet) of the strawberry/prickly pear bed for planting asparagus seedlings (which are also perennials).  I weeded and watered and possibly left myself enough work for the rest of my stay!  Just kidding, there’s a ton more to do.  Though I may have already earned my keep!

Jess and Avdi were working hard all day here while I was gardening.  From all the expletives, and stress they’re under,  I suspect I may have had the better work day!

Stay tuned to more episodes of In My Element.

I am now officially encamped at Avdi’s for the duration.  He’s at J’s for the night, then he’ll be winding down here for the next day or so, and embarking upon his journey, while I hold down the fort with K.  I’m already scoping out the garden and planning my strategy.  I hope to have it planted, productive, and pretty by the time he gets back.

The few plants left at my apartment, like my orchid in full bloom, and some younger hydroponic and other herb seedlings, are self-sustaining for now.  Basically the operation and production have shifted to Avdi’s for the season.

I noticed the rest of the root veggies (parsnips, rutabaga) and leeks are showing in the veg garden.  Also this is where all the exciting native action is happening.  Did I mention bluebells?!  I think I saw a white shooting star (Dodecatheon), I’ll look closer tomorrow.  And the redbuds are in full bloom.

This is going to be Garden Central for the next week and a half.  Resistance is Futile.  Expect updates.

Today was full of firsts.  First, Jess took me out practice-driving her car, so I could have wheels while they’re away.  I passed my test!  Like jumping back on the bike.

I brought the rest of the herbs and greens over to Avdi’s, to plant while he’s gone.  While at it, I took some more photos.  (Can you tell I can’t get enough of bluebells?)

Then, A&J dropped me off at the CRC Mitzvah Farm spring planting event, where I got to meet lots of fellow volunteer gardeners all planting hundreds of collards to provide greens to the neighborhood.  It was fun and productive, getting to know people from many backgrounds, and working together for a good cause.

Tomorrow, it’s off to Avdi’s for all of Pesach while he’s away in PA with the kids.  I’ll have plenty of gardening to keep me off the streets.  And a loaner car in case I need to get on the streets.

Last night another so-called tornado bullet was dodged, I’m relieved to report.  I guess I’d better get used to this.  People here pretty much ignore it and proceed with the status quo.  The Midwestern way.

Yesterday I apparently even outdid myself on the challah, according to A&K, the experts.  It was so pillowy and fluffy, it would have made excellent bedding.

Out in the garden, more great native surprises are emerging, such as mayapples.  I love how they unfurl.  I noticed some VA bluebells blooming white.  And the variegated trillium are always fascinating.

I spent the night at my apartment.  Today I did all the Pesach seder plate preps  (charoset, etc.), even though we’re not officially doing seders this year.  At least I can go through the motions.  I concede the charoset award to my brother Robert, as I’ve graduated to challah nirvana.

I also got most of my remaining herbs and greens ready to transport to Avdi’s, including the latest hydroponic basil potted up.  My mission to grow plants for Avdi’s garden is mostly accomplished.  This week while housesitting, I’ll work on installing the hardier ones out back.  My work is cut out for me.