Memorial Weekend 2025

This week, Tennessee and I spent nearly all our time in the garden. So there’s not much to tell this week. We finished getting all our seedlings in the dirt, and I feel so accomplished. All I did was move the dirt from the drop pile to the containers and research what to plant together, but that was way more than what I did last year. Tennessee let me off the hook by reminding me I was still working full-time last year.

She’s the one who actually put the plants into the dirt, and I’m glad because I have no practical experience with that, and she’s a pro. I’m glad that I get to claim some of the credit this year when we gather our harvest. Our tomato, pepper, and squash plants are all flowering, and our marigolds are a bright orange. Something is eating on our basil, though, so I’m researching solutions.

I made us a caprese salad with fresh-cut basil for dinner a couple of nights ago, and the lettuce should be ready to grab some leaves from later this week.

I’m really liking this being a gardener thing.

I wasn’t nearly as successful in getting my books read for my book clubs this month. This is the first time ever that I have not completed any of the three books. One of them I didn’t even start. That is so unlike me, but between the garden and the writing and the politics, I haven’t had much energy or headspace for reading.

In my writing, I have the opening scene of my second book drafted, and I have an outline (very sketchy) done, too. It feels amazing to be writing again. But my brain just can’t absorb new stuff right now, so books that aren’t related to the craft of writing are on hold for now. I know my wife won’t believe it, but I’m even watching less news.

Maybe I could pick up an old favorite? Even that might be too much, but we’ll see because it’s just too weird not to be reading.

Thus (such a great word that isn’t used very often anymore), I’ve been playing games on my phone while watching Leverage reruns or shows about backyards and gardening. I’ve had some inspiration from those shows, like creating a winding walkway from the back door to our fire pit. That might make mowing harder, however, so I’ll have to clear it with Tennessee.

Her best friend was just here, and we haven’t seen her in a bit. She brought my birthday gifts and a yummy cake. I love the Pride Tarot deck, but I love the embroidered book and flowers more, since she created that herself.

I love homemade gifts!

Back to writing, I spent some time in an online community check-in with some activist sapphic writers last week, and I’m excited to be included. It’s got me thinking again about how I can use my writing to try and make a difference.

Should I ask if I can write a blog for the county Democratic Party’s FB page? Or post anything at all on the page? I know this is the Memorial Day weekend and everyone is busy with family stuff, but I would hate to lose the momentum and enthusiasm we all had from the convention. Someone needs to get the ball rolling. No reason why it can’t be me, right? Well, maybe I should check in with the other officers first. I’ll add that to my to-do list for the week.

Speaking of Memorial Day, this is my first one in over thirty years where the time off from work wasn’t a big draw for me. I must say that it feels very weird that I miss having three-day weekends to look forward to.

We have a little Veterans Park here in town, and I may go spend some time there tomorrow. We’ll see what the weather does.

Sending Peace and Gratitude to all those brave souls who sacrificed their lives for our country. I will do what I can to make sure this administration doesn’t make their sacrifices have been made in vain.