Saturday, October 1, 2011

From an ember to a roaring fire....

Sometimes motivation comes from things you'd least expect in life, and mine has returned due to recent events. It's just me and Jude now, and a new page in life begins with a strength that has been absent for many years. Stifling restraints have been lifted, and at last I can finally breathe. Each morning I awaken from my slumber to a day of new challenges, but each is simply incinerated by a fire that rages within. The warm, healthy glow keeps the cold, the dark, and ferocious beast at the back of the cave all at bay...Although there are chinks in my armor, I rise from my knees as a champion in the battles of life. EG is back - with the strength of a gladiator and more determined than ever. :)

Anyway, here's some things gone on lately around here....
About 15 lbs. of sweet potatoes came from the 4'x4' planting in the big raised bed, and that's a little less than normally harvested from my 4 containers. Oh well, that's more than enough for myself and parents...

Also, the late planting of squash is producing well, and hopefully I'll get to upload some pictures in the near future. There's also fall plantings of beans, onions, snow peas, and the previous grow cycle of peppers that continues to do well.

The new rainwater catchment is almost finished too, and will add another 550 gallons to the current 220 gallons on hand. Next year's garden will be bigger, better, and easier to care for after this fall......

Take care, and happy gardening

EG

29 comments:

Robin said...

I have been thinking about you all week! So happy to see a post!

It sounds like the garden and you are doing well! I want to see some pics!

I like it.....EG the Gladiator :)

GrafixMuse said...

Life just sucks sometimes and the only way to get through a difficult situation is to just push through. It is hard to see the positive aspects in a life changing situation, but it seem like you have come out of the other side with a optimistic attitude. So glad that you are feeling better and are moving forward with a positive outlook. You deserve to be happy.

Ribbit said...

Glad to see you're back in the saddle. I know things have been tough, EG.

Woohoo on the sweet potatoes! Those are always a nice treat.

teresa said...

You have been greatly missed. Very glad your back.

teresa said...

Very happy your doing much better.

Engineeredgarden said...

Robin - aw, gee thanks. It's nice to be thought of.
I'm having difficulty uploading pics right now, because earlier methods don't work anymore..

Grafixmuse - well, life can certainly be a challenge sometimes, but each victory makes us stronger.

Ribbit - indeed they have, but at last the sun is shining again...

Engineeredgarden said...

Teresa - aw.......I have missed all of you, too.

Erin said...

I am glad you are back! I have wondered how you were doing and even though you have obviously been going through some hard things, it's so nice to know that you are feeling good!

Kris said...

EG - so heartened to learn you and Jude are geared up and ready to fight to good fight again. I, too, know how hard it is to climb up out of a hole, especially by yourself. I'm keeping the flow of good thoughts your way ... winter can be very stressful (at least for me) when one can't spend hours and hours outside. Hang tough, EG.

Dirt Lover said...

I've been thinking of you alot lately, wondering how you are doing, and hoping to hear from you. Glad you have made it through, and it sounds like you are going in the right direction. Nice that you have Jude by your side to help you over the bumps. Thanks for the post.
~~Lori

Tammy said...

Welcome back - have been a little worried!

Gingerbreadshouse7 said...

Glad to see your back and with a vigor :o) Can't wait to see what your going to do with a clear mind :o)...hope my taters are really growing under the nice looking leaves :o)

Alison said...

So sorry you've been going through a difficult time. I have missed your posts, your enthusiasm for vegetable gardening is contagious, even via the web.

Tina Marie said...

Glad to see a new post today :) reading about your sweet potatoes reminded me of the video (I think you posted last year) of Jude jumping for sweet potatoes while you harvested!

Interested to hear more about the water catchment too.

Engineeredgarden said...

Erin - thanks for your concern. :)

Kris - winter will be tough to get through, but several big projects will keep me busy. Thanks for the kind words.

Lori - gosh, I don't know what to say...thanks.

Tammy - aw....no need to worry. I'm just fine.

Ginny - I'm sure your taters are just fine. :)

Alison - it's ok, I'm indestructible when my ocpd takes over. Lol.

Tina Marie - yeah, Jude will catch anything thrown into the air. Lol.

Jess said...

I am so glad to see that you're back - and as a gladiator, no less - that's the spirit!

I started planning my vegetable garden in January this year. It was a way for me to keep my mind off of a sad and stressful situation. Someone commented at the time that, considering it was January, I was spending a lot of time looking at seeds, reading gardening books and planning out planting arrangements. I said, "I could either spend this time crying, or I can spend it planning a garden; which would you rather do?" I really think keeping busy helped me through. And I know my garden's been there as a place of comfort many times since then.

Keep doing what you do; you're an inspiration.

Engineeredgarden said...

Jess - staying busy always helps me get through difficult times, and planning the next year's planting is certainly a great thing to do. I really appreciate your kind words. :)

Annie's Granny said...

Oh, I am sooooo happy to see you back blogging, and with what sounds like the sense of closure that was needed. Just look at the outpouring of love you are receiving....you HAVE been missed!

Engineeredgarden said...

Granny - thanks, it's great to be back. I've missed everyone.

Kelly said...

Good to have you back old buddy, we were all a bit worried about you.

My sweet potatoes were ravaged by rodents, and they only left a few uneaten. @*&%! Looking forward to seeing what you are cooking up next!

Liisa said...

I'm Happy... very Happy! ;-)

Engineeredgarden said...

Kelly - thanks, I was worried about me too. :( But all is good now, and I'm free to do whatever I want.

Liisa - me too! Angry, but very happy.

Kris said...

Been praying for you, I hope things get better for you in the future with time. Good to have you back.

Barbara said...

I've read all of your posts but this is my first comment. Just want to let you know that the anger DOES pass, and love does blossom in your life again. :) All of the positive inspiration, enthusiasm and encouragement you've sent out into the universe (and blogosphere) will shield you from the darkness and light the way for new happiness to shine in your life! xxoo

Engineeredgarden said...

Kris - thank you, friend. It's good to have encouragement.

Barbara - thanks for leaving a comment for me. I really hope the anger subsides, but it's the only thing keeping me going right now.

Jane Bell said...

So glad you are back and feel for what you must be going through. I have found that life is a roller coaster and can be very bumpy.

Carry on! Live in the moment! Seize the day!

Maybe Jude needs a sister or brother?

The Japanese Redneck said...

I'm a little slow, but taking this to mean that there has been a split.

Been thru that twice, now have the right one.

Mine happened so that I could finally get to where I needed to be.

Sorry if I'm on the wrong track, try to read all posts, but might have missed something.

Engineeredgarden said...

Jane - thank you, life certainly has its ups and Downs.

Japanese redneck - no, you are spot-on. There is no longer a Mrs. EG.

meemsnyc said...

I've been traveling and now are just getting caught up on reading blogs. I am sorry to hear that you were going through a tough time. I'm going through a similar situation right now and gardening has really helped me get through tough times. It sound like it has for you too!