The wonder of gardening, and take-out on occasion

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Rain be damned! Cold too, for that matter. It was in the 40s here today- so sudden; wasn't it in the 80s yesterday? Anyway, despite the cold and rain, I actually did quite a bit of gardening today and loved every second- Oliver helped me while Jack painted. These are the kinds of nice afternoons that I wish we had a few more of- each person immersed in something he/she enjoys, we're together but also independent, the work supplanting some of the talking. Aah. It felt so good to cut and clear away all the detritus that's amassed in the yard's nooks and crannies over the past few months. I got a number of beautiful, simple, fall-hardy plants and flowers at the nursery today, and it was lovely to put some new in with the old. Did you know there is a "Pretty Lady Emily" flower? I had to buy it as it flowers in part shade- a rarity. The flowering shamrocks I planted for Oliver (born on St. Patrick's day) are still going great guns, and the mums Jack picked out last year have returned. I'm always surprised by just how good I feel after some time working in the yard, especially when the mosquitoes are at bay. Not one bite, not one buzz in my face, just quiet and calm and work and progress and pretty things to show for it all at the end. T and I are doing take-out tonight- an infrequent but appreciated break. Lebanese Taverna, here we come.

Info/tips of the week

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If you're sadly watching the summer produce season slip away, this link offers some very helpful, simple (read: does not involve canning, dehydrating or the like) tips for preserving all sorts of fruits/veggies: Gardener's Supply Company. You can buy more than you think you'll need or use immediately and in many cases, preserve it for the depths of winter. This Friday's Whole Foods One Day Deal is New York Strip Steak, hormone- and antibiotic-free, for $11.99/pound; it's usually $16.99. This offer is valid in DC, Maryland, VA, OH, PA, KY, Marlton and Princeton, NJ.

Also for D.C.-area folks, this Saturday and Sunday, American Plant -all locations- is welcoming fall by offering 20% of your entire, storewide purchase. The Bethesda location will be opening its Haunted Castle, and there will be other festivities and treats. If you want to fall'ify your yard and gardens, head over!

Lastly, if you have old/expired/no longer needed prescription drugs, don't flush them! They can contaminate our water systems, including those that supply are drinking water. So, bring yours to the National Take Back Initiative, a nationwide program that will be held on October 29. Here's a link for more state-specific info.