My Summer Accomplishment

Today marks the first day of the last week of summer 2017. If I’m being honest, my summer accomplishment is pretty much singular. I did a handful of the things on my summer bucket list, which was a carryover from last summer’s bucket list. I had grilled lobster thanks to my sister-in-law. I read several books outside my normally preferred genres. John and I “sort of” hosted a porch party for the first Razorback home game. In other words, friends came, and we hung out on the porches for a while. And, I found the small church I plan to attend, but I haven’t yet.

So no, the church one doesn’t count.

My primary summer accomplishment involves my rose bushes. Do you remember my battle with the Japanese beetles? They attacked my roses in June a few weeks before I broke my wrist. You can read about the beetle infestation HERE or just take my word for it.

I didn’t think my roses would survive. Japanese beetles skeletonize leaves and ravage buds. It’s a sad, sad thing which made me feel personally responsible and unworthy of our small plot of earth.

A midsummer’s nightmare that happened in one day’s time.

 

Anyway, by now you know the story of my broken wrist and surgery which snatched my best-laid plans and resulted in a less than stellar list of summer accomplishments.

BUT.

Those roses became my summer mission.

Immediately after my accident I couldn’t weed or plant or spend more than a few minutes outside, but I managed to check on my roses. I sprayed them twice more after the first infestation including the day before my surgery (using a product recommended by Westwood Gardens). I don’t take credit for anything other than paying attention and hobbling outside to mount a one-armed attack. These pests kept returning with reinforcements. Japanese beetles are a real problem, and yes, they may come back next year.

BUT.

I get my cast off in a few days, and my roses are thriving with lush new growth and healthy, happy buds. I think, in a way, these roses preserved my sanity and helped my wrist heal. During the blur of a broken summer, I’m calling this a win.

Grace Grits and Gardening
Farm. Food. Garden. Life.

[tweetthis]Detailing my summer accomplishments on the blog today. Hint: there aren’t many LOL #mygarden [/tweetthis]

Also, for those interested in my book writing endeavors, I completed the draft of Book Two during the summer. That’s something.

Musical Pairing:
Lynn Anderson, I Beg Your Pardon, I Never Promised You A Rose Garden