Snow in the Garden

While the middle of the United States is being hit with severe rain storms and tornadoes, I woke up to a light dusting of snow.


Thank you for sending cloudy weather my way. It looks like a great day to be in the garden.



Southwest gardening is a challenge to this Wisconsin woman.

Navigating the Garden

I've been busy with the backyard. We have four raised bed boxes and xeric design landscaping. Last year, Michael hired landscapers to bring in dirt, create the physical raised beds and make a riverbed landscape feature to drain away water from the roofs.

For over a month, I've been going outside most days, working with the weeds, soil, rocks and plants. The most difficult aspect for me is the sunshine. It's hard to believe that I would complain about the sun. Just one ray of sunshine on my face, arms or hands is enough to redden my skin in an instant. My red skin dries, cracks and bleeds. I feel as if I am in constant pain as my eczema creeps along my hands, wrists, face and neck.

It is easy to navigate garden the garden sun, working in the shade of the morning and in the evening. It is easy to schedule my days in the garden, wearing a wide brimmed hat, long sleeves and gloves. Yet, I am frustrated. I am not certain that this rural Wisconsin woman belongs at 7400 feet above sea level. This is too close to the sun for me.

Santa Fe Snow

Yesterday, snow arrived in Santa Fe. It was comforting to have relief from my allergies to the juniper pollen. It was also nice to have a fire in the fire place and to create an oven roasted evening meal.



This morning, I drove Michael to the gallery, enjoying the snow scene on adobe and red earth. Even though I continue to long for Palm Springs, the freshness of snow on the Sangre de Cristos seemed to hit my refresh button to accepting living here in Santa Fe.



It was so much fun to see the animal sculptures wearing an accumulation of snow. Just last Friday, the parking lot menagerie was bathed in warm sunshine and vibrant spring blossoms,