Christmas Day 2014

Halloween '14

Behold the cuteness thereof:


And thus we see it was exceedingly great!

Celebration

Trucks, diggers and chocolate pumpkin cake join forces for a special occasion.

Character building

Having evicted the previous subterranean tenants from our front yard (i.e. aspen roots), I couldn't help but feel great satisfaction knowing that with each individual swing of the axe that I had persevered the bruising botanical bout.  Yet Nature has a funny way of reminding us that the game is far from over.  After the soil was prepped, I went about seeding the front yard with a hearty fescue blend.  Unbeknownst to me I wasn't the only one at work.  Upon hearing of the new digs in town, a conference was quickly convened by members of the Digitaria genus (crabgrass) in which it was unanimously agreed to catch the next draft over and start a rumble.  Upon discovering their nefarious plan, I armed myself with a trowel and went to work.  I cannot yet report triumph, but I can say that there is joy to be had in the journey.  Though I may be hopelessly outnumbered, each stroke of the trowel and yank of the weed brings a certain peace.  Looking at the bigger picture of life, it is because of agency, or the gift to choose for ourselves, that we can wield the power to become and fill the measure of our creation.

I have work enough to do, ere the sun goes down.

Noxious Weeds

 
Convolvulaceae arvensis - known commonly as the bindweed.  It's very name strikes fear into the heart of gardeners.  It's roots can grow to 20 feet deep and can spawn new growth from a single 2 inch rhizome, making it extremely invasive and nigh impossible to eradicate.  This noxious weed is one of the most serious weeds in temperate regions of the world, resulting in crop losses totaling in the hundred of millions of dollars each year - and it is living underneath our garden.

In finding ways to deal with this dilemma, I've subscribed to the principle that a plant cannot live without the enriching effects of photosynthesis.  Starving the herbaceous beast of sunlight is thus the only viable option.  Over the past several weeks, I have trained my eyes to detect the earliest signs of its budding camouflage spears.  From observations, bindweed can send upwards of ~2 dozen shoots a day.  Missing a day only prolongs the pain.  Initially I was dejected; however, with each passing day I take more and more pleasure in rooting out its network of devious spies.

In a spiritual parallel, temptations and impure thoughts that are allowed to fester within us can rapidly pollute our minds and destroy our peace.  I'm reminded of a Cherokee legend I heard growing up:

An old Cherokee is teaching his grandson about life. "A fight is going on inside me," he said to the boy.

"It is a terrible fight and it is between two wolves. One is evil - he is anger, envy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority, and ego." He continued, "The other is good - he is joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion, and faith. The same fight is going on inside you - and inside every other person, too."

The grandson thought about it for a minute and then asked his grandfather, "Which wolf will win?"

The old Cherokee simply replied, "The one you feed."

Ode to my Liezel

Dear Liezel,

Ever since I first met you, your spirit has radiated with warmth and kindness.  The past few years seem like a blissful dream and every time I look into your eyes, I see my perfect equal and loyal friend.

You treasure life's teachable moments

I love your playful spirit.

You roll up your sleeves and put your shoulder to the wheel (even tillers!)

 

Did I mention that you are pretty hot?

 

 You make our home a heaven on earth ...

 

 ... and do it with a smile

 

Thank you for choosing me.

Your loving and faithful companion,

Dallin

Giggles