Sabbath grace

First fruits
Originally uploaded by the gladdings

Today has been a beautiful spring day in Houston, something we're not used to saying at the end of April. Our sabbath began at Edith Moore sanctuary, where we met our friend Tracy Kleinhans, a fellow Mercy Streeter and member of the Houston Audubon Society. This was our first time in the sanctuary, and Tracy was our guide. We hoped to see some new birds, but although we could hear them, we did not see too many. We did get to add one new bird to our sightings - a Grey Catbird. It is a lovely spot, and one we look forward to returning to.
After lunch and naps we headed to the community garden, where the weeds have been sorely neglected. We spent 3 hours weeding, taking flowers off pepper plants (trying to get the bush as large as possible early on) and watering (no rain to speak of for a month). We also harvested two large bags of swiss chard, and the first squash and beans. So tonight we enjoyed "eggs in a nest" (see Flickr), steamed beans and squash and cornbread. The eggs came from our friends Kevin and Camella - they have 2 hens and brought a dozen over earlier in the week. The first of what we hope will be many truly local meals. And Maggie and Seth fell asleep in about 15 minutes, which means Rebecca and I will be able to watch an episode of Doctor Who Series 3 before our heads hit the pillow tonight.
Sabbath grace indeed.

Happy Birthday Maggie!

Happy Birthday Maggie!
Originally uploaded by the gladdings

We invited a few friends over to celebrate Maggie's 4th birthday yesterday. The pinata was a big hit, as was "pass the parcel" - one of my favourite games from childhood. The raspberry/ vanilla/ chocolate ice cream went over well also. It was a beautiful afternoon, Matt and I got to stand over a grill for the first time in a long time, and it was wonderful to have the backyard full of kids (both little and not so little).

Community Garden I

DSCF4569a
Originally uploaded by the gladdings

Our friends Paul and Peggy have been gardening for years, and have great soil. We have been the grateful recipients of squash, beans and tomatoes over the years. They're too busy this year, so asked if we'd be interested in a little community gardening. Of course, we said 'yes'! They've planted a few tomato plants, beans and spinach, but gave the bulk of the garden to us, and our friends Thule and Kelly. Here's the freshly tilled plot in late January, waiting for planting.

Community garden II

PICT0012
Originally uploaded by the gladdings

And here's what it looked like this morning. We have swiss chard ready to pick, beans (climbing and bush) doing nicely, squash and cucumbers putting on flowers, tomato and pepper plants coming on, canteloupe and carrots (struggling), and zinnias and sunflowers.

Maggie's birthweek

Maggie fishing
Originally uploaded by the gladdings

Maggie turns 4 on Sunday, and so we are celebrating her this week. I had had a full weekend, and hadn't seen much of Maggie & Seth, and so while Rebecca had an 'organizing the house' day, I took M&S out to the Hobson's ranch. We stopped at a 'BassPro' store on the way, and picked up their first ever fishing rods (Maggie chose the 'princess' model, Seth the "cheese" model (Spongebob)). It was an absolutely beautiful day, and we enjoyed every minute of it. Maggie fished for a solid hour, and only stopped because she was hungry. Seth lasted about 5 minutes, then spent the rest of the time figuring out how to start the 4 wheeler. Maggie had lots of bites...but no fish. And as my dad is fond of saying, "that's why it's not called 'catching'."

Maggie continues to delight us with her imagination - she is a storyteller, that's for sure. We're throwing a 'bring your favourite childhood party game' birthday party for her on Sunday, where those who love Maggie here in Houston will gather to celebrate her and eat charred meat and ice cream cake.

Deaths mar seal hunt

This was the headline in 'The Week' news magazine for a piece on the death of 4 hunters during the annual 'clubbing baby seals for fur' season. Sadly ironic.

Hope springs eternal

Hope springs eternal
Originally uploaded by the gladdings

We have several self-seeded tomato plants coming up - but this one is a mystery! It is growing in the crack between our side door step and the path.

Houston in April

Houston in April
Originally uploaded by the gladdings

We spent the weekend in the garden, enjoying the beautiful weather, and working till our muscles ached. Lots of digging, transplanting and planting. Seth and Maggie now have their own garden with veggie, herb and flower seeds sown. The tomato plants are about 4 feet high already, and we've been eating garden lettuce for 3 weeks. See Flickr for more photos.