Hopelessly Behind

I’m sure there were some disgruntled vacationers over the holiday weekend. Traffic slowed as folks drove around looking for something to do. But the rain was a much needed relief for the fields and gardens.

The proper winter did a lot of good for the lilacs. They were really spectacular this spring. One of my favorite shrubs is the Shasta Viburnum. It’s flowers are located on the tops of the branches making them stand out. At first glance they resemble the Kousa Dogwood which blooms later on in the summer.

I’m especially fond of white flowers on cloudy days. They really make a statement.

State Road restaurant in West Tisbury has an impressive stand of the Shastas. Slightly further up-Island on the left is a lovely Golden Rain tree. Every year when I see them (also at the big turn on Skiff avenue) I vow to get one for myself, but life, as is its custom, gets away from me.

I put in some small fruit trees in the fall. They were about four feet tall with inch or so trunks. During the big snow, rabbits walked up and girdled the trees about two feet up. Wonder of wonder, they are actually blooming now. We’ll see if they make it through the summer.

Violet took the photo this week of my lone gas plant (Dictamnus albus). Some legends say it was the Burning Bush of Moses. I love those sorts of benign conspiracy theories, albeit of questionable validity.

I am hopelessly behind in my vegetable gardens. I looked at a box of seeds, anxious to get planted, and walked away. We’re talking all the winter squashes and beans. Hopefully, this coming weekend is free.

The peas and onions have finally been released from the seed trays. We’re talking some serious roots.

I got a load of horse manure this past fall. I covered the raised beds with it. It needed just a tiny bit of preparation to receive the aforementioned peas and onions. Hopefully, they will be jumping out of the ground soon.

The sweet potato slips are still in jars of water on the kitchen counter. They have, however, recovered from their travels here through the U.S. postal service. Now, if only they get planted.

My rescue cat has finally caught a rodent. I’ve been waiting months for her to stop eating and sleeping and do her job. I’ve always had barn cats but not for the last few years. The rodent population in the gardens is out of control. I see their little hidy-holes everywhere. They have wised up to the traps and I’m loathe to poison. Hopefully, the cats very presence will deter them.

I am becoming increasingly alarmed at the behavior of our government. The Cuban blockade is creating a serious humanitarian crisis, the war in Iran is becoming more ridiculous every day. We normal Americans just trying to live our lives are falling further behind financially.

The real issue for me is the blatant and continuous corruption. How much is enough money for these people?

This article appears in May 29, 2026.