Too much rain

It started raining in the early hours of the morning and rained almost continuously throughout the morning and afternoon with the wind blowing strong. Then the wind blew furious and the rain poured, creating this scene... viewed from the back of our house.

This is normally not a stream, but a ditch. The only time it contains water is with run off. Last summer it was a very dry ditch.

The road is...

Underwater!

If only there was a way to regulate rain! Come July, we will no doubt need some of this moisture.

Bearded Irises

Last April, while visiting family, my brother Robin gave me  six bearded iris bulbs,
with the green leaves still attached,  from my father's home place. Upon returning home I choose two different locations, amended the soil somewhat and planted them,... hoping for a few survivors,.. and a bloom or two this spring.

 

Much to my delight they multiplied!  Blooming, with the promise of more blooms to come.
Thanks Robin!

Now, if there was just some way I could protect them from being whipped about by the wind. Unfortunately here on the hill, even up against the house, that is not possible.

Spring!

Spring...wonderful spring!

A few of these...

A couple of starts of this...

But, unfortunately... a lot of this.

and this...

Weeds of all kinds!

 I spent the better part of a day lifting wild garlic and a variety of weeds out of  the mulched areas. Now, it's time to weed and feed the lawn...and time to plant...

Maybe, just maybe in time I will be able to enjoy lots of spring blooms and colors,

...and the weeds will be few.

Blowing in the wind

Wind, wind, go away... and don't come back another day! Not unless you come to visit as a gentle breeze on the hot days of  summer. In the 20 months we have lived here, you have worn out your welcome. The only time you have not shown your presence is on those hot summer days.
    
....So it is....I add the wind as another challenge to living on a hill. ***vent...vent...vent...change and living here is not by my choice! 
My list of challenges keeps growing. Barren land, poor soil, weeds, and now the wind.


Wind that erodes. Lifting the mulch in clumps, up and away...

Depositing in on the lawn...threatening to kill the grass.




Wind that blows so furious,... it over turns wrought iron furniture.

and tilts...it's even too windy for the birds.

Will I survive the changes and challenges in my life?

....the answer .... is blowing in the wind.