In our case, it should be called yard-blitzing or something, because what I did today was rip and cut (and cut and cut and cut) and cart and dig and yank and other violent activities. Frankly, after 4 hours of that, I'm afraid to report that it looks the same as it did before I started. I know I did the work though, so I'll just have to accept that I did accomplish something. (I'm pretty sore though, so there is that proof.) Our yard is so overgrown with GIANT plants that it really looks primieval. At one time the yard was probably suitably-sized, gorgeous and very disciplined. We've got various kinds of lavender, purple and pink flowering trees, beautiful roses, palms (?), and had raspberry bushes (which we may have killed with neglect, finally.) I think the people who owned the house before us kind of kept things somewhat in check, they actually kept a plot with potatoes and vegies and stuff. We've moved in and have let things really go wild with neglect. With our mild Alameda weather and lots of rain over the last few years, well, all the plants have done their thing and grown and grown and grown. We thought we really wanted a huge yard when we were looking at houses, and this one had a very long and satisfying backyard plot. The reality is that we are HORRID gardeners. We are trying to improve things by considering the gardening exercising and once we get out there we really enjoy it.
So, so far so good with that plan. 2 years ago I did try to plant some lettuce and other things in the back plot, but the racoons and other animals ate them all up immediately. That was so disheartening that I didn't try again. I guess I shouldn't be such a baby - I should try various nets and fences and things, but haven't summoned up the enthusiasm for that. There are probably vegies that are not palatable to our animal neighbors which I should try if I ever attempt vegetables again. We have planted a few fruit trees, some have died right away, but one is thriving and actually fruited some plums last summer, which I never got to taste because the squirrels were ALL-OVER them as soon as they ripened. I think we have to wait until there is significant quantity to outlast the birds and squirrels before we actually get to enjoy fruit from our own trees. A few years ago I planted a lemon tree in the sunniest part of the yard, but it is really struggling. I've got to cover it because some animal loves to nibble on the lemon leaves. They must be tasty.
Other than that, I've been trying to keep up on the news and all the blog feeds I read (lost cause) and here are a few things that caught my attention today and yesterday: Talking Points Memo is currently highlighting this editorial on Iraq and the current rhetoric to escalate the war into Iran (which is so horrific a thought I can't think it without experiencing internal shudders each time I read about it anywhere) by General William Odom in the Washington Post. Victory Is Not an Option The Mission Can't Be Accomplished -- It's Time for a New Strategy. Most of the military retired higher-ups (and most anyone who has served in a violent conflict) have no illusions about war, and the path our current direction in this war is leading. Usually those who have experienced war do not glorify it or want it unless it is the absolute last possible option to protect and defend those they love. I think the last few experiences of war for most Americans have been too sanitized and much like video games - divorced of consequence and reality. It is easier to remain untouched by the realities if all you see or hear about are "intelligent" bombs that look like fireworks filmed from far away. A complicit and lazy press who no longer knows how to go beyond the spoon-fed pap given to them by the administration facilitates this ignorance. We are all complicit if we do nothing, and so then, what is the average person like me to do? I'm still trying to figure that out, only feeling the need to DO something with greater and greater urgency.
On a similar note, there was also this yesterday from 'Just World News' by Helena Cobban Choice time: unravel Al-Qaeda or fight Iran?
And this which kind of turned my stomach: OH, ICKKKK!!!!! Over-the-Counter Weight-Loss Drug Is Approved The side effects are so lovely. My first thought in response to this article was: What about the fats your body needs to be healthy and feel full so that you aren't tempted to overeat? Why do I feel like this is all half-assed backwards as a "solution?"
Okay, enough writing, have a lovely week. I've got to get back to cleaning the house.
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