Gardening

Spring has arrived with lots of rain

 and lots more rain

 and a few days  of sunshine

making us appreciate spring in the mountains. 

Green, green grass,

brilliant blue sky,

 frothy clouds,

and the snow capped mountains

radiating light.

Lucy and Spencer got these in the mail from cousin Gail:

Plant the card and flowers appear.

It is time to plant a garden.  

You can do that anywhere, 
even in the desert,
just look! 
From this:

To this:

LeeSee is growing tomatoes in Las Vegas!

I love the fresh garden produce, reminds me of grandma's garden in my childhood.

 

Spencer and I have spent lots of time reading and

rereading:

Tops and Bottoms

Foolish Hare lost his property in an ill advised bet with Tortoise about a race.  His children are hungry and his wife is reminding Hare that he must do something. He does!  That clever Hare makes a deal with Bear, who sleeps all day, to split the crops on his property.  Hare even lets him choose which part Bear wants the tops or the bottoms. Bear chooses tops and Hare and his family plant carrots, potatoes, beets and radishes.  Bear chooses bottoms and hare plants celery, broccoli and lettuce.

Janet Stephens' whimsical illustrations are delightful.  Her characters lend themselves to distinctive voices for Hare and Bear.

Here's an example:

“Hello Bear, wake up!  It’s your neighbor.  Hare, and I have an idea!”

Bear opened one eye and grunted.

“We can be business partners!”  Hare said.  “All we need is this field right here in front of your house.  I’ll do the hard work of planting and harvesting, and we can split the profit right down the middle. Yes,sir, Bear, we’re in this together.  I’ll work and you sleep.”

“Huh?”  Said Bear.

“So, what will it be, Bear?” asked Hare.  “The top half or the bottom half?  It’s up to you—tops or bottoms.”

“Uh,  let’s see,” Bear said with a yawn.  “I’ll take the top half, Hare.  Right—tops.”

Hare smiled.  “It’s a done deal, Bear.”

Spencer Dee loves Hare and Bear,
you will too.