Gloves

Oh, a lovely Friday off. And three days to follow along in their own sweet time. Clouds above and dirt below. Anesthesia resident yesterday, overhearing my garden stained fingernail rant, as I scrubbed, admits he takes home a few extra gloves to weed in. His wife makes fun of him, of course - for pampering his delicate hands. Well, that's only right, really. So, when I pulled up some of the mass of cottonwood sprouts, I donned some (now un-)sterile surgical gloves for the task. Voila.

All the plants are looking happy and healthy, but none of the seeds are doing much, if anything. Next week, a soil test through the state aggie university, with an office down the street to drop it off. Or maybe it's just too early. Probably going out to continue my argument with the Overgrown Hedge. Between the neighbor and I, we are winning, but it ain't over yet.

Sat with Moby out on the front lawn this morning, and Neighbor and dog Spike walked by. I had to go pet Spike - this is required - and Moby came over to say hi as well. We let them get close, and it seemed to go pretty well. When Spike got a bit too near, Moby stayed but leaned back as if to say "ew, dog breath." Moby's tail was up, but getting a bit bushy, and he had one paw ready to defend himself, just in case, but no hissing. Neighbor had Spike held back, and we kept it short. Still, there was some level of politeness, possible friendliness, there. I keep being amazed at how confident Moby has become. My wild guess is that Moby assumes anyone I like has got to be worth a try, just as anyone who comes in the house is a potential friend. Not a guarantee, but he'll give it a go.

Masses of tiny flying bugs out in the grass this morning, all just a few inches off the dirt. No idea what they are, clear wings, black bodies and antennae, with red abdomens. Larval form of box elders, maybe? I am no entomologist. Must find a good bug identification site.

Update:

Apparently, they are good wasps. I do love being able to look this sort of thing up, and find it! This is the part of having the intertubes that I adore, it's like having an infinite encyclopedia.

The compost pile has become home to an impressive number of worms. I have to talk myself around to welcoming them, not letting any hint of revulsion begin to think about crossing my mind. I call them "little guys" and try to be happy they are there. And I am, really. Just having to remind myself.

More cat poop in the garden as well. Sprinkled some extra hot cayenne around, don't know if that will do anything, but it makes me feel better. Just have to be vigilant pulling it out as well as the weeding. Another good reason to have gloves on.