TheCapeBlog

Wanted to replace the phlox that I think was destroyed by an overzealous weed killer application so went to Centerville to pick up a big clump that was advertised on Facebook. Returned a library book on the way.

Being near Hyannis, I got thread for mending projects at JoAnne’s and did a small shop at the Marstons Mills Stop & Shop. They carry miso!

Dumped a pile of weeds at the transfer station. Later on, cleaned out the truck.

Ron did laundry and hung the clothes out to dry. Did a pretty good job, too. We took turns walking Teddy.

Putting together paperwork for transfer station stickers, I discovered that Ron let the registration on his van lapse. I renewed it for him online.

Watched a 3-hour Planning Board meeting. Mashpee Commons’ plans to expand have been kicked around since 2018. Still no numbers on how this project will be self-sustaining or its impact on other businesses. Disappointingly, retail seems to be its economic anchor. They are looking for a 25 year contract with the Town and the Cape Cod Commission. Plan to have over 1100 housing units, some of which will be in 4+ story buildings.

The other day, Ron and I dug out piles of aggressive plants from the corner garden. Ron drove to the Wareham Home Depot for mulch and a part for his Dremel.

I brought home a few plants from the Falmouth Garden Club sale at the Museums on the Green on Saturday and flowers and cuke seedlings from the Wholesale Nursery yesterday.

Made whole wheat corn bread and pea soup today. Only two packages of frozen vegetables left from Ron’s mega purchase a few weeks ago.

It rained most of Saturday and a good part of Sunday. Lots of cars at the Commons and Bad Martha’s. Westbound traffic is backed up now between Exits 4 and 5.

Ron took over Teddy walk duty today: all of it.

I made a vegetarian “chicken” pot pie and a vanilla bundt cake to go with strawberry rhubarb sauce.

Ron brought the sedan chair outside. I enjoyed it for a while as Teddy slept.

Ron got back in touch with his Safari buddy.

I did a little pruning, a little weeding.

Did a full system backup and the computer is creating a Windows 10 installation disk now.

On Saturday I picked up plants from the Master Gardeners, Roche and Meetinghouse Farm. Got everything in the ground or the flower boxes. Mulched the hibiscus.

Sprayed hibiscus and vegetables. Bean seedlings are being devoured.

Yesterday (Sunday) I picked up bacopa from a sale in Osterville for MMHS. Gorgeous new nursery, will be back. Finished planting the flower boxes: geraniums, dusty miller, bacopa.

Hurting yesterday, but did the transfer station: trash, metal, weeding detritus. Gassed up the truck. Ron did most of the walking with Teddy. I did join them in the evening.

Ron walked 4 miles today and mowed, front, back and sides.

I planted zucchini seeds and spread slug killer around the hostas.

Washed the truck, sprayed the maple and watered the big transplants.

Felt the effects of yesterday’s inoculation but feeling better by evening.

I dug down to the clay and beyond to plant the big hibiscus, which has wintered over in our basement for X number of years.

This morning, I pruned it after taking Teddy for a productive walk around the block.

Had a tough time getting to sleep last night. Got up after midnight for milk, toast and Pepto.

Picked up three prescriptions at Walmart and got a Shingrix shot – with no out of pocket charge.

We moved the foam mattress downstairs.

Mulch has gone sky-high, overnight, and I was stupid enough to buy some that I didn’t even like for the new lilac. Damn.

Maybe it’s because I was tired from pruning and stressed from trying to pay our gas bill online. Their website is having problems. Their tech support guy was helpful, suggested (heaven help us) Firefox. I finally logged on and paid in full with Microsoft Edge.

I pruned the six hydrangeas in the back, the larger of the two butterfly bushes and the three little St. Johnsworts.

Also washed and dried Teddy’ comforter. Ron and I managed to drape it on the outside clothes dryer. It got some tree effluent which brushed off easily and it has the wonderful scent of outside.

I grilled burgers for lunch – served with fries and mixed vegetables. Did a shop for ice cream and hot dogs for Teddy. Picked a handful of rhubarb by twisting instead of cutting the stems; Ron made sauce and changed the water filter.

I bought tomatoes, including a six-pack of Brandywines, nasturtiums, marigolds and a lilac at the Meetinghouse Farm annual sale and Scenic Roots on Saturday, so by Sunday evening, everything was in the ground.

I also transplanted three hosta from the corner garden.

Planting the tomatoes included soil prep: one half Ron’s compost, one half soil and some Tomato Tone.

It also involved setting up the cages prior to planting.

We’ll have more plants next weekend when I pick up our order from the Master Gardeners sale.

The day I’ve been dreading for a year is behind us: meeting with our advisor for 2020 taxes.

I guess it could have been worse. I greatly underestimated what we’d owe as a result of the sale of 11 Edgewater. This morning, I set up a payment plan with IRS and an online account with Mass.

Aside from that, it’s a pleasant morning. Ron let me sleep in, started the laundry and took care of Teddy, who was acting strangely, as has been happening since the start of the new season.