The Earth and Sky

Finished planting today in my backyard garden what most likely will be the last of the planting of elements in that part of the property this year except a few things that didn't make it that were planted initially before we moved in after the house was done this spring. The plants were the large leafed " bergenia " that have nicely colored flowers on long stems in the spring. I think they give the garden a lush look, which is ultimately what I am building on in the back. In the photo at the beginning it pictures one side of the walk leading to the front door of the house. It is a Japanese inspired garden greeting the visitor on both sides. You arent' able to see the Japanese cutleaf maple in the back with the " chocolate ajuga " underneath but I will show it at a later time or in the spring. In the foreground is the " dry streambed or the part on this side of the walk at least. This was a pleasant evening as I rented the movie " A Good Year ", directed by Ridley Scott and starring Russel Crowe, one of my favorite actors. Some might call this movie a sappy love story I suppose but I would consider that simply an opinion. Frankly, I loved the movie even though I am sure some might also say it was predictable. So ? Who cares, not me. It had a great story to tell as well as wonderful scenery of the Provence area of France. It made me want to go there again even more and stay in one area this time. Most likely in a small hill town where in the evening one could go to the local bistro to drink wine with the locals and in the morning go to the market down to street to pick up the day's provisions for meals. I think the Provence area has an atmosphere to it that simply says " come here for awhile and forget where you came from ". We bought some great olive oil in Avignon, a very picturesque walled city. The movie tells the story of a fast living investor who is ruthless and dedicated to only one thing, making money. After inheriting a small estate in Provence where he grew up with his uncle he realizes what he may have missed. You have to see the rest but if you like a good love story with great scenery, etc. , see this movie. I don't think you will be disappointed Maybe this tells a lot about me ? Ha. Growing up in the country I still have a connection to the earth. In fact, I made wine as a youngster and now that I can start my garden and landscape from scratch, I have planted a few Chardonnay grape vines, that incidentally are doing wonderfully. And for what purpose ? Well, what do you think ? And besides that, Idaho is gaining in a reputation for wineries. More are being started all the time. Several near here. Who would have thought ! As you may see by now, I have a feeling for the sentimental and part of us that connects with our surroundings and the earth as well as people. I just downloaded the new version of Google Earth, the version that now includes the software for astronomy with photos and data and information on the universe and planets, etc. I have now been motivated to get my telescope back in service and do some viewing again. In the past I have seen things with my own eyes that are so fascinating with this instrument, such as planets, star clusters and planetary nebulae or clouds. Seeing them as taken by the Hubble telescope only makes it apparent to me that there is so much we do know but even more we don't know and much more we can't even imagine, let alone know anything about it. And I am convinced that there is no way this came about by accident, any more than all the events in my life came about by accident. The best screen writer in the world couldn't have come up with a story containing the amazing things that have happened in my life, not just the good but the " bad " as well, which in turned have seemed to come to good eventually. Amazing ! I could go on and on about that but maybe another time. I will finish with a quote that I like that addresses some of what I have written about here and maybe before. If you understand what this says, then we most likely have something precious in common ; " Nobody can make a violin speak the last depths of human longing until that soul has been made tender by some great anguish ". Take a few minutes when you have time by yourself and think about this. Until next time, Ralph.