Patience

Medicine for the Soul

[Riviera rose lobelia and Dreams red petunia]

"Flowers always make people better, happier, and more helpful; they are sunshine, food, and medicine for the soul." - Luther Burbank

What a difference a few days makes! This small pot was planted only last weekend, and despite cold temperatures, rain, and mostly windy days, they've still managed to put forth blooms. I think there's a lesson in there somewhere. :)

A Flattering Blush

Taken in yesterday's wind and rain, and through a window to boot, the quality of the photo isn't all that great, but I was so excited to note this blush of pinkish-red on the ornamental crabapple tree just off the balcony. This is the tree that I thought wasn't going to bloom this year as it unfurled its leaves...what a nice surprise! I'll post photos in a week or so when it should be at its loveliest.

Apple blossoms should be at their peak for the 76th Annapolis Valley Apple Blossom Festival which begins next weekend.

The Great Pumpkin

Residents of Windsor, NS and pumpkin growers around the world were saddened to learn of Pumpkin King Howard Dill's passing yesterday after a lengthy battle with cancer.

Mr. Dill's prize-winning Dill's Atlantic Giant™ pumpkins captured the attention of many, including domestic megastar Martha Stewart. In the pumpkin-growing arena, Howard Dill is considered by many to be the king. Seeds from his personal variety are sold to competitive growers around the world, and his gigantic gourds are a staple at the Pumpkin Regatta, an annual event in which competitors row across Windsor's Lake Pesaquid in hollowed-out, decorated pumpkins.

Mr. Dill gained fame in 1979, when one of his early creations took the top prize in the International Pumpkin Association’s annual weigh-off, tipping the scales at 199 kilograms. (In September 2007, Joe Jutras (RI) obtained the title of world’s largest pumpkin with a 1,689 pound, cream colored pumpkin.)

As you can imagine, Hallowe'en at the Dill farm was a sight to behold. (photo © Sherman Hines)

Soft spoken, friendly and accommodating to the many visitors to his farm, Howard will be missed by many, not the least of which are the residents of this town.

Buds & Blossoms

"And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud
was more painful than the risk it took to blossom."
- Anais Nin