Playing in the Dirt

Today was one of those days when you feel like you got a lot accomplished. 

It was filled with so many things that I love. We started our day by going to a couple of Farmer's Markets. After eating breakfast at one of the markets, we picked up a few things...

a free t-shirt,

  some Kenny's Farmhouse cheese 

(my favorite, and it has been since I got to tour the place with a group of students),

some local honey,

 

and some Chaney's milk. 

 

We also picked up some herbs.

 If you haven't tried lemon thyme, it is delicious!

 

 I had never heard of chocolate mint. I can't wait to use it!

  

This year I decided to grow lots of basil. I bought five basil plants. Two for my herb garden on the deck and three plants to add to the garden. I think pesto is in my future!

 Speaking of the herb garden, here it is. 

It also includes a salad bowl from the Farmer's Market. 

 

The big pot to the left of the rack holds my rosemary. It was a small plant I picked up last year. I can't believe how big it has gotten and I was able to keep it alive all winter!

  

After visiting the markets, we stopped by our favorite local coffeehouse.  

My friend Lara was having an Usborne Books story-time. We had lots of fun listening to a story and making a dinosaur craft.

 After seeing friends, drinking great coffee, and making a craft, we ventured out to Second Saturday's Street Fair on the Square. Then we headed home to get to work in the garden.

This year I decided I would plant tomatoes, yellow squash, zucchini, brussel sprouts, basil, parsley, and strawberries. I plan to add okra, too. I am attempting to grow carrots and watermelons from seeds. I also picked up a packet of pumpkin seeds which I hope to plant some time in May.

 

It's not the prettiest garden in the world, because I have to put a chicken wire fence around it, but hopefully it will produce some pretty tasty food.  (Because of the number of rabbits around here, I wouldn't have anything left in the morning without the fence.)

  

A little over a week ago, I added hydrangeas to our back flower beds. I just can't get over how beautiful hydrangeas are. I just love them!

  

Then today I also added some more color to our landscape with the help of some petunias. 

 I don't know what it is about playing in the dirt, but it just feels so therapeutic.

It's been a splendid day!