September Already?

August Flew By!

As I sit here on September 3rd, I can’t help but wonder, where did August go? At the beginning of the month, I wrote about the beautiful fall-like weather we were having, and here in Maryland, it lasted right up through today. It sure made mowing and gardening much more enjoyable. Speaking of mowing, who knew I would love it so much? Three hours with no TV, phones, or questions. Now I understand why my late father-in-law never wanted help with mowing.

A Peaceful Getaway

We took a quick trip to Gatlinburg, TN, and stayed in one of my son’s cabins two weeks ago, and it was beautiful. Twenty minutes up in the mountains with a view that seemed to go on forever. There’s something so peaceful about sitting in a rocking chair, watching the sun rise over the Great Smoky Mountains. We first visited there on our honeymoon 46 years ago and later enjoyed many family vacations. It makes me happy that my son and his wife love the area so much that they decided to invest in cabins there.

Here in Howard County, teachers and students headed back to school in August, and it feels like everyone is slowly settling into new routines again. Later this month, I’ll be walking in honor of my mom in the Walk for the Cure on September 27th, believing that one day we can finally end Alzheimer’s.

Fall Decorating & Garden Finds

This week I’m planning a trip to Sun Nursery for a few mums and maybe some pansies to start fall decorating. My husband loves red mums, and I might pick up one since he asked, but my heart still goes out to the bright yellow ones. I’m also hoping to find some Liatris ligulistylis that Larry Hurley wrote about below.

Back in May, I mentioned I’d be taking a break from weekly emails, sending just one a month over the summer. I honestly thought I’d return to weekly updates in September, but after enjoying time with family and friends, I’ve decided to continue with just a monthly note. I love writing and sharing these little updates, but the weekly pressure was simply too much for me to handle. I am retired, after all! LOL

I hope this month you’ll take a little time to visit your local independent garden centers. I know it’s easy to pick up plants at the grocery or big box stores, but your garden centers offer so much more.

~ Stephanie