Raspberries,the Return, Birdhouses and Urban Living

 A beautiful late summer day is moving from dusk into night as one of my favorite collections of classical music plays in the background and blue-gray clouds hang in the southern sky. Living on the third floor provides a different perspective than the ground level one at our former home. Now I have views of the ever changing skies, swallows that perch on the nearby electric wires and occasionally witness geese as they fly over the deck of our apartment. 

Meanwhile back at the Prospect Gardens, the summer raspberries are plentiful. Notice the bug on the upper leaf. Could it be the Japanese Beetle? As you probably know, they have a voracious appetite, stripping leaves until only the veins stand out. The resulting lace-like pattern is actually quite pleasing to the eye but not to the plant.


 Last week Ann and I returned for the first time to work in the Gardens since our move. All the necessary tools are now stored in this shed located on the property adjoining the path. The shed has been there for years and  borders Ernie's lot. Here's hoping Ernie and his wife, Jeanne, remain in their home for several more years.Otherwise, we will need another storage place for the tools.
Thank you, Ernie, for providing this access.  

While working several former neighbors stopped by to say hello.  We were especially pleased to visit with Andres and his two young sons.  The family, including Jen, returned from a year long sabbatical in Spain in mid-August.


Here I am, looking a little like the stern man in the "American Gothic" painting. Ann and I already worked nearly three hours.  I achieved my goal of completing mulching that began early this summer after removing very tall weeds. Our focus was on the hosta garden underneath the trees in back of me.

Ann's help and company is greatly appreciated. Beside hauling away weeds I pulled, she cut away the brown stems of the Daily Lilies and weeded. One of her favorite tasks is cleaning the debris from the ramps, making them safer for all the bicyclists.

A very special thank you to Laura who weeded on her own time. She is a faithful volunteer. 

Here's the first of five birdhouse that will be installed in the garden this upcoming Sunday. A neighbor, Nick and his son, are the builders. I love the bright colors and I am eager to see the other four.


Darkness now accentuates the view out of my office window with the "Open" neon sign of Taste of India inviting late dinners. Taste of India is just one of  eight current choices within easy walking distance. Included in this list are the Laurel Tavern,Michael's Frozen Custard and Colectivo Coffee. Bluephies is now under renovation and Roman Candle is moving across the street. Infusion Chocolate will also be our neighbors.

I mention the eight not to suggest that Ann and I are go out frequently. Instead, the list underscores our new urban environment and how this part of Monroe Street is fast becoming restaurant row.