Equilibrium

     So much has been going on these past few weeks, I haven't had time to blog.  I'm in one of those "one- day-at-a-time" phases of disequilibrium, so the best thing to do is make a conscious effort not to let myself overload.
     It is the ironic beginning of our "fall" semester, and as head of a department, I have had a lot of personnel and curriculum puzzles (and fires!) to sort out, as well as preparation for my own teaching. It seems to be more stressful than usual.
     I have a new work space which I am very happy about, though I'm still pulling it together.  (Before I had to use the dining table to work, which is right in the middle of everything.) The only downside of my new space is that is it my oldest son's former bedroom.  It makes me a little wistful that he is not here anymore--but I keep reminding myself that he is in no way wistful about embarking upon the adventure that is his own life.

     In the midst of preparing for school, my youngest has been in the hospital undergoing some serious treatment.  Here too, I am struck with the very worst kind of  maternal fears--largely ungrounded.

     Meanwhile, the garden has gone somewhat neglected.  The mosquitoes are inordinately fierce with all the rain we've had and no hard freeze for the past two winters.  Being outdoors, which I take solace in, is almost impossible.  I hate to spray on mosquito repellant just to be in my backyard!
     So much resembles this patch of mint which is thriving well in spite of being choked with grass.

     Some boring insect got to the zucchini (though not before we harvested quite a few), and this little cantaloupe has evidence of a wormy fellow too--as well as gnaw marks--which I fear may be a rat.  I've seen several rats skulking around rather brazenly in the late afternoon. !! I so hate that!!

     Luckily, there are other melons, and the peppers are doing really well this year, all three varieties.  There have been plenty of tomatoes, green beans, and cucumbers as well.  So, I shouldn't really complain.  In total, it's more vegetables than we've ever had--and all grown with greater success.

Also choked with grass!

     I guess the garden is a little like my life right now.  It is untidy which I don't like, but thriving.  Everything is really okay, even if I am not in total control of every aspect.