The Sabbatical Begins

It is hard to believe that three weeks ago today I made the decision that I needed a sabbatical from San Francisco, the city I love so dearly. But the time had come for a much needed break from the many personal pressures and my extremely unhealthy living environment brought on by a major mice infestation in my beautiful flat that I created. Even after two City Rodent Inspections, I could not get help to get rid of the problem. They literally got in my bed, damaged furniture, and were everywhere in the house. Droppings and messes daily. It became unbearable and I became physically sick. It was time for a break. My home was no longer mine.

I arranged for movers to pack up my things and put it all in storage until I return to my beloved San Francisco. My Mum's flew in and we drove across the country in a mini van with Quincy, since I could never take him on a plane. What a drive! Other than earthquakes, tornadoes or hurricane, we encountered every kind of weather all along I-80 to Michigan. It just kept following us. Snow, flurries, 30 degree weather, sleet, hail, rain, dangerous thick fog, lightning, thunder and more. Mum's even met a Jehovah's Witness that tried to convert her at a rest stop in a snow storm in Wyoming! We left on Sunday (Mother's Day) and arrived at Mum's house on Thursday at 5pm, just in time for happy hour!

Friday morning I had to find the only Bank of America ATM in this town and we could not find it! Once I called they said it was in the food court of the local mall....and it only allows withdrawals-no deposits. So, I have to bank by mail while here.

I quickly settled into doing the things I enjoy doing but didn't get to do much in San Francisco. I mowed the lawn. I stained the great porch. I cleaned the outdoor furniture. I rota tilled my old garden. Shopped for herbs, flowers, vegetables, mulch, organics. Quincy loves the new lawn and spacious property. Everyday he frolics in the back, laying on his back and scooting back and forth.

I have taken some pictures for your viewing pleasure of the garden so far, porch, flowers and tomatoes and of course, Quincy. So far I have planted new: dill, parsley, spearmint, pineapple sage, thyme, rosemary, nasturtiums and I have had for years chives, mint and Greek oregano growing like nuts every year. I have tons of arugula, tomatoes, eggplants, red peppers, yellow peppers, broccoli, cucumbers and watermelon, so far.