Sassy's morning walk is non-negotiable. When the sun is up, she looks at me expectantly, always assuming the best, as Luther says, observing his dog's behavior. Luther said we should ask God in the same way, always assuming the best from Him.
Sassy led me down Joye Street, which is west of our street and goes down to the fire station. She sometimes finds firemen outside tending to the trucks. This time she explored the grounds a bit and headed toward Almost Eden, our marvelous nursery so close to our home.
Almost Eden is the so-called park at the end of our cul-de-sac, and it was formerly a dairy farm. We like to walk through the plants, the displays, the grape vines, and new fruit trees. We have permission. Today we saw Almost Eden himself and their new dog Opie. Last summer, Little AE loved Sassy up, and the parents said, "We might get a dog for Little AE." They did and Sassy played tag, and little dog games.with Opie,
Almost Eden put in permanent beds for no-till gardening (also my style - mulch the weeds or pull them). When it was done, his mother said, "Did you remember the soaker hoses?" No.
We talked about various strategies, neighborhood kids and such.
Sassy and I completed our walk by going across the park, which is planted with many fruit trees now, all small but promising. The vast areas of grass are kept mowed.
She played guard dog while I watered the baby roses. No, it did not rain last night, more than a sprinkle. Most of the babies are leafed out, but I had a few more needing extra attention.
I have had a number of roses that seemed beyond all hope. I even dug one up and saw it was alive. So I suggest watering and pruning all deadwood with patience and hope, when a new or old rose does not seem to be leafing out in the spring.
We call the Jackson Rose Farm - Eden. So Almost Eden laughs at our borrowed name.
Directions to Eden - Walk through Almost Eden and you are right there at Eden. Can't miss it. Just look for the roses.
