What a spring and summer this has been! I have been unemployed since 3/24/17. I can’t believe 4 months have passed by already. Unemployment has been an extremely difficult situation for me. Finances are certainly an issue, but the effect on my self esteem has been most severe. To my credit – I haven’t just sat around thinking about how bad things are. I have kept busy. The thing that has kept me most busy is my garden, and oh my goodness – am I proud of my garden.

Watching nature work has kept my spirits up. Well – bugs have ticked me off a few times. Especially when it comes to my green beans. But – I have endured and learned – and as a result I am feeling quite proud of my determination and work. My family has supported my ups and downs, as well my excitement for anything and everything that has happened with the garden. While my trials are tough – the blessings of everything and everyone in my life are far greater.

We planted lavender in our front yard years ago to attract bees. The plant did not do very well until this year. Watching the honey bees flock to it is a daily pick-me-up. Watching them work in the garden is fun too. Because of the bees we have had a lot of squash already (both zucchini and crookneck). We have lots of cucumbers starting – they look like cute little gherkins right now.

The squash plants are starting to latch onto the plastic fence my husband put up inside the wood fence. He did this to keep the rabbits out, but now it has a new benefit. I went to pick through the plants yesterday -but there was a long branch I couldn’t move, and I was amazed to see it had little vines that had wrapped around the fencing to climb. It made my day!

I really need a job. I really want a job. My self esteem could really use a job. Until that blessing comes – the blessings of my garden and my family are getting me through. Love is incredible that way!