It’s a rainy day here in central Pennsylvania. The skies are overcast, and the daffodils have begun blooming. Much like the colorful leaves of fall, I prefer to view my spring flowers on days such as this. With the gray background, their vibrant colors almost seem to pulse.

It’s not too long before I’m out in the rain, cutting a few of them to bring inside and brighten up my home. And hoo-boy, does it need it right now.  

My charming kitchen, which is quite roomy, was clearly designed by a seven-foot-tall person who had no desire to cook. I can only reach two out of the four shelves in each cabinet. And there are few cabinets to begin with.

I’ve picked up a few pieces of flat-pack furniture to expand my storage needs. But that means spending an hour or two putting them together, then cleaning the dust and dirt so I can put them to use.  

While I’m at it, I’ll probably knock out Mickey’s spring hydrangea to-do list over at my sweethearts. He’s got a massive Hydrangea arborescens that positively buzzes when it’s in bloom. The pollinators absolutely love it.

I’ve discovered that quite a bit of my new yard is in the shade. I can still grow plenty of vegetables, but it certainly throws a monkey wrench into things when you’re trying to plan a vegetable garden. 

Too many gardeners give up hope, thinking that a little shade means they can't have a garden. Yes, you absolutely can grow vegetables in the shade.👍

I'll see you all on Sunday, hopefully, with tidier flower beds and just as much elephant to eat as I have today.