August ... and the earth's in tatters The garden's sick of the whole bloomin' thing The birds have left to talk about affairs Someplace more cool and quiet
Very little matters The way it did in spring When roses' ruffled airs Tumbled the whole garden into one mad riot. That's just about the way it is around our house. If I could have worked a way to get the cats into it, I would have included them, but I guess they're worth of a poem of their own, the way they run things around here!
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On to a more serious subject: Given that 9/11 will be on us before we know it, I decided to inquire if there was going to be another ecumenical observance among Lodi's churches like there was last year.
So I called St. Paul Lutheran Church to find out if Pastor Mark was going to organize the observance the way he did last year, only to find out that he is on sabbatical and will not be around. No one else there is available.
So is there someone else at another church or organization who will plan this year's observance? Last year's participants were greatly in favor of an annual event, and I second that motion. I would take it on myself, but at this stage in my life, I simply can't. I hope someone will do this.
Last year, we had Catholic, Protestant, Mormon, Buddhist and Sikh churches participating. There would have been Jewish representation also, but the rabbi was in hospital at the time.
If someone is willing, let me know and I will put the announcement in the paper.
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Here's a piece of good news! DeGrande's Café has taken over the Lodi Elks Lodge in Woodbridge to serve lunches from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Don't have a starting date as yet, but they will start serving their special monthly dinners on Sept. 17 at the café proper at 2370 Maggio Circle, No. 14, off South Stockton Street. Two seatings at 5:30 and 7:30 p.m. Call 209-365-5500 or 209-663-1600 for reservations, which are required. Entrée: Italian roast chicken in wine!
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I have no hopes that the city will take down the crinkly spike in front of the Veterans Plaza, but I sure wish they would. It blocks a great vista from the sidewalk to the water wall with its orb and pool, which is really attractive, to say nothing of the poetry stones set in the grass.
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St. John's Episcopal Church is planning its third annual Harvest Faire, to be held on the church grounds at 1066 S. Lower Sacramento Road, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 29. Vendors are being sought, in addition to those already committed from last year, and it is a great opportunity for those with products to sell after the last Farmers Market on Thursday, Sept. 27. Please call Tina at 209-368-9047.
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And one to end with: "Until one has loved an animal, a part of one's soul remains unawakened." — Anatole France
Gwin Paden may be reached at gwinp@lodinews.com.
Darrell Baumbach posted at 7:53 am on Mon, Aug 27, 2012.
"Until one has loved an animal, a part of one's soul remains unawakened."
Wonderful thought ...also, until one has loved and nurtured the land he/she owns, part of one's life is less than it should have been.
Ted Lauchland posted at 3:02 pm on Sat, Aug 25, 2012.
August and September look ugly for the home garden and there are few things you and your garden should be doing during that time. Plants and people struggle just to survive the heat.
However!
Weeds tend to take over in the vineyards as the farmer has stopped fighting them months ago to concentrate on the crop qualities. Real Estate showings of properties are tough at this time because of the appearances. Real grapegrower land buyers do not look at the weeds but instead look at the beautiful contrasting crops that are in full view right now. The smell of fresh , pungent, ready to pick fruit with that soft look of pure , candied , bold and majestics all in one package bunch hanging on that vine is wonderful.
Without going completely nuts with that "Green Acres" speech I can say it will soon be time to celebrate once they have been picked and sent to the expertise of the winemakers.
It is truely a beautiful time of year!