Cycling
Indeed, this is the best and longest cycling season since we joined the Roaming Riders group. Although the season officially ended at the end of September, some of us took advantage of the snow-free, 2-digit temperature cycling weather. Although the wind is definitely autumnal, putting on the layers resolved that problem. Brantford had paved a new rail trail which will eventually connect it to Waterford and all the way to Pt. Dover. The trail is wider and hill free so it became one of the favorite routes this fall. It looks like last Monday's ride is the last ride of the season.
Gardening
The growing season was extended as well so I had more time to enjoy the fall bloomers.
These are some of the backyard photos in October. Blooms include: native Rudbeckia (brown-eyed daisies), the starry flowers of Nicotiana (top RH), purple Salvia (middle RH- I bought a tray of 18 for a dollar at the end of July at Home Depot), Sedum (bottom LH), marigolds (in the raised bed with the green pepper & basil plants).
The front garden still provided colors and texture: artemesia, blue Salvia, mums, and cosmos. Ignore the stressed-looking juniper in the bottom picture (RH corner). Bob gave it a buzz cut (that chain saw is my nemesis).
Distance Education
I am now taking the third course (out of 4) of the Master Gardeners Certificate from the NSAC.
It's called "Maintaining the Garden" which is much easier on the brain than the last one (Soil Science). The modules I've just covered included weeds, insects and diseases which I seem to have an infinite exposure in Brantford in my short gardening career. Now that I have some idea of the diagnoses of infections my various plants get every growing season, it doesn't mean that they'll go away any sooner. I have only learned a few other new cultural practices since this course since I am already applying most of them. Disease symptoms get eradicated one year for a particular vulnerable plant but only to acquire another. It is a never ending battle! In any case, I about to learn more and am hoping for a better year next year!
Crafting
I finished 2 crocheted shawls. I am going to donate them to a local CWL (Catholic Women's League) group who collects them for distribution as "Prayer Shawls". I've purchased more yarn on sale and dusted off some of my shawl patterns for future projects. I made 3 pairs of ankle socks and I am eyeballing a slipper pattern that I might make for Michael.
Reading
Well, this activity is getting harder to accomplish since I started my course. I did read mostly recommended books by the local library: Bob Katz's Elaine's Circle (my favorite Canadian non-fiction this period), Jon Krakauer's Into the Wild (about Christopher MsCanless), Janice Lee's The Piano Teacher (historical novel in Hong Kong/ China), Susan Fraser King's Lady Macbeth (from the character's perspective), Sue Miller's While I was Gone (strange mystery/psychological thriller) and Richard Wagamese's Ragged Company which was another favorite because it had a happy ending. Now, I am reading about weeds, pests and diseases!
