This morning was spent setting up the back yard patio and screened in porch for summer enjoyment. We in Western New York can't take this season for granted. Only a week ago there was a hard frost warning that had anyone with young basil already planted running for cover. Once the Memorial Day all-clear sounds, we tend our gardens with enthusiasm. Our best kept secret: Summers in Western New York are near perfect.
I never do anything in the garden before this weekend A) as an excuse to procrastinate the hard labor and B) it's easier to recruit teenage assistance if they're as anxious to enjoy the outdoors as I am. This weekend we were bang out of the gates like Kentucky Derby racers. Now I am sitting on my favorite screened in porch taking in the scent of freshly cut grass and talking to you all. The greatest thing about hard work is the rest after.