Pesto Zucchini Lasagna

Caera and I made this today, which has layers of zucchini, homemade pesto, mushrooms, and vegan cheese:

Growth

 

In Memory of my Mother

Next month it will have been four years since my mother died. I still feel inept sometimes at putting complicated feelings about death into words... but maybe I'm also trying too hard to emit wisdom. I just miss her, and gardening was an interest we had in common, even if we arrived at it in different times and places. In particular, my mother was active in her local dahlia club for years, and grew some award-winning flowers. I do not have such a gift for dahlia cultivation, but I do like having them in the garden to remind me of her. Caera picked up a tiny little dahlia at the Sno-Isle Food Co-op, and it's taken to this spot in the mandala garden quite well.

Zucchini Harvest

 Why do I ever grow more than one plant? As usual, we're harvesting more than we can hope to use. :P

Glamour Kitty

Showing off our beautiful Ceilteach, who manages to look gorgeous and mysterious even after a stressful visit with the vet. 

Or maybe I'm biased. I just love our Baby Kitty.

Weird Vegetative Growth in the Same Bed

We've noticed a curious development in the bed with corn and tomato plants. The tomatoes' vegetative growth has exploded, and there isn't a lot of flowering yet. (Yes, I've once again neglected to prune and stake my tomatoes, and I have no excuse other than I'm barely keeping up with anything right now.) On the other side, the corn plants have quit growing taller and are sending out their tassels. Something seems to have stressed them, be it watering, nutrient content, temperature changes, or general neglect. I wasn't here for a few weeks, so I'm not sure what may have happened during that time. Since corn stalks rely on wind pollination and these plants are only a foot or two off the ground, Kate and I are hand-pollinating to help them along. I haven't tried that before so we'll see how well it works.

A Lot Can Change in a Month

While we were gone, Caera planted my veggie starts, so I'm grateful for that. The garden is booming, and Kate and I are continuing the stone work on the mandala. 

Taking a Break in the Garden

 

Returning from Montana, at a Loss for Words

Last month Kate's father had a stroke, so I drove her to Montana so she could be with him and also help her mother. A week later the rest of Kate's family came out to be with us, and Richard died early on June 25. It was an incredibly difficult time, but I'm at least glad Kate was able to get him home from the hospital in Missoula so he could spent his last moments in Dillon with his close family. Richard was such an incredible person, and is sorely missed. It breaks my heart that he would die during a time like this. 

I feel like I have a lot to say and nothing at the same time. It's hard, it hurts, everyone's sad and exhausted, and I'm going through my own mourning process that's difficult to put into words. My love goes out to Kate and Marian and their whole family.

From the Dillon Tribune:

On June 25, 2020, Richard Bee Turner, 80, died peacefully in his sleep at his home in Dillon, Montana, surrounded by family. A lifelong teacher and activist, Richard was loved and appreciated by many, especially in the social justice and LGBTQ community. 

Richard was born in San Bruno, California and travelled extensively throughout his life. He lived and worked in Linfen, Shanxi Province, China, and Utqiagvik, Alaska, but he made his home in Dillon, Montana. Aside from his work as a college professor, Richard was active in politics and strove to help marginalized communities. His legacy as a progressive activist will continue to inspire those who knew him.

He is survived by his loving wife Marian of 50 years, extraordinary daughter Kate (Chaya & Marcelo), artistic son Luke, stepchildren Jenny, Laura Kat, Julianne, and Chris, as well as his lovely grandchildren Sebastian and Sylvia.

Per Richard’s request, no services will be held. Donations may be made in Richard’s name to the ACLU at aclu.org or the National Bail Fund at bailproject.org.