Everything Grows

In 1964, our family moved to the Wenatchee Valley. My dad, Tony DeRooy, had just been hired as the first Landcape Supervisor at Rocky Reach Dam. Prior to that, he had worked for the Great Northern Railroad as the third of only three (ever) Superintendents of Parks. He had followed in the footsteps of my grandfather, Arie DeRooy, who had the position from 1934 until his death at Many Glacier Lodge on August 8, 1951. Growing plants, flowers and children was their life work. Anyone who knew these men, as well as the women who have stood faithfully by (thanks, Mom!) recognized their passion. This blog will be concerned mainly with dahlia and garden thoughts, but will also discuss things that are happening in the beautiful valleys, plains and mountains that we know as North Central Washington.

Tuesday, July 26, 2011

HUGS ARE GOOD FOR CHILDREN, AND OTHER LIVING THINGS....

Our family has always been a hugging family. This has been a bit "culture shocky" for some of the inlaws that have joined our family over the years, but eventually, everyone gets used to being grabbed and squished against the ample fronts of the people in our clan. The hug is just our way of saying "Nice to see ya..." My poor husband was not quite sure what to do when my mom and sisters hugged him - he didn't really know how to hug back...but after 15 years, he has come a long ways, and is now comfortable returning the favor!

I was out in the garden today, doing my third tie-up of the dahlias that keep growing taller (yay!). I have quite a few plants that have really filled out lately. As I was gathering the stems and foliage together to make sure nothing is left to fall away from the stake, I was overcome by a sense of joy and love for the plant that I had in my arms. I just wanted to squeeze it and maybe even plant a kiss on the buds and blooms....I know that might sound strange, but wrapping my arms around these beautiful, sweet-smelling dahlias on this summer afternoon just seemed to complete me! I restrained myself, choosing instead to gently wrap the twine around the plant and the stake, tying a snug knot, securing it against the agressive Eastern Washington winds. When I was done, I stood back and felt satisfied that everyone was safe and protected against indiscriminate gusts.

I walked away when I was finished - but I'll probably find another excuse to sneak a hug now and then, from my garden full of cool, green lovelies......

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