Tomorrow, the boys and I will fly to New York to visit my mom. We’ll be away for two weeks, and Ali will be holding down the fort. Yesterday evening as we watered, I thought about how different the garden would be when I returned. The cicadas will be chanting, and the garden will be a summer garden. I will miss out on some of those transitional pleasures- the early tomatoes look a week away from ripening, and the peaches will get properly sweet and juicy while I’m gone. A gardener has no business leaving at the height of the growing season, I’ve been reminded, sternly.
This morning saw me pulling up bolted lettuce for the chickens and cutting down the peas (it feels like just yesterday that I put that trellis up for them) since Ali won’t pick them while I’m gone. I’d planted tomatoes and cucumbers under the trellis, and they’ve gotten a bit leggy waiting for their moment in the sun. We’ll see how they recover.
This evening I canned some peaches with a swig of brandy for a reminder of warmer days come winter. They weren’t very ripe, but I can’t face winter without my brandied peaches. And a neighbor brought over a great big sack of apricots because Ali had transported his goat in the back of the truck, so I cooked them and puréed them; I’ll make fruit leather with the purée when I get back, but for now it waits in the freezer.
Then I packed. This will be Kaya’s first long plane journey (it’s a 10 hour flight), and I fully expect the absolute worst, as is my custom. Baki is a marvelous traveler, so I’m not so worried about him. But Kaya? Well, let’s wait and see.
Garden Correspondent 
wishing you a very good and safe journey, dont know if kaya is in that age already, but i always bought papers full of different stickers, and my kids were putting those stickers on the fold up tables, the window blinds evrywhere, this kept them busy for quite a while during that phase where nothing else helps. remember not to only bring extra (change) clothes for the kids but also for yourself, you never know what happens.! good trip!
Thanks so much- extra clothes for me, yes, what a good idea. I love the sticker idea too- Baki would adore it. Your support is so much appreciated. I think that’s the hardest thing about traveling with kids- it has a way of making you feel alone.
Oh my, lots of games and things, i used to wrap tiny presents and bring them out at intervals for the kids when we travelled.. you are right, you never know what you are gong to get, he might just sleep for half of it and stay glued to a movie with headphones for the rest.. little ones are so inclement.. good luck! c
Thanks so much, Celi. I think I have some crinkly paper somewhere: I’m going to wrap all the little toys in my bag! Fingers crossed, deep breath…
Have a peaceful trip and wonderful visit with your Mom. Kaya will surprise you and be perfect, as will Baki. You’ll see. 🙂
Wouldn’t you know it, you’re absolutely right! Silly me- they’re obviously undercover angels (deep deep undercover…).
Have a wonderful trip!
Thank you!
Have a wonderful journey and a great visit with your mom, bet she can’t wait to see and spoil the grandkids.
Will you be in NYC? If yes, you should visit the High Line.
Thanks! I secretly go to see my mon hoping to be spoiled myself. And she delivered- with black chicken soup upon my arrival! High Line on the list!
You know about black chicken too?
If you have the time, check out my 6/6 and 6/7 posts about Battery Park and the 9/11 Memorial.
Oooh! You’re going to be in New York? We’re expecting gorgeous weather this weekend, bright and sunny with no humidity. You picked a good time to travel!
Enjoy you visit with your mother. I know she will enjoy spending time with you and the children.