Adapting

[wayfaringwordhack]

With the continuing tensions (isn't that a nice way of stating things?) in Lebanon, the kids and I stayed in France, but J had to return on the 23 for work.  It has been many a year since we have been home in this season, and I have taken the opportunity to expand my perennial plantings while I enjoy my tulips, daffodils, and grape hyacinths.

The kids and I have planted:
four cherry trees, three fruit (Van, Montmorency, and Géant d'Hedelfingen) and one Japanese flowering variety (Royal Burgundy);
one apricot tree (Harlayne);
three blueberry bushes (Duke, Elisabeth, and Reka); 
a Centennial seedless grape vine (we have two types with seeds, but I want one to make raisins with in my dehydrator);
a self-pollinating Siberian kiwi--Issaï--because I had a male/female duo in which the male died and have not been able to have fruit;
15 asparagus crowns (Amaro Montina);
a Heptacodium miconioides Tianshan (A seven-son flowering tree)--hope it lives.  It was NOT a nice specimen and I have lodged a complaint ETA:  YAY! MY COMPLAINT WAS ANSWERED AND THEY WILL SEND ME A REPLACEMENT;
two perennial oriental poppies (Princess Victoria Louise and Royal Wedding) ; 
and two daylilies -- Strawberry Candy variety.

I also put in some freesia bulbs because why not!?  Oh, because they probably won't come back on their own. Oh well.😜

If all goes to plan, we will travel back to Lebanon on 15 April so I can help J with the move and get my knee surgery. I will return to France asap because we might be moving to a new post as early as September and the kids need all the time they can get at home.🙏

Comments

[michaelboy]

Fruit tree planting reminds me of my father (who planted, painted, and loved trees)and of hope.

I love the Greek proverb:

"A society grows great when old men plant trees in whose shade they shall never sit"

Thank you, I loved this.

I hope for safety for your family in the coming weeks.

[wayfaringwordhack]

As is often the case, I imagine, with those who plant trees, I regret not getting these in the ground sooner; but if the best time to plant a tree was five years ago, the second best is today, as another saying goes. But I prefer the sentiment of the Greek proverb! <3

[mallorys_camera]

I've been wondering about you in the "continuing tensions." Hope all continues to go well.

[wayfaringwordhack]

I hope it does, too, and I hope I won't regret taking the kids back in two weeks...

[asakiyume]

What a blessing of trees and flowers! I hope you get grapes, kiwis, apricots, cherries, and (eventually) asparagus!

... And wow, a new post by September!

And in between that a move and a knee surgery ?! It's a lot M. It's a lot!

[wayfaringwordhack]

Yeah, it is a glorious blessing of fruitful and floral abundance. I pray it all thrives even with the neglect it will suffer with us being posted abroad again, if indeed we are. But qui ne tente rien, n'a rien !

And I concur. It is a lot. I am starting to feel it, especially after a 20 minute call with the surgeon this morning who informed me that instead of a partial knee replacement, he thinks I need to do the full. 😖 I was not expecting that.

[asakiyume]

Ouf. I'm assuming, though, that this is a surgeon you trust and feel comfortable with, yes?

[wayfaringwordhack]

I haven't met him! BWAHAHAHA. But he is very highly recommended, has operated on one of J's colleagues and treated the ambassador's wife. He is touted as the best knee specialist in Lebanon and is currently in France to speak at a conference. So he has the credentials. He was very personable and kind on the phone...

[asakiyume]

Well, all those are points in his favor! So probably you can trust him.

[wayfaringwordhack]

Yeah, he gave sound reasons for why I should just do the total now, but on the other hand, I hear about how no one wants to do a full on people of my age because of the lifespan of the prosthetic. :/ :?

I will reach out to him with follow-up questions.