Crazy Stable

Around the base of the Ent, the vinca is putting on a gratifying show.

 
And these babies have been fresh and lovely for more than a week. They also refrain from complaining about the unraked autumn leaves. 

How does this stuff know how to spill out from among rocks artfully? Taken together, I hope they draw the eyes of some weekend visitors away from the peeling facade of the CrazyStable.  I was going to go out and attack the property with rake and broom in the warmth of this afternoon, but a creepy bronchitis-like thing has started to spread through my chest. After spending almost all of January sick, I am appalled by this development. There are seeds to be planted, there is cement to be smashed up and removed...and there is a bicycle ride to train for.  Today even brought the brochure for the Brooklyn Botanic Garden plant sale, my yearly wild indulgence in "optimism over experience." The immune system is hereby commanded to produce radiant good health for the 21st Annual Vernal Assault on the Garden! [cough]