the harvest basket ~ one evening last week
In the past few days since school ended, I’ve had time to look back at my poor neglected blog — never did I dream that over a year has gone by since I posted *anything*! Well dear friends, school is out, not only for the summer this time but for GOOD. I completed the requirements for my bachelor’s as of August 9. I’ll have to wait a few more weeks for the official conferral of my degree, but I’ve finished! This is the realization of a lifelong dream — and the exorcism of my only regret — not finishing college when I was “college-aged”. If you’re reading this and think it’s too late to go back to school — I hope you will think again. It’s *never* too late and I am proof positive. If I can do it, anyone can! 🙂
a wee bit o’ bragging 🙂
I couldn’t have done it alone, however. I’ve been fortunate to have the unending support and encouragement of my fabulous kids, friends, colleagues, and of course — dear Gary. DG endured endless evenings alone while I studied — he took care of the house and the garden and the cats — all while acting as proofreader for each and every paper I wrote — quite ably, I might add.
I am forever grateful.
The big and little gardens in the North Woods are flourishing. It’s been a hot summer and many days we need to water twice. We have been blessed with loads of tomatoes (ripening early!); peppers hot and sweet; corn; squash (winter and summer) and cukes; chard; beets and carrots; lettuce growing in the shade; papdi beans and pole beans flowering; mini-melons and asian eggplant galore; herbs, too! Although it’s only the end of August, the kitchen is overflowing with good things to eat and preserve. My *other* dream of vine-ripened heirloom tomatoes is coming true this year — although a few have to be taken inside early as the birds are going nuts over them! 😉
the first tomato salad of the season — a celebration!
How does your garden grow? I can’t wait to hear 🙂
juvenile rose breasted grosbeak with berry
juvenile rose breasted grosbeak enjoying the viburnum crop!
Out Of The Garden 
Carine said
Congratulations on the completion of your bachelor’s degree!
Thank you Carine! Your blog has such an interesting name — I’ll have to check it out 🙂
masalamagic said
Congratulations Linda!! Proud of you. Its never too late to go back to school! Keep rocking, waiting to see more posts from you.
Thanks Latha! I hope to be more active with the blogs now with a bit more free time 🙂
shyameds said
Heartiest congratulations, Linda – you must be so incredibly happy! Also, what a difficult area in which to study for a degree, so I’m in awe. And oh, how your garden DOES grow! I live my garden dreams through you. Love, Shammi
Dearest Shammi, you are such a kind soul, thank you!! Your comments never fail to make me smile 🙂
I am so happy to see you here!! xox
Sra said
Congratulations, Linda! What’s next? Glad to know you and your family are well.
Hi Sra, happy to see you! Thanks for the good wishes 🙂 Next — well a long overdue trip to Boston to see my kiddos for one thing — then it’s time to look for a grown-up job 😉 Hope you’re well!
Siri P said
Hearty Congratulations Linda. We missed your posts and so happy you are back in action. My mother did her Master’s when she was 42 years old. With two kids, a husband and a full time job it was not easy. So, I know what you might have gone through. Your hardships paid off. Hope to see many more posts from you in coming days.
Hi Siri, and thanks for your kind words — I’m so glad to see you here 🙂 Kudos to your mom, too — that’s quite an accomplishment! All the best!
Daily Musings said
Linda, Congratulations! It means we will see more of you. Check email.
Hello, ISG! So glad to see you here. Hope all is well with you! 🙂
s said
congratulations!! And you’ve been missed.
S
thank you thank you dear S! 🙂
Raviraman O R said
Linda, welcome back and its so nice to see you back in action. And a big CONGRATULATIONS! This is a terrific feat – nothing to do with age – but I know what it takes to be a mother and going back to studies and getting a degree after being a mother is nothing short of a mind blowing effort – way to go. You continue to inspire us on many fronts. May that passion never dim in you. And please… please…. continue blogging more often 🙂
Thank you so much for your kind encouragement — it’s high time I got back to blogging and blog-hopping, yes! 🙂