gardening time

The weather has cooled off a bit, and the rain has added to the ability for us to transplant a lot of the cactus (or is it cacti) ? We had a very tall, beautiful cactus that was damaged in the freeze we had two years ago, and tried very hard to think it back to health, but to no avail. So Fred and Pablo (one of the workers here at the park) attacked it with a machete, chain, pitchfork, and truck to remove it as well as another one which had also frozen at that time. We saved a couple of "arms" from the tall cactus and replanted them, as well as some aloe vera and other plants, all very carefully I must say. Wearing leather gloves and trying to stay away from the pickers, we did well. I still would like a few potted herbs and maybe a flower or two. But for now, we call it done!

Fred and Pablo with the machete and pitchfork - the cactus was about 6 feet taller before they chopped some off

attaching the chain - this is quite a project

it is starting to go

it came out fairly easily

replanted with new cacti

some more plants in pots

aloe vera which was just one small plant - now it is three

the third aloe vera and a key lime tree

When we were at RIN last week we toured another Casa renovation. The latest project "Makeover Mi Casita" began two years ago with the remodeling of Casa #3 - these homes have not been touched since they were built 30+ years ago. The project was begun to give the Tia' and Tios (houseparents) a home they could be proud of, as well as teaching the children proper care of a new home. Casa#3 was dedicated last spring (See an earlier posting). This year Casa #4 has been started - and I do have to say is going quite rapidly. Experience from Casa #3 has allowed the workers to proceed with confidence.

 



 

a very qualified and expert tile layer

it looks beautiful

The hummingbirds explosion has ceased for now. A cold front (prior to the rain) came in and the birds left. Just a few on still hanging on. Pretty soon, though, we expect another round of hungry birds. We just can't wait for their arrival - even if we were filling feeders constantly.

 

CRM International has developed a web page, still under construction,  just for Sanctuary Outpost , but very available. We are in the process of producing videos to add which we hope will enlighten this part of the ministry to you. The specific area that we are involved in is Safe Harbor - but there are other branches of Sanctuary Outpost. Be sure to check them all out, as we expand the ministry to include all areas of the world. Go to www.sanctuaryoutpost.org to view this new website. Many thanks to an ever competent Chaplain Paul Darnell for all of his work.

 

God puts people in our paths for very specific reasons - sometimes we do not realize it at the time, but again, as we look back on our lives we can see the direct (and sometimes not so direct) path that He has laid out for us. Sometimes we just need to be quiet and listen - the answer is always there.