After Thanksgiving 2009 Muse Day*

A Boy’s Christmas

Over the river, and through the wood,
to Grandfather’s house we go;
the horse knows the way to carry the sleigh
through the white and drifted snow.

Over the river, and through the wood,
to Grandfather’s house away!
We would not stop for doll or top,
for ’tis Thanksgiving Day.

Over the river, and through the wood-
oh, how the wind does blow!
It stings the toes and bites the nose,
as over the ground we go.

Over the river, and through the wood.
with a clear blue winter sky,
The dogs do bark and the children hark,
as we go jingling by.

Over the river, and through the wood,
to have a first-rate play.
Hear the bells ring, “Ting a ling ding!”
Hurray for Thanskgiving Day!

Over the river, and through the wood-
no matter for winds that blow;
Or if we get the sleigh upset
into a bank of snow.

Over the river, and through the wood,
to see little John and Ann;
We will kiss them all, and play snowball
and stay as long as we can.

Over the river, and through the wood,
trot fast my dapple gray!
Spring over the ground like a hunting-hound!
For ’tis Thanksgiving Day.

Over the river, and through the wood
and straight through the barnyard gate.
We seem to go extremely slow-
it is so hard to wait!

Over the river, and through the wood-
Old Jowler hears our bells;
He shakes his paw with a loud bow-wow,
and thus the news he tells.

Over the river, and through the wood-
when Grandmother sees us come,
She will say, “O, dear, the children are here,
bring pie for everyone.”

Over the river, and through the wood-
now Grandmothers cap I spy!
Hurrah for the fun! Is the pudding done?
Hurrah for the pumpkin pie!

written by Lydia Maria Child-1844

~~~

The festivities are over.

The family came, they ate, they laughed, they played, they left. It was a wise woman who said “Mop the floors after the party, not before.” Shown in bloom, the moved to the garage deck stairway, Leonotis leonurus ‘Staircase’.

Also wise is the idea of quiet indoor activities for late November weather can be unpredictable. It was sunny but chilly during this years holiday. The offspring of the offspring are getting older now and artistic endeavors are something we encourage. From left, GA, LTB and MA had fun with paint.

Hypertufa troughs had been made this summer for the various family units allowing plenty of curing time before being planted up. Cactus potting mix was supplied as a bonus. There were a couple left over for use in the Fairegarden too.

The garden remains pleasing to the eye. Muhly grass, Muhlenbergia capillaris has lost most of the pink color, but remains upright and will be allowed to stand for another month or so before being cut down to the ground to begin the growing cycle anew. In the photo previous to the muhly, Sedum sieboldii ‘October Daphne’ is showing heretofore unnoticed foliage color changing.

A combination of favorable weather conditions and years of searching for just the right planting combinations have come together to allow the garden to be admired by all of the Fairegarden clan. Leaving the spent and dying foliage was easy on the gardener and easy on the eyes.

The family photo site was moved to the backlit gravel path outside the addition for the best shot ever. Thanks for the idea,VW! Back row from left: Brokenbeat, Mrs. Brokenbeat, Mr. Chickenpoet, Mr. Semi, The Financier, Aunt Lynn. Middle row from left: Gardoctor, Chickenpoet being silly. Front row from left: MA, Semi, LTB, Frances, GA.

~~~
*The opening poem has always been a favorite here and seemed appropriate for the occasion. Many thanks to Carolyn Gail of Sweet Home and Garden Chicago for hosting Muse Day on the first of each month.

Frances