Monday, August 10, 2009

Farmer Gwen


Farmer Gwen
Originally uploaded by pwhyte
Well, she turned 91 last week. She has given up any kind of garden, but still likes her potted plants on the porch.

I had taken her some crazy looking gourds last year at Halloween for a basket on the table. She saved them, cut them open and dried the seeds and planted a few in the flower containers on the porch this summer. They grew and grew and grew! They took over the glider, so now she is just letting them have the glider for the rest of the summer, lol. She had intended for them to climb the rot iron posts on the porch, but the gourds preferred the glider. She has harvested a couple already, and has a few more coming on.

She will always find a way to grow some kind of crop!

Barn Invasion


IMG_0541
Originally uploaded by pwhyte
This is what happens to the barn if we don't get down there for a month in the summer to keep up with the mowing, weed eating and applying RoundUp....

We don't know what this vine is, but it has been impossible to kill it. It looks like a squash or melon vine, but it never blooms or produces any fruit. It was there when we bought the farm, and we just can't seem to stop it!

It is kinda pretty, but sure looks like we have neglected the place! Will get it carved back this weekend. :-)

Saturday, August 01, 2009

Big shoes to fill


Big shoe
Originally uploaded by KaiChanVong
I am taking Melissa Higgs-Horwell's position at SCOCA. As of Friday she has officially retired. I am thrilled to have this opportunity - but apprehensive at the same time because Melissa has been such a driving force in education in general and specifically with video conferencing in the South Region. She has been the heart and soul of IVC for the past 8+ years. She knows everyone, and people all over the state know and admire her.

They are indeed "Big shoes to fill," but I welcome the opportunity to give it my best shot. I hope people will understand that I can't be Melissa, but I will work very hard to keep the projects and initiatives she has developed growing and prospering. I'm sure she feels like she has left her "baby" in my care and I hope not to disappoint her. :-)

My hope is for Melissa to really enjoy life - she has earned it. I also hope that "enjoying life" will mean that she continues to contribute to the education world and that we will have the opportunity to work together again - soon! I miss her already.