Santa Monica, CA — Today’s Flower Moon towers over the Pacific Ocean as I pedal my rust-covered beach cruiser bicycle to nearby Peet’s Coffee on Main Street. A piping hot, delicious Latte awaits. Even at 5 AM, Life is good.
I know This Moon, though: ‘Tis a Planter’s Moon.
In a Barn in La Rue County, there is Seed waiting to be sown. Clean Bib Overalls hang from a peg and wait to be worn as do the old boots nearby.
The garden at Groundhog Hill, though, is not plowed, and I am not there to plant this season.
Still, my Mind returns. and my Spirit longs to create a new design for another year’s crop of Zinnia. Life continues.
No doubt, the deer and wild turkey are wondering “What’s Up?”
Kentucky has received so much Rain (and Snow) this year which bodes well for prosperous gardening. Yet, I find myself living in a state plagued by severe Drought. The creek beds are mostly dried, and the High Sierras beckon for Precipitation.
California Farmers are hurting, are troubled, are envious of The Garden Spot of the Universe that is Kentucky. As Cleve McStubbins likes to say, “Never complain about the Rain.”
I shall miss writing for The La Rue County Herald News, forever my hometown newspaper and weekly connection to so many.
Running into Friends, Family & Connections around Town and having them shout to me, “How’s the Garden?” always felt like a Little Miracle.
Little Winters. Late Frosts. Muddy Fields.
My Thoughts are with My Old Kentucky Home in the early pre-Dawn Light.
But for today, beneath The Flower Moon, I give Thanks for You, for Groundhog Hill, and for My Father as I make my way to Ocean Park Beach.
The Pacific Ocean calls to me.
More later….
Notes from Groundhog Hill 
I will miss your weekly column…..it was always one of the highlights of the Herald.
Thanks, Kathy!