Even though it is currently 82 degrees outside, it is actually October. And time to plant a tree.  This last spring, we definitely mourned the loss of both the tri-color beech and the young redbud.  In retrospect, the redbud probably wouldn't have done well in that spot.  But we tried and I always feel so dejected when some living thing (except spiders and their ilk) dies at my hands.  

I had planned to replace the redbud with another one by having the company ship me one from their gardens in CA.  Then a chance remark from a more qualified gardener made me re-think that particular tree for that particular spot. And besides, it seems like the entire state of California is on fire. 

Our across the street neighbors are always extolling Glover Nursery.  I don't recall ever having been there.  And of course, at season's end isn't the optimal time to visit a nursery.  But off we went to see if they could recommend a good tree for the front of our house. (Our neighbor says they know absolutely everything!)  And recommend they did. We had several options with little supply to choose from. But finally settled on what we like well enough (if it does well in it's designated spot).  Wanted to know if they'd deliver and plant.  Of course.  $90 delivery fee, $60 planting fee.  Virtually doubling the cost of the tree.  Nope, not doing that.  

The next day found us borrowing a truck to transport the tree home.  Quite a convoluted process.  Half hour drive to pick up the truck, half hour drive to the nursery, half hour drive home, half hour drive to return the truck and then another half hour drive home.  And in between we filled the truck's tank with gas (thank you so much for loaning it to us), grabbed a sandwich, splurged on a cookie from "Chip" (overpriced like all of those cookie shops but tasty enough.  Still annoyed that no one is taking cash and you can't even have a printed receipt.) and picked up a bottle of hairspray.

Today was planting day.  Took most of the morning, but I am so, so, so happy with the tree.  It's a Sargent Crabapple, whose "apples" are supposed to stay attached to the branch and not make a mess (though I wonder if the birds those "apples" attract will make enough mess to make up the difference). 

And so grateful for The Husband who can do anything.  Including planting trees.

The mums are finally blooming and I can't look at that happy yellow enough!  I've been researching to figure out how to make them last through the winter.  Growing up, mums were what you always planted as a perennial.  But we'll see.  I rarely give up on plants until it is well and truly hopeless. 

I'm out of library books.  I need a trip to the library. 

And church at church begins again in earnest on Sunday.  The Bishop has requested I take an "assignment" - not a calling - to rotate with a couple other sisters (who probably want the calling as much as I do) as organist on a monthly basis.  October being my month.  I hope my aching hands will benefit from the service.  I keep reminding myself that any service is an offering.  An offering of my willing heart to the Almighty.  So, well worth any inconvenience.