Faith, Folklore, and Friends

If you ever wander in old cemeteries, and I know many of you do, you are bound to see some cedar trees. The tradition goes back to the early days of the United States and even earlier  in Europe.  Cedar trees were not always used, but some type of evergreen trees were planted because they were a symbol of everlasting life.  Some  Cherokees believed that cedars contained powerful spirits, including the spirits of the departed buried beneath them. Perhaps because they are known as burial trees, there are many superstitions that surround cedars.  My grandmother told us in no uncertain terms that if we planted a cedar tree, we would die when it was large enough to shade our graves. Some others are: Never transplant a cedar tree; it will bring bad luck. If you transplant a cedar and it dies, you will die shortly. Planting a cedar tree in your yard welcomes poverty. Some say Christ was crucified on a cedar tree, and wil...

  Here's a look at the fall garden.  Above is the abundant turnip greens.  I haven't cooked any yet, but they are ready.  I love smelling them as I walk through the garden.   The kale is looking good, too.       The collard greens look a little scrawny, but we never eat them until after frost anyway.  Frost just makes them better. The radishes are almost big enough to eat.  This one is having a hard time against that rock.   The cucumbers are blooming and have little ones.  These came up from seed from the spring cucumbers.     I was so happy to see these little sprouts of green.  We transplanted this pink weigela bush and all the leaves died and I thought we had killed the bush for sure.  It looks like it is going to be alright.   Yesterday was such a great day to work outside.  I am so in love with October.