Signs of the Times

Sign of the times: my recession deck garden is growing! The first sunny day in weeks yesterday and I took some pictures to show off veggies, fruits, herbs. I actually used some cilantro in cooking this weekend. Not a great photographer (yet), I tried to show the actual veggies or fruit buds growth.

Another sign of the times: I have obviously stuck a cord as many of you post your comments encouraging me. That's the first sign of the times: I am not alone in being laid off and the incredible support from cyber friends and others buoys my spirits. Thank you all!

Yet another sign of the times: Health care. Sadly another item in the news that demonstrates the loss of a dream. Erickson Living had wanted to expand their health services beyond their communities; reaching out to seniors in Howard County Maryland. Alas, it was not to be. The revenues generated by Medicare reimbursement were not enough to provide the quality level of care that is their mission. The primary doctor there has come up with an ingenious idea to have patients buy into the medical center. If this does not happen, the center will close. It was enormously successful in the numbers of people served demonstrating the need for good medical care for those over 65. What most of the public does not understand is that Medicare is not free. Seniors have to pay for it and must supplement it to get the standard health care coverage most people take for granted. In addition, they must pay for Medicare D to cover drugs. Calling this health insurance entitlement is not correct. You can read the entire story here: http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/local/howard/bal-ho.erickson07jun07,0,6304428.story

President Obama returns from his successful trip abroad to begin the push for health care coverage for all. I hope he doesn't forget the seniors. Actually, I believe there should be no age distinction in health care coverage. Let's have the same coverage for all human beings!

A Tree is Planted in MD; Views from the deck

It's a good weekend in Md. The Preakness is today.....I would love the long shot to win yet again and he may since it is going to rain, yet again, here. Lots to do and am excited about planting herbs, veggies, maybe even fruits on my deck. My friend, Ronni Bennett of http://www.timegoesby.net/, inspired me on her blog: The Recession Garden. I call mine, the RIF or Disclocator Garden.

So far I have 1 tomato plant, cucumber bush (still in seedling pot), chives, cilantro, oregano, dill, basil, hot banana peppers, squash. I just ordered a strawberry and blueberry bush (thanks to Ronni). Not finished setting this up but working on it. See pictures below:

The grass is soooo green from the rain. The view is filled with trees (squirrels) and the comings and goings into this small suburban neighborhood. I cannot wait for these to bloom and eat truly fresh veggies, herbs and more!

This wonderful, inspiring little garden has dispelled the anger on yet another debacle in the trials and tribulations of starting over after a RIF(reduction in force). Some idiot in HR at my former company told unemployment I quit and was not laid off. The ramifications of this? I am not eligible for unemployment until this is corrected. Unemployment is working on this. Hopefully, it will be rectified. So, in my mind, this person is now a tree....perhaps a birch? The good news: a new tree is planted in my mind, a virtual forest of jerks. My way of letting go.....more to come.