Hurricane Debby

After 3 days of rain, we are able to work in the yard. I wanted to trim the Japanese blueberries along our neighbor’s fence back to shrub level, rather than the small trees they have grown into. Time for more chainsaw work. And get the brush from a previous trimming reduced to mulch. Daunting work. 

Debby came ashore in the Big Bend area, crossing Florida before heading up the coast. We ended up with 3 1/4” of rain and some wind, but thankfully, not enough to take out any more screens. Gracie was dismayed by the dampness, going out under the lanai, then coming back in. She missed her morning bunny watching.

We didn’t loose power, only internet, which came back on in time for me to continue watching the Olympics. I’ve restricted myself mostly to the 3-hour evening recap, rather than the all day offerings. Sometimes I hear results before I get to see the event, but I really don’t care. 

The day before the hurricane made landfall, Grant put together his 7-story plant tower, a Christmas gift I’d given him. I had Cooper use the last sprinkler valve for a dedicated line running to the tower. Now we can control the watering via a Rainbird phone app. 

I’ve started germinating lots of seeds. If they work, I want them all planted before we go to New Zealand. If they are duds, we will buy more and seed directly in the tower.

I also practiced making sour dough focaccia. Every time, it has been delicious but stuck like glue to the pan. I’ve had to chop and scrape it out. Always tastes good, but we loose the bottom crust. I’ve tried a glass pan, a metal pan, greasing with butter, greasing with Crisco, lots more olive oil than called for. No luck. Finally, by putting parchment paper in the pan, I’ve had a loaf slip right out after baking. Next, I’m trying a silicone pad. There must be an easier solution. All those Italian women surely have figured it out.