Day:  63-degrees  |  Night:  42-degrees
Happy Halloween! All Hallows' Eve is the night before All Saints Day in Christendom but in Ancient Ireland it would have been a Druid holiday that marked the end of Summer.  It was the day when the dead got up and walked around with the living.  It was celebrated by folks going from house to house for pieces of bread or even beads.  The tradition came to the United States in the 1800s along with the Irish immigrants.  God bless the Irish!

The little Doodle Dog is looking quite scary in her Ghostie Bandana and hiding amongst the Daylilies.  Such a frightening beast!  Beware the Doodle!  

Mostly cloudy skies over the Carondelet Garden this last day of October.  Winds are out of the WNW at 5 to 10 MPH.  Here's to the rain staying away for the kids and their candy gathering activities.  Be safe and have fun on your adventures.  Enjoy the excitement and joy of this fun day.  It's a good day for a good day!  That's all the news from the Carondelet Garden.

Day:  61-degrees  |  Night:  51-degrees
It's a wet Sunday here in the Carondelet Garden.  It's-a a good thing as we still need the rain.  It's also the day I water all of the plants over-wintering in the basement.  Gardening never stops! It just keeps on going.  I'm already dreaming of what I'll plant in the Spring.  How about you?  What are you dreaming of?

It's also Soup Sunday here around here.  Dr. B is on a bit of a Soup-a-palooza of late.  No complaints from this old guy, I love her soups!  Luckiest guy in the word.  I have to admit I'm thrilled all of the butternut squash is done.  Not a big fan of pealing them.  That said, I love the way they taste!  The Roasted Butternut Squash soup is to die for.  Again, lucky old man!

Rain showers and cloudy this morning.  Clouds are hanging around all day.  The winds are out of the NE at 5 to 10 MPH.  This is the perfect Fall weather.  Gentle rains upon the fields are exactly what we need.  It's a good day to slow down and contemplate.  Take time to remember the good things. Remember the kindness of some stranger. The goodness of others. Be thankful.  I'm counting my blessings this Sunday morning.  Time for another cup of coffee.  That's all the news from the Carondelet Garden.

Day:  69-degrees  |  Night:  50-degrees
We have all of our tropicals in our basement under grow lights.  They really seem to be doing well.  I'm so excited.  This is still quite new to me, so every day is an adventure.  I'm looking forward to seeing how they fare over the Winter.

It's another College Football weekend.  Unfortunately, both of the teams we follow are playing at the same time.  Lots and lots of back and forth this morning.  Go Irish!  Go Hawgs!  I hope you get a chance to enjoy a little fun and relaxation this Saturday.

The skies are partly cloudy this morning and will become even more overcast as the day goes on.  Winds are out of the ENE at 5 to 10 MPH.  A good day for a good day.  I wish you a weekend of faith, hope and lots of love.  Be good and be kind to yourself.  That's all the news from the Carondelet Garden.

Day:  65-degrees  |  Night:  37-degrees 
It's a lovely, chilly morning here in the Carondelet Garden but the sun is shining.  It's going to be a good day.  We are heading out to run errands and buy some groceries.  Today is Soup Day around here. Fall is such a bounty of fresh produce, and we are taking advantage and creating soups for Winter.  

The weather is going to be amazing.  Abundant sunshine with winds out of the NE at 10 to 15 MPH.  It's going to be a fun day after a rough week.  I wish you faith, hope and love every day.  Be good and be kind to yourself.  You deserve it! Hug a little harder and a little longer this last Friday of October.  Hopefully you can have a Fun Friday as well.  That's all the news from here in the Carondelet Garden.

​Day:  62-degrees  |  Night:  38-degrees 
The Hibiscus is adapting quite nicely to her Winter home in the basement under the grow lights.  We have gotten everything inside now.  With a little faith and a whole lot of hope we will be able to see these beautiful plants thriving again next Summer on the porch.

It's a good time to remind ourselves to have faith, share hope and keep loving each other as hard as we can.  It's our best defense against a world of chaos.  In the end, they are the only things that work.  Faith, Hope and Love.  The greatest of these is Love.  Don't give up.  Don't forget to Vote.

It's a chilly start to our day here in the Carondelet Garden.  We should see that beautiful sun shining with just a few clouds mixed in.  The winds are out of the East at 5 to 10 MPH.  That's a bit different for us.  Winds out of the North, South or West but not that often from the East.  It's Faith, Hope and Thursday.  Spread a little love around today if you can.  It might just make a different to one person.  That's all the news from the Carondelet Garden.

Day:  61-degrees  |  Night:  36-degrees 
The rain has ended, and the tears have started to dry.  The sun is shining, and hope is beginning to return to the heart of this old man.  I'm no Pollyanna.  I know the problems in our City are real and scary but I still believe and Hope.  I have Faith in our better angels.  I still believe that Love can change things.  I've read the stories of the first responders in our City who didn't hesitate to the right thing.  The teachers and students who did the right thing at the right time.  I have Hope!  Our future depends on how we respond to tragedy. We do what we can to change things, so this doesn't happen again.  We have an election soon.  If you do nothing else, Vote for change.

The sunshine has returned to South Saint Louis. It's going to be a lovely day with winds out of the NNW at 10 to 15 MPH.  Be good and be kind to yourself and anyone who you may meet today.  We don't know what others are dealing with right now.  Keep hope alive.  Have a little faith and share all the love you have.  That's all the news from here in the Carondelet Garden.

Day:  66-degrees  |  Night:  41-degrees 
Today is different.  Today is hard.  School shootings and violence is always difficult.  Yesterday it was in our own backyard. A teacher and children were murdered in cold blood in a school for the Performing Arts.  The Performing Arts exist to give us joy and happiness and express emotions that words cannot express.  Instead of that creativity, life was taken away.

I did my student teaching at the original Visual and Performing Arts High School which was lovingly referred to as VAP.  It was down in Soulard in the Humboldt School building.  The students were a joyful bunch of artists and performers who dreamed big dreams and put their hearts and souls into their work.  That experience has been taken away from these young people.  Some lives are over and many of the lives that remain will never be the same.  What's the answer? I don't know. I wish I could wave a magic wand and change it all. I do know this one thing, Love conquers all. Love is the only thing that will fix the problems. Until we can truly love our neighbor as ourselves this evil will continue.  Today I am hugging those around me a little bit tighter.  I'm finishing everything with an I love you.  I hope you know you are loved as well.  I hope you can feel goodness and kindness around you.  I hope. 

The rain has arrived just as the tears in our eyes are falling.  It's a good day to pause and reflect.  Resolve to love others.  Resolve to show kindness and goodness everywhere.  Resolve to be the change in this world.  Here's to faith in the future, hope for a better tomorrow, and love to truly change our hearts.  Give me faith, hope and love everywhere because we are all struggling today.  Today is different.  Today is hard.  

Day:  81-degrees  |  Night :  64-degrees
It's a Super Sunday here in the Carondelet Garden.  It's another watering day around here.  Since we've moved all of the potted plants into the growing area inside it's a weekly watering bonanza around here.  They have all adjusted very well and seem to like their new growing area.  The grow lights are doing their job!  I'm very excited about the possibility of saving a bunch of my favorites this season.  

Lots and lots of little things to do today.  Nothing big or major, just little errands for ourselves and few others.  I'm helping buff out some scratches on the boy's new car.  It's a right of passage for all of us to get a scratch or two when we first start driving.  I think we can take care of it without a lot of fuss.  We do what we can do to lessen the hurt.  

The skies are partly cloudy this morning here in South Saint Louis.  The winds are out of the South at 15 to 25 MPH.  A bit blustery at times for sure.  It's going to be a Super Sunday today.  I feel it in my bones. I hope you have a Super day as well.  Be good and be kind to yourself and others as you travel about.  That's all the news from here in the Carondelet Garden.

Day:  80-degrees  |  Night:  63-degrees
It seems that Jimminy Cricket decided to visit the Carondelet Garden.  There is an abundance of wildlife around the Garden lately and these guys are no exception.  They are fun to watch as they hop around.  Sometimes you just have to take a minute and enjoy the little things in life and gardening.

Last night was the perfect night for Halloween Nights at Grant's Farm.  The perfect weather and the perfect company.  It was so much fun to see all the littles dressed up in their costumes.  Lots of cute little witches and an abundance of Disney Princesses.  We saw more than a few Ninjas and a cowboy or two as well.  A fun night to be out and about in Grant's Farm.  

Another mostly sunny day here in the Carondelet Garden with winds out of the South at 10 to 20 MPH.  It's been quite a run of sunny days this month.  We are heading out to do a few errands but that's about it.  College Football this afternoon. Life is good.  I hope you get the chance to put your feet up and relax a bit this weekend.  You deserve it!  Be good and be kind to yourself and anyone you might meet on your journey.  Send it out and it comes back to you!  That's all the news from here in the Carondelet Garden.

Day:  81-degrees  |  Night:  55-degrees
What a difference as we stepped outside this morning.  Much warmer temperatures and a lovely, bright blue sky overhead.  The birds are singing and there is that smell of Fall in the air.  Puts a smile on my face.  The Garlic has finally arrived, so planting is happening later this morning.  The bed is prepped so it should take very little time.  Then some cleanup and weeding in the side yard.  A good day for getting things done outside.

Tonight, we are heading out to Halloween Nights at Grant's Farm. The weather is perfect for this kind of event.  I'm sure it's going to be crowded but it should be a lot of fun.  It's going to be a Freaky Friday for these super cool old people.  

We have beautiful sunny skies over the Carondelet Garden this morning.  We can expect partly cloudy skies later this afternoon with winds out of the SSE at 10 to 15 MPH.  Another simply stunning day in South Saint Louis.  We could still use some rain but no complaints!  Happy Weekend Eve everyone.  Be good and be kind to yourself today.  Smile and count your blessings as you travel along the way.  That's all the news from the Carondelet Garden.

​Day:  71-degrees  |  Night:  44-degrees
Sad to say this is our last Hardy Hibiscus bloom of the year.  She was such a stunning plant all summer and in to Fall.  The good news is this beautiful plant will return next year.  I love this addition to the Carondelet Garden this year.  I'm still waiting for the last of my Garlic to arrive so I can finally finish the last bed.  Hopefully, it will arrive today as the weather seems to be a winner today.

It's that time of year when I begin to go through all of the junk I've accumulated over the years and try to simplify.  I'm not an overly sentimental person about stuff.  I'm ridiculously sentimental about people.  Send me a picture and a sweet text and this old man is crying like a little baby.  The older I get the closer my tear ducts seem to get to the surface.  They leek all the time.  I don't cry over stuff.   I've been pretty good about getting rid of a lot of the clutter.  After the loss of parents, family and friends over the years you end up with some things you just didn't have time to deal with at the time.  I'm at the point where it's almost finished.  Now I have to go through more of my things.  It's time.  I love the commercial about how if you have not used something in the past year it's not something you need, it's something you are hoarding or something to that effect.  Time to simplify.  

Outside in the Carondelet Garden the sun is shining with winds out of the WSW at 10 to 15 MPH.  A glorious day to simplify things.  That's the plan anyway.  I hope you get to do a little of what you would like to do today.  Be good and kind to yourself and others as you venture out in this chaotic world.  That's about it from here in the Carondelet Garden.

Day:  53-degrees  |  Night:  30-degrees
It's cold this morning.  No other way to say it.  The straw over the seeding is frozen. It's a freeze folks!  I guess that's the end of most of my plants outside.  This beautiful plant is safe and sound in the kitchen window.  

It's been a weird couple of days with the technology around here.  Lots of things just plain not working the way they should.  I'm finishing up another presentation and it's been maddening!  I know it's time for a new computer, but I just hate it!  Oh, well... another change, right? It's the season of change.  It's something when this is what's driving me to insanity. The world is in chaos and people are suffering and I'm worried about by technology problems. Oh, poor me!  Stop complaining and start being a bit more grateful old man.  

The skies are sunny, and the winds are out of the West at 10 to 15 MPH.  Cold, but beautiful this morning here in the Carondelet Garden.​ I'm sitting here with a cup of hot tea and trying to count my blessings.  I have so much. Much more than I need. I'm a lucky old man. I hope you have the opportunity to count your blessings this Wednesday.  Be good and be kind to yourself.  That's all the news from the Carondelet Garden.

Day:  51-degrees  |  Night:  27-degrees  [Freeze Warning]
Not quite a hard freeze this morning but still pretty cold outside.  With this weather change we thought we'd get out a new birdfeeder for the winter.  We loved this cute little feeder.  The word will soon go out on the Bird network that a new feeder is on the circuit.  The squirrels have already figured it out!

It's another busy week here in the Carondelet Garden.  We've planted one bed of Garlic for next year and will be planting another later this week once the Seed Garlic arrives.  The reseeding project is taking hold in the back.  We have begun Winter cleanup on the side garden.  Lots still to do but progress is being made.  

We should have abundant sunshine this cold Tuesday in October with winds out of the NW at 10 to 20 MPH.  The chill is sticking around for the next couple of days, but it looks like warmer days ahead for the weekend.  Good news for our Soccer players!  I hope you are enjoying the sunshine.  You deserve a bit of goodness and kindness in your day today.  I hope you find a good reason to smile!  That's about all the news from here in the Carondelet Garden.

Day:  49-degrees  |  Night:  29-degrees
There's a bit of a chill in the air this morning out in the Carondelet Garden.  I've been working on re-seeding the small lawn in the back.  Daily watering is a must, and it was more than a bit too chilly for this old gardener this Monday in October.  The Doodle Dog is looking at me and wondering why she hasn't gotten her walk yet.  Let it warm up a bit and we'll go later little one!

The Hostas are hanging in there for a bit longer.  If we do get that true freeze tonight, they will be done for the season.  I will miss their color and flowers.  It's that time of year when you just never know what you will wake up to find.  It could be super warm or freezing.  Rainy or sunny. It may even snow!  It's Saint Louis, if you don't like the weather, stick around.  It will change!  

The sun is shining brightly with winds out of the NW at 10 to 20 MPH and a bit gusty as well.  It's one of those mornings that will fool you into believing it is much warmer than it is.  Change is in the air.  A good thing. Winter is coming with its long nights and cold days. A time to reflect and wait. Patience.  Not my strongest skill but necessary.  Be good to yourself.  Have patience with yourself and others as you travel about this chilly Monday in October.  Be kind.  That's all the news from the Carondelet Garden.

Day:  68-degrees  |  Night:  46-degrees
It's a beautiful sunny Saturday morning here in the Carondelet Garden.  Our Ferns are still looking quite lovely on this mid-October day.  I dream of a greenhouse so I can winter everything but, alas, that is not to be.  The first hard Frost will be the end to our Ferns for another season.  I will be out searching for new ones come Spring.  They keep the back porch quite nice even on the hottest of days in Summer.  

I have to admit I have not accomplished as much as I may have wanted over the past day or so.  We had a lovely day trip out to the Sandy Creek Covered Bridge Historic Site with our little Doodle Dog.  I had planned to get gardening and some errands as well.  That didn't happen.  Today is the day.  Gardening supplies are next on the list.  Garlic goes in today.  It is important to be flexible. Things change and we need to change as well.  Not as easy as it may sound sometimes, yet an important life lesson, nonetheless.  

​It's a sunny Saturday. Winds are light and variable.  The temperature is perfect for some gardening. I hope you have a wonderful weekend.  Be good and be kind to yourself.  Smile a little. Enjoy some sunshine.  Hopefully, even relax a little.  You deserve some relaxation!  Well, that's all the news from here in the Carondelet Garden.

Day:  73-degrees  |  Night:  39-degrees
A cooler start to the day here in the Carondelet Garden but the sun is shining brightly.  A beautiful day to enjoy the Hibiscus once more before it heads into its Winter home under grow lights in the cellar.  We are hoping to over Winter this beauty.  We'll see how it goes.

We had a great day on Thursday as the presentation we have been preparing for weeks went off without a hitch.  We are thankful for the help and support and the opportunity to honor brave and compassionate honorees.  A good day for sure.

Today is going to be a bit of a Fun Friday.  Heading out a bit for some wine, gardening supplies, and the park so the Doodle Dog can have a bit of a romp.  The Music Garlic has finally arrived so I'm excited to get the beds prepared and plant everything this weekend.  It's an exciting time for this old Gardener.  I still get a bit giddy when I see the packages arrive in the mail.  

We should see a bit of sunshine early followed by some clouds this afternoon.  There is a slight chance of a rain shower.  I sure hope that happens! Winds are out of the WSW at 10 to 20 MPH.  I hope you have the opportunity to have a bit of a flutter this weekend.  Enjoy this beautiful world and all that is in it.  Be kind and be good to yourself and others as you journey about this Friday in October. That's all the news from here in the Carondelet Garden.

Day:  67-degrees  |  Night:  39-degrees
A bit of a chilly start to the day here in the Carondelet Garden.  Some of the flowers are still hanging on during this dry Fall weather we have been experiencing this year.  No complaints as the flowers are still quite lovely and watering is just another chore on this old Gardener's list.

I've been working on a presentation for a couple of weeks and today is the day.  I can tell I don't do this as often as I once did as my frustrations and patience were worn a bit thin at times.  I am fortunate to have a partner who is able to keep me in check in a loving, kind manner.  Even when I don't always deserve the kindness. Today, though, is the day we've been working toward, and this is the reason we say yes.  A great cause and worthy individuals being honored for valor, bravery and honor above and beyond.  Looking forward to this afternoon.

Plentiful sunshine starts our day in South Saint Louis this Thursday in October.  This afternoon we may see a few clouds entering the picture.  Winds will be out of the West at 15 to 25 MPH.  Some gusts may be quite strong so be careful if you are out and about.  Be good and kind to yourself today.  Forgive yourself a little.  Smile and keep moving.  It's the best thing to do.  Well, that's all the news from here in the Carondelet Garden.

Day:  71-degrees  |  Night:  44-degrees
It's a wet Wednesday morning here in the Carondelet Garden in South Saint Louis.  The little Doodle Dog and I woke up to thunder and a bit of lightening.  It rained a bit but not really that much.  It is still a bit of a wee soft day out there right now.  We shall see what happens as the day progresses.

It's quiet in the house and still quite dark.  The Doodle is sleeping in her chair.  I have a cup of hot tea next to me and WQXR playing classical music on the Smart Speaker.  It's one of those Fall days that you just want to sit back and listen and ponder the universe. So that's what I'm going to do for a bit this morning.  I hope you get the opportunity to sit and ponder, too!

A few showers already this morning then scattered thunderstorms are possible this afternoon.  Winds are out of the WSW at 10 to 15 MPH.  We sure do need the rain, so this is quite lovely. I wish you peace and joy this Wet Wednesday in October.  That's all the news from here in the Carondelet Garden.

Day:  79-degrees  |  Night:  63-degrees
A wee small shower falling lightly upon the Garden as we stepped outside on this cloudy, rainy Tuesday morning.  The Doodle Dog and I were able to squeeze an abbreviated walk in before the rains got a bit heavier.  We'll head out again this afternoon, of course.  She is also headed to see her bestest friend Maggie @thematteddoodle this afternoon for her monthly Spa Day so that will be a lovely thing.  

It's wonderful to feel the rain and smell the earth on a day like today.  It just reminds me why I love gardening.  Fall is the season of changes.  It reminds you of that every day with each leaf that turns and then, slowly, dies and drifts down to become compost for next year's growth.  It simply makes you marvel and the way this earth is created to constantly renew itself. It does keep me filled with Hope.

Rain and clouds this morning with the clouds hanging around the rest of the day. Winds are out of the South at 10 to 15 MPH.  It's a day of much needed showers.  I hope it keeps coming for a while. I wish you a bit of Hope as well on this Cloudy, Rainy Tuesday.  We could all use a bit of hope.  Well, that's all the news from the Carondelet Garden.

Day:  81-degrees  |  Night:  57-degrees
It was the perfect Fall weekend in Saint Louis.  Today is looking pretty amazing as well.  It should be a Magical Monday for this old Gardener and Dr. B as we head out with the little one to the Zoo and the Science Center for a day of fun and adventure.  It's good to see the world through the eyes of a child.  It gives us the hope we need.

It should be the perfect day for outdoor adventures.  Abundant sunshine with winds out of the SSW at 5 to 10 MPH.  I hope you have a Magical Monday as well.  Have a bit of faith, spread some hope and share some love.  That's all the news from the Carondelet Garden.

Day:  73-degrees  |  Night:  45-degrees
It's a bit of a Slow-Down Sunday around the Garden today.  It's been a really busy week both mentally and physically.  We are ready for a true day of rest.  We slept in and even the little Doodle Dog had a lie in. It was quite lovely.  Now it's a cup of hot tea and a biscuit and the newspaper and, if we get truly radical, we will tackle the @NYTimes Sunday crossword puzzle.  

Another beautiful day on tap for South Saint Louis with bright sunshine and winds out of the WSW at 5 to 10 MPH.  A lovely day to hang out and relax.  I hope you get that opportunity. A chance to recharge your batteries and rest.  Be good to yourself this Sunday. Kindness matters to others but also to yourself.  That's all the news from here in the Carondelet Garden.

Day:  63-degrees  |  Night:  36-degrees  [FROST ADVISORY]
It's another Soccer Saturday for us.  We are heading out in just a few to watch our little buddy play, what we lovingly refer to as, Ant Ball.  They all run around like ants following the ball.  Not a lot of strategy but a whole lot of pure energy and joy.  

There is something to be said for that kind of child-like glee.  You must become like a little child. It certainly brings a smile to my face watching them have that much fun chasing a little round ball and trying to kick it or head butt it into a net.  

It's a bit of a chilly start to today but the sun is shing brightly and the winds are light and variable.  A great Fall Day for soccer or any other outdoor activity.  Here's hoping you get a chance to get outside and let the sun shine on your face. I hope you can experience a little joy this weekend.  You deserve all the joy and happiness you can get!  That's all the news from the Carondelet Garden.

Day:  64-degrees  |  Night:  36-degrees  [FROST ADVISORY]
It's the first Friday in October and already we have our first Frost Advisory of this Fall.  According to the "Old Farmer's Almanac" on average our first frost doesn't arrive until the second half of the month.  This has been a crazy year weatherwise.  We may get snow before the end of the month.  

Some of the flowers are still hanging in there.  I will be working to protect a few just in case there is a frost tonight.  It's all about change and adaptation around here.  Being a gardener keeps you on your toes because you never know what you will be dealing with.

It's going to be cooler today with Sunny skies and winds out of the North at 10 to 15 MPH.  It's Friday and the weekend is upon us.  Here's to restful, relaxing weekend! Be good and kind to yourself and others as you venture out and about our fair burg this weekend.  That's all the news from the Carondelet Garden.