Day:  40-degrees  |  Night:  22-degrees 
It's a chilly morning here in the Carondelet Garden in beautiful South Saint Louis.  The sun is shining brightly giving us the illusion it is much warmer than it actually is.  We are heading out the door to do some errands today.  

Today is also Wine Down Wednesday and the Christmas Extravaganza at The Hill Antique Mall.  We've been looking forward to going and visiting the makers' markets as well as seeing the antique Christmas decorations.  Dr. B is an avid Christmas ornament collector, and she is always on the lookout for another perfect piece to complement her collection.  It's always a fun evening and, as the name suggests, there's wine!  

We should see this abundant sunshine around all day with winds out of the WNW at 10 to 20 MPH.  A stunning day on the Southside.  I hope you get to get outside and soak up a bit of that Vitamin D.  Be good and kind to yourself today.  December is almost upon us.  Let's make this year the year that "Peace on Earth" is more than just a marketing slogan.  That's all the news from the Carondelet Garden.

Day:  62-degrees  |  Night:  27-degrees
Happy Birthday to the love of my life!  I am the most fortunate of old men.  I have spent the past 40 years with my best friend and someone I adore.  How lucky can one guy be?  Through ups and downs, curves and hills, we've been together through it all and came out the other side a bit stronger and more in love.  

We've had a couple of fires in the old fire pit the past few days.  Last night was no exception.  We always burn a Yule Log at the beginning of Advent.  The anticipation of the light coming into the world.  As we sit in quiet contemplation as the fire burns down to glowing embers it is a reminder that darkness is for now.  Only for now.  This is the season of waiting.  The season of darkness and anticipation.  We wait for the joy of the new season.  The season of birth and new life.  O Come!

We have cloudy skies over the Carondelet Garden this morning with occasional shower possible this afternoon.  Winds are out of the South at 15 to 25 MPH.  We could be in for some gusty winds later this afternoon. Please be careful if you are out and about!  Be good and kind to yourself and others this last Tuesday of November.  That's all the news from the Carondelet Garden! 

Day:  54-degrees  |  Night:  43-degrees
The Foxgloves were beautiful this Fall.  I needed a little color this morning, so I found this older photograph.  I just love the interior of this bud!  As Yogi Berra would say, "It's deja vu all over again!"  Last Monday morning I went to the Dentist for my bi-yearly checkup and cleaning.  I was given a "good boy!" and sent home.  I ate a scrambled egg and proceeded to break my back tooth.  Luckily, it already had a root canal so there has been no pain but back to the Dentist I go!  

It's been as good a weekend as we could have ever hoped for around here.  We've had so many people reach out with love and support.  Who knew a little Doodle Dog could bring about such love?  I knew we loved her, but so many other lives were also touched.  Such a blessing.  Thank you to everyone who offered their love and support!  We appreciate you more than words!

The skies above the Garden are partly cloudy this last Monday of November.  Winds are out of the South at 5 to 10 MPH.  It's going to be a pretty nice day here in the Southside of Saint Louis.  I hope you have a nice day wherever you are right now.  Be good to yourself today.  Be kind to yourself and those around you.  You'll get it all back tenfold and then some!  That's all the news from the Carondelet Garden.

Day:  50-degrees  |  Night:  34-degrees
It's the First Sunday of Advent.  It's a time of waiting, preparation, anticipation, Hope and Mystery.  The darkness of our days is now longer than the light.  Now is the time for sitting with the darkness as we await the new light. The light of the new morning when the waiting, the anticipation is over, and a newness comes over us.  Until that moment, we wait.  We pray and meditate and hope for the coming day when love comes down.

It's been a difficult week here in the Carondelet Garden.  A time of change to be sure.  I miss my constant companion as I walk around outside checking on things.  I miss the routine my little Doodle Dog gave my day.  I miss so many things.  Yet, as I reflect on this past week, I realize how much that little girl taught me.  She taught me unconditional love.  She taught me that kindness and goodness can change things for the better.  She showed me that choosing to be happy is possible.  She changed me for the better.  She taught me that joy and love are stronger than anger and hatred. A long walk will make you feel better.  Every day is an adventure.  I learned a lot from a little Doodle Dog.  

It's a wee soft morning here in the Carondelet Garden.  The skies are cloudy with a bit of mist in the air.  Winds are out of the NW at 10 to 20 MPH.  I wish you joy and happiness this first Sunday of Advent.  May you wait for the light with love and hope.  Kindness and goodness can change things for the better.  A little Doodle Dog taught me that.  That's all the news from the Carondelet Garden.

Day:  53-degrees  |  Night:  44-degrees
Good morning from the Carondelet Garden.  It's Shop Small Saturday for this old gardener and Dr. B.  We are heading out on one of our favorite days of the year.  We shop small as much as we possibly can every time we need something but today is special.  There is a fun spirit in the air when you are supporting your neighbors and friends.  If you can, get out a show some love to one of your favorite South Saint Louis shops, makers, artists, or restaurants.  We have the absolute best here in Saint Louis!

The fog was crazy early this morning in the Carondelet Garden.  It's starting to lift now but that was intense!  Clouds are the rule over Carondelet this morning with rain showers moving in the afternoon.  Winds out of the SE at 5 to 10 MPH.  It's the perfect morning for a bit of shopping and greeting friends old and new.  A great day to cultivate a bit of kindness.  I hope you get a little kindness from those around you today!  You deserve it all!  That's all the news from the Carondelet Garden!

Day:  54-degrees  |  Night:  29-degrees
It's Black Friday.  I never really liked that name.  I guess it's appropriate enough.  A lot of folks are out shopping for Christmas presents today.  I'm not one of them.  I prefer to buy most of my presents from local makers, artists, and shops in my little world of South Saint Louis.  It's a pleasure and a privilege getting to meet the person who made my rolling pin or the coasters under my glass of wine.  The wonderful kitchen wizard who makes my jam or the soap wizard who creates the most amazing bar of soap you've ever seen.  The candlemaker who goes the extra mile.  The wine merchant who knows my favorite Pinot Noir.  The list can go on and on.  I love shopping local.  If you can, give it a shot this holiday season.  

The skies are partly cloudy out in the Carondelet Garden this morning.  The streets are wet from the rains last night and more leaves have fallen.  Winds are out of the NNW at 5 to 10 MPH.  I have some music playing in the background, my coffee is in my mug, and the newspapers have arrived.  It's a quiet morning for this old gardener in South Saint Louis.  I wish you a little peace and quiet this holiday weekend.  Remember to take a little time for yourself.  That's all the news from here in the Carondelet Garden.

Day:  51-degrees  |  Night:  37-degrees
It's dark outside in the Carondelet Garden.  A wee soft rain is falling, and the light is just breaking through letting me know that the day is here.  It's been a difficult few days for this old gardener but I have to remember to count my blessings.  I have to remember to be thankful for the amazing people who are part of my life.  I have to remember that good things happen to me every day.  I can't allow grief and sorrow to overshadow the goodness and kindness that surrounds me.  

I went to pick up our Thanksgiving Ham on Monday.  An older gentleman was standing by the meat case going through things.  I was caught up in my own thoughts and worry that I didn't pay that much attention.  I picked up the things I needed and headed to the cashier of this small Grocer in Benton Park.  I was just about to walk out when I saw the gentleman in line with the butcher right behind him.  The butcher paid for the man's meat.  He took money out of his own pocket and paid for it because he saw the man trying to find the cheapest, smallest cut he could find because it was all the money he had.  You could see the look of relief on the older gentleman's face.  He thanked the butcher and said, "I'll pay you back!"  The butcher just looked at him, smiled and said, "Don't worry about it.  I'll get this back ten times over!  Happy Thanksgiving!"  I was so caught up in my world. and my own problems that I didn't notice.  Someone did and goodness and kindness won.  I learned a lesson this week.  Don't let anything get in the way of your ability to be good and kind to others.  Pay attention to the little things, because they mean a lot!

It's cloudy and rainy this morning here in South Saint Louis.  Showers are possible this afternoon with light and variable winds.  It's the perfect day to be thankful for the good things in your life.  Maybe this week or this month or this year weren't the best.  Maybe your little Doodle Dog went to heaven.  There will always be something to be thankful for.  Sometimes you just have to open your eyes and not let anything get in the way of your ability to see the goodness and kindness around you.  Sometimes you have to be that goodness and kindness in the world.  This super cool old couple wish you and yours a Happy Thanksgiving!  That's all the news from the Carondelet Garden.

Holly Doodle (December 17, 2018 - November 22, 2022)
She was our constant companion.  My gardening buddy and momma's best kitchen helper.  She was always so happy and healthy and ready for any adventure.  It's so hard to believe she's gone.  We were not ready to lose our little Doodle Dog.  

When we lost our last dog, we swore we couldn't do that again.  Then we retired and we just couldn't see our home without the patter of four little feet, so the little Doodle Dog came into our life as a little tiny fur ball of fluff in late February 2019.  From the beginning we knew this one was special. She was a loving, sweet, happy girl and easily adapted to everything.  She accompanied us to the nursing home from the time she was four months old until the Pandemic shut them down. She was always up for whatever happened whether it was car ride, a walk in the park, or just going through the drive-through at Starbucks for a puppacino. She loved her little life.

It seems her liver condition was something she was probably born with, and it was just a time bomb waiting to happen.  We are grateful it happened so quickly, and she didn't have to suffer needlessly.  It hurts so much right now but we wouldn't trade these past three and a half years for anything.  She was light and love and all things good.  She was the best little Doodle Dog.  We are so thankful for the time we had with her.  She was surely a blessing and a true gift.
  
Thank you so much to those of you who reached out and gave us such love and support these past few days.  In a world filled with hatred we have received so much kindness and love.  Remember to hug those around you a little tighter. Tell those you care about how much you love them today.  Make every moment count because you just never know.  Goodness and kindness can change things.  Holly Doodle sure changed us. 

Day:  60-degrees  |  Night:  33-degrees
This morning we are holding onto Hope.  It seems Hope and prayers are the only thing we have left right now.  My sweet little Doodle Dog came down sick last Saturday.  It hit quite hard and so suddenly.  We took her to the Veterinarian on Saturday morning, and it seemed like she was just having a reaction to the carpet cleaning we were doing.  A shot and some pills were going to do the trick.  They didn't.  She refused to eat all weekend.  Yesterday morning we returned to the Veterinarian.  It seems she has liver disease.  Undiagnosed and unknown.  It is probably genetic, and she's had it since birth, but it just manifested last weekend.  We won't know everything until after the rest of the tests are run today.  The doctors are not very encouraging.  But we hold onto HOPE.  HOPE and PRAYER and maybe a small miracle.  She will turn four in December.  We are not ready to lose her!  HOPE and PRAYER.

The sun is shining outside in the Garden this morning.  Winds are out of the SSW at 5 to 10 MPH.  We are praying.  We cling to hope this Tuesday.  We pray for the wisdom of those amazing Veterinarians who are trying so hard to help our little Doodle dog.  We pray for you and everyone who is struggling this week.  That's all the news from the Carondelet Garden.

Day:  55-degrees  |  Night:  29-degrees
It's still dark here in the Carondelet Garden.  It's quiet and the stars are out.  It's been another long night with a slightly better sick Doodle Dog.  We check in with the Vet today so we should know more.  Still drinking and getting around but not eating at all.  We are worried but hopeful things are on the upswing.  

Today is a Dental appointment for this old gardener.  Not my favorite thing to do but a necessity, nonetheless.  Sometimes it's hard to keep up with the ever-growing list of health-related appointment we have as we get older.  We have a central calendar in our kitchen where everything is meticulously organized because the list just seems to grow.  I think the little people come in at night and secretly add appointments to the calendar.  Just to mess with us.  That's my theory anyway.  

We should see some sunny skies in South Saint Louis today.  Much warmer temperatures with the winds out of the SW at 10 to 15 MPH.  A busy day ahead.  I wish you peace today.  The peace that passes all understanding.  Prayers and good vibes being sent your way as this Holiday season gets into full swing.  It can be a joyous occasion for many but for many others it can be a time of stress and guilt.  Be kind to yourself this week.  Take the time you need to do what is best for you.  Be good to yourself and others as you travel about this hectic travel season.  That's all the news from here in the Carondelet Garden.

Day:  42-degrees  |  Night:  27-degrees 
Thank you for your kind words and thoughtful prayers.  The little Doodle is not experiencing the symptoms anymore, but she refuses to eat anything at all.  The good news is that she is still wanting to drink water.  That is a good sign.  We are hopeful that she has turned the corner and is on the road to recovery.  

It's a bright, sunny chilly morning here in the Carondelet Garden.  The winds are out of the SSW at 5 to 10 MPH.  The plan is for a quiet, restful day today.  Hopefully a nap for the old people.  I hope you get a quiet, peaceful day filled with naps, and a hot beverage on this cold morning.  Be good to yourself.  Be kind to yourself and to others as you make your way along today.  That's all the news from the Carondelet Garden.

Day:  38-degrees  |  Night:  19-degrees
It's been a rough 24 hours here in Carondelet.  Our little Doodle Dog has not been feeling herself.  We thought it was just stress from cleaning and moving things around but last night it became much worse and required an emergency visit to the Veterinarian this morning.  After X-rays, Ultrasounds, IV Fluids, a shot and medication she is back home and resting in Momma's chair.  She definitely seems to be a bit brighter after the IV fluids.  Needless to say, this #supercoololdcouple is wiped out with worry and ultimately hope for the best.  

Veterinarians are such amazing people.  We arrived and within minutes our little Doodle was in an examination room.  After an exhaustive questionnaire about her health over the past few days and what she's been experiencing they whisked her away for treatment.  While being worried and scared for my little best friend, I was also amazed and grateful for the care and support of our veterinarian.  It gave me pause as to how easy it was to get amazing care for my little pup and how difficult it is to get emergency care for a human.  The same trip for a human to an emergency room would have taken hours and hours.  Our entire visit was less than two hours.  God bless animal doctors and technicians.  

The skies are sunny over south Saint Louis this Saturday.  Winds are out of the WNW at 10 to 20 MPH.  A chilly start to the morning but a bit warmer this afternoon.  It's hopefully going to be a quiet day around here.  I hope you get some much-needed rest and relaxation this weekend.  Be kind to yourself and those around you.  I wish you the care and support you need, especially when you need it the most!  That's all the news from here in the Carondelet Garden.

Day:  32-degrees  |  Night:  20-degrees
Even with the cold spell and the snow this week these Winter Pansies are hanging on and looking quite lovely!  I love these little plants for their stubborn durability throughout Winter. As the old Timex commercial used to say:  "They take a licking and keep on ticking!"  

It's been a whirlwind of a week around the Garden.  Lots of stuff to do. Plans made. Holiday shopping. Mulching the beds. Cleaning out the plants that have died with the hard frost.  This is definitely the precursor to Winter arriving.  It's hard to believe that Advent is just a little more than a week away.  To me, the arrival of Advent is the true starting point of Winter.  I know it's technically a few weeks later, but that's always been my marker.  You can feel it coming.  The early darkness that descends each evening.  The brisk, cold air that is blowing in.  It's time to get ready.  

The sun is shining in South Saint Louis this Friday in November.  The winds are blowing in from the WNW at 10 to 20 MPH.  A brisk, cold Fall Day in November.  What am I doing?  Putting outside Christmas decorations up.  If you ever needed proof that I am officially a crazy old man.  Here's my calling card.  Outside decorations on one of the coldest days of the year so far.  One man's crazy is another man's... who knows?  I hope you are warm and safe and enjoying a hot beverage this cold November morning.  Be good and be kind to yourself.  That's all the news from here in the Carondelet Garden. 

Day:  44-degrees  |  Night: 22-degrees
It's a chilly start to the day here in the Carondelet Garden.  The Doodle Dog has calmed down now that the house is back in order.  I have to admit I've calmed down now that the house is back in order. It's a good day to get a few chores done and finish things off before the weekend hits.

Chores are exactly what is on the docket for today.  Haircuts, a bit of shopping, lunch and then home to finish the last of the cleaning before we start the big holiday decorating push.  Lists are made.  Plans are in place.  The countdown has begun.  We've also taken on the challenge of fixing the turkey and ham for Thanksgiving this year.  It's been a few years since we've made a turkey.  We are excited.  Dr. B has it all under control as always.  She is a master at planning and execution.  We are truly in good hands this year!

This time of year is the time of thanks.  Even in this world so filled with anger and hate we still hear the stories of kindness and love.  The little things that make all the difference.  The smile you give to a stranger.  The tip you leave that is just a bit bigger. The hugs that are a little bit tighter.  The time you spend with a lonely senior isn't rushed.  You have that second cup of tea. You listen to the same story again and laugh as though you heard it for the very first time.  You give thanks because you know that this time next year...  I'm so thankful for the wonderful life have. Perfect? No! Wonderful? Oh, my yes! Be thankful for the little things this year!

Partly cloudy skies overhead this Thursday morning in November.  It's going to warm up a bit more today with a slight possibility of some light snow tonight.  Nothing to get excited about.  I hope you get a chance to count a few blessings today.  It'll put a smile on your face. That's all the news from the Carondelet Garden.

Day:  35-degrees  |  Night:  23-degrees
It's Humpday here in the Carondelet Garden.  It's another chilly start to the day as the clouds hang out in the sky above.  The poor little Doodle Dog is so confused with furniture being moved all over the place while we finish our Fall housekeeping.  The carpets are now cleaned and dry and furniture is starting to return to its usual location.  She is finally calming down a bit.  She acted like she was lost.  Poor baby girl.  She's such a pampered Doodle!  

I'm heading out for lunch with an old friend today.  We are old friends in every sense of the word.  We've known each other a long time and we "ain't getting any younger!"  I try to keep in contact with friends and neighbors during this time of year.  It's good to reconnect and just check in with each other.  It's also a good time to check in with yourself.  How are you doing today?  Life is stressful enough and we add holidays and all that goes with it to the mix. It can become overwhelming!  Take some time to check in with yourself.  Give yourself a bit of time to relax and reflect this Humpday.  Maybe call an old friend and have a cup of coffee or just chat a bit.  Remember when people used to call each other on the phone and talk?  I'm losing that skill myself.  Texting can be so convenient. It can also be distancing.  Invite someone to lunch soon.  Let's connect with each other again.  Community is so important!  

The skies over Carondelet are mostly cloudy this morning.  The temps are pretty much where they are going to be for the rest of the day.  Winds are out of the WNW at 15 to 25 MPH.  I hope you have an amazing day.  I hope you get the chance to slow down a bit and be a bit simple soon.  Simple can be so freeing.  That's all the news from the Carondelet Garden.

Day:  40-degrees  |  Night:  27-degrees
Happy Snowy Tuesday Gardening Friends!  It's a slushy, mushy Tuesday morning out in the Carondelet Garden this morning.  The little Doodle Dog gave me the look that said, "not this again?"  She is not a fan!  We were out a bit earlier and now she's sleeping in front of the fireplace.  Lucky little dog!

The 15th of November is a hard day for this old man.  I lost my Dad 14 years ago today.  That's hard to believe.  Fourteen years seems like such a long time, but it also feels like yesterday.  I still miss him.  But I also know in my heart he was ready.  His bags were packed. He knew where he was going, and he knew he'd be back with my mom who he missed so much.  The hurt is for me, not him.  It's a hard day sometimes. Yet, memories and stories get shared again and again and the next thing you know, he's there with you.  He loved to sit around our firepit and have a cigar and a glass of Jamieson Irish Whiskey.  I will be having a wee dram tonight.  Here's to memories and stories and a life well loved.  

Cloudy skies overhead in Carondelet this morning.  A wee, soft morning it is with a bit of drizzle still hanging in the air.  A chance for more wintry precipitation later this morning with winds out of the WNW at 5 to 10 MPH.  It's a good day to finish my Fall chores inside.  Tonight, a fire and a dram of the good stuff.  Share the stories!  Get out the old photographs with some wee ones and let them ask questions and tell the tales.  Today I wish you peace.  Peace.  That's all the news from here in the Carondelet Garden.

Day:  43-degrees  |  Night:  31-degrees
Good Monday morning Gardening Friends.  The sun is shining brightly on this chilly Monday morning in November.  There is definitely frost on the pumpkin this Monday or should I say Frost on the succulents?  It's cold outside, I'll just stop there.

You know the holidays are coming when the carpet cleaner appears.  It's a holiday tradition around here to clean the carpets before the holidays.  We do it several times a year, but this time of year is a "tradition."  I always laugh at the word tradition because the middle child is fond of reminding me that everything we have done more than one time is a "tradition."  After a game we eat at "Raising Cane's" because it's tradition.  "Cold Stone Creamery" on a birthday?  It's tradition!  You get the idea.  Wouldn't change it for the world!  Hearing that voice say, "Well, you know.  It is TRADITION!" is like music to this old man's ears.  I love those traditions.  I may not love cleaning the carpets, but I do love seeing Dr. B's eyes light up when she starts bringing out her Christmas decorations.  I married the Christmas girl.  She loves to decorate and has an ongoing collection of ornaments going back the 40 years we've been together and probably longer than that.  That's the joy of life:  Traditions.  I hope you celebrate a few of yours in the next few weeks.  Even if it's a simple thing like eating at a fast-food restaurant.  Do it!  It's tradition!

The skies are sunny over the Carondelet Garden this morning but that's supposed to change by this afternoon as clouds are supposed to roll in bringing some rain and snow this evening becoming all snow overnight.  Only about one inch is expected.  The perfect snow.  Enough to be pretty but not enough to stop the world.  Start a tradition of being kind to yourself this week.  Mondays are a good day for a bit of kindness.  Think about it?  Every Monday you have to be kind to yourself because, well, it's tradition!  That's all the news from the Carondelet Garden.

Day:  40-degrees  |  Night:  21-degrees 
Happy Sunday Gardening Friends.  This Coneflower was looking quite lovely just a few days ago.  The snow took care of that.  It's a chilly start to the day here in the Carondelet Garden.  Today is the day we put our Asparagus to bed for the Winter.  It's actually a bit early but with this very cold snap I think I need to get some straw and mulch on the plants to protect them.  Gardening is a science, but it is also a bit of an art as well.  Let us hope for the best!  I'm looking forward to my first Asparagus harvest next June!

This November is flying by, and Thanksgiving will be here before you know it.  It's always a bit of a bittersweet holiday for this old gardener.  We lost so many of those dear to us around Thanksgiving over the years.  It's lovely to remember them but hard because no matter how long it's been they are still missed at the table.  

Today is a cold, cloudy Sunday here in South Saint Louis.  The winds are light and variable which is a relief.  I think I will wait a bit longer and give the world a chance to warm up a little before I tackle my day outside.  The Doodle Dog has decided to take a bit of a snooze on the couch.  The fireplace is burning nicely.  Coffee is made and the newspaper is open on my chair waiting for me.  Time for a Sunday morning break.  A bit of prayer and meditation to set the week off right.  I wish you a break to pray, or meditate, or simply sit in silence. Be good to yourself today.  You deserve all the goodness you can get.  That's all the news from the Carondelet Garden.

Day:  37-degrees  |  Night:  23-degrees
Happy Snowy Saturday Gardening Friends!  What a fun way to wake up on this second weekend of November.  What a crazy idea that less than 48 hours ago it was 80-degrees in South Saint Louis.  As my Dad always said, "don't like the weather in Saint Louis?  Stick around.  It'll change."  Truth!

It's a brisk Saturday morning for the last of so many outdoor markets today.  I wish all of our maker friends a good market day!  There is nothing better than discovering something new and exciting at these markets.  Saint Louis makers are so innovative and clever.  Shop local!

The sunshine has disappeared this Saturday and there is considerable cloudiness in Carondelet.  The winds are out of the NW at 10 to 20 MPH.  A bit on the breezy side for sure!  Be good to yourself today.  Try to relax a bit.  Recharge those batteries.  The holidays are coming, and they can be stressful for so many of us.  Be kind to yourself!  That's all the news from here in the Carondelet Garden.

Day:  45-degrees  |  Night:  27-degrees
Happy Veterans' Day 2022!  Today is a special day set aside to honor those brave men and women who served in our Armed Forces.  “Our debt to the heroic men and valiant women in the service of our country can never be repaid. They have earned our undying gratitude. America will never forget their sacrifices.” — President Harry S Truman.  Thank you for your service!

Change is in the air here in the Carondelet Garden.  Cloudy skies overhead with winds out of the NW at 10 to 20 MPH.  It appears Fall is starting is changeover to Winter as the temps are dropping and the colder air is moving in.  A Freeze is expected tonight and continuing nightly for the next few days.  Time to pull out the heavier coats and gloves.  Happy Veterans' Day everyone.  Thank a service man or woman for their service to our country.  That's all the news from here in the Carondelet Garden.

Day:  76-degrees  |  Night:  43-degrees 
It's the season of change. The Holly berries are bright red and beautiful against the green leaves.  It reminds us that Winter is just around the corner.  The weather forecast gives us the same information.  The first big freeze should happen this weekend.  After these last few beautiful days it will be quite a shock to the system of this old man.

We've enjoyed some day trips this week.  We headed down to Kimmswick to pick up more Tea and Coffee and to visit The Dough Depot for an amazing lunch.  The weather yesterday was absolutely beautiful. The Doodle Dog loves to travel, and she enjoyed all the extra attention.

We can expect some changes to the weather tomorrow but today is going to be another stunning Southside day.  We can expect abundant sunshine with winds out of the SSE at 10 to 15 MPH.  Get out and enjoy some of this lovely weather while you have it!  It's a good day for a good day.  Be good and be kind to yourself and others as you sojourn through this Thursday.  That's all the news from the Carondelet Garden.

Day:  80-degrees  |  Night:  57-degrees
It's another beautiful Wednesday here in the Carondelet Garden in South Saint Louis.  We were on our usual morning walkabout when we noticed this single red leaf on the sidewalk.  A single, lone leaf against the backdrop of bare concrete.  It was simply striking in its simplicity and beauty.

The day after an election is always a mixed bag of emotions.  Some wins.  Some losses.  Sometimes I feel like that lone leaf.  Then the winds blow, and others fall and join me on the concrete, and I realize I'm not alone.  No matter which side of the aisle we may choose, we are never alone.  We have our little community to support us when we win or when we lose.  That gives us hope.  Add in a bit of faith and the ability to love and we are able to face anything.  Keep the Faith! Have hope and share some love today.  

We can expect plentiful sunshine this Humpday Wednesday in November.  The winds are out of the SSE at 5 to 10 MPH.  It's the perfect day for a little faith, hope and love to carry us through.  That's all the news from here the Carondelet Garden.

Day:  64-degrees  |  Night:  49-degrees
It's Election Day here in the City of Saint Louis.  Today is the day we get to exercise our right to vote as citizens of this Country, this State and this City.  It's important to make sure your voice is heard.  Your vote is important.  We need leadership now more than ever and this is our opportunity to let our voice be heard.  If you haven't yet, please stop and vote today.

The Red Clover that I planted as a cover crop for the Winter is doing pretty well.  The squirrels seem to love it! I have no idea why? But they are driving the little Doodle Dog crazy.  It's fun to watch to say the least.  

It's a cloudy Tuesday morning on this Election Day in South Saint Louis.  The winds are out of the East at 5 to 10 MPH.  Be good to yourself.  Do yourself a favor and get out and exercise your right to vote today.  It's a duty and a privilege.  You'll be glad you did!  That's all the news from here in the Carondelet Garden.

Day:  62-degrees  |  Night:  45-degrees
Another simply stunning morning here in the Carondelet Garden on the southside of the City of Saint Louis.  One more day until Election Day!  I hope you get the chance to get out and vote.  It's so important, especially right now.  Never in my lifetime have I seen such a need for genuine leadership.  Please vote!  Local elections are more important than ever.

It's been a very busy weekend for this old gardener and Dr. B.  The Doodle Dog has been feeling a bit left out as we are heading into the world a bit more lately.  We've enjoyed visiting with friends and seeing Basketball in person again.  Live music is such a part of our soul, so that has been a true pleasure as well. We need community right now.  We need our people to support us.  We need to support our people as well.  It's good for our souls!

The sun is shining brightly in the skies and that is good for our soul as well.  The winds are out of the NE at 10 to 15 MPH.  It's still a bit gusty out there this morning.  I hope you have an amazing week.  Be good to yourself.  Be kind to those you meet on your journey this week.  We all deserve a bit of kindness.  That's all the news from here in the Carondelet Garden.

Day:  71-degrees  |  Night:  45-degrees
It is a beautiful morning here in the Carondelet Garden in South Saint Louis.  It's also a quiet morning.  Sometimes that is exactly what you need:  quiet.  It gives the mind a bit of white space to simply rest.  You can call it mindfulness or spirituality or prayer but sometimes you need silence to recalibrate and center yourself a bit.  Today, I wish you quiet.

It's a beautiful Fall Day here on the southside.  Plentiful sunshine with winds out of the South at 5 to 10 MPH.  Grab another cup of coffee or tea. Sit back and relax a bit if you can.  You deserve a bit of relaxation.  Be good to yourself.  Be good and kind to those around you.  That's all the news from the Carondelet Garden.