Historic Meltdown!

We hit a historic record of 109 ^oC, today! 


The highest ever for TN was 107^oC in 1952. We were not even born then...


Just looking out the window choked my breath. I really took a big risk,sneaking out covered head to foot from the blazing sun to take these three pictures; see for yourself of this historic meltdown of the garden candle on my porch.   It took only 30 minutes from 1 to 2 and 1 hr from 2 to 3 for complete meltdown. 

What struck me most was the very quiet backyard, devoid of any birds or their happy chirping and cooing. I guess even the free spirited birds didn't dare to face the wrath of the sun. They did not even come for the birdbath... In our backyard life this never ever happened; we could thus say, historic!


Copyright©2012VeeraMahal Franklin
P.S._ [Hello, kids! Make note & wear hats. Where do you think the heat goes to when the sun hits your head? Right!]

High Five Grapes!

 Hi! 


I say to my wild bird friends
Just leave me a few bunch...
For I work hard--
Just like YOU!                                                                          


Copyright©2012VeeraMahal Franklin

Mere Travelers!

Bye?  Oh, Why?

Aren't we mere travelers?

Just passing by?

Travel where?

Why? We search...

And we search

Find trust, friends 

Family and life

But, Alas! 

It's time again...

To travel!

Aren't we mere travelers?

Just passing by? Bye!

Copyright©2012VeeraMahal Franklin

Granny Smith!

I am so glad to see our  Granny Smith so alive this year
that I am willing to ignore the over the fence escapade...

Copyright©2012VeeraMahal Franklin

Grape Vine & Canas

Anything goes in my garden and yes, they GROW... freely,  indeed! Haphazardly.....?! Teases... my husband! But, isn't that what nature and life is all about. Harmony in diversity! 


Only we (the humans) try to have order-- thus, divide and control. We waste a lot of energy doing that and loose harmony. When we work alongside nature, supporting and facilitating, in the long run nature and thus life would be bountiful and peaceful for all!


In my garden, Canas will catch one wavelength and Grapes another. Between them both, they'll extract a great deal of solar energy for my little Eden and the critters. One grows vertical the other horizontal--optimized solar panels, as nature intended! And of course the beauty of this bountiful, ancient vine and the wine drenched Canas is priceless... Come visit my garden!

Copyright©2012VeeraMahal Franklin

Harvesting Scallions...!

Amidst all  the visiting birds, squirrels, rabbits and white butterflies who make green caterpillars that feast on our collard greens and cauliflower leaves, its amazing that we still get to harvest something from our backyard.

With pungent smell, the cut green onions filled our bowls and our senses... So satisfying!

Copyright©2012VeeraMahal Franklin

OZz... Squash!

I know... That's a real squash in the making!  OZzz... Be very quiet & try not to startle them!               

Copyright©2012VeeraMahal Franklin