I forgot to tell a story from my walk on the Heath on Saturday. I was walking on the Extension, past the field where Olga and her canine pals used to go with their dog-walker every day. A passing golden retriever ran up to me, gave my hand a sniff and then huddled against my legs, sitting on my feet, as I petted him/her. It seemed like a greeting from the dog kingdom, the greater dog consciousness. I traded smiles with the owner and went on my way but it gave me a boost.
I took a walk yesterday, too, but nowhere in particular -- just around the neighborhood, just to get my blood moving. The picture above wasn't taken yesterday, by the way. It was taken during our cold spell last week when we had those clear blue skies. We are blanketed with clouds now, which isn't so bad because it's keeping things warmer.
Which means...
...it's time to uncover the avocado!
I thought you might enjoy seeing the process in action. The music was Dave's suggestion. Those of you who know your '70s British humor will recognize it immediately.
As you can see, the avocado pulled through pretty well. There are a few frost-nipped leaves at the very top and a cluster of leaves at the tip of one branch broke off, but otherwise it appears unscathed.
Barb the banana, on the other hand, looks pretty rough. But the leaves die back every winter, so this is expected. In spring I'll trim them up so the stems are exposed and she'll grow from there. She's a tough gal.
Otherwise I spent yesterday reading -- I'm still working on Erik Larson's book about the Lusitania -- and we watched "One Battle After Another" on Amazon Prime. I enjoyed it, but I always like Paul Thomas Anderson's movies. I like their wry humor and loose, informal style. I loved "Licorice Pizza" and "Punch Drunk Love," and "Magnolia" remains one of my all-time favorites. I am now a fan of the name Perfidia Beverly Hills, who is one of the revolutionaries in "One Battle After Another." I'm sure some drag queen somewhere has already adopted it.
I nearly spluttered my muesli against the computer screen when the music started, and now I'll have the Benny Hill Show theme in my head for the rest of the day - thanks :-D :-D :-D
ReplyDeleteLast night I finished watching "Loot" on AppleTV. I loved (almost) every minute of it and was quite surprised by its sudden ending; I guess the ground is laid for a fourth season but I haven't read anything about that yet. Highly recommended - I like the dialogue, the actors, the clothes and the music. Also, episodes are only about half an hour long, which makes good watching when you are too tired to commit to a full-length film but still want a bit of entertainment after a long day at work.
For a moment I thought the photo of the banana tree was the avocado and it didn't look like it pulled through well.
ReplyDeleteI am about to watch the video, and I know very well what the music will be.
And I was quite correct about the music. That was a fun video.
DeleteGrew up on, and loved Benny Hill. What a world we lived in! totally inappropriate but was our regular family viewing (disfunctional parenting by todays standards). Have never seen an avocado tree before and yours is impressive. Betty
ReplyDeleteDogs (and cats) just know.
ReplyDeleteThat avocado is impressive...but still keep an eye on the weather forecast!
When the sun shines there It certainly radiates the watts! Had to wear shades to look at it! We are also under a thick blanket of grey flannel sky, but it is NOT warm.Only three more months of this super wet weather.
ReplyDeleteI love that the dog recognized you as one of theri own. That is so sweet, my heart nearly burst!
You can make a sculpture out of all of that tape from the tree- great editing!
You have more patience than me with all the wrapping and unwrapping. Well done .
ReplyDeleteUnlike your other comments I really didn't like the Benny Hill show it was just too slapstick, predictable and silly and I'm thankful they don't make 'em like that anymore.
Can't say I ever liked Benny Hill, but I recognised the music!
ReplyDeleteYour doggie encounter sounds lovely.....I think you need another dog!
I am glad the dog welcomed you, he/she may have recognised you as Olga's owner and gave you a quick doggy hug. The saga of the avocado tree could be made into a little film the tree almost has a life of its own.
ReplyDeleteSteve I guess you have lived in UK for a long time and have picked up our humour, I loved your video, well done Dave for the perfect music. Bennie Hill was a staple of my younger days, mum and dad watched it, I hated him.
ReplyDeleteI adore the video. Great job, you two! We went to see Punch Drunk Love while living in Las Vegas. I was going through difficult times with my mental health (my job was destroying me) and found the film so powerful (Adam Sandler surprised me) that I had a panic attack and had to leave the theater.
ReplyDeleteYou should be awarded some kind of medal by the ATGA* for outstanding service to avocado trees. How wonderful that Dave with his list of music-related qualifications was able to provide expert soundtrack advice.
ReplyDelete*Avocado Tree Growers Association
Oops. I accidentally Xed out before hitting publish! I loved the video and kudos to Dave on the film and music. I thought that was Benny Hill but it had been so long, so I was glad to see it on the credits. It was fun to watch! I think one of you wrapping it would probably not be as much fun but very interesting. So glad it has been OK so far and hope it stays that way!
ReplyDeleteI wonder if the neighbors enjoyed the undressing??
ReplyDeleteLarson is one of my favorite authors and I really loved Dead Wake.
ReplyDeleteDave's suggestion of music for your "unboxing" of the avocado tree was perfect and made the video though I am not familiar with 70's British humor. Instead, I am familiar with American television humor which has used that tune quite often too for just those types of situations. I think the first one I can remember was "The Great Outdoors" with John Candy but I'm sure it was around well before them.
Was that Benny Hill?
ReplyDeleteGlad the avocado survived. You're a good plant dad:)
I knew it was going to be Benny Hill! Thanks, Dave!
ReplyDeleteA month or so after my little Jack Russell, Mavis passed I was sat on a bench waiting for my husband, and a little black terrier ran over to me for a fuss. His owner said how astonished she was as usually he didn't like strangers and would never approach people, that made me feel really tearful and I had to explain to her. We both thought it quite special.
ReplyDeleteThe unveiling was spectacular, Benny would have approved. :-)
Benny Hill would approve. Operation guacamole in all its glory, well done.
ReplyDeleteThat little video put a smile on my face! What a great piece of editing and the music was perfect. I love the light in that top photo!
ReplyDeleteIt's so sweet when a dog sits on your foot - it's an invitation into their world.
ReplyDeleteThe avocado looks splendid. I hope you don't have to do all that wrapping again soon.
Hurray! The avocado has survived to grow another four feet! At least.
ReplyDeleteI'm afraid my original sea grape is not looking so well after its last freeze and wrapping although the mango and new limequat and olive tree appear to be okay. And dang it! We are going to get some seriously cold temps next week! Down in the mid twenties! Back to the sheets and clothes pins!
Ha! I love the video! And I liked hearing your voice too.
ReplyDeleteExcellent job on covering the avocado. I see the pot was indeed protected. I had to laugh about the clothespins because I use many myself in my own wrapping endeavors. When our son was 12 my husband took him out to get a dog. They went to a boxer breeder because I had grown up with boxers and was less likely to object (I did not know about the puppy until they brought her home). I asked my son once why he chose that particular puppy. He said he didn't, she chose me, she came and sat on my feet and didn't move.
ReplyDeleteIt's good to see a a photo of you. You are happy that your plan worked to protect your avocado.
ReplyDeleteYou have a very nice voice, and quite a natural on video too!
ReplyDeleteAn enjoyable video!
ReplyDeleteSo disappointed in Dave! The proper soundtrack to your video was this: https://youtu.be/HmMErvtasgM?si=CD5Qu10vFoYLnKU5
ReplyDeleteI recognized the music but had no idea where it was from. What a production! After all that, I'm delighted that the avocado looks so good. I've read a couple books by Larson and enjoyed them.
ReplyDeleteYears ago my work email somehow got on the California Avocado Commission's email list. They probably would like to read about your dedication to that tree!
ReplyDeleteYour ingenious use of a massive cover, bamboo poles, clothespins and duct tape did a great job protecting the avocado tree. It looks marvelous!
ReplyDeleteNice video!
I hope to watch "One Battle After Another" this evening. I love Paul Thomas Anderson movies and enjoyed "Licorice Pizza." "Magnolia" is his masterpiece--so far. We'll see what else he dreams up. Maybe Olga asked that dog to greet you. I know it's silly, but it's a comforting thought.
ReplyDeleteLove,
Janie