arrg! How frustrating! I'm really sorry to hear that but it sounds as if the initial shock might be over. If I were my mom, I'd tell you to drink lots of water, take your vitamin C and get lots of rest. Don't over do it. Oh, and she would tell you to watch funny movies.

When that happened to me, I left all my plants and pots behind. I just grabbed grandpa's pots and my stuff and ran. I'm glad you're able to stay connected somewhat, at least for you and the kids.

It is true! That deck will be full and new things will be growing so very soon.

I wish you the very best whether this is long term or short term. Take good care of yourself!!!

J.

Steve, this isn't how I imagined things working out for you. Sometimes things just blow apart . . .

It is very close to the end of the growing season. R & R with a little skiing and snowboarding (if'n I remember right ;o) should be prescribed. Until then, follow J's mom's advice and come back here often.

digitS'

Here is a link that might be useful: just about now in Stevation's garden

Sorry things haven't been going all that well for you, Steve. I hope it works out well in the end.

Steve, being a parent of small children myself, my heart sank when I read your post. It doesn't seem that long ago when you were posting photos of your new baby boy. I'm very sorry to hear that things aren't working out for your family. I'm hoping that the transition to your new place goes well, and that you continue to garden, even if it's in containers.

Keep in touch!

Bonnie

Stevation!

I have been wondering where you've been and I have missed you here. I am impressed by your resilience and your focus on what matters in life, your kiddos!
I cant wait to see a photo of your new views both from your condo and your hiking adventures. I'm glad that you are on friendly terms with your wife so that Esteban the gardener can grab starts of all his plantas favoritas!
Dont be a stranger, please come by and let us know how you are doing!

Gosh Steve, you have been through a ton of emotional upheaval. Please take care of yourself. Been there and yes, it is the kids which are priority. You are a long drive from them, but with the new location of your abode there will be many new adventures together. Taking hikes will be flora/fauna learning for all. Nature all around wherever we are.

Will we see you on the patio gardening forum? I am a bit shocked by the news, but appreciate your candor and wanting to share with us. This in itself must have been difficult for you to write.

I've yet to have as great a garden since moving from Alpine. Maybe it is the rocks that seem to breed in the winter. Admission that I miss my acres of past, but life has given me other priceless entities.

My best to you and will always appreciate the wonderful advice, those great photos, etc. Please know we will be thinking of you and update us if there is time at your end.

Hi Steve,

So sorry to hear about your marriage. I believe there's always a silver lining and a reason for the pain. Sounds like you are on your way to getting a new life in order. Wish you the very best and some peace :)

Is there a community garden plot you could get hold of?

Charlene

Steve,

I've been trying to think of something brilliant, encouraging and helpful to say here, but so far I haven't come up with it. I'm sure you know we'll all be rooting for you (no pun intended) so please do keep posting, or at least lurking. And don't forget to change your address - it's catalog season. Take care of yourself. (Chocolate always works for me.)

Hey guys, thanks for the kind comments. It's good to have friends, even if you are remote and we never see each other! Too bad I'm not close enough for your plant swaps to meet all of you.

And Windwhipped, I LOVE the "rooting for you" pun. Even though it wasn't intended. And hey, no chocolate needed -- I've lost 33 lbs this past year! It started with losing my appetite from the stress of my situation, but then this summer, I expanded on it by running and biking. I'm actually feeling pretty darn great, physically! And the stress is much easier to manage now that I know where I'm headed.

Yes, I'm thinking about finding a community garden for next spring. Or I may just take a year off and only do some things in pots on the deck. Even the pots may be a problem, because I just may go away for weeks next summer, and I'll need someone to tend them (who won't kill them).

I took my daughters up the hill to see my new place, and they really liked the views. My oldest is turning 16 next week, and she appreciated that it's close enough for her to easily drive to (when she's staying with me) after being out on a weekend night with her friends who all live close to the family home. That was one of my primary considerations. I wanted to actually move closer to work, but being near the kids will work better, especially with my older one now that she's becoming more mobile on her own.

I took a hike on the trail by the condo Sunday evening, took my guitar along, and wrote a song. It was very therapeutic! You can see a photo of the scenery on that trail by clicking the link below.

It's on my Facebook page but should be publicly available with that link. The three photos after it are also from that trail area. It will be rejuvenating to live up there!

Hey, while you're there, if you are on Facebook, go ahead and click to be my friend if you'd like to stay in touch.

Here is a link that might be useful: Scenery at my new place