Time to update about the progress of the Legacy from the 08' Presidential election. The massive uprising of supporters for Obama leaves its mark on this state and across the nation. We are sporting a new label: Organizing for America.  This label fits the grassroots network that became the cohesive structure in and beyond the official Democrat channels who decided they were tired of having elections stolen from them, and to be so energetic their candidate would win by an incontrovertible large margin.  So we attracted a wide range of folks, even a healthy dose of 'republibamicans'. So good was the blend, we couldn't bear the idea of not nurturing this network, keeping it 'alive' and working to see the policies of Obama we approved of brought to life. So here in South Central Wisconsin, we've continued to meet. We blend both into party politics on an individual choice basis and reserve independence and some healthy autonomy so we can be a comfort zone for inclusiveness.  Now a large cluster of activists and Team Leaders are established as the Dane Grassroots Network. We will put energy into community service, local politics and candidates, state politics and candidates as well as the full spectrum of legislative issues before Congress, the President's agenda and international affairs. It is a kaleidoscope of involvements with something for every political mood and taste. Our goal is to educate citizens on how government works, how to promote policies they find worthwhile, how to push against the politics and issues we deplore, and how to provide information on these topics to others. We hope to draw in a wide range of people who care about their communities, state, nation, world, and teach the urgency of citizen participation in influencing the process of putting policy and candidates in place.  I've become a member of the Steering Committee. Also  lead in the Communications Group and the Grassroots Organizing Group.  I care about the topics of all the groups. 

We will soon have our own website, with the site donated by our webmaster. This project is in its evolutionary stage, but should be functional soon. 

As to gardening:  Sixteen tomato plants are in their giant pots,  Clematis around the yard fertilized and some have larger trellises. The Josephine Clematis has large buds, the pink ones on the back lattice are blooming or budding.  Jackmanii has sprouted to over 7 feet tall already.  On the mailbox trellis, the bluebell clematis has bloomed, the red one has reached over 8 feet, but no buds showing yet.  Planted 2 new types of clematis, Fransis Maria, a double blue, and a shrub type non climbing (two of them) which will bear smaller blue flowers. Bright lemon heuchuras planted in the shade bed with the magnolia tree in it,  two more lemon leaved bleeding hearts planted in woodland garden, Lily-of-the valley in full bloom, hardy cranesbill starting to bloom, Jack Frost Brunnera in three shady beds blooming. Forget-me-nots blooming amidst the bleeding heart in the woodland garden. Tulips on their last gasp,  cerastrium (snow in summer) clustering behind the mailbox are rising up to bloom soon.  Pinkish lavender lamium blooming above the rock border around a shrub in front of house, Hostas rising up everywhere. Buds showing on red lincolnesque rose by bedroom window, other roses about to bloom.  Blanc de coubert roses showing budding inclinations as well as the rugosas in the perennial bed.  The red maltese cross clusters have sprung up magnificently and multiplied, the nepeta is ready to be a cloud of blue next to the maltese cross, Irises, the purple ones are budding.  Next to the front door, the ligularia has vigorously shot up.  Liatris along the side of the house has survived as well as the sedum, the Westerland yellow climbing rose shows it made it through the harsh winter, as well as Gertrude Jeckyll rose nearby.  Love and growth in the garden! 

Herbs: Oregano spreading,  monarda's are back, raspberries are starting to bloom. Set out what is left of the herb pots that didn't get good care last winter, had to replace several thymes and down to two struggling rosemary shrubs. Now have some new babies to start. Chamomile, sage, grew parsley from seed, and it's ok, whole flat Alaska varigated Nasturtiums up and with second leaves.  Chives about to bloom, self-seeding onions up and starting to look 'pregnant', garlic ringing the rosebushes in perennial bed.  Golden oregano spreading and coming back. Mint!  Orange mint spread over its limits and trying to gallop all over bedroom rose and clematis(fall flowering and carmencita)   bed. Gave some to my neighbors Thieu, Sonya, and Al  G.  Have more with nowhere to offer it, maybe to John and Josie across the cul de sac.   Baby chocolate mint and a spearmint are new-- to replace anguished ones that didn't get enough care in winter inside the all season porch. Oh well, maybe next time things will run smoother.  Have black-eyed susan abundance to deal with. Must thin them. More to share.  Mulching and weeding done in many areas.

Bird feeder news:  Orioles!   Pair of orioles attend a new grape jelly feeder hanging by dining-room window, and visit new  nectar feeder hanging from one of the big maples by the deck. They keep returning! Very lovely! 

Have seen scarlet tanager, and a pair of indigo buntings, too! A little hummer came by a couple of weeks ago, don't see many here, maybe they are having too much fun in someone elses' yard, but with the feathered friends coming to see me so far, I feel blessed! 

Posting again later about new grandbaby news!  Due mid-January!  Laura!   

Lots more to share, of course.  Been a political junkie for the past two years and got Obama elected. Now continuing in the Grassroots Network still functioning post-election. First time I ever decided to keep at it,  we have to if we are to see the decisions turn our way. Apathy is the enemy of those who hope for average citizens to be heard and respected. 

Family:  A new little granddaughter! Elizabeth Renee Gerfen is with us! She is almost 5 months old now!  Oliver is 2.5!  Talking in long sentences and full of humor and song. Maisy plays piano, soccer, and wants to do gymnastics.  Maddy, 12, has been playing soccer for years but made a decision to opt out of soccer in order to have time to join a very demanding new activity: the Madison Youth Sinfonieta, and will do gymnastics instead of soccer. She is one busy young lady, also involved in Future Problem Solvers and Young Shakespearean Players of Madison.  

Planted my 3rd succession of peas,  have lots of plants to set in the ground. Tomatoes waiting. 

Clematis all returned and are shooting upward. Roses sending buds out, and some are leafing out.  Had to replant some of the herbs I lost while gone to help Karen for 7 weeks. Oh, well, some things just take priority. 

In the Garden:  Bleeding hearts blooming as well as forget-me-nots planted from seed last year, and the JackFrost Brunnera are sending up forget-me-not blue flowers as well. The new hosta planted last summer are returning,  Tulips and daffodils having a lovely flush of bloom as well as grape hyacinths and other lovely bulbs. Cherry and crabapple trees finally having courage to bloom after a chilly-late spring.  It is a lovely spring.   New bright lemony heuchura are waiting to be set into the soil.  The incredible Maltese Cross red flowers planted two years ago have sprung up in very nice strong clumps indicating they will be so lovely this year!  Next post I'll insert some photos.