I know you might not really care about my basil situation but for some reason I have staked my happiness on whether or not I can get fresh basil. I bought new soil and it looked surprisingly like the potting soil I am used to. I did mix it with a bit of the red Indian dirt just to make sure the seeds knew where they were. And several little sprouts came up. I was so excited. I diligently shifted the lot all around following the sunshine.
30 minutes at the foot of the bed in the girls' room in the morning
I took permission from my neighbor to place the pot along the walkway that leads to our 2 flats. So everyday from 12 to 3 I carefully slid the pot down the walkway as the sun progressed down its' path.
Then I relocated the pot around the corner from the elevators to the last patch of sunshine available along the walkways. Often this is where my pot spent the night as by this time in the day I was well I to the evening rush- snacks, play ground, herding children through dinner and bath and into bed- that I just plain forgot about the basil.
But as soon as I saw the sun hit the girls' bedroom in the morning I would race outside to get the pot.
Regardless of my doting, 3 seedlings wilted up and died. All my hope was in one last seedling. It seemed to be up to the task. It had just sprouted 2 more tiny leaves and gained maybe a 1/8 inch of height.
And then it happened. Flip offered to slide it down the hallway for me. I am trying to say yes to Flip more. She is such an eager child. She wants to do anything I am doing. So I said, "sure." And that was the end of my little plant. She dumped it completely over. I did my best to replant that little seedling but it withered and died. And I am out of seeds.
I guess I am doomed to walk upon this red dirt of India basil free. I am still not sure if I am ready to accept this fate.
Last night we went out to eat at a place called Olive Garden, although it has nothing to do with the mediocre Italian franchise back in the US. I am sure someone stole the name and they both serve pasta. That is about all they have in common. The family we went with are parents of Star's classmate. The mom is a teacher and the dad is a farmer. After I blubbered to him about my lack of sunshine and the demise of my basil he told me if I can get some seeds he will grow the herbs for me. Could it be? Could fresh basil and I finally make nice?
30 minutes at the foot of the bed in the girls' room in the morning
I took permission from my neighbor to place the pot along the walkway that leads to our 2 flats. So everyday from 12 to 3 I carefully slid the pot down the walkway as the sun progressed down its' path.
Then I relocated the pot around the corner from the elevators to the last patch of sunshine available along the walkways. Often this is where my pot spent the night as by this time in the day I was well I to the evening rush- snacks, play ground, herding children through dinner and bath and into bed- that I just plain forgot about the basil.
But as soon as I saw the sun hit the girls' bedroom in the morning I would race outside to get the pot.
Regardless of my doting, 3 seedlings wilted up and died. All my hope was in one last seedling. It seemed to be up to the task. It had just sprouted 2 more tiny leaves and gained maybe a 1/8 inch of height.
And then it happened. Flip offered to slide it down the hallway for me. I am trying to say yes to Flip more. She is such an eager child. She wants to do anything I am doing. So I said, "sure." And that was the end of my little plant. She dumped it completely over. I did my best to replant that little seedling but it withered and died. And I am out of seeds.
I guess I am doomed to walk upon this red dirt of India basil free. I am still not sure if I am ready to accept this fate.
Last night we went out to eat at a place called Olive Garden, although it has nothing to do with the mediocre Italian franchise back in the US. I am sure someone stole the name and they both serve pasta. That is about all they have in common. The family we went with are parents of Star's classmate. The mom is a teacher and the dad is a farmer. After I blubbered to him about my lack of sunshine and the demise of my basil he told me if I can get some seeds he will grow the herbs for me. Could it be? Could fresh basil and I finally make nice?
I DO care about your basil situation! Now how will you get more seeds?
ReplyDeleteI asked a friend to mail some packs of seeds.Not sure if it is worth it, by the time the seeds arrive, they sprout and establish a plant it will be time to go home. Perhaps I will become the Mrs. Rumphius of India- dropping basil seeds everywhere.
ReplyDelete