Mattawoman Creek

This weekend was eventful!!

Saturday were the Gardening and Herbalism Workshops - Planning Your Small Space Fall Garden and Backyard Apothecary. They went super well, I made cute lil zines, folks asked good questions. I'm def going to get more on the books, along with a plant walk

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Sunday was meant for recharging and resting. Capitalism feeds us this "grind grind grind, go go go" lie that we have to be productive all the time. I don't believe in it.

I believe rest is valuable and that our downtime should be built in to our schedules just as our working hours are.

So after Saturday, and preparing for Saturday, I took Sunday off. I still woke up and journaled, but I read and texted and lazed. In the late afternoon, we decided to go for a little paddle.

Me and my honey. I swear he likes me. I think.

I am fortunate to live very close to Mattawoman Creek. Mattawoman is an important tributary to the Potomac River and Chesapeake Bay and is home to many species of birds and fish and plants and all kinds of interesting things. There is a kayak and boat launch and a fishing pier and a trail that leads along the water. On the weekends, Atlantic Kayak is there doing rentals and tours. I love just sitting near the water sometimes and walk my dogs down there frequently.

Growing up, I'd go fishing with my Dad on his bass boat out of this dock. I still remember the time when i was around 5 or 6 and I told anyone that would listen that I caught two fish and he didn't catch any! I haven't fished in a million years but decided to put a line in out.

The Mattawoman Creek

The Mattawoman Creek and Slavins Dock very small

The fish were jumping out of the water all around us but not one single bite.

We could even see them! It was like they were taunting us!

I was mostly hoping to see American Lotus in bloom. They are in the creek and I've seen them before but paddle power didn't take us far enough to see where they were.

Spatterdock with underground grasses

Spatterdock with underground grasses

Trees and wild rice

I did see lots of underwater grasses, spatterdock, and wild rice!

I've been out on this water on my stand-up paddle board or on kayaks, and I've always known I'm more of a fan of floating than paddling so this was just my speed.

Dave rowed, I looked cute. Perfect way to end a Sunday.

Cheese!! I joked I should have brought a parasol.

Of course I couldn't stay out of the garden though. Trellised tomatoes when I got home and took pictures. Please note that I am fully clothed and it is 89°F because the mosquitos around here view DEET as seasoning as a friend worded it earlier.

I still got bit on my face and ears!

green roma tomatoes

me, covered, smiling

Cattle panel arch with plants growing along and black eyed susans in foreground

Sungold Tomato and Blue coco bean flower

cushaw squash curlie

vines growing up cattle panel trellis

cucumber, bean, and tomato growing up cattle panel trellis

I hope that in the business and fun of the summer you're taking time to rest and recharge!