I’ve decided to cancel my trip to India. It just wasn’t feeling right. I was not getting responses from the travel agent or Ash, so I decided to call it off. There may have been a miscommunication, but when I sent Ash a message and asked what day in December would work to meet with him in Mumbai and go to the Art Village, he didn’t respond:
“Hi Ash, I’m planning my itinerary. I plan to fly into Delhi (because I will be leaving from there) and then make my way south. Should I meet you in Mumbai, or go directly to the Art Village? I will wait to schedule my flight until I hear from you. The Art Village is not taking reservations yet. My first scheduled event is on Dec.7 in Kerala, although that could be modified.”
He didn’t respond.
This morning I sent him a message and told him that I decided to cancel:
“Hello Ash, I hope all is well with you. I have decided to cancel my trip to India. Based on earlier communication, I understand that you are very busy. I know you said not to worry, but I feel it is prudent to have a solid plan in place, especially for a trip of this magnitude. It just doesn’t feel right. Perhaps another time.”
His response:
“I’m currently very busy because of my trip to IAMPETH. And few other house commitments. I surely can’t be with you all the while of your trip but when you are in Mumbai I can surely take time.
But sorry about not replying to your previous message. It’s been hectic! You know you are most welcome!”
In any event, it just did not feel right to continue. Now I’m hoping to get my reservation back for December in Boquete. Fingers crossed.
Still keeping busy outside. Caleb Seay is here for his last day working with us. He loves working with Dan’s Stihl blade. He’s cutting down buckthorn. Right now he’s on lunch break watching “Axe Men.” He is enamored with the 66″ Stihl chainsaw – the largest in the world. It’s only $4200. Perhaps Amy and Kevin will make this Caleb’s next Christmas present.
I thank Stephanie Tsoris for her suggestion on the “Florida Weave” for supporting our tomato plants. No more cages! Brilliant. Also thanks to Ana and Eileen for the plants!
Hoping the caution tape will scare the deer.
I’ve been so delighted with the prickly pear. I got new plants from Kathy’s neighbor, and they bloomed! This is a first for me. I have an older plant from Jerry and Esther Flakas, and it has not done well. My fault. It was in too much shade. I have now moved it to the spot with the new ones, and I am hopeful that it will make a comeback.
I am also very pleased with the window boxes. Based on recommendations of gardening friends, I have this year planted just low-growing and trailing plants. Now that we have casement windows, there cannot be anything very high in them. So far, they are doing well, and Dan thinks he may be able to winter them in the basement.
I’ve settled on a design for my Christmas card, and they are currently in production. The process is very satisfying, and so, again, it is challenging for me to stop doing that and work on the book. I’ve scheduled with my editor, starting on September 22, so it’s time to pay attention.
Hi Christine, Looks like you’ve got a number of different types of tomato plants? Interesting idea with the caution tape set up but I don’t think it will keep the deer away from your plants. They come out at night to feed so you could wake UP TO NO PLANTS BY MORNING! I sent you an interesting article on how to keep the deer away from them. Some of the ideas I would advise you try like soap in a nylon stocking hanging on each plant, or the sprays to deter them. If you had any wire fencing to lay around the perimeter on the ground as they don’t like to walk on it. I found that one interesting. I would hate to see you loose those plants after doing all that you have done. Also other critters like tomatoes too. Like raccoons, ground hogs gophers, possums etc. We had to build a cage inside our garden box all sides & roof of wire mesh to keep out the critters!
Sad about your India trip! 🙁
And your FL weave looks great! Love the caution tape idea … nice and flexible. 👩🏻🌾👩🏻🌾
OMG Chris, I’m shocked and now you probably know how I felt when I decided not to go – whew – so much work. Well……….. there will be other trips at other times. How is Intrepid handling this for you? Low hassel, I hope. Maybe in September, when I’m visiting Wisconsin, we can take a walk. I’d like that. Happy 4th of July