Sometimes it's better to light a flamethrower than curse the darkness

The new acer died, which is sad. It had gay frilly purple leaves! And MB was particularly sad because she was calling it "my" tree because I chose it and the pot for it (I didn't really think of it as mine, but she will not be persuaded!). It lived right outside the window of the room where I work so I could see it. MB has been saying that we should find something else to live there.

Before they left she told me some plants she'd ordered a long time ago had finally been shipped and might arrive while they were gone. I know the kind of flat, thin boxes that the plug plants came in before so I promised I'd look out for them and ask her what to do about them. Indeed this happened this morning; I took a photo of the plants and the illegible (to me) handwriting on the package and did what she asked, which in this case was wrap them in wet paper towels and put them somewhere they'll get some sun.

This afternoon, a big but very light box arrived. It actually said on it "living plants, open immediately" or something like that. I did and found a little potted plant. I took a photo and sent it to MB. This time she said "That is red bamboo, I thought it could go in the pot that the dead tree is in. It is very beautiful when it grows. Yes, also, surprise nice plant for you."

I didn't end up having time to plant it today -- after work, I tried to take a nap but was interrupted by Gary doing his "I've been left all alone" bark for a long time (I once saw a screenshot where someone had googled "do dogs ever get bored of barking" and the highlight snippet, which said "No, dogs do not get bored of barking" was illustrated with a photo of a jack russell) and then the neighbor girl and her friend hammering on the door to tell me they are now taking poster commissions "and we also do some chalking!" I got an extensive list read out to me of what days they're free/open for business. Pretty much all day Sundays and holidays! But not this week because [friend, whose name I didn't quite catch] has to do her Sats [exams that English kids have when they're like 10 or 11]." It was very cute. If not very restful.

Anyway, I didn't get around to planting the red bamboo today, but I look forward to doing it tomorrow. And I look forward to seeing it grow!