As messy as this looks, it is the start of a nice sheltered area out by the sheds. It will make a nice area to BBQ or lounge around, once it is covered and a wall built on the West side of this area. That wall will stop the wind, that is forever blowing around here.
I would love to put a couple of hammocks out here, or a couch, or something comfy to sit on. I was thinking about buying one of those nice family tents, with the screened in porch type thing and windows and several rooms...and move out there in the summer.
My brother, Jones, has his gypsy village...complete with heated pool/Polish jacuzzi and a shower. The pool is a wading pool with a water bed heater, the Polish jacuzzi part is a fart. SAFETY! Oh! I didn't actually fart...just well trained.
Back to the fence area. I want to put some bricks or something down for a floor. Then cover with a nice roof. I was thinking, for the wind proof West wall, I could use some old slider doors. That way, I can re-use them, they will serve the purpose I need, and I will still be able to watch the sun set. If I want privacy, I can put up a curtain.
I am hoping to make the bottom half of this fence solid and the top lattice...maybe. It depends on how much money I get to do this. OR what I get for free. But...it will be nice. Maybe a picnic table and a grill...a TV, couch, small fridge. Marvelous!
Not today though. I need to get in the kitchen...see ya later!
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I would love to put a couple of hammocks out here, or a couch, or something comfy to sit on. I was thinking about buying one of those nice family tents, with the screened in porch type thing and windows and several rooms...and move out there in the summer.
My brother, Jones, has his gypsy village...complete with heated pool/Polish jacuzzi and a shower. The pool is a wading pool with a water bed heater, the Polish jacuzzi part is a fart. SAFETY! Oh! I didn't actually fart...just well trained.
Back to the fence area. I want to put some bricks or something down for a floor. Then cover with a nice roof. I was thinking, for the wind proof West wall, I could use some old slider doors. That way, I can re-use them, they will serve the purpose I need, and I will still be able to watch the sun set. If I want privacy, I can put up a curtain.
I am hoping to make the bottom half of this fence solid and the top lattice...maybe. It depends on how much money I get to do this. OR what I get for free. But...it will be nice. Maybe a picnic table and a grill...a TV, couch, small fridge. Marvelous!
Not today though. I need to get in the kitchen...see ya later!
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AMAZING!
7/28/10
Last night, this is what the sky looked like...from my back yard. It never fails to impress me how much beauty I see from my own back yard.
This is a kind-of Southern view...from the East side of my yard.
Blue, pink, and yellow. Amazing colors. Subtle, and amazing.
Do you know what else is amazing? Here is Scardy Dog...POSING for a picture. Normally she would run from the camera...but she even looks like she is smiling. Until...the flash went off.
Then she ran over here. She still doesn't look all that upset...just figured she would run just 'in case'...I guess. 'In case' of what...I don't know...but she is safe now.
Sometimes, it makes me sad that she was so mistreated before she came here. Watching her freak out over such small things. It makes me so glad she lives here now. And I can laugh, knowing she will never be mistreated again...and all this is a waste of energy for her.
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Sometimes, it makes me sad that she was so mistreated before she came here. Watching her freak out over such small things. It makes me so glad she lives here now. And I can laugh, knowing she will never be mistreated again...and all this is a waste of energy for her.
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A WALK IN MY YARD
7/27/10
An artichoke...is a thistle. The pretty purple center is the 'choke'. I let this one 'go to seed', so to speak.
'Purple Robe' is a desert friendly flower. Once it is established, it will tolerate almost any condition. Drought. Flood. Roots ripped out of the ground. No fertilizer. Plus...it blooms most all year round. Such a bargain.
Here are some of my herbs. At the top, going clock wise, is lemon balm, sage (washed out in right hand corner), thyme, and chives.
This is one of my favorite plants. It has a name with 'Angel' in it, I think. As you can see, it is starting to bloom. The blooms are lavender. It is hearty, also. It lives all crammed in together, no new dirt and little or no fertilizer. A must for my landscape.
These are my butternut squash...I think. I am hoping they get a chance to have several squash ripen before it is too cold...we shall see, won't we.
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MY NEW NAME
7/24/10
Yesterday, I laid out this bed and got it ready for planting. I worked a little on the bed to the right of this one...but it still needs some work.
This morning, as usual, I went out to water. The dogs were already out there...and always get excited when I finally make it out there.
This means they are running around, wildly, playing tag with each other and me. That also means, Bad Dog is slapping, or boxing, Scardy Dog and me...and trying to be the fastest.
As we are walking out to the hose so I can begin watering, she is doing her whirling dervish impression. I start watering the new beans, she jumps up on the new bed, and starts whirling the compost out of the bed. AND runs away real fast, so I won't spray her with the hose.
In my mind, I hear her say..."Stupid human! I am way faster than you." Actually...I think she renamed me "Stupid".
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This morning, as usual, I went out to water. The dogs were already out there...and always get excited when I finally make it out there.
This means they are running around, wildly, playing tag with each other and me. That also means, Bad Dog is slapping, or boxing, Scardy Dog and me...and trying to be the fastest.
As we are walking out to the hose so I can begin watering, she is doing her whirling dervish impression. I start watering the new beans, she jumps up on the new bed, and starts whirling the compost out of the bed. AND runs away real fast, so I won't spray her with the hose.
In my mind, I hear her say..."Stupid human! I am way faster than you." Actually...I think she renamed me "Stupid".
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PICTURES, PICTURES, PICTURES!
7/23/10
This is the peach jam that the 'Ladies' and I put up last Saturday. Or at least some of it. Plus, they cut up peaches to be made either into jam or pies and put it in the freezer.
THIS is a bad picture of the little trouble makers in my squash. He is in the big trash can in the front yard...so to speak.
My Polish linguisa tomatoes looking yellow and sickly.
The same is true for my yellow crook neck squash. Very sad.
After I pulled them all up. What shall I plant now?
The Hubbard squash...or is it butternut? Guess we are about to find out in a bit.
I planted beans (either kidney or black) by the red scalloped brick, and at the bottom of the picture is cucumbers.
I 'carted' these pots from the back of the house to out back. It was to insure that they got watered. I seemed to forget them when they were close to the house. How silly, right?
Plus, I decided that if I planted the 'viney' stuff in pots, I could move them if they became unruly. While they were still tender and vulnerable, they would be protected from the rabbits by being high off the ground. Once they reach the ground, the plants will have spikey stuff to help protect it. That is my rationalization and I am sticking to it. Either way, my circle looks good!
Plus, I decided that if I planted the 'viney' stuff in pots, I could move them if they became unruly. While they were still tender and vulnerable, they would be protected from the rabbits by being high off the ground. Once they reach the ground, the plants will have spikey stuff to help protect it. That is my rationalization and I am sticking to it. Either way, my circle looks good!
This is a picture I took to submit to a photography contest, subject is water. At the bottom of my birdbath, you can see me taking a picture of me reflected in the water with the trees behind me. I think it still needs some adjusting...but the concept could work.
Just so you know I haven't buried Bad Dog under the sheds her and Scardy Dog have been digging under....AGAIN...I have included some shots of her, too.
Here she is ignoring me calling her name to turn for a picture.
Here she is ignoring me calling her name to turn for a picture.
Still ignoring me. You can tell she KNOWS she is being naughty, because her ears are down.
Adding insult to injury...she sticks her tongue out at me. Or she is saying I stink? I can never tell.
So...for punishment, I pretend I am the Evil Queen from Alice in Wonderland, and use her for a foot stool. Nobody's buying it.
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I took a Big Girl pill...
7/22/10
As sad as it made me to do it, I pulled up the yellow crook-neck squash and the Polish Linguisa tomatoes from the West wing of my garden this morning. I put them in garbage bags and put them in a trash can with a locking lid. The bugs are not cooperating. I am hoping to save my zucchini from them.
IF...I can't pull that off, I am sending out a request for local gardeners to please give me their large zucchini so I can make bread. If you leave them on the porch with your name and number/address, I will make sure you get some bread in return for your kindness. Or something else, if you don't want bread. I'm flexible.
I also want to get my new beds built, so I can continue to plant. I hope I can get a bed with some squash without bugs. The Lad has his truck road worthy again so we can go get more compost...YEAH!
Another good thing is that The Lad is now able to have weekends off. Hopefully he will mellow a little with more time to rest...or just be away from work. He has had less than a day off a week practically since December. Thanks for all your hard work, Buddy.
A while ago I planted some herbs (not up), butternut and Hubbard squash (up), kidney beans (up), black beans (up) cucumbers (up). I also planted some broccoli, and cauliflower...but they are not up either. Guess I need to try again.
Anyway...I just want to make sure I get some zucchini so I can make bread. Thanks for listening to this public service announcement. Now back to my regular scheduled program.
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IF...I can't pull that off, I am sending out a request for local gardeners to please give me their large zucchini so I can make bread. If you leave them on the porch with your name and number/address, I will make sure you get some bread in return for your kindness. Or something else, if you don't want bread. I'm flexible.
I also want to get my new beds built, so I can continue to plant. I hope I can get a bed with some squash without bugs. The Lad has his truck road worthy again so we can go get more compost...YEAH!
Another good thing is that The Lad is now able to have weekends off. Hopefully he will mellow a little with more time to rest...or just be away from work. He has had less than a day off a week practically since December. Thanks for all your hard work, Buddy.
A while ago I planted some herbs (not up), butternut and Hubbard squash (up), kidney beans (up), black beans (up) cucumbers (up). I also planted some broccoli, and cauliflower...but they are not up either. Guess I need to try again.
Anyway...I just want to make sure I get some zucchini so I can make bread. Thanks for listening to this public service announcement. Now back to my regular scheduled program.
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BUSY DAYS
7/21/10
Today was a busy day...like that is something out of the ordinary. I took a friend to the Dr this morning, and then to the Easter Seal office to see about volunteering. Her, not me. I am busy enough.
She likes to get up early and get moving. This meant I had to get my chores done before I could leave. Trash day is Wednesday, so that had to be done first. While I was out front I got the mail.
Inside, I found a thank you note from the ladies from the canning class. They are just so sweet and kind, and it was a pleasure to have spent the day with them. I would be glad to do it again, for the asking. Each one wrote something nice and signed it.
I would just like to say thank you Ladies, for your kindness and generosity. It was greatly appreciated. Thanks.
Yesterday was spent making zucchini bread and working on getting stuff ready to can. I hope to do the canning in the morning. Pickle chips with dill and garlic, pickle relish, mild and hot versions, and kiwi/pineapple jam. I am even thinking about making the fermented kind.
I figure by next week I will be canning tomatoes. Either my tomatoes, or my buddy's tomatoes. She just called and told me they like the bread and butter pickles...so they will be back up on the recipe list. I also got stuff to make chow chow, which is made with cabbage and green tomatoes.
See, I am just so busy. Which I am so grateful for. That way, I don't have time to get in trouble. Well...I think I can still get in trouble pretty easy. Actually, I am SURE I can. I just choose not to.
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She likes to get up early and get moving. This meant I had to get my chores done before I could leave. Trash day is Wednesday, so that had to be done first. While I was out front I got the mail.
Inside, I found a thank you note from the ladies from the canning class. They are just so sweet and kind, and it was a pleasure to have spent the day with them. I would be glad to do it again, for the asking. Each one wrote something nice and signed it.
I would just like to say thank you Ladies, for your kindness and generosity. It was greatly appreciated. Thanks.
Yesterday was spent making zucchini bread and working on getting stuff ready to can. I hope to do the canning in the morning. Pickle chips with dill and garlic, pickle relish, mild and hot versions, and kiwi/pineapple jam. I am even thinking about making the fermented kind.
I figure by next week I will be canning tomatoes. Either my tomatoes, or my buddy's tomatoes. She just called and told me they like the bread and butter pickles...so they will be back up on the recipe list. I also got stuff to make chow chow, which is made with cabbage and green tomatoes.
See, I am just so busy. Which I am so grateful for. That way, I don't have time to get in trouble. Well...I think I can still get in trouble pretty easy. Actually, I am SURE I can. I just choose not to.
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PEACH JAM CLASS
7/19/10
This weekend I was very busy teaching some young ladies how to make peach jam. Their 'group' is called the International order of Rainbow for Girls. They make money to help others...what a good project for kids to do.
They were a real good bunch of kids. Even a couple of them were really interested in canning. They all helped, but some were happy to learn. Also...they all loved the jam we made. It seems they want me to come back and teach them to make pie crust...so they can make peach pie.
It took us most of the day to process two cases of peaches. I wish the peaches had been more ripe so they could have seen how easy it would be to slip the skins off the peaches, and how easy it is to take the pits out of freestone peaches. Plus...the more ripe your fruit is, the sweeter the jam. The fruit needs to be ALMOST spoiled.
I want to remind them that they can make up some posters to put up around the neighborhood, asking for any fruit or veggies their neighbor's are not going to use. That way, when they sell their wares, they get a better profit.
When I was leaving their neighborhood, I saw several trees with apples on them. So, as you walk around, look for trees with fruit and maybe leave a note on the person's door. Tell them about your group, and ask for the extras. You will be surprised at the generosity of strangers if you just ask. The worst that could happen is they could say no. AND...you will be no worse off than when you started out. But if they say yes...everyone will all benefit.
I think it is important that kids learn early that there are people less fortunate than they are. OR...to see that just because someone has less doesn't make them less. We all need a helping hand once in a while.
So...to all those sweet ladies, thanks for all your kindness. I enjoyed your company and am looking forward to the pie crust class. Keep up the good work, it makes you better people.
*********************************
They were a real good bunch of kids. Even a couple of them were really interested in canning. They all helped, but some were happy to learn. Also...they all loved the jam we made. It seems they want me to come back and teach them to make pie crust...so they can make peach pie.
It took us most of the day to process two cases of peaches. I wish the peaches had been more ripe so they could have seen how easy it would be to slip the skins off the peaches, and how easy it is to take the pits out of freestone peaches. Plus...the more ripe your fruit is, the sweeter the jam. The fruit needs to be ALMOST spoiled.
I want to remind them that they can make up some posters to put up around the neighborhood, asking for any fruit or veggies their neighbor's are not going to use. That way, when they sell their wares, they get a better profit.
When I was leaving their neighborhood, I saw several trees with apples on them. So, as you walk around, look for trees with fruit and maybe leave a note on the person's door. Tell them about your group, and ask for the extras. You will be surprised at the generosity of strangers if you just ask. The worst that could happen is they could say no. AND...you will be no worse off than when you started out. But if they say yes...everyone will all benefit.
I think it is important that kids learn early that there are people less fortunate than they are. OR...to see that just because someone has less doesn't make them less. We all need a helping hand once in a while.
So...to all those sweet ladies, thanks for all your kindness. I enjoyed your company and am looking forward to the pie crust class. Keep up the good work, it makes you better people.
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THANKS, MY LITTLE MINION
7/16/10
I thought today I would show you an apple crumb pie I made for a contest I entered last year. I used my pasta machine to cut the lattice top so they would be symmetrical. I know it looks pretty...but it tasted so good.
Now, I don't always go through so much trouble to make it look so nice. But it always tastes great...I have that part down, pat.
Yesterday I had the good luck to get some more apricots, zucchini, and cucumbers. Plus...the help of a wonderful young lady. Her Grandma thought I might be able to teach her something about cooking. She came with cards to make notes (her idea). It was so cute. We made three batches of apricot/pineapple jam and three batches of homemade noodles, and we had fun...at least I did. She made most of the jams by herself cause she wanted to say she did it alone. Really good kid.
Not to mention what a big help she was. I will not hesitate to have her back. Thanks for all your help, Sweetie Girl...it was a pleasure to have you here.
In fact, I might take her with me for my canning class I will be giving on Saturday morning. I need someone to film me. So I can put that up on You Tube. That way I can apply to The Next Food Network Star. Or just make my own canning tape to teach others.
Anyway...thanks again. I had a great time. You were a BIG help.
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Now, I don't always go through so much trouble to make it look so nice. But it always tastes great...I have that part down, pat.
Yesterday I had the good luck to get some more apricots, zucchini, and cucumbers. Plus...the help of a wonderful young lady. Her Grandma thought I might be able to teach her something about cooking. She came with cards to make notes (her idea). It was so cute. We made three batches of apricot/pineapple jam and three batches of homemade noodles, and we had fun...at least I did. She made most of the jams by herself cause she wanted to say she did it alone. Really good kid.
Not to mention what a big help she was. I will not hesitate to have her back. Thanks for all your help, Sweetie Girl...it was a pleasure to have you here.
In fact, I might take her with me for my canning class I will be giving on Saturday morning. I need someone to film me. So I can put that up on You Tube. That way I can apply to The Next Food Network Star. Or just make my own canning tape to teach others.
Anyway...thanks again. I had a great time. You were a BIG help.
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THANKS TO ALL
7/14/10
Last summer, Sis and I staged this table for this web-site. This was the first picture we took. I think it turned out very nice. A couple of days after this was taken, all those veggies were processed. OR eaten.
At the time, there was only three of us eating. Which is one more than normal. Seems like a lot of food for two people. But...it happens all the time.
The green apples were for pies. All the peppers were for hot pepper relish. Oranges for marmalade, and zucchini for bread. The tomatoes and eggplant were used in Italian dishes, along with the oregano.
It was a moment in time I just love. Sis and I have extensive backgrounds in the printing business. Brother Jones does too. Plus we all love photography. It comes from our Dad. He was always taking pictures. He usually had two or more cameras around his neck whenever he was 'out' somewhere.
One was slow film. Or 'fast' film. The other way it could have been was color film and black and white film. He had 'rules' like, don't advance the film until you are ready to shoot the picture...it puts tension on the spring till you shoot the picture and that could put unnecessary wear on the spring.
What that did for him was, most of his shots (later in life) were shot from the back of moving subjects. Let me explain.
When he went to take his first picture, he would hold the camera to his face and see the lens cap was on. He would then remove it and try again. Next, he would try to shoot and find the film needed advancing. Stop to do that. If the subject was moving, by the time he finally got all of this done, he was taking a picture of their back. But once he got started, he shot a lot of really nice shots.
What he passed onto us was the love of capturing moments in time. The 'eye' to pick out shots amid the chaos. Voyeurism in it's purest form. To sit and wait for the right shot...sometimes. He would have loved this new digital age. To see your 'work' instantly would have thrilled him no end. As it does me.
When all is said and done, I have to say...'Thanks, Dad' for instilling in me my love for preserving time. This artful expression of my point of view...so to speak. It is a creation of love for me. A way for me to create 'art' everyday. In my pictures. My writing. All the gardening, cooking, canning I do. As I have said before, I just can't stop myself. Not that I am trying to. Stop, that is.
It amazes me to see how many people check out my site. And I love all the comments. They spur me on. So...thanks to you all, too.
I AM SO BLESSED!
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At the time, there was only three of us eating. Which is one more than normal. Seems like a lot of food for two people. But...it happens all the time.
The green apples were for pies. All the peppers were for hot pepper relish. Oranges for marmalade, and zucchini for bread. The tomatoes and eggplant were used in Italian dishes, along with the oregano.
It was a moment in time I just love. Sis and I have extensive backgrounds in the printing business. Brother Jones does too. Plus we all love photography. It comes from our Dad. He was always taking pictures. He usually had two or more cameras around his neck whenever he was 'out' somewhere.
One was slow film. Or 'fast' film. The other way it could have been was color film and black and white film. He had 'rules' like, don't advance the film until you are ready to shoot the picture...it puts tension on the spring till you shoot the picture and that could put unnecessary wear on the spring.
What that did for him was, most of his shots (later in life) were shot from the back of moving subjects. Let me explain.
When he went to take his first picture, he would hold the camera to his face and see the lens cap was on. He would then remove it and try again. Next, he would try to shoot and find the film needed advancing. Stop to do that. If the subject was moving, by the time he finally got all of this done, he was taking a picture of their back. But once he got started, he shot a lot of really nice shots.
What he passed onto us was the love of capturing moments in time. The 'eye' to pick out shots amid the chaos. Voyeurism in it's purest form. To sit and wait for the right shot...sometimes. He would have loved this new digital age. To see your 'work' instantly would have thrilled him no end. As it does me.
When all is said and done, I have to say...'Thanks, Dad' for instilling in me my love for preserving time. This artful expression of my point of view...so to speak. It is a creation of love for me. A way for me to create 'art' everyday. In my pictures. My writing. All the gardening, cooking, canning I do. As I have said before, I just can't stop myself. Not that I am trying to. Stop, that is.
It amazes me to see how many people check out my site. And I love all the comments. They spur me on. So...thanks to you all, too.
I AM SO BLESSED!
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I CAN'T STOP MYSELF...
7/12/10
As usual, I have been busy. Saturday, I 'put up' 50 jars of apricots and pickles. I wasn't all that happy with the new recipes I tried. I am looking for a GOOD recipe for bread and butter pickles. Or any other pickle recipe that any of you love.
Yesterday, I did some baking...and that too, was a new recipe. It turned out OK, but I think I could improve it. I hardly ever try a recipe without 'tuning it up' a bit.
I made an apricot cobbler with chopped up cranberries and whole wheat topping. Next time, I think I will add some pecans, either to the top, inside, or both. Then sprinkle some sugar on top for a kind of brulee, maybe. Or...add some apricot brandy. Then add some whip cream or ice cream. How about butter pecan? I know vanilla would be good.
When I was making apricot pineapple jam, I forgot to put in the pectin in the first batch. This is not a problem. No pectin means it won't 'set', or firm up.
That means you have two choices. You can 'repair' the jam by mixing a pack of pectin with 3/4 cup of water, and boil 2 minutes, stirring constantly. Doing no more than 8 cups at a time, take 2 Tab. of sugar, 1 Tab. of pectin mixture for each cup of the unset jam or jelly that you are repairing. Bring to full boil for 30 seconds. Process as before. (The recipe is on the bottom of the information sheet in the pectin box). OR....you can just leave it alone.
If you leave it alone...It is still very good. And versatile. It will mix easily with whatever you choose to mix it with. Here is a list.
Pour over Ice Cream.
Pour over pound cake.
Pour over cheesecake.
Mix with Barbecue sauce.
Mix with peanut butter and put on waffles or pancakes.
Mix with pancake batter.
Mix with whip cream.
Mix with cream cheese.
Mix with sour cream to top fruit salads.
Mix with ice cream to make ice cream sandwiches from cookies.
Mix with powdered sugar for frosting.
It can be mixed with fresh fruit, like pears, and baked in a pie.
The waffle/pancake thing is an easy travel food for breakfast. Especially if you make it a sandwich.
Sometimes, I think, that I think way too much about food. Should we vote on it? Nahhh....it wouldn't make any difference. "Cause...I just can't seem to stop myself."
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CANNING SEASON IS HERE!!!
7/9/10
Just so you all know, I have lived in this town since 1984. I was 29. Over the years, of course, I have met a lot of people who have help founded this town.
Now, I don't see these people often, and sometimes we forget each others names. But that doesn't matter much. The point of this is today, I gave someone one of my business cards. I have had virtually the same business card since 1992. I must have passed out at least 6000 business cards. So now days when I hand them out, someone usually goes, I know this card, or I know you. Lately, though, with my hair going so white, they don't recognize me so easily.
Anyway, I received a call yesterday from a long-timer and they asked if I wanted some apricots. Well, yes I do! So this morning, promptly at 6 am, I was at a neighbors picking apricots. I will be going again Sunday morning....early. To pick more.
As we were picking, she mentioned their garden...did I want to check it out. Well, yes I do! It was beautiful! They had sunflowers that were at least 12 feet tall. The stalks were the size of tree trunks. Small trees, mind you, but trees all the same. They had onions, tomatoes (mostly beefsteaks), cucumbers, watermelon, squash, and some spices.
"Do you want some cucumbers?"
"Why, yes I do!"
Needless to say, we filled up my trunk with apricots, and the back seat with canning jars and equipment and cucumbers. This is way more than I can use by myself.
So I drove over to Ms. Cleveland, she runs a charity food bank, and gave her about half the apricots and some cucumbers. They hand out their food on Fridays, so it was perfect timing.
Then I drove on down the street to Carroll's Manor, an elderly care facility, and gave her some too. She said she was going to make a cobbler. Plus, I got lots of hugs for sharing. I like that part.
The thing now, is to start canning. I have been picking out recipes to use on all my produce. Then I sorted the cucumbers. They need to be sorted by size so they can go in the right recipes. I plan on making dill pickles, bread and butter pickles, and apricot/pineapple jam. I will start with these, and then try something different as I get more.
It is "OFFICIALLY" canning season......I..AM..SO..HAPPY!!!!
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Now, I don't see these people often, and sometimes we forget each others names. But that doesn't matter much. The point of this is today, I gave someone one of my business cards. I have had virtually the same business card since 1992. I must have passed out at least 6000 business cards. So now days when I hand them out, someone usually goes, I know this card, or I know you. Lately, though, with my hair going so white, they don't recognize me so easily.
Anyway, I received a call yesterday from a long-timer and they asked if I wanted some apricots. Well, yes I do! So this morning, promptly at 6 am, I was at a neighbors picking apricots. I will be going again Sunday morning....early. To pick more.
As we were picking, she mentioned their garden...did I want to check it out. Well, yes I do! It was beautiful! They had sunflowers that were at least 12 feet tall. The stalks were the size of tree trunks. Small trees, mind you, but trees all the same. They had onions, tomatoes (mostly beefsteaks), cucumbers, watermelon, squash, and some spices.
"Do you want some cucumbers?"
"Why, yes I do!"
Needless to say, we filled up my trunk with apricots, and the back seat with canning jars and equipment and cucumbers. This is way more than I can use by myself.
So I drove over to Ms. Cleveland, she runs a charity food bank, and gave her about half the apricots and some cucumbers. They hand out their food on Fridays, so it was perfect timing.
Then I drove on down the street to Carroll's Manor, an elderly care facility, and gave her some too. She said she was going to make a cobbler. Plus, I got lots of hugs for sharing. I like that part.
The thing now, is to start canning. I have been picking out recipes to use on all my produce. Then I sorted the cucumbers. They need to be sorted by size so they can go in the right recipes. I plan on making dill pickles, bread and butter pickles, and apricot/pineapple jam. I will start with these, and then try something different as I get more.
It is "OFFICIALLY" canning season......I..AM..SO..HAPPY!!!!
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KEEPING YOU POSTED
7/8/10
This is my bed of sweet peppers. This picture was taken the first week in June.
This is NOT the same row, but it is an example of how much they have grown in less than a month.
I have an update about the ant killer. I found out that if you choose to use this, (and it is effective), you need to put it in a container by the ant hill. It seems that it has an adverse affect if you put too much on the ground. So I went around today and scooped up all the borax I could see and threw it away.
I have also been trying to use up all the compost I have lying around. I am building a raised bed around my East wing. In the bed, I have decided to put the cardboard boxes I get from Big Al's with the veggie scraps for my compost pile, filled with chipped branches in the bottom and compost on the top. Today I have been wetting them down, getting them ready for planting. I want to make sure they are completely wet, all the way through, before I plant them.
Also, I have been filling up all the large pots I have. I figure that I can plant the seeds that vine in these pots and be able to move them around if I need to. It should also keep the rabbits out of the plant till it gets big enough to fend for itself...so to speak.
Anyway, everything is full of blooms, and small, unripe veggies. LOTS of veggies. This waiting game is getting old.
SHOW ME THE RIPE VEGGIES!!!!
Do you think that helped them to ripen? Me neither. But I do think I feel a little better. Does that count? I sure hope so.
I am off to get MYSELF a massage. The last one I had, BFF gave me for a birthday gift. In February. Guess I am past due. Thanks Lad. I just love you so much.
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I have an update about the ant killer. I found out that if you choose to use this, (and it is effective), you need to put it in a container by the ant hill. It seems that it has an adverse affect if you put too much on the ground. So I went around today and scooped up all the borax I could see and threw it away.
I have also been trying to use up all the compost I have lying around. I am building a raised bed around my East wing. In the bed, I have decided to put the cardboard boxes I get from Big Al's with the veggie scraps for my compost pile, filled with chipped branches in the bottom and compost on the top. Today I have been wetting them down, getting them ready for planting. I want to make sure they are completely wet, all the way through, before I plant them.
Also, I have been filling up all the large pots I have. I figure that I can plant the seeds that vine in these pots and be able to move them around if I need to. It should also keep the rabbits out of the plant till it gets big enough to fend for itself...so to speak.
Anyway, everything is full of blooms, and small, unripe veggies. LOTS of veggies. This waiting game is getting old.
SHOW ME THE RIPE VEGGIES!!!!
Do you think that helped them to ripen? Me neither. But I do think I feel a little better. Does that count? I sure hope so.
I am off to get MYSELF a massage. The last one I had, BFF gave me for a birthday gift. In February. Guess I am past due. Thanks Lad. I just love you so much.
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WOULD YOU LIKE A BRIDGE?
7/6/10
I always end up taking pictures in the morning...it seems. I think it is because it usually isn't windy. Besides...I am waiting to be inspired, I think. The problem is the Sun. It makes it really hard for me to keep from shooting pictures of my shadow. As you can see in the above photo.
Here it is again...on the left side. As you can see, I have my hair tied in a knot (sort of) on the top of my head. But...what I was trying to show in this picture is the tomato plant mixed in with the peppers. It is called a Husky cherry tomato. I think there are two Husky volunteers. The skin is a little tough on the Huskies, but the flavor is good.
Kind of sounds like me. I am a little husky, but still a sweet tomato. Are you buying that? If you are... I've got a bridge...
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Kind of sounds like me. I am a little husky, but still a sweet tomato. Are you buying that? If you are... I've got a bridge...
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TO DREAM...
7/4/10
My tomatoes. In all their glory. This morning I picked my first Polish Linguisa tomato (Roma, only bigger). They are located at the right-hand side of the picture.
The middle, tall plants, are the cherry tomatoes. They have been getting ripe one or two at a time. The plants are LOADED with green tomatoes, so, hope for the future.
The plants to the left are my beefsteak tomatoes. My hopes for a large crop lies with these plants.
In a couple of places I have some volunteer tomatoes. One is in with the peppers. It is a couple of husky cherry tomatoes. The other is in the East wing. I have some yellow pear tomatoes in there. I approve of volunteers.
In the background you can see my squash plants. They have had some bugs. I am watching them closely. I have been picking the bugs off...but we shall see. I may have to start over. I may use a mix a friend (BFF) told me about. I just need to get some baby shampoo. If it works...I will post it on the garden page.
But, for now, I want to dream of how good all those tomatoes are going to taste. Especially this winter.
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The middle, tall plants, are the cherry tomatoes. They have been getting ripe one or two at a time. The plants are LOADED with green tomatoes, so, hope for the future.
The plants to the left are my beefsteak tomatoes. My hopes for a large crop lies with these plants.
In a couple of places I have some volunteer tomatoes. One is in with the peppers. It is a couple of husky cherry tomatoes. The other is in the East wing. I have some yellow pear tomatoes in there. I approve of volunteers.
In the background you can see my squash plants. They have had some bugs. I am watching them closely. I have been picking the bugs off...but we shall see. I may have to start over. I may use a mix a friend (BFF) told me about. I just need to get some baby shampoo. If it works...I will post it on the garden page.
But, for now, I want to dream of how good all those tomatoes are going to taste. Especially this winter.
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TOMORROW
7/2/10
I woke up a week ago to this. I had to run back in the house to get my camera and down the street to get the shot without all the electric lines. Luckily, I got dressed before I started running the streets.
I would show you the other shots I took on this day...except my computer says it can't. Even though the picture above was just done...it says it can't do it now. Go figure.
Guess I need to get my go-to-guy to fix it. He has a day off tomorrow. Maybe then...
I would show you the other shots I took on this day...except my computer says it can't. Even though the picture above was just done...it says it can't do it now. Go figure.
Guess I need to get my go-to-guy to fix it. He has a day off tomorrow. Maybe then...
I FALL DOWN, I GET UP...
6/30/10
Yesterday was spent getting compost. We got 3 loads. Although, only one load was for me. I need WAY more than that. At least I have made decisions about where the new beds will go.
I have to get rid of some ants to accomplish that. I wanted a more land friendly way to do that effectively. So I have tried something I read somewhere. It takes half and half sugar and borax. Littlerock sits on one BIG anthill...so I hoping I can gain some control of my garden. I have been trying to grow some patty pan squash (the ones that are light green and look like little space ships) and the ants keep eating them. Anyway I hope this sugar/borax stuff works.
I also have moved some pots over by my West garden. Big pots. I plan on filling them with compost and planting some of the viney stuff. I am hoping that by being in the big pots, it will keep them safe from the rabbits until they are bigger and not so tasty.
I also want the pots where I will be more apt to water them. Besides, I am hoping to be able to control the vines better. We shall see. How can you really control nature?
This week I pulled up all the radishes (and a broccoli plant I never planted). The broccoli went right back in the dirt. Today, it looks like it just might make it...poor little thing.
I want to plant some black beans, kidney beans, and cucumbers before I run out of time. Then there are lots more things I want to plant...but I am running out of time. We shall see how far I get.
Saturday, I will be teaching a bunch of young ladies how to make peach jam. I can hardly wait! It is an easy way to get people hooked on canning. Once you taste homemade jam, that store bought stuff just doesn't cut it anymore.
What I am hoping to instill in these girls, is the love of canning that I feel. I want to take away their fear of "poisoning their families". Maybe get them to want to garden. At least they will get a taste of how simple it is and what good jam tastes like.
I am hoping to film this class. The Food Network has asked people to put up videos of us cooking on Youtube...or whatever that is...LOL. I think I want a job teaching canning. We shall see how this all turns out. So stay tuned if you are curious...or just want to see if I fall on my face. You know my mantra is..."I fall down. I get up...again. EVERY time." If I don't get up, you will know I am dead.
I have to get rid of some ants to accomplish that. I wanted a more land friendly way to do that effectively. So I have tried something I read somewhere. It takes half and half sugar and borax. Littlerock sits on one BIG anthill...so I hoping I can gain some control of my garden. I have been trying to grow some patty pan squash (the ones that are light green and look like little space ships) and the ants keep eating them. Anyway I hope this sugar/borax stuff works.
I also have moved some pots over by my West garden. Big pots. I plan on filling them with compost and planting some of the viney stuff. I am hoping that by being in the big pots, it will keep them safe from the rabbits until they are bigger and not so tasty.
I also want the pots where I will be more apt to water them. Besides, I am hoping to be able to control the vines better. We shall see. How can you really control nature?
This week I pulled up all the radishes (and a broccoli plant I never planted). The broccoli went right back in the dirt. Today, it looks like it just might make it...poor little thing.
I want to plant some black beans, kidney beans, and cucumbers before I run out of time. Then there are lots more things I want to plant...but I am running out of time. We shall see how far I get.
Saturday, I will be teaching a bunch of young ladies how to make peach jam. I can hardly wait! It is an easy way to get people hooked on canning. Once you taste homemade jam, that store bought stuff just doesn't cut it anymore.
What I am hoping to instill in these girls, is the love of canning that I feel. I want to take away their fear of "poisoning their families". Maybe get them to want to garden. At least they will get a taste of how simple it is and what good jam tastes like.
I am hoping to film this class. The Food Network has asked people to put up videos of us cooking on Youtube...or whatever that is...LOL. I think I want a job teaching canning. We shall see how this all turns out. So stay tuned if you are curious...or just want to see if I fall on my face. You know my mantra is..."I fall down. I get up...again. EVERY time." If I don't get up, you will know I am dead.
I'M BACK
6/28/10
I am so happy to be back on my computer. I sure missed all this.
After doing this for about 9 months, I didn't realize how much a part of my day is taken up just preparing things for this site. It put me in a tail-spin...what do I do now?...how do I use this laptop?
Finally, I just stuck my nose to the grindstone, and cleared away all the things that were holding me back. The weed eater came out and I cleared the back yard. There still is about 1/5 more to clear, but it is way better. Plus, I moved almost all the piles. All the stuff I have been raking up, is now moved to the appropriate piles.
Now my yard looks better tended. You see, I had to clear weeds, and branches, and rocks, to make room for all the new beds I plan to make. And fill. And plant.
Last week the County came by and tilled the acre next door for weed control. They do it every year since 1984. That was the year I caught them spraying for weeds and I made them stop. I told them that I did organic gardening and they were messing up my stuff. So they started tilling it. That was 26 years ago.
Anyway, with all that freshly tilled earth, all I would have to do is stake out some beds, throw some compost on top, plant, water, and fence. The cool thing is they tilled fifty feet from the fences. I would say that is over 5000 square feet of ready dirt. I just want to plant it. You have no idea! It keeps calling me. "Trish! Come over here. Plant me. We have been waiting for so long!" OK. That last part was me. It is just that it is so perfect for what I need. Maybe I need to find out who owns it. Maybe they would let me use it. Maybe...they would let me have it. Feeding the many...that's a good cause...right?
Anyway...I am Back!
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After doing this for about 9 months, I didn't realize how much a part of my day is taken up just preparing things for this site. It put me in a tail-spin...what do I do now?...how do I use this laptop?
Finally, I just stuck my nose to the grindstone, and cleared away all the things that were holding me back. The weed eater came out and I cleared the back yard. There still is about 1/5 more to clear, but it is way better. Plus, I moved almost all the piles. All the stuff I have been raking up, is now moved to the appropriate piles.
Now my yard looks better tended. You see, I had to clear weeds, and branches, and rocks, to make room for all the new beds I plan to make. And fill. And plant.
Last week the County came by and tilled the acre next door for weed control. They do it every year since 1984. That was the year I caught them spraying for weeds and I made them stop. I told them that I did organic gardening and they were messing up my stuff. So they started tilling it. That was 26 years ago.
Anyway, with all that freshly tilled earth, all I would have to do is stake out some beds, throw some compost on top, plant, water, and fence. The cool thing is they tilled fifty feet from the fences. I would say that is over 5000 square feet of ready dirt. I just want to plant it. You have no idea! It keeps calling me. "Trish! Come over here. Plant me. We have been waiting for so long!" OK. That last part was me. It is just that it is so perfect for what I need. Maybe I need to find out who owns it. Maybe they would let me use it. Maybe...they would let me have it. Feeding the many...that's a good cause...right?
Anyway...I am Back!
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UPDATES...
6/23/10
Update about my computer woes...we have ordered a new hard drive. Guess I wore the old one out. Hopefully by Friday it will be fixed.
Today, I started making new beds for my garden. I had to quit because I am waiting for my cordless drill to charge. Now...if I really wanted to, I could hook up the electric cord and stretch it across the yard...but I don't want to. So I decided to post.
I have already cut the lumber and drilled a few holes. I have been formulating plans to make more planting space without having to do too much about fencing. AND watering. I figure, the closer I can keep the fencing and the watering, the less chance I will forget something. I want to get my beans and cucumbers in the ground.
I have about 6 kinds of cucumbers and about 5 kinds of beans. I still have lots of things to plant. With our long growing season, I think I can a lot of plants growing this year for next year harvest.
On another note...seems that the Food Network is looking for people to try for a show. Only this time they are not going through all the BS about applying. This time you just post your stuff on Youtube. I think that will work better. There are no time limits or all those rules from before. So...here I go again. Maybe this time will be a charm....
Today, I started making new beds for my garden. I had to quit because I am waiting for my cordless drill to charge. Now...if I really wanted to, I could hook up the electric cord and stretch it across the yard...but I don't want to. So I decided to post.
I have already cut the lumber and drilled a few holes. I have been formulating plans to make more planting space without having to do too much about fencing. AND watering. I figure, the closer I can keep the fencing and the watering, the less chance I will forget something. I want to get my beans and cucumbers in the ground.
I have about 6 kinds of cucumbers and about 5 kinds of beans. I still have lots of things to plant. With our long growing season, I think I can a lot of plants growing this year for next year harvest.
On another note...seems that the Food Network is looking for people to try for a show. Only this time they are not going through all the BS about applying. This time you just post your stuff on Youtube. I think that will work better. There are no time limits or all those rules from before. So...here I go again. Maybe this time will be a charm....
TROUBLES
6/22/10
Just so you all know...I have been having technical difficulties. Seems my hard-drive is not properly functioning. So, now I am reduced to using a lap-top that I am having trouble operating. What can I say...I am from the "old" school. Plus my typing skills are small.
To keep you posted...I have cut back my tomatoes...yet again! I am trying to keep the "suckers" from stealing energy from my tomatoes. Some of the cherry tomatoes should be ready to eat in a few days. Yes...this week.
I already picked a small zucchini. I am trying to make the plant put out more blooms. Yesterday, I took a male bloom and fertilized the available female blooms. I have documented this with photos so I can show you all how to do it. Just not today.
I also have Anaheim peppers ready. I see a lot of peppers coming on, but the next pepper ready I think is jalapeño pepper.
Another project I am researching, is CSA. Community Supported Agriculture. I am looking into what that all means. I ordered a book about it. As I was checking it out, I noticed a farm that is located in Illinois close to my family...is mentioned in the book. I would love to incorporate a few of their policies here.
If you would like to know more about the CSA's...let me know. This year I am just curious. Next year I may become involved. We shall see.
Another thing that has been keeping me busy is getting compost. A good friend recently bought a house and wants to put in a lawn. She has a truck, although it had a flat tire, so we are on hold for a little bit...when it comes to the next load.
When we went to get compost the last time, there was very little compost left, and two BIG trucks were loading up when we left. We decided that we would NOT go back for a second load, being afraid there would be no compost left at that site. Hopefully it will be replenished soon.
Am hoping to get some more beds filled. I am thinking about utilizing the fencing around my East wing, by building beds around the edges. That way, I can get the seeds in the ground sooner. Plus, it will be easier to set up with an auto-watering system. If I use the South side of the East garden to plant the "viney" stuff like melons, pumpkins, winter squash, they won't take over the other vegetables.
Another place to plant the "viney" stuff would be on my old grass clippings pile. I thought I might dig a hole in it for compost and plant right in the clippings. It is close to my West wing so it will get watered at the same time. It also gets sun all day so that will help.
Anyway...just because I don't post here, doesn't mean I am not working crazy hard. I will try to post pictures as soon as possible, but it may still be a few days. I am at the mercy of my 'help'.
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To keep you posted...I have cut back my tomatoes...yet again! I am trying to keep the "suckers" from stealing energy from my tomatoes. Some of the cherry tomatoes should be ready to eat in a few days. Yes...this week.
I already picked a small zucchini. I am trying to make the plant put out more blooms. Yesterday, I took a male bloom and fertilized the available female blooms. I have documented this with photos so I can show you all how to do it. Just not today.
I also have Anaheim peppers ready. I see a lot of peppers coming on, but the next pepper ready I think is jalapeño pepper.
Another project I am researching, is CSA. Community Supported Agriculture. I am looking into what that all means. I ordered a book about it. As I was checking it out, I noticed a farm that is located in Illinois close to my family...is mentioned in the book. I would love to incorporate a few of their policies here.
If you would like to know more about the CSA's...let me know. This year I am just curious. Next year I may become involved. We shall see.
Another thing that has been keeping me busy is getting compost. A good friend recently bought a house and wants to put in a lawn. She has a truck, although it had a flat tire, so we are on hold for a little bit...when it comes to the next load.
When we went to get compost the last time, there was very little compost left, and two BIG trucks were loading up when we left. We decided that we would NOT go back for a second load, being afraid there would be no compost left at that site. Hopefully it will be replenished soon.
Am hoping to get some more beds filled. I am thinking about utilizing the fencing around my East wing, by building beds around the edges. That way, I can get the seeds in the ground sooner. Plus, it will be easier to set up with an auto-watering system. If I use the South side of the East garden to plant the "viney" stuff like melons, pumpkins, winter squash, they won't take over the other vegetables.
Another place to plant the "viney" stuff would be on my old grass clippings pile. I thought I might dig a hole in it for compost and plant right in the clippings. It is close to my West wing so it will get watered at the same time. It also gets sun all day so that will help.
Anyway...just because I don't post here, doesn't mean I am not working crazy hard. I will try to post pictures as soon as possible, but it may still be a few days. I am at the mercy of my 'help'.
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MY GREEN PART...
6/17/10
The Lad's Dad and I bought this house in 1984. That first year here, I caught someone spraying these acres for weed control. I ran right out and stopped them, told them they couldn't spray these acres because I do organic gardening and it just blows into my yard. So, from then on...they come by and till the dirt. Every year. For the last 25 years.
The sad part is that the quail lay their eggs in the dirt. And we always loose a few nests when they turn the dirt. The good thing is that quail have several bevies a year.
Baby quail are perfectly cute. They run so fast, you can't see their legs. It almost looks like they were 'transported' from one spot to the next. It also looks funny that they are about the size (body wise) of a peach pit.
What I like is to watch them. The females are air-heads, sort of. They run around eating and drinking without a care in the world. While the male tries to stay ahead of her to check for danger so he can warn her. Males also try to stay up off the ground so they get a better view. Plus...they usually mate for life...and make great parents. They work as a team, and the males will take care of the babies if something happens to Mama.
That is all I have to say about that.
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The sad part is that the quail lay their eggs in the dirt. And we always loose a few nests when they turn the dirt. The good thing is that quail have several bevies a year.
Baby quail are perfectly cute. They run so fast, you can't see their legs. It almost looks like they were 'transported' from one spot to the next. It also looks funny that they are about the size (body wise) of a peach pit.
What I like is to watch them. The females are air-heads, sort of. They run around eating and drinking without a care in the world. While the male tries to stay ahead of her to check for danger so he can warn her. Males also try to stay up off the ground so they get a better view. Plus...they usually mate for life...and make great parents. They work as a team, and the males will take care of the babies if something happens to Mama.
That is all I have to say about that.
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SATURDAY'S BUSINESS
6/16/10
These little gals are our reigning royalty in town. A couple of troupers! They spent the biggest part of the pancake breakfast last Saturday waving down cars to come in. What great sports they were...and their Mamas, too.
Cornerstone Church was also holding their garage sale. The monies from both the breakfast and the sale went to the Church's charities.
Of course...I had to wait to take a picture when almost NO ONE was looking at me. That was a trick my Dad would do.
CHECK THIS OUT...PLEASE
6/13/10
Today, I found out that this group, Matter of Trust is collecting hair to help with the Gulf oil tragedy. The hair is stuffed in nylons (new or used) to be used as booms or woven into mats.
The hairs structure makes it hold onto the oil. Matter of Trust is collecting this hair from Salon's, both human and animal. Clean hair only, please.
If you Google Matter of Trust, it takes you to the website. They ask for you to sign up. Teachers, beauty salons, animal groomers. Some people are cutting off their hair. I am not sure I can go that far. But I can collect it. I can tell you all about it so you can do what you are inspired to do.
So, get your salon to collect hair. Or ask if they are participating. I have lots of long hair in my brush everyday. Not to mention the dogs when I brush them. Plus, The Lad has tons of hair. If you have sheep or other animals you can shave they take that too.
Anyway...take a look at the site. It is a small thing to do. Thanks.
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The hairs structure makes it hold onto the oil. Matter of Trust is collecting this hair from Salon's, both human and animal. Clean hair only, please.
If you Google Matter of Trust, it takes you to the website. They ask for you to sign up. Teachers, beauty salons, animal groomers. Some people are cutting off their hair. I am not sure I can go that far. But I can collect it. I can tell you all about it so you can do what you are inspired to do.
So, get your salon to collect hair. Or ask if they are participating. I have lots of long hair in my brush everyday. Not to mention the dogs when I brush them. Plus, The Lad has tons of hair. If you have sheep or other animals you can shave they take that too.
Anyway...take a look at the site. It is a small thing to do. Thanks.
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UPDATE FROM THIS MORNING
6/11/10
This morning there was a moat around this shed. Only it didn't have any water in it.
Now the gap is full of rocks. I just have to shovel the dirt on top. All the dirt those girls kicked out! I am even thinking about fencing these off to stop all this nonsense.
Before.....
After. Five wheel barrows full of rocks...well...they weighed about the same...even if they weren't all full.
This is the rock pile, as diminished as it is. There are still a bunch of them. All sizes. They must be moved. This is where I would like to put my new beds. It will be the easiest area to fence off. Plus, right next to the rock pile here, is where the grass clipping pile used to be. I moved it to make the West wing of my garden. The Lad's Dad said to put it there. So I put it there.
The reason I am scrambling to get this pile moved is, I am supposed to get some more compost on Tuesday. I can hardly wait. The sooner I can get that compost in a bed and get it planted, the better.
I want to get in some cucumbers, maybe 3-4 kinds...I want pickles. Then there are beans, and cabbage, and cauliflower, and onions (3 kinds), and the list goes on.
Remember...25 beds by the end of the year. I have 9-ish beds right now and wood to build 6 more beds. Maybe some of those can be green houses. Then I can plant all year! We shall see.....
*********************
The reason I am scrambling to get this pile moved is, I am supposed to get some more compost on Tuesday. I can hardly wait. The sooner I can get that compost in a bed and get it planted, the better.
I want to get in some cucumbers, maybe 3-4 kinds...I want pickles. Then there are beans, and cabbage, and cauliflower, and onions (3 kinds), and the list goes on.
Remember...25 beds by the end of the year. I have 9-ish beds right now and wood to build 6 more beds. Maybe some of those can be green houses. Then I can plant all year! We shall see.....
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THINGS I DO...
6/11/10
Yesterday I decided to work on my shed problems. As you can see here, I have filled the holes with rocks and shoveled the dirt back on top.
I still have another shed to fix. I am afraid the dogs will dig it out and the shed will fall on them. Just a crazy way a Mom thinks...sorry.
So today I plan on going to the rock pile, loading up the wheel barrow, filling in the holes strategically with the rocks, and then shoveling in the dirt. The things I do around here...
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So today I plan on going to the rock pile, loading up the wheel barrow, filling in the holes strategically with the rocks, and then shoveling in the dirt. The things I do around here...
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A BETTER LIFE
6/10/10
This is Scardy Dog. She was treated badly..and then I took her. I can't tell you what was done to her, but after 3 years she is starting to settle down. Sort of.
Certain things set her off. Load booms. Something hitting chain link hard. Thunder. Doorways scare her, but not as bad as they used to. But the one thing she hates is my timer. You twist it to set the time and it dings real loud.
I am about ready to grill some chicken, so I decided I would start the grill. I went outside, fed the dogs, and started the charcoal. When I came in, I grabbed the timer, the clapper inside barely hit the bell. When I came around the corner, I saw Scardy Dog slinking into The Lad's room. She heard the tiny ding and knows I won't take it in there.
It makes me laugh a little that something so small would bother her. Then again...it makes me sad she was treated so badly. But she has a much better life now. Even with all its little dings.
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Certain things set her off. Load booms. Something hitting chain link hard. Thunder. Doorways scare her, but not as bad as they used to. But the one thing she hates is my timer. You twist it to set the time and it dings real loud.
I am about ready to grill some chicken, so I decided I would start the grill. I went outside, fed the dogs, and started the charcoal. When I came in, I grabbed the timer, the clapper inside barely hit the bell. When I came around the corner, I saw Scardy Dog slinking into The Lad's room. She heard the tiny ding and knows I won't take it in there.
It makes me laugh a little that something so small would bother her. Then again...it makes me sad she was treated so badly. But she has a much better life now. Even with all its little dings.
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THE SALAD GARDEN
6/9/10
I have been eating regularly from this bed. It is starting to show. Plus, some of it is starting to bolt. The arugula. The kale is still baby-like. Swiss chard, too. But they will last longer the the Mesclun and the Romaine.
But all I can think about is...I NEED MORE COMPOST! I could build at least five more beds...3 would be 16 feet long and 3 would be 8 feet long. Then I need fencing. I would plant beans, and beets (I really like the different colors of beets), cauliflower, cabbage, Brussel Sprouts, the list goes on. I have 3 kinds of onions to plant! Strawberries! See...? I NEED COMPOST!
But all I can think about is...I NEED MORE COMPOST! I could build at least five more beds...3 would be 16 feet long and 3 would be 8 feet long. Then I need fencing. I would plant beans, and beets (I really like the different colors of beets), cauliflower, cabbage, Brussel Sprouts, the list goes on. I have 3 kinds of onions to plant! Strawberries! See...? I NEED COMPOST!
This bed has some bald spots...which I hope to rectify...soon. If it has room to grow something...I shall make it so. No bald spot shall go un-planted. Actually in this bed...I have planted some eggplant.
There is still room for beets, or parsnips, or turnips.
Another thing that is bolting are the radish. That means they are about done and shall make room for something else. The carrots (on the other end of the bed) take much longer to mature. That is why I planted the eggplants (Black Beauty) with them. Once the carrots are gone...well...you know. They get replaced. On to the next plant. Don't look back. Produce or perish!
What can I say...I am a cruel taskmistress.
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There is still room for beets, or parsnips, or turnips.
Another thing that is bolting are the radish. That means they are about done and shall make room for something else. The carrots (on the other end of the bed) take much longer to mature. That is why I planted the eggplants (Black Beauty) with them. Once the carrots are gone...well...you know. They get replaced. On to the next plant. Don't look back. Produce or perish!
What can I say...I am a cruel taskmistress.
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NICE GARDEN!
6/8/10
Here is a little update on the garden. You can't tell that last week I cut off a bunch of branches off my tomatoes. They are already bushy again.
Yesterday I had a friend come over for a visit that used to have her own landscaping business. It was very nice to hear her say how nice my garden looks. Personally...I have to agree with her.
Yesterday I had a friend come over for a visit that used to have her own landscaping business. It was very nice to hear her say how nice my garden looks. Personally...I have to agree with her.
Everything is blooming and getting bushy. These rows are 16 feet long. As you can see, there really isn't a lot of weeds coming up in my beds. The first row and a half is peppers for my hot pepper relish. The third row is all tomatoes and the fourth is squash.
I think I might plant some beets in-between the pepper plants. I already have basil in-between the tomatoes. I am just trying to use up all my dirt-space wisely...and my water.
I think I might plant some beets in-between the pepper plants. I already have basil in-between the tomatoes. I am just trying to use up all my dirt-space wisely...and my water.
This row has zucchini and yellow crookneck squash. I had planted some patty pan squash (the kind that looks like a space ship) but the ants ate them. So I plan on planting some more. I don't give up that easy.
I need to build more beds and get more compost. AND...buy more fencing. The dogs and I are waging war on the waskely wabbits. The dogs are a lot more serious about it than I am. Sorry rabbits.
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I need to build more beds and get more compost. AND...buy more fencing. The dogs and I are waging war on the waskely wabbits. The dogs are a lot more serious about it than I am. Sorry rabbits.
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"From your lips...."
6/6/10
The other day I had some 'extra' worm tea, so I threw it on some of the roses. The funny thing about roses is when they have new growth it is usually red. So here is my 'red' rose, with a TON of blooms. This picture shows 16 new buds, and that is not all the new blooms.
Yesterday, I put some more 'tea' on my blooming gardens. So...I figure, in a couple more days my garden should be doing the same thing.
It makes me wonder...have I created a monster? Is this signs of things to come? All I can say now is...BRING IT! I have been waiting and preparing a long time for this. I am ready.
Friends have said they are willing to help with the canning. Now I need a kitchen to teach canning classes in. A donated one would be great.
Maybe, I could get someone in Acton to to use their community center to teach the kids to make jelly or something...then the building would be free to use. Getting kids to garden and can is a good way to have healthier kids...even if they are eating sugar.
When I show people my garden, they say "You are going to have so many tomatoes!" I keep saying "From your lips, to God's ears!"
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Yesterday, I put some more 'tea' on my blooming gardens. So...I figure, in a couple more days my garden should be doing the same thing.
It makes me wonder...have I created a monster? Is this signs of things to come? All I can say now is...BRING IT! I have been waiting and preparing a long time for this. I am ready.
Friends have said they are willing to help with the canning. Now I need a kitchen to teach canning classes in. A donated one would be great.
Maybe, I could get someone in Acton to to use their community center to teach the kids to make jelly or something...then the building would be free to use. Getting kids to garden and can is a good way to have healthier kids...even if they are eating sugar.
When I show people my garden, they say "You are going to have so many tomatoes!" I keep saying "From your lips, to God's ears!"
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BUSY LADY!
6/4/10
Look at this carnage! I tied up my tomatoes and trimmed off the extra branches that take energy away from making tomatoes. I am hoping to get an obscene amount of tomatoes...this year.
At the right-hand side of the picture, you can barely see that I have cut some 'greens'.
Here it is all stacked up in my basket. Kale at 12 o'clock. Then mixed greens called Mesclune with some arugula and Romaine lettuce. The red stalk is Swiss chard. This is a BIG basket full of greens and when you look at the garden, you can hardly tell I took anything at all. I LOVE my garden!
What lovely radishes! The ones on the left are 'sparklers'. The red ones I will have to look up the name. I also had planted some called watermelon radish...but I have yet to see one of those.
I was looking up radish recipes...cause I have plenty to make just about anything. So today I plan on making a radish salad. If it tastes good, I will post it (if I remember to take pictures).
I was looking up radish recipes...cause I have plenty to make just about anything. So today I plan on making a radish salad. If it tastes good, I will post it (if I remember to take pictures).
Even after trimming these tomatoes, they still look full and hearty. Just they way I like them. The squash are even getting ready to go nuts. Next month this time I hope to have an abundance of many vegetables. There are tiny tomatoes all over these plants.
I still need to tie and trim the East wing tomatoes. I still need to make new worm beds... and fertilize everything, again.
THEN...I need to start building boxes for my veggies and a stand to sell them at. I have been checking out how other farmer markets do it on other web-sites. I need an idea of how to proceed.
Anyway...I guess I have plenty to do. No rest for the weary. Or is that no rest for the wicked. Either way...it fits...sometimes.
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I still need to tie and trim the East wing tomatoes. I still need to make new worm beds... and fertilize everything, again.
THEN...I need to start building boxes for my veggies and a stand to sell them at. I have been checking out how other farmer markets do it on other web-sites. I need an idea of how to proceed.
Anyway...I guess I have plenty to do. No rest for the weary. Or is that no rest for the wicked. Either way...it fits...sometimes.
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This row is full of squash. At least, it will be full...when they grow up. If you look closely, you will notice some plants are bigger than others. The reason for that is, something ate most of the zucchini the first time I planted them. So I replanted them. They are now up and seem to be doing better this time around. I now have three kinds of summer squash. Zucchini, patty pan, and yellow crookneck.
I have some eggplant that needs planting. Along with some more jalapenos. I also need to prune and tie up my tomato plants.
THEN...I can make more beds. And it starts all over again. I just can't stop myself.
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I have some eggplant that needs planting. Along with some more jalapenos. I also need to prune and tie up my tomato plants.
THEN...I can make more beds. And it starts all over again. I just can't stop myself.
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LUCKY GAL
5/29/10
The last five days have been very busy for me. First of all, I have just completed a five day fast. First time fasting that long. The nice benefit is I lost nine pounds. The sad truth is I may gain some back before I start losing again. So I am being careful and writing down everything I eat.
The good thing is...I can start cutting 'greens' from my garden. AND...some tiny little radishes.
The good thing is...I can start cutting 'greens' from my garden. AND...some tiny little radishes.
As you can see, the greens are getting pretty big. Yeah for me!
Isn't that the cutest little radish? I think these are the red sparklers. I am about to find out which ones are more spicy...by variety and by age. What a nice dinner salad. I am so excited!
Look...an actual tomato! I believe this is the sweet 100 cherries.
But my pride and joy are these tomatoes....
But my pride and joy are these tomatoes....
...my first two beefsteak tomatoes. You know what this means, don't you? Tomatoes for July 4th!!! Salsa!
Especially if these little buds produce. Bunches of jalapeno peppers. Homegrown salsa...most excellent!
What a lucky Gal I am!
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What a lucky Gal I am!
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MY LIFE OF PILES
5/27/10
I am a self-proclaimed 'gopher pile it'...go for this, pile it over there, kind of thing. It is my way of organizing projects. I pull weeds and throw them in piles. Once I have ALL the weeds pulled and put in piles...I run around and clean up the piles. Then I put those piles in their respective piles. Like...branches get put in a pile to be chipped up. Weeds go in the burn pile. Then I have the grass pile that I use on top of my garden to keep the water from evaporating. There is also the 'chip' pile. It is used in the space between the rows to keep weeds down. Not to mention, my compost pile.
In this picture you can see that the animals have claimed this as sanctuary from the Girls. The Girls guard it diligently.
In this picture you can see that the animals have claimed this as sanctuary from the Girls. The Girls guard it diligently.
I believe the rabbits have a tunnel from a near-by tree that comes out in this big hole. That is why one dog's face is in the hole and the other dog's face is watching the tree. They work in tandem like that.
Talk about layin' down on the job. At least she is hyper-alert.
Just so you know...I plan on taking this pile of plant stuff, putting it in a trash can, and use my weed eater on it to chop it up for the compost pile. Everything on it's way to another pile...what a life.
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Just so you know...I plan on taking this pile of plant stuff, putting it in a trash can, and use my weed eater on it to chop it up for the compost pile. Everything on it's way to another pile...what a life.
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These pretty little flowers are wild. I love wild things. What I find intriguing about these flowers, is they close up at night. Plus, they grow all over the place. A splash of yellow to brighten my day.
This may look like I am watering the weeds...they just got lucky. I am watering the trees. What I liked about this picture is how the drops of water are decorating all the weeds/grass. Like little Christmas bulbs.
This picture makes my lens look dirty. But believe me, with all the trouble I have had with my camera lately, I am real careful about making sure it is safe.
I have been trying for years to get the trees around here to fill in and recover from the years neglect they suffered. A lot of trees died, some were wounded when I got here, and others were just acting bad...and had to be destroyed!
I believe that I now have the ones I can save. There are still a few dead ones I need to cut down, and some new ones I would love to plant. I have two apple trees (Granny Smith) I want to get planted and those pomegranates I have been working on. More keep coming up every day. I am hoping to get about 10 or so pomegranate bushes. That way I can plant them across the very back of the acre to 'hide' the neighbor's yard.
My research shows me that pomegranates need 15 feet to grow. My acre is 165 feet wide (I think). Ten plants would make it most of the way across. What a nice fence. Just in case you don't know...pomegranates have thorns. Most things I like are a little prickly. That's just how I roll....
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I have been trying for years to get the trees around here to fill in and recover from the years neglect they suffered. A lot of trees died, some were wounded when I got here, and others were just acting bad...and had to be destroyed!
I believe that I now have the ones I can save. There are still a few dead ones I need to cut down, and some new ones I would love to plant. I have two apple trees (Granny Smith) I want to get planted and those pomegranates I have been working on. More keep coming up every day. I am hoping to get about 10 or so pomegranate bushes. That way I can plant them across the very back of the acre to 'hide' the neighbor's yard.
My research shows me that pomegranates need 15 feet to grow. My acre is 165 feet wide (I think). Ten plants would make it most of the way across. What a nice fence. Just in case you don't know...pomegranates have thorns. Most things I like are a little prickly. That's just how I roll....
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THE MEMORIES
5/24/1O
In 1986 I was pregnant with The Lad. I was also driving an old car I had bought when I lived in Arizona, worked at Rockwell building the B-1 Bomber, and I worked nights.
Right about Thanksgiving, we bought a new, Nissan Stanza Wagon. I absolutely loved this car. It was big enough to put a washer in the back. It could be used like a truck! It was a great car.
Then, after years of faithful service, I had to get another car in 2001. When The Lad's Dad passed, I drove my old Nissan over to this address, and parked it in the back of the acre. It has been sitting back there since June 2003.
Yesterday, I sold it for parts. Now...I have tried to get rid of it several times, to no avail. What I am wondering...why was it so hard to get rid of it? Was I holding on to it for sentimental reasons? What has changed that made it OK to sell it?
Anyway, the sale went off without a hitch. Sort of. I had some trouble finding the key, we needed it to unlock the steering wheel so it could be moved. I found that interesting. Here is a 26 year old car, that has been sitting for 8 years or better, and the security lock still works.
The reason I am mentioning this is because I think that the new cars these days don't even last till you pay them off. Here is an old car and it has been abused and drove into the dirt, and it still was in decent shape. I also think that it had never spent a night in a garage, and the seat covers were still all in one piece. Now, I live in Southern California, to say the seat covers weren't torn is saying a lot! Especially since they were cloth.
It makes me wonder why they quit making Nissan Stanza wagons. It was before SUV's. I used to have to tell the car wash people that it was a wagon, not a van (they charged extra for vans).
Anyway, I have to say I love this car. It got me through a lot of hard times, never got me stuck anywhere, and was a perfect car for kids. Thanks for the memories.
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Right about Thanksgiving, we bought a new, Nissan Stanza Wagon. I absolutely loved this car. It was big enough to put a washer in the back. It could be used like a truck! It was a great car.
Then, after years of faithful service, I had to get another car in 2001. When The Lad's Dad passed, I drove my old Nissan over to this address, and parked it in the back of the acre. It has been sitting back there since June 2003.
Yesterday, I sold it for parts. Now...I have tried to get rid of it several times, to no avail. What I am wondering...why was it so hard to get rid of it? Was I holding on to it for sentimental reasons? What has changed that made it OK to sell it?
Anyway, the sale went off without a hitch. Sort of. I had some trouble finding the key, we needed it to unlock the steering wheel so it could be moved. I found that interesting. Here is a 26 year old car, that has been sitting for 8 years or better, and the security lock still works.
The reason I am mentioning this is because I think that the new cars these days don't even last till you pay them off. Here is an old car and it has been abused and drove into the dirt, and it still was in decent shape. I also think that it had never spent a night in a garage, and the seat covers were still all in one piece. Now, I live in Southern California, to say the seat covers weren't torn is saying a lot! Especially since they were cloth.
It makes me wonder why they quit making Nissan Stanza wagons. It was before SUV's. I used to have to tell the car wash people that it was a wagon, not a van (they charged extra for vans).
Anyway, I have to say I love this car. It got me through a lot of hard times, never got me stuck anywhere, and was a perfect car for kids. Thanks for the memories.
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POOPED PUP
5/20/10
This is a very tired Bad Dog. She has been working ALL night, so hard, to keep our yard pest free. The added benefit is that she eats what she kills (except for lizards...she just shakes the tar out of them and acts like they leave a nasty taste in her mouth).
What she has been eating is ground squirrels. I am just guessing really. All I ever see is the limp little legs and tail hanging out of her mouth as she chomps them down. She won't let me get close enough to see, because she knows I will make her give it up. So she chomps them down pretty fast. It's so yucky! I have seen her do it to baby rabbits, too.
The up side to this is, BOTH her and Scardy Dog have cut back on their "fast food". That makes it cheaper to feed them. But I don't let them kiss me anymore. Not even on the hands.
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What she has been eating is ground squirrels. I am just guessing really. All I ever see is the limp little legs and tail hanging out of her mouth as she chomps them down. She won't let me get close enough to see, because she knows I will make her give it up. So she chomps them down pretty fast. It's so yucky! I have seen her do it to baby rabbits, too.
The up side to this is, BOTH her and Scardy Dog have cut back on their "fast food". That makes it cheaper to feed them. But I don't let them kiss me anymore. Not even on the hands.
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COOL BREEZE
5/19/10
Back in February I took a bunch of pictures at sunset. The sky was brilliant! It was windy, so it kept changing. I love it when the sky is so vibrant.
As the Sun got lower...the sky got bluer. Almost like it was sad the Sun was going to sleep. I think I am so lucky to get such "show" from my back yard. I think it also looks cold and more winter like.
Pretty soon it will screaming hot. I will be wishing for a cool breeze. Isn't that what they call a man sometimes? Cool breeze. I could use one of those! But that is another story...
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Pretty soon it will screaming hot. I will be wishing for a cool breeze. Isn't that what they call a man sometimes? Cool breeze. I could use one of those! But that is another story...
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SAD
5/18/10
I have been delinquent about posting. A good friend passed on Sunday. Which has made me sad. I don't like to write about sad stuff. That is why I haven't posted. Just so you know...
I want this site to be up-lifting and joyous. I know a lot of people have hard lives...they don't want to listen to a cranky, opinionated woman. I hope that a happy, opinionated woman is a little more palatable.
I do have a project on the table. I am writing an article for the local paper. They are looking for people with hobbies. Seems that I have a lot of hobbies tied up in this site. I figure, the more people who know about this site, the more help I can get. Plus, I am planning on setting up my own road-side stand. What better way to get people here than have the paper do an article on me! So...I am off to write and re-write the paper till it is just right. I shall keep you posted.
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I want this site to be up-lifting and joyous. I know a lot of people have hard lives...they don't want to listen to a cranky, opinionated woman. I hope that a happy, opinionated woman is a little more palatable.
I do have a project on the table. I am writing an article for the local paper. They are looking for people with hobbies. Seems that I have a lot of hobbies tied up in this site. I figure, the more people who know about this site, the more help I can get. Plus, I am planning on setting up my own road-side stand. What better way to get people here than have the paper do an article on me! So...I am off to write and re-write the paper till it is just right. I shall keep you posted.
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HAPPINESS AND GRATITUDE
5/15/10
Here is a picture of me laughing...hard...but not real hard. Sometimes I laugh so hard, I convulse sort of. I suck air like I have been gut-punched, I throw my head back, open my mouth, and let her rip! It hurts my jaw AND my sides to laugh that hard and I wish I could do it more often.
I think humor is what has made my life richer. It helps me when I am sad...or scared...or embarrassed. I always felt that if I could find the humor in a situation, it would 'balance' out.
Sometimes I laugh when it is inappropriate...I hate when I do that. I usually take it in the shorts when that happens.
I know my sense of humor is different, sort of an acquired taste. It is twisted, and sarcastic, dry, and dirty. I like to use a play on words to induce laughter. And to make a mans face turn red...ahhh, PRICELESS!
Every day I make a plan to be happy. Find the joy and be grateful. Being grateful is VERY important. But to be grateful, you have to notice what to be grateful for. On some very bad days, I was just grateful my socks matched. Now I am grateful for much bigger things.
I have a wonderful life. I am unsure what is in store for the next 6 months...but am thrilled at the possibilities....and open to new ideas. With open arms I welcome the future...joyously.
One of the things I need to figure out is how to build a road-side-stand so I can sell my veggies. I was told that, if I build it, they will come. If I get the rest of my beds built and planted, I may need a place to offload some of it. We shall see. I have a few plans up my sleeve about how to move my produce. AND a few people who said they would help. What a lucky Gal I am.
Yesterday, The Lad and I went to see my guy, Russell Crowe in Robin Hood and then went out to dinner (I had gift cards). It was wonderful to spend time out with The Lad. Plus...I didn't have to cook! The more you focus on what you are grateful for, the happier you stay...in my book anyway. So, keep the attitude of gratitude.
I think humor is what has made my life richer. It helps me when I am sad...or scared...or embarrassed. I always felt that if I could find the humor in a situation, it would 'balance' out.
Sometimes I laugh when it is inappropriate...I hate when I do that. I usually take it in the shorts when that happens.
I know my sense of humor is different, sort of an acquired taste. It is twisted, and sarcastic, dry, and dirty. I like to use a play on words to induce laughter. And to make a mans face turn red...ahhh, PRICELESS!
Every day I make a plan to be happy. Find the joy and be grateful. Being grateful is VERY important. But to be grateful, you have to notice what to be grateful for. On some very bad days, I was just grateful my socks matched. Now I am grateful for much bigger things.
I have a wonderful life. I am unsure what is in store for the next 6 months...but am thrilled at the possibilities....and open to new ideas. With open arms I welcome the future...joyously.
One of the things I need to figure out is how to build a road-side-stand so I can sell my veggies. I was told that, if I build it, they will come. If I get the rest of my beds built and planted, I may need a place to offload some of it. We shall see. I have a few plans up my sleeve about how to move my produce. AND a few people who said they would help. What a lucky Gal I am.
Yesterday, The Lad and I went to see my guy, Russell Crowe in Robin Hood and then went out to dinner (I had gift cards). It was wonderful to spend time out with The Lad. Plus...I didn't have to cook! The more you focus on what you are grateful for, the happier you stay...in my book anyway. So, keep the attitude of gratitude.
ABOUT TIME
5/14/10
Look! It's Bad Dog. She has thrown herself at The Lad's feet. Again. The part you can't see (or hear) is her tail slapping the floor, over and over, as fast as she can. This is her idea of cute and submissive. She only does this to The Lad, except if she wants me to give her a treat. Her tactics don't work on me.
He took 4 pictures of her, all the time saying..."isn't she cute?" If I get to voice my opinion, and I do, Yes, she is cute...but she is such a Bad Dog...getting better. But only because she is restricted. I put a gate across the kitchen so she can't get in there to cause trouble any more. For a three year old all I can say...IT'S ABOUT TIME!
CATCHING YOU UP WITH THE YARD
5/12/10
As you can see, The Lad has me laughing again. I am grateful for the chance to release endorphins that keep me young.
Another thing I am grateful for is having my camera back. I was afraid I would miss being able to "show" you all the things I have in the works.
Another thing I am grateful for is having my camera back. I was afraid I would miss being able to "show" you all the things I have in the works.
If you look very closely, in the center of the picture is some new shoots. New Pomegranate shoots. Let's hope I can keep the birds, ants, and rabbits away from them so I can have a few to plant.
Here is a picture of my favorite rose. First off, it smells great and second, I like how it is striped.
Can't you just about smell this one? I like how the sun shines through the petals. It brings out the yellow deep inside.
Look at my zucchini coming up. Can't you just taste the zucchini bread? Or relish? Or sauteed with onions and garlic? Or maybe just in a salad?
Don't you just love spring? It is so full of life. Promises for the future. Meals to come. Delights to tantalize the taste buds. It seems like my plans are finally coming together. I just pray for bounty to share. The highest good for all concerned.
It's all good...right?
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Don't you just love spring? It is so full of life. Promises for the future. Meals to come. Delights to tantalize the taste buds. It seems like my plans are finally coming together. I just pray for bounty to share. The highest good for all concerned.
It's all good...right?
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MY CAMERA IS BACK...SORT OF
5/11/10
This is the first picture on my "NEW" camera. Scardy Dog lounging on the sofa. The dogs have been 'working' hard in the yard. Especially at night. They are hunting baby 'wabbits'.
They used to go out and then want back in because it was cold. Now that it is warm they don't mind as much, I guess. Doesn't she look thrashed?
They used to go out and then want back in because it was cold. Now that it is warm they don't mind as much, I guess. Doesn't she look thrashed?
Bad Dog looks so innocent here. Don't be fooled. She is really planning her next dastardly deed.
AND...yes...I said "NEW" camera. I bought mine in June 2010. I bought a warranty for 4 years ($200.00) so I would be protected in my investment. When my camera started messing up, I naturally took it to Best Buy where I had 'insurance'. When they sold me the insurance, they told me that I could take my camera in every week for cleaning if I wanted to. To me, that implies that they can clean it 'in-house'. Not true.
When I took my camera back in, they said it would be 2-3 weeks before I would get it back. Please explain to me how I could get my camera cleaned every week if it takes 2-3 weeks to send it out and get it back? Isn't that a lie?
What happened next is an injustice in my opinion. They called me on Sunday and told me that my camera couldn't be fixed and I could go into Best Buy and pick out another camera. Since I paid more than they are selling the camera for now, I thought I might get a new lens for the difference. How nice for me. If not, that is still OK. I get my camera back, and that is good. Now, just so you know, The Lad checked out my camera with the manufacturer, and CANON would replace it under the one-year warranty...for free.
So yesterday The Lad came with me on his lunch hour to get my new camera. He used to work for Best Buy in the Geek Squad. I asked if I would be able to get a new lens for the difference in price and was told maybe. When all was said and done, there was no new lens, which was fine. What wasn't fine to me was, once they replaced the camera, they canceled my warranty. Not even one year into the warranty. So...it cost me $200 to replace a camera, that was covered by the manufactures warranty. I will not be buying anything from Best Buy anymore...let alone buying ANY of their warranties. I will be bad-mouthing Best Buy from now on. Just so they know.
AND...yes...I said "NEW" camera. I bought mine in June 2010. I bought a warranty for 4 years ($200.00) so I would be protected in my investment. When my camera started messing up, I naturally took it to Best Buy where I had 'insurance'. When they sold me the insurance, they told me that I could take my camera in every week for cleaning if I wanted to. To me, that implies that they can clean it 'in-house'. Not true.
When I took my camera back in, they said it would be 2-3 weeks before I would get it back. Please explain to me how I could get my camera cleaned every week if it takes 2-3 weeks to send it out and get it back? Isn't that a lie?
What happened next is an injustice in my opinion. They called me on Sunday and told me that my camera couldn't be fixed and I could go into Best Buy and pick out another camera. Since I paid more than they are selling the camera for now, I thought I might get a new lens for the difference. How nice for me. If not, that is still OK. I get my camera back, and that is good. Now, just so you know, The Lad checked out my camera with the manufacturer, and CANON would replace it under the one-year warranty...for free.
So yesterday The Lad came with me on his lunch hour to get my new camera. He used to work for Best Buy in the Geek Squad. I asked if I would be able to get a new lens for the difference in price and was told maybe. When all was said and done, there was no new lens, which was fine. What wasn't fine to me was, once they replaced the camera, they canceled my warranty. Not even one year into the warranty. So...it cost me $200 to replace a camera, that was covered by the manufactures warranty. I will not be buying anything from Best Buy anymore...let alone buying ANY of their warranties. I will be bad-mouthing Best Buy from now on. Just so they know.
Momma
05-09-10
A Rare Entry by Ryan "The Lad"
Hello world, The Lad here for a special update for a special occasion. My momma does not know about this update and thinks I have her account to perform site maintenance. That's not the real reason why I asked for her account information =)
I am writing on here because there is one topic that isn't really touched by this website too much, and that's what kind of person Trish is.
I am writing on here because there is one topic that isn't really touched by this website too much, and that's what kind of person Trish is.
I want to start off by saying that when my parents got divorced, my mother made many unspoken sacrifices. Sacrifices I did not learn about until just recently. She denied Alimony and selling the house just so I would have a stable environment to live with my dad. She also fought with me every day when I was a little kid to put the saddle on me and ride around on the bronco all day. I was a horrible little kid with just enough cuteness to keep me alive, ask anyone who has seen me as a little stinker.
Almost everyday I see my mother struggle to wonder if she is on the right path. I guess you can call this my validation for her efforts. She tries so hard to make a difference and broaden everyones view on the world. She does this to help people, to inspire and educate, which is in my opinion, the best part about her.
When I was living in Arizona at a failed attempt to become a game designer, it had been months since I saw my momma and she just came out to visit. I lived in an apartment complex in Tempe and it was midmorning and all of the apartments were north facing with the garage on the south side behind the complex.
As I was taking Momma's bags to my apartment, I noticed something... Out of the 75+ apartments, all the windows were closed. All except mine, and that's when I realized what type of person she is. I never really thought about it because she has ALWAYS been in my life every day, but you will notice it if you ever get the privilege of meeting her. The window is a metaphor for who she is, she brings the light to you, she brings joy and happiness and is always there for you to count on.
I wouldn't be where I am today if it wasn't for Momma. She bases her life around being trustworthy, and honorable. Say what you mean and mean what you say. I honestly can't remember if she was ever hypocritical about any subject because she always lead by example, and she prides herself on this. This in itself has inspired me to become something better than I was. This fact alone can define who she is, and that is someone who is totally upfront with you, that you never have to wonder where you stand with them, they are completely open and honest with you. There's a quiet warmth in her that is RARE to find in a person.
There is a reason why I call her momma; not mom or mother... but momma. She holds a very large portion of my heart and is my best friend and the other half of the team. On this Mother's day I want her and the WHOLE world just how much I cherish her. I try to never take for granted for all she does for me, she knows this. I am so lucky and so PROUD to call her my momma.... MY momma, and no one elses =) I know this is my momma's soapbox but I wanted to take it for one post to wish to all the momma's out there a Happy Momma's Day. Momma, I love you with all my heart, you are my rock, you inspire me every day to be something greater.
Almost everyday I see my mother struggle to wonder if she is on the right path. I guess you can call this my validation for her efforts. She tries so hard to make a difference and broaden everyones view on the world. She does this to help people, to inspire and educate, which is in my opinion, the best part about her.
When I was living in Arizona at a failed attempt to become a game designer, it had been months since I saw my momma and she just came out to visit. I lived in an apartment complex in Tempe and it was midmorning and all of the apartments were north facing with the garage on the south side behind the complex.
As I was taking Momma's bags to my apartment, I noticed something... Out of the 75+ apartments, all the windows were closed. All except mine, and that's when I realized what type of person she is. I never really thought about it because she has ALWAYS been in my life every day, but you will notice it if you ever get the privilege of meeting her. The window is a metaphor for who she is, she brings the light to you, she brings joy and happiness and is always there for you to count on.
I wouldn't be where I am today if it wasn't for Momma. She bases her life around being trustworthy, and honorable. Say what you mean and mean what you say. I honestly can't remember if she was ever hypocritical about any subject because she always lead by example, and she prides herself on this. This in itself has inspired me to become something better than I was. This fact alone can define who she is, and that is someone who is totally upfront with you, that you never have to wonder where you stand with them, they are completely open and honest with you. There's a quiet warmth in her that is RARE to find in a person.
There is a reason why I call her momma; not mom or mother... but momma. She holds a very large portion of my heart and is my best friend and the other half of the team. On this Mother's day I want her and the WHOLE world just how much I cherish her. I try to never take for granted for all she does for me, she knows this. I am so lucky and so PROUD to call her my momma.... MY momma, and no one elses =) I know this is my momma's soapbox but I wanted to take it for one post to wish to all the momma's out there a Happy Momma's Day. Momma, I love you with all my heart, you are my rock, you inspire me every day to be something greater.
WHY I NEED TO LAUGH
5/6/10
The other day it was storming. The sky was layered with clouds that were in such contrast to each other...the textures, the colors, all the movement, and the patches of bright sky shining through. It impresses me the wonder I can witness from my yard.
When I pointed my camera up, this is what I saw. Blue sky. White clouds. Getting dark around the edges. It was almost like we were encapsulated in clouds. As the Sun shines through. The Yin and Yang. Good and bad. Contradiction in terms. Balance...sort of.
In the Yin and Yang concept, it is said that there is a little of good in the bad, and bad in the good. That is why when you see the symbol, there are two "spooning" teardrops that have dots of the other teardrop. It is supposed to be for balance. At least, that is how I see it.
I search for balance in my life. I try to find humor in almost everything. It is sometimes how I cope with sadness and grief. If it seems inappropriate, I apologize. It is a coping mechanism and it usually just comes out. But I feel that in my sadness, I need to "balance" it with a little levity.
Besides, laughing keeps me young and with all this white hair, I need all the help I can get.
In the Yin and Yang concept, it is said that there is a little of good in the bad, and bad in the good. That is why when you see the symbol, there are two "spooning" teardrops that have dots of the other teardrop. It is supposed to be for balance. At least, that is how I see it.
I search for balance in my life. I try to find humor in almost everything. It is sometimes how I cope with sadness and grief. If it seems inappropriate, I apologize. It is a coping mechanism and it usually just comes out. But I feel that in my sadness, I need to "balance" it with a little levity.
Besides, laughing keeps me young and with all this white hair, I need all the help I can get.
I think it is working....how about you? Have you laughed today?
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CRY BABY
5/5/10
This is the last picture that I took with my camera before it broke. I am so sad. Of course, I wanted to take some pictures this A.M. and realized that I couldn't...it was disheartening. I didn't realize how much I am going to miss my camera. HURRY AND COME HOME LITTLE CAMERA!
Anyway...I am busy today. I am in the process of making cinnamon rolls to take to The Lad's office. I am also making salsa in honor of Cinco de mayo. (not sure that is spelled right and spell check is not in Spanish). Salsa and cinnamon rolls...what a combo!
After I deliver to the office...I hope to finally get the sprouts in new pots. They are in need of some dirt. Poor little babies...
I hope these three weeks go fast...cause stories without pictures are going to be hard for me to relate to you...but I will try my best.
So the story right now is...I am such a whiner cause my camera broke and I wonder how will I survive 3 weeks without it.
Better call the "Whaaaambulance".
Sheeeesh! What a Baby!
Hope I get past this. Maybe later....maybe not!
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Anyway...I am busy today. I am in the process of making cinnamon rolls to take to The Lad's office. I am also making salsa in honor of Cinco de mayo. (not sure that is spelled right and spell check is not in Spanish). Salsa and cinnamon rolls...what a combo!
After I deliver to the office...I hope to finally get the sprouts in new pots. They are in need of some dirt. Poor little babies...
I hope these three weeks go fast...cause stories without pictures are going to be hard for me to relate to you...but I will try my best.
So the story right now is...I am such a whiner cause my camera broke and I wonder how will I survive 3 weeks without it.
Better call the "Whaaaambulance".
Sheeeesh! What a Baby!
Hope I get past this. Maybe later....maybe not!
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Camera troubles
5/2/10
Here is another picture that The Lad took of me the other day. It was very windy. That is why my hair has a life of it's own. I like this shot.
Today I went and finished planting my beds in the West wing. I had bought 3 six-packs of peppers that I wanted to get in the ground. Also, I had a little more compost I used on my last 16 ft. row, and planted 2/3rds in zucchini, and a 1/3 yellow crook neck squash. So that garden is mostly planted. I would also like to transplant my herbs into some pots to put up by the patio. That will give me about 6 more feet to plant....beets or eggplant.
Yesterday I was taking pictures and all of a sudden, my camera quit working. Darn Mercury retrograde! So now I need to dig out my receipts for the camera and get my warranty. Then I can go to Best Buy and see if they can help me replace the lens. The lens has an auto-focus that is no longer working. I really like that function. I hope they don't give me any grief about replacing it. The Lad figured out what the problem is. I just love him. Anyway...I thought I would let you all know I am having technical difficulties.
Another thing I did today was I took some worm tea and fertilized both my gardens. It was the first time I used a new sprayer that I can adjust liquid or dry applications to large or small amounts. It worked great. Now we will see how good the worm tea works. I will need my lens soon so I can track progress of my plants. So I will be all over this. I hope. Later...
Today I went and finished planting my beds in the West wing. I had bought 3 six-packs of peppers that I wanted to get in the ground. Also, I had a little more compost I used on my last 16 ft. row, and planted 2/3rds in zucchini, and a 1/3 yellow crook neck squash. So that garden is mostly planted. I would also like to transplant my herbs into some pots to put up by the patio. That will give me about 6 more feet to plant....beets or eggplant.
Yesterday I was taking pictures and all of a sudden, my camera quit working. Darn Mercury retrograde! So now I need to dig out my receipts for the camera and get my warranty. Then I can go to Best Buy and see if they can help me replace the lens. The lens has an auto-focus that is no longer working. I really like that function. I hope they don't give me any grief about replacing it. The Lad figured out what the problem is. I just love him. Anyway...I thought I would let you all know I am having technical difficulties.
Another thing I did today was I took some worm tea and fertilized both my gardens. It was the first time I used a new sprayer that I can adjust liquid or dry applications to large or small amounts. It worked great. Now we will see how good the worm tea works. I will need my lens soon so I can track progress of my plants. So I will be all over this. I hope. Later...
TAKING PICTURES
4/29/10
Lately, I have been doing a lot of cleaning. One of the things I cleaned was my closet. When I did this, I found several things I was missing...like this shirt. So I washed it. Today when I had to go to town, I decided to spruce me up a little. I even put on some makeup and jewelry.
When The Lad came home, he mentioned I looked nice. We discussed him taking pictures of me and out on the front porch we went, because I thought the greenery would be a nice backdrop.
He started clicking pictures. So I started to "strike a pose". And we were off. Next thing, he's saying..."Work it! Work it!" and all I can do is laugh...which sets him on a roll. I am sitting here trying to relate this to you but I start laughing...hard...again just thinking about it. Watching the pictures again sends me in spasms...I swear! The picture above is before it got out of hand.
When The Lad came home, he mentioned I looked nice. We discussed him taking pictures of me and out on the front porch we went, because I thought the greenery would be a nice backdrop.
He started clicking pictures. So I started to "strike a pose". And we were off. Next thing, he's saying..."Work it! Work it!" and all I can do is laugh...which sets him on a roll. I am sitting here trying to relate this to you but I start laughing...hard...again just thinking about it. Watching the pictures again sends me in spasms...I swear! The picture above is before it got out of hand.
This is the one that set us off. I will spare you the pictures of my dental work. I laughed so hard my face and stomach hurt. It was hard to breathe. It was the best 15 minutes I have had in a long, long time and he caught it ALL on my camera, warts and all. Then it took us another 15 minutes of laughing, watching it over and over again on my camera.
I think what a BLESSING he is for me. He is my heart. He is my life. My biggest fan. What a Lad!
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I think what a BLESSING he is for me. He is my heart. He is my life. My biggest fan. What a Lad!
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I have been taking pictures of the new life in my gardens. I just love this time of year.
To be a rose in my garden, it has to smell good (some roses don't smell), and it has to be a little different from the other roses. I have a rose that is orange and white striped. Another one is lavender. This one is pink and white with a yellow center.
Here you can see the hint of green of salads to come. It won't be long and I will be eating from my own yard. It makes my mouth water just to think of how yummy soup will be with my own kale. Or pesto on homemade noodles with some cherry tomatoes. Anything tastes good on homemade noodles. Ask The Lad.
For the last week I have been worried about my tomato and pepper plants I planted on the 19th. No sooner were they in the ground and I had to cover them from frost and/or snow. They got a little "burnt", particularly in the very center where the growth tip is. Several tomatoes were in question...especially in the East wing.
I am glad to report that not only are they doing well, several have blooms. Only one cherry isn't going to make it and another one is iffy. I lost the tops out a few pepper plants but haven't checked out the tomatoes too close in the West wing yet.
The Lad said that my tomatoes will be earlier that other gardens. I hope to have tomatoes to eat for July 4th. Maybe I can make some chow-chow by then. See...I just keep thinking what I can make out of my tasty treasures. I guess I need to eat. I think I will make chicken enchiladas for dinner. I might even have some green sauce in the freezer. Some rice would be good, too. Maybe I'll take pictures. Then your mouth can water, and tummy can growl, too.
Or not.
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I AM ON A ROLL...
4/26/10
About a week ago I took this picture. It was cold and windy and I was afraid for snow. I do love how this looks with the tree framing the picture, though. This was a Sunrise.
Today it is bright and shiny. And hot! Very good for my garden. I went out and pulled weeds. Raked them up into piles. It was also the day to work on my watering system. Basically, I have the soaker hose and drip line connected with "T's" and hose clamps. I need to close off the ends of the soaker hose, and put in my hose bib. Then I won't have to worry about hoses being under too much pressure. I will take pictures and explain carefully. Soon. I need to build water for the West wing next. I am still collecting fittings that I have around here. I am under the impression that I have everything I need here already. Hopefully. So, I will keep on wandering around here, looking for fittings on old drip lines. Searching the garage for female connectors for the hose bib.
Once I get my watering set up properly, I might get to go on a road trip. But for now, I get to enjoy the Sun, and my garden, and my quiet life...here on the farm. Ranch. Country. It is the next step.
It makes my heart sing. It is a song of dirt, and compost. Worms and yard tools. Carefully tending Mother Earth and her little babies. I just can't stop myself. What can I say?
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Today it is bright and shiny. And hot! Very good for my garden. I went out and pulled weeds. Raked them up into piles. It was also the day to work on my watering system. Basically, I have the soaker hose and drip line connected with "T's" and hose clamps. I need to close off the ends of the soaker hose, and put in my hose bib. Then I won't have to worry about hoses being under too much pressure. I will take pictures and explain carefully. Soon. I need to build water for the West wing next. I am still collecting fittings that I have around here. I am under the impression that I have everything I need here already. Hopefully. So, I will keep on wandering around here, looking for fittings on old drip lines. Searching the garage for female connectors for the hose bib.
Once I get my watering set up properly, I might get to go on a road trip. But for now, I get to enjoy the Sun, and my garden, and my quiet life...here on the farm. Ranch. Country. It is the next step.
It makes my heart sing. It is a song of dirt, and compost. Worms and yard tools. Carefully tending Mother Earth and her little babies. I just can't stop myself. What can I say?
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IT'S UP!
4/25/10
These are my radishes. I am not sure which one of the three varieties I planted that this one is. Bad Dog got in there and dug around the day after I planted the seeds so they got all mixed up. She is such a Bad Dog. I guess it really didn't hurt anything. She is forgiven.
This is the second year for this artichoke. The Lad loves artichoke. I grew this for him.
This is my Granny Smith apple tree...in bloom...with apple. I make a mean apple crumb pie. I have another apple tree I really have to have. I just discovered a most delicious apple called Cripps Pink. It is a crisp, sweet, tart apple. It is my new favorite. Guess I need to Google them and see where can I get a few trees. They are so good.
A few of my tomatoes in the East wing have this coloring on the leaves...guess I need to Google that too. I have more tomatoes I planted from seed that came up too. So if this is bad...I have more.
I just want to say how grateful I am that the garden is up. That the weather is good and that life is good.
I am so blessed.
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I just want to say how grateful I am that the garden is up. That the weather is good and that life is good.
I am so blessed.
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UPDATE....
4/22/10
First off...HAPPY EARTH DAY! Second...the garden made it OK through the night. It is a good thing I put the sheets and stuff on the beds (HA HA HA! OK, I'm done), cause when I checked first thing this morning, there was frost around the edges of the sheets. Kind of waiting to see if any of the plants turn black from being frozen. Like The Lad said...the plants are healthy...they will be fine. Well...I am not taking any more chances (planting early)((not that it was planted THAT early)). So the bed gets covered (HA HA HA!) till further notice.
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FOR NOW...
4/21/10
Just so you know...I am freaking out!!! I had to cover my plants today. The paper and news said that it snowed at 3500 feet last night. We are at about 3000-3200 feet here. It also said the low tonight was to be 34 degrees. Being in the foothills that could easily freeze. NOT ON MY GARDEN!
So...I covered the beds...with sheets. I stapled them to the beds, and put some stakes in the middle to hold the sheet up off the plants. The sheets were used when I painted, for drop cloths. Ha ha ha ha ha! Sheets for my beds! Ha ha ha ha ! OK. I am done now.
So...I covered the beds...with sheets. I stapled them to the beds, and put some stakes in the middle to hold the sheet up off the plants. The sheets were used when I painted, for drop cloths. Ha ha ha ha ha! Sheets for my beds! Ha ha ha ha ! OK. I am done now.
I used weed-stop cloth in the West garden...but the same concept as the East wing. Stakes in the middle and stapled to hold it down. Hopefully it won't freeze and everything will be FINE! After waiting all this time to put my garden in and it has to get cold. I have been fussing and watching and checking and worrying since I planted it.
What can I say...it is my Baby. Saturday is supposed to be warm again and stay that way I hope.
Just in case...I have started new seeds. I was a Girl Scout. If I don't use them maybe I can sell them. Next year...I will plan on growing some to sell. For now...I worry.
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What can I say...it is my Baby. Saturday is supposed to be warm again and stay that way I hope.
Just in case...I have started new seeds. I was a Girl Scout. If I don't use them maybe I can sell them. Next year...I will plan on growing some to sell. For now...I worry.
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GARDEN IS IN!!!!!!
4/19/10
Finally! I got some tomatoes in the ground today. I am taking a break right now...I am really tired...but I just can't hardly stop myself.
I want to try a few experiments about where to plant things. This is the East garden. The bed closest to the camera is full of beefsteak tomatoes. The next bed going East has four cherry tomatoes, and four Polish Linguisa tomatoes. Bed three has my greens, like kale, Swiss chard, romaine, arugula, and mescline. Bed four has carrots, four different kinds. AND three kinds of radishes...one is a watermelon radish...white on the outside and red on the inside.
I want to try a few experiments about where to plant things. This is the East garden. The bed closest to the camera is full of beefsteak tomatoes. The next bed going East has four cherry tomatoes, and four Polish Linguisa tomatoes. Bed three has my greens, like kale, Swiss chard, romaine, arugula, and mescline. Bed four has carrots, four different kinds. AND three kinds of radishes...one is a watermelon radish...white on the outside and red on the inside.
THEN...I planted 36 sweet peppers...different colors. Red, yellow, orange, purple, and white. I think. It has been a long time since I planted them and Bad Dog chewed some up. I kept notes, too. But I am too tired to get up...LOL.
And 14 more beefsteaks, 6 more cherry, 5 more Polish Paste tomatoes. I have a tiny bit more compost to put on the row on the left...so tomorrow I am possibly going to get more. I hope. Or maybe Wednesday would be good. I am afraid I am going to be hurting tomorrow...cause I hurt already! Picking up two loads of compost, truck and trailer load, might just do me in for a few days.
It's just that I have plans in my head that need to be realized. I have five more beds to build. I have 3-4 trees that need beds around them so I can plant watermelon, canteloupe, Pumpkin, and honeydew melons. I also need beds for cucumbers cause I want to make pickles. I also want cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower. By the end of this year I hope to have 25 beds built. I have ten-ish now.
Anyway...I have been waiting for this day for years. To have my beds ready, seedlings to plant. Fenced in, compost and worm castings/tea at the ready. In the ground in a timely manner. I have grand hopes for an excellent garden.
Now I must lay down. After I take some arnica.
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It's just that I have plans in my head that need to be realized. I have five more beds to build. I have 3-4 trees that need beds around them so I can plant watermelon, canteloupe, Pumpkin, and honeydew melons. I also need beds for cucumbers cause I want to make pickles. I also want cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower. By the end of this year I hope to have 25 beds built. I have ten-ish now.
Anyway...I have been waiting for this day for years. To have my beds ready, seedlings to plant. Fenced in, compost and worm castings/tea at the ready. In the ground in a timely manner. I have grand hopes for an excellent garden.
Now I must lay down. After I take some arnica.
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COMPOST/MULCH
This morning, The Lad and I got up, put on his camper shell, drove to Sylmar, to get this. Hot, steamy, black, perfect compost. The man in the background lives a couple of blocks from where we live. I find it funny that we had to drive 40 miles to meet a neighbor for the first time.
The free mulch is courtesy of L.A. county parks department. This site is open 7 days a week, from 7am-5pm. Go to smartgardening.com to find maps for the 8 locations and times for here in Southern CA.
See how fine the texture is? It will make the best planting medium for my wonderful tomatoes.
So...we unloaded it in two locations to serve me better...by the West wing...
...and by the East wing. Now I need to go out and fill up my planting beds with compost and water real well. Then tomorrow I can plant. I have been waiting for this since January. Finally. I get to have the garden I have been dreaming about for years.
LET THE PLANTING BEGIN!
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LET THE PLANTING BEGIN!
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So FAR
4/16/10
This is my front porch. It has been over-run with the ivy for 2 years. Wednesday I took the weed-eater to it. The Lad swept.
This is the West side of the yard. Where the biggest mess was. It is still messy, but is tamed by the weed-eater. Those junipers on the left side are a condo for mocking birds. As you can see the junipers have taken over that side of the yard. Lately, I have been thinking that it might be a good idea to make up a "fruit stand" here. Just tossing it around. The junipers have to go, though. That means I have to replace them with something. The Sun shines directly on this end of the house all summer afternoon long and it needs to be shaded, somehow.
Here are my precious beefsteak tomatoes. Last night was the first night that they stayed out on the shelf like this. At night, I usually put them underneath the wire shelf and cover it up with a hard plastic panel to protect them from wind.
Here is one of my roses. I love the way it changes from orange to yellow on the petals. Plus it smells wonderful.
It has a bunch of friends, waiting for their turn to shine. There is more to come, soon.
Hopefully, I will be getting my compost this weekend. I need some to finish off my beds so they will be ready to plant. I am hoping to get three truck loads in the next week. I want to build beds around my trees. I want to fill those beds with compost...AND then plant my cantaloupe, watermelon, honeydew melons, pumpkin, and squash in the beds. I can wrap chicken wire around those beds and that will keep some of the critters out so it can get established. Then when the plant gets bigger it will grow out through the wire and I can tie it up. The thing about 'viney' plants...it is hard to see where to water. The tree will point that out. Besides, once they are established, the rabbits won't eat the vine part...just the fruit part. That is the plan...anyway.
Hopefully, I will be getting my compost this weekend. I need some to finish off my beds so they will be ready to plant. I am hoping to get three truck loads in the next week. I want to build beds around my trees. I want to fill those beds with compost...AND then plant my cantaloupe, watermelon, honeydew melons, pumpkin, and squash in the beds. I can wrap chicken wire around those beds and that will keep some of the critters out so it can get established. Then when the plant gets bigger it will grow out through the wire and I can tie it up. The thing about 'viney' plants...it is hard to see where to water. The tree will point that out. Besides, once they are established, the rabbits won't eat the vine part...just the fruit part. That is the plan...anyway.
This is a piece of landscaping timber. It's approximate size is 6"X8"X8' long. I plan on cutting these in half (4ft. pcs.), and making triangle boxes out of them to fill with the compost. It will fertilize the trees (which badly need it) and make growing material for the melons and stuff. I can staple the chicken wire to the timber to keep the rabbits out. Plus, I don't have to buy anything but staples for my staple gun. Maybe some more chicken wire.
These are the saplings I cut down from the front yard. They are about 1 and 1/2 inch across. I think if I trim the branches off and "point" the small end, I can pound them in the ground for stakes for my garden fence. I have more from the other branches I cut earlier this year. I might need to buy another chain for my chain saw on-a-stick. I would say that costs about $14.00.
I need to get the water supply straightened out, too. I am hoping to have most of it on auto-water. I want to have a little wiggle room when it comes being able to leave home for a day or two.
I have garden on the brain. I want to get phase one in the ground this weekend. Maybe get those new beds built. Hopefully by next weekend I want to have my melons and such in the ground. THEN I can start building more beds for more stuff. I want to help feed a little of my community. I keep saying that I am trying to get what I have in my head to become a reality. How am I doing so far?
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I need to get the water supply straightened out, too. I am hoping to have most of it on auto-water. I want to have a little wiggle room when it comes being able to leave home for a day or two.
I have garden on the brain. I want to get phase one in the ground this weekend. Maybe get those new beds built. Hopefully by next weekend I want to have my melons and such in the ground. THEN I can start building more beds for more stuff. I want to help feed a little of my community. I keep saying that I am trying to get what I have in my head to become a reality. How am I doing so far?
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So Tired...
4/14/10
This is a picture of the front, West side of the yard. For the past two years, the front yard has been out of control. It rained a lot last year, and by the time I got back from Illinois I was way behind on yard chores. I did what I had to to get my garden in and get the weeds cut down for the dogs safety. The front yard was left to fester. I am sure my neighbors are mad at me for how bad it looked. It is official...we are White Trash! The Lad says HE is White Trash...I am Country. The difference is that He would keep piling TV's on top of each other. At least I would recycle the broken one. He says I would wash it, mend it, paint it, fix it, whatever to make it better. Anyway...back to the story.
I have spent the last two days cleaning the front yard. It is almost done. But now, I am hurting from running the weed eater, the chain saw, and raking and moving debris. I am so tired...I will be back in the morning...sweet dreams.
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I have spent the last two days cleaning the front yard. It is almost done. But now, I am hurting from running the weed eater, the chain saw, and raking and moving debris. I am so tired...I will be back in the morning...sweet dreams.
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Patio Deluxe!
4/11/10
This is what I have been doing for the last couple of days. Cleaning up the patio and around the tub. I raked up weeds and moved them to the junk pile out back. Then I raked up the leaves from last fall and took them out by my compost heap...cause that is where I will need them next.
This is the best this yard has looked in a couple of years. Last year, I was in Illinois till April 18, and by the time I got home, the weeds were waist high over most of the acre. So I had spent about the next 6 weeks trying to get things ready to plant. I never really did recover for planting season.
This year, I am so far ahead already it should be a great year. Plus I have worked out most of the bugs when it comes to fencing and watering and turning the soil.
This is the best this yard has looked in a couple of years. Last year, I was in Illinois till April 18, and by the time I got home, the weeds were waist high over most of the acre. So I had spent about the next 6 weeks trying to get things ready to plant. I never really did recover for planting season.
This year, I am so far ahead already it should be a great year. Plus I have worked out most of the bugs when it comes to fencing and watering and turning the soil.
I wanted to put my swing on the patio so I could sit there barefoot and not get my feet so dirty. I am sure I will change this around before the summer gets here.
The year that The Lad went away to college in AZ, I made this patio mostly out of bricks I had given to me. I think I bought about 20 of those red square bricks to finish off this pattern...so this is my $20.00 patio. I had no decomposed granite, no weed-cloth to make it better. Just some elbow grease. That was five years ago. Guess it is holding up pretty good.
The tub is another matter. It came from a neighbor. The inside is chipped and a little rusty, but it is a Big Tub. Big enough that when I fill it up and get inside, I can float and the only part of me touching the tub is my neck. It is big enough for The Lad to soak and get his whole body in the water. THAT is saying something.
Recently, someone asked to use it so I decided to clean it up so we could. Hence all the yard work. I was going to do it anyway! I swear! Anyway...the drain and plug for the tub cost around $6.00. Not bad for a big soaking tub.
When I get body aches, I like to boil up a bunch of Arnica Montana, (an herb that helps with achy muscles) and put it in that tub and soak my pains away. It even has a little plumbing to route the water away when I drain it. Just like downtown. I think I would like to devise a water heating system out of trash cans, or 55 gallon drums. A project for another day.
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The year that The Lad went away to college in AZ, I made this patio mostly out of bricks I had given to me. I think I bought about 20 of those red square bricks to finish off this pattern...so this is my $20.00 patio. I had no decomposed granite, no weed-cloth to make it better. Just some elbow grease. That was five years ago. Guess it is holding up pretty good.
The tub is another matter. It came from a neighbor. The inside is chipped and a little rusty, but it is a Big Tub. Big enough that when I fill it up and get inside, I can float and the only part of me touching the tub is my neck. It is big enough for The Lad to soak and get his whole body in the water. THAT is saying something.
Recently, someone asked to use it so I decided to clean it up so we could. Hence all the yard work. I was going to do it anyway! I swear! Anyway...the drain and plug for the tub cost around $6.00. Not bad for a big soaking tub.
When I get body aches, I like to boil up a bunch of Arnica Montana, (an herb that helps with achy muscles) and put it in that tub and soak my pains away. It even has a little plumbing to route the water away when I drain it. Just like downtown. I think I would like to devise a water heating system out of trash cans, or 55 gallon drums. A project for another day.
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MAKING NEWSPAPER CUPS FOR PLANTING
4/9/10
It has been brought to my attention that I haven't shown you all how to make these cups for planting seedlings. So here goes.
I take a newspaper and sort out about 12 sheets that are a 2-page spread. I then take my rotary cutter and cut 4 strips that are about 6 inches by 25 inches. That is cutting the paper into 4 parts, cutting from side to side the long way.
I then take a soda can and wrap the strip around the can. (This photo shows a 1/2 strip...that I was testing out...but I like the full strip better).
Once the strip is completely around the can, I fold over the excess to form a bottom. (Very hard to do with one hand, trying to take pictures...LOL)
When it is folded over, I place the bottom of the can in the palm of my hand, and push down and twist it to form around the can better.
Slip the can out and turn the top edge down about 3/4 of an inch or so.
Keep turning...
Then pinch the edge flat. This will help stop the paper from unrolling.
Deposit here and repeat. Repeat. AND repeat.
As you can see here, I have about 24 cups to a box. These boxes are from when I buy my water bottles. I line them with garbage bags to keep the boxes dry. The boxes are just the right size to move and not be heavy. I have been moving my boxes outside in the sun most days and back in at night.
This is what they looked like yesterday. Sitting all happy in the sun. Just begging to know when they get to be in real dirt. Soon, my babies. Soon.
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All Things Bad Dog
4/8/10
A few weeks ago I took this picture. It clearly shows the weeds getting a good start on my yard. (All the green area, plus the tall, dry patches.) It goes around all the fence line also. Sorry about the tilt. It was the only picture that showed what I was talking about.
Today I finally figured out how to "load" my weed-eaters string-line. That meant I at least had to try it out. As I was concentrating on the job at hand, out of the corner of my eye, I see Bad Dog running in and out of my line-of-vision. Each time she runs in, she gets closer. It dawns on me she is attacking the 'bits' that are flying. She then realizes the 'bits' are coming from the 'head'. I get scared...as she makes a strike at the 'head'. Not good.
So...I unplug the weed eater and put it away. Far be it from me to continue a dangerous practice...especially when there is labor involved. I got a pretty good start on it, anyway.
So...I unplug the weed eater and put it away. Far be it from me to continue a dangerous practice...especially when there is labor involved. I got a pretty good start on it, anyway.
I did manage to get the weeds cut to just past that tree. You can see the 'bald' spot just before the fence post. I guess I can go weed eat in the front yard next. Bad Dog is not allowed out front. She sneaks on the porch if she gets the chance, and out in the street if you're not watching. She has a working knowledge of doors and if you don't shut it till it latches, she will push OR pull her way through. She can twist her head around a door and pull it open with her muzzle. It amazes me how smart and calculating she is.
She reminds me of The Lad a lot. She knows if she does something bad she will get punished....and she will do it anyway. It is like that is a fair price to pay for getting what they want. "It is better to ask for forgiveness, than to ask for permission." I guess the punishment isn't a big deterrent. Well, I am not willing to have 'blood' on my hands, so I guess she gets away with it...this time.
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She reminds me of The Lad a lot. She knows if she does something bad she will get punished....and she will do it anyway. It is like that is a fair price to pay for getting what they want. "It is better to ask for forgiveness, than to ask for permission." I guess the punishment isn't a big deterrent. Well, I am not willing to have 'blood' on my hands, so I guess she gets away with it...this time.
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Poor Lil' Girl
Recently, Bad Dog lost her choker collar...somewhere. I looked for it...but if I had to guess (and I GUESS I do) I would say it is under one of the sheds.
If you look under the shed, you can sort-of see her one back foot.
Here she is again. This is a going under trip. See how the tail is going up?
Tail up...still going under. See how happy Scardy Dog is?
Tail down...on the way out. I am sure it is a balance thing.
AND...she's out! Look closely at her front paw. You can see the flying dirt. You can also see that she has no collar. I would also guess that she was after the squirrel (now deceased). Rest in peace.
I digress again. Back to the story. Any way, the Lad went to the pet supply store and got her a new collar...and some chewy treats. What you are witnessing here is Bad Dog with her face stuffed as far as she could get it into the chewy treats bag. Getting a snout full of that smelly goodness. I am sure she is licking as fast as she can also.
She is struggling now! The Lad keeps pulling her face out of the bag. We were laughing so hard at this point.
"AHHHH...that smelly goodness! I just have to smell it! Maybe I could have a bite?" When all was said and done...she swallowed hers whole. Guess all that smelling and waiting was more than she could stand. Poor Lil' Girl!
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READING
4/5/10
I was recently asked..."how do you get kids to LIKE to read?" It made me think about The Lad when he was The Boy. Actually, it was when he was The Bug.
As a baby, he would pick up 'reading material' and if it were upside down, he would immediately turn it right side up. THEN...he would study it...like it was a secret code...trying to decipher it. Which...I guess it really is. That is when I started teaching him to read.
BFF bought him a plastic mirror for his crib. He would lay in there and make faces and watch himself move his mouth. Plus, I hoped it kept him from feeling alone. When I showed him the alphabet, I would say the letter, then make the sound of the letter. As I spoke, I would take his hand and put it over my mouth and on my throat, back and forth, so he could feel me say the words.
As he got older, I took him out to the driveway with sidewalk chalk, and say..."Today we are going to do 'at' words...cat...fat...hat..." and I would write them on the drive and ask him to read them to me.
The next thing was getting his own Library card. We couldn't afford to buy books so we borrowed them. We went every week and he would get 15 books at a time, usually. Reading was something he wanted to learn, not something I had to force on him. That made it much easier for me, on a lot of levels.
He reads very fast. I thought I read fast, but he blows me out of the water. Plus his retention is extraordinary. In fact, he is much better at English and Writing than I am.
I always loved reading. When you got your own light to read by at night and could get yourself up for school, it said you were responsible. Growing up.
I grew up in this tiny little town. The library was an old, small house. At Christmas time we would go Caroling, and then go to the library for hot chocolate, WITH marshmallows. Not the kind you add hot water to. The kind you use cocoa and milk to make.
When I say small town...I mean it. Maybe...150....people. Not 150 thousand...150 people. Now, I am just guessing, but I think I am pretty close. The town was 4 blocks wide by six blocks long. But I digress.
How do you get kids to like to read? Like I always say...you have to show your kids how to act...you can't tell them. So I read to him, and took him to the library. I read the newspaper, the magazines in the grocery line, back of boxes, jars and cans. AND street signs!
When we went to Vegas when he was about 3, he kept saying, "What's that sign say?" over and over for about an hour. I said "Are you going to make me read ALL the signs till we get to Vegas?"
"Why yes, Mama! How else am I gonna learn?"
It was a fun trip.
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As a baby, he would pick up 'reading material' and if it were upside down, he would immediately turn it right side up. THEN...he would study it...like it was a secret code...trying to decipher it. Which...I guess it really is. That is when I started teaching him to read.
BFF bought him a plastic mirror for his crib. He would lay in there and make faces and watch himself move his mouth. Plus, I hoped it kept him from feeling alone. When I showed him the alphabet, I would say the letter, then make the sound of the letter. As I spoke, I would take his hand and put it over my mouth and on my throat, back and forth, so he could feel me say the words.
As he got older, I took him out to the driveway with sidewalk chalk, and say..."Today we are going to do 'at' words...cat...fat...hat..." and I would write them on the drive and ask him to read them to me.
The next thing was getting his own Library card. We couldn't afford to buy books so we borrowed them. We went every week and he would get 15 books at a time, usually. Reading was something he wanted to learn, not something I had to force on him. That made it much easier for me, on a lot of levels.
He reads very fast. I thought I read fast, but he blows me out of the water. Plus his retention is extraordinary. In fact, he is much better at English and Writing than I am.
I always loved reading. When you got your own light to read by at night and could get yourself up for school, it said you were responsible. Growing up.
I grew up in this tiny little town. The library was an old, small house. At Christmas time we would go Caroling, and then go to the library for hot chocolate, WITH marshmallows. Not the kind you add hot water to. The kind you use cocoa and milk to make.
When I say small town...I mean it. Maybe...150....people. Not 150 thousand...150 people. Now, I am just guessing, but I think I am pretty close. The town was 4 blocks wide by six blocks long. But I digress.
How do you get kids to like to read? Like I always say...you have to show your kids how to act...you can't tell them. So I read to him, and took him to the library. I read the newspaper, the magazines in the grocery line, back of boxes, jars and cans. AND street signs!
When we went to Vegas when he was about 3, he kept saying, "What's that sign say?" over and over for about an hour. I said "Are you going to make me read ALL the signs till we get to Vegas?"
"Why yes, Mama! How else am I gonna learn?"
It was a fun trip.
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OUR TOWN
4/3/10
The other day, I decided that I wanted to take pictures of the peach trees in bloom. There are orchards all around here. Acres and acres of peach trees mostly, but there are also pears, and some apples, and a few other fruit trees. Apples are in Tehachapi, and apricots are in Patterson, and cherries in Leona Valley...all in California. For me, I would love to go to these places and get the best fruit at exactly the right time to make the best canned goods.
For jams and jellies, the fruit needs to be very ripe. NOT, however, spoiled. According to the Complete Guide to Home Canning and Preserving put out by The U.S. Dept. of Agriculture, you want a mixture of 3 parts ripe fruit and 1 part under ripe fruit to make jelly without pectin.
See. It doesn't take me long before off I go on a canning tangent. It is my favorite time. All that fruit, at it's peak of freshness and the most tasty, saved for sometime when it is cold or dreary. Some bit of brightness to cheer a day. It was made with love and you can taste that in every bite. I hope I can "infect" you with my enthusiasm about "collecting" food to feed and delight your families. Anyway...back to the story.
As the picture shows, there aren't very many blooms on the trees. This concerns me. Usually the blooms are still on the trees at the end of April. This picture was taken in March.
For jams and jellies, the fruit needs to be very ripe. NOT, however, spoiled. According to the Complete Guide to Home Canning and Preserving put out by The U.S. Dept. of Agriculture, you want a mixture of 3 parts ripe fruit and 1 part under ripe fruit to make jelly without pectin.
See. It doesn't take me long before off I go on a canning tangent. It is my favorite time. All that fruit, at it's peak of freshness and the most tasty, saved for sometime when it is cold or dreary. Some bit of brightness to cheer a day. It was made with love and you can taste that in every bite. I hope I can "infect" you with my enthusiasm about "collecting" food to feed and delight your families. Anyway...back to the story.
As the picture shows, there aren't very many blooms on the trees. This concerns me. Usually the blooms are still on the trees at the end of April. This picture was taken in March.
This is where the orchard ends. Right by the aquaduct. In this picture, the orchard is on the right, and the aquaduct on the left.
My question is...if we are supposed to stay out of the aquaduct, what exactly would aquaduct recreation be?
This is a picture of the aquaduct. It is very full right now. It is supposed to rain this weekend, and it is still cold. We still have snow on the mountains and it COULD snow some more. That means that when the snow melts, it will end up here. "They" keep saying we are in a drought. Sometimes I think it is a ploy to charge us more for water....we shall see.
If you look closely at the upper left corner you can see a car. That is on Highway 138. It is considered a dangerous road because it is narrow and hilly. It also is a well-traveled path to Vegas and skiing from Los Angeles.
Sometimes, when people get "road rage" on 138, they end up in the aquaduct. Not a good thing. I guess that's one way to cool them off.
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If you look closely at the upper left corner you can see a car. That is on Highway 138. It is considered a dangerous road because it is narrow and hilly. It also is a well-traveled path to Vegas and skiing from Los Angeles.
Sometimes, when people get "road rage" on 138, they end up in the aquaduct. Not a good thing. I guess that's one way to cool them off.
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GONE WITH THE WIND
4/1/10
This is a picture of Bad Dog sitting in the coveted "window seat". I like the way the curtain is a hat. What isn't totally evident is that the couch back is molded to her fanny. Actually, it fits Scardy Dog's fanny also...except she has to prop a leg out so she doesn't slip off. It is the " Guard Dog's Seat". If someone knocks on the door, they are both standing in the window, barking and spiting on my window. It makes me feel very safe.
I often make jokes about my "security alarm system". Scardy Dog's life before she came here was awful! She was drastically abused. It took her at least 8 months before I ever heard her bark.
Now she barks, sometimes at things she imagines. So...when I hear her bark, I wait. Wait to see if Bad Dog chimes in. Wait to see if she continues barking, or the barking escalates in intensity. If someone is here when it happens, I say "That is my security alarm. It has a hair-trigger."
To me, this is a wonderful sound. She finally feels safe enough to "voice" her opinion. I guess I could name her Scarlet. I stepped in several times about her starving when she lived on the corner. If I had named her Scarlet, it would have been like the line in the movie..."As God as my witness, I will never go hungry again!"
I'm just glad she is acting (mostly) like a real dog.
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I often make jokes about my "security alarm system". Scardy Dog's life before she came here was awful! She was drastically abused. It took her at least 8 months before I ever heard her bark.
Now she barks, sometimes at things she imagines. So...when I hear her bark, I wait. Wait to see if Bad Dog chimes in. Wait to see if she continues barking, or the barking escalates in intensity. If someone is here when it happens, I say "That is my security alarm. It has a hair-trigger."
To me, this is a wonderful sound. She finally feels safe enough to "voice" her opinion. I guess I could name her Scarlet. I stepped in several times about her starving when she lived on the corner. If I had named her Scarlet, it would have been like the line in the movie..."As God as my witness, I will never go hungry again!"
I'm just glad she is acting (mostly) like a real dog.
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BAD DOG TRICKS
3/31/10
The other morning, this is what I woke up to. Bad Dog chewed up the egg crate AFTER she pulled it off the table. IF...she was still a puppy I might be a little more acceptable about this, but she is pushing three. We just have to put up with her. Family! What can I say?
I was saving the egg crates to use for starting seeds. I also have been saving toilet paper rolls to start seeds in. Except I might use those to plant in the dirt. It would keep the cut worms off the new shoots.
Yesterday, I had to go out and rescue a dead squirrel from Bad Dog. It was pretty tore up...that is the reason there are no pictures. I am hoping that it was a female so there will be less squirrels this year. I don't intend to feed them from my garden.
Speaking of my garden...I was hoping to get things planted this week except it has turned cold and it is trying to rain. I checked the Farmers Almanac and it says that I should wait till the 16th of April (I think) so it won't get frozen. I hope my tomatoes can last that long...they are getting a little big for those pots. Two to three more weeks might put them over their limit.
I have been thinking that MAYBE...I should stick some sticks around the edge of the box I keep them in and then wrap some plastic wrap around it and put more dirt on top. I just want to have a bunch of tomatoes this year. Is that too much to ask?
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I was saving the egg crates to use for starting seeds. I also have been saving toilet paper rolls to start seeds in. Except I might use those to plant in the dirt. It would keep the cut worms off the new shoots.
Yesterday, I had to go out and rescue a dead squirrel from Bad Dog. It was pretty tore up...that is the reason there are no pictures. I am hoping that it was a female so there will be less squirrels this year. I don't intend to feed them from my garden.
Speaking of my garden...I was hoping to get things planted this week except it has turned cold and it is trying to rain. I checked the Farmers Almanac and it says that I should wait till the 16th of April (I think) so it won't get frozen. I hope my tomatoes can last that long...they are getting a little big for those pots. Two to three more weeks might put them over their limit.
I have been thinking that MAYBE...I should stick some sticks around the edge of the box I keep them in and then wrap some plastic wrap around it and put more dirt on top. I just want to have a bunch of tomatoes this year. Is that too much to ask?
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SO IT BEGINS
3/28/10
I just love Tulips. They are so vibrant, and I love that they are one of the first Spring flowers. The first "color".
It reminded me that I need to start watering. So I watered my roses and oleander's, fruitless Mulberry trees, apple trees, ash & locust trees, grapes, and flowers. I even started to water that little pile of compost that I put the pomegranate scraps in, hoping that I get some sprouts. So it begins.
I also got on the Farmer's Almanac site to see when to start planting. It seems I can start putting "root" vegetable seeds in the ground this week. It will be 2-3 weeks before I can put my tomatoes and peppers in. I have to be patient...or all my hard work will be in vain.
I am looking to make some video of my plans for the future. Like, buying the two acres next door. Building a canning "shed" out of straw bales (green) and using solar panels and wind turbines to create power...enough to be self- sufficient. I want a walk-in fridge/freezer combo. I want to go to the local restaurants and neighbors to get "compost" material. I really want to give canning lessons, cooking lessons, organic gardening lessons...hence the canning shed. Maybe have the middle school come for some gardening lessons. If I had a video, I could look for sponsors or donations. I just think that is the way I need to go...but who knows?
I just keep asking to be shown the next right action, and the eyes to see it. Today my card was Movement. I like "action" better than "waiting". Sometimes waiting makes me feel like I am stepping on the clutch and the gas pedals at the same time. A lot of revving up and no progress. I guess that all things needed for progress, need to be ready at the same time to move forward. Waiting gets all things on the same page for the big launch. Are we ready now? I sure hope so.
It reminded me that I need to start watering. So I watered my roses and oleander's, fruitless Mulberry trees, apple trees, ash & locust trees, grapes, and flowers. I even started to water that little pile of compost that I put the pomegranate scraps in, hoping that I get some sprouts. So it begins.
I also got on the Farmer's Almanac site to see when to start planting. It seems I can start putting "root" vegetable seeds in the ground this week. It will be 2-3 weeks before I can put my tomatoes and peppers in. I have to be patient...or all my hard work will be in vain.
I am looking to make some video of my plans for the future. Like, buying the two acres next door. Building a canning "shed" out of straw bales (green) and using solar panels and wind turbines to create power...enough to be self- sufficient. I want a walk-in fridge/freezer combo. I want to go to the local restaurants and neighbors to get "compost" material. I really want to give canning lessons, cooking lessons, organic gardening lessons...hence the canning shed. Maybe have the middle school come for some gardening lessons. If I had a video, I could look for sponsors or donations. I just think that is the way I need to go...but who knows?
I just keep asking to be shown the next right action, and the eyes to see it. Today my card was Movement. I like "action" better than "waiting". Sometimes waiting makes me feel like I am stepping on the clutch and the gas pedals at the same time. A lot of revving up and no progress. I guess that all things needed for progress, need to be ready at the same time to move forward. Waiting gets all things on the same page for the big launch. Are we ready now? I sure hope so.
JOSHUA TREES
3/26/10
I went for a walk the other day and decided to show you all a Joshua Tree. This one is quite large, and old, and lives at the school. They are protected around here.
Joshua Trees were named by some Mormons moving through the Mojave Desert. They can live for a thousand years, and the blooms can ONLY be fertilized by a moth, less than an inch long, that can ONLY gestate & feed it's young on the blooms and seeds of the Joshua Tree. It is a biological phenomenon called co-evolution. This tree and this moth tend to each others survival and have for thousands of years! I find that very interesting.
What are the chances of that happening? Now, the tree also sends out shoots, or rhizomes to make more trees in the same general area, but it can't broadcast fertile seeds to new areas without the moth. It makes the plant bear fruit, that carries the seeds. These trees grow in California, Arizona, Nevada, and Utah between altitudes of 2000 and 6000 feet. I think we are 3200 feet altitude.
Class is dismissed!
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Joshua Trees were named by some Mormons moving through the Mojave Desert. They can live for a thousand years, and the blooms can ONLY be fertilized by a moth, less than an inch long, that can ONLY gestate & feed it's young on the blooms and seeds of the Joshua Tree. It is a biological phenomenon called co-evolution. This tree and this moth tend to each others survival and have for thousands of years! I find that very interesting.
What are the chances of that happening? Now, the tree also sends out shoots, or rhizomes to make more trees in the same general area, but it can't broadcast fertile seeds to new areas without the moth. It makes the plant bear fruit, that carries the seeds. These trees grow in California, Arizona, Nevada, and Utah between altitudes of 2000 and 6000 feet. I think we are 3200 feet altitude.
Class is dismissed!
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SOON
3/25/10
I took this picture Monday night. I liked the way the sky looked like it had been painted on with wide strokes of pink. There is such a big sky here.
It is amazing to me how different it looks from night to night. I feel so blessed to witness such beauty from my yard. I was told that the poison gases is what makes it pink. I still think it looks pretty.
It has been windy and a little chilly all day. I couldn't even take my "Lil' Baby Maters" and peppers outside today. Seems that a couple of the Linguisa tomato leaves got a little damaged from the Sun yesterday, so I better be a little more careful with them.
The thing I like about all these baby tomato plants is, every time I show them to someone they say, "You are going to have so many tomatoes!" To which I say..."From your lips to God's ear" I have 500 quart canning jars I want to put to use. Besides, if I have lots of tomatoes to preserve, I have stuff to use for canning lessons. I really want to give canning lessons. Soon. Real soon.
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It has been windy and a little chilly all day. I couldn't even take my "Lil' Baby Maters" and peppers outside today. Seems that a couple of the Linguisa tomato leaves got a little damaged from the Sun yesterday, so I better be a little more careful with them.
The thing I like about all these baby tomato plants is, every time I show them to someone they say, "You are going to have so many tomatoes!" To which I say..."From your lips to God's ear" I have 500 quart canning jars I want to put to use. Besides, if I have lots of tomatoes to preserve, I have stuff to use for canning lessons. I really want to give canning lessons. Soon. Real soon.
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OUTSIDE
3/24/10
Here are the beefsteak tomato plants. Don't they look beautiful!
The shorter plants on the left side were at the back of the table and didn't get as much Sun. THAT is the reason I brought these outside.
The shorter plants on the left side were at the back of the table and didn't get as much Sun. THAT is the reason I brought these outside.
I brought ALL the plants outside. I thought that they could all use more Sun. Then at night, I bring them back in the house. It is still too cold at night to stay out there. The temperature is between 70 and 80 degrees during the day...38 degrees at night. Since I live in the "foothills" it gets colder here...I think it is still too cold.
Besides...there is always Bad Dog to consider. She might mess them up if they aren't well protected. I am preparing an old bath tub I have outside that will make a decent cold frame...I just need a cover for it...that I want to make out of some see-through plastic I found in the desert.
What this is called is 'hardening off' of the plants. That way...when they are planted outside, they won't suffer shock so badly. Let's hope this works.
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Besides...there is always Bad Dog to consider. She might mess them up if they aren't well protected. I am preparing an old bath tub I have outside that will make a decent cold frame...I just need a cover for it...that I want to make out of some see-through plastic I found in the desert.
What this is called is 'hardening off' of the plants. That way...when they are planted outside, they won't suffer shock so badly. Let's hope this works.
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THINGS TO COME....
3/23/10
This is my elm tree budding out. All this falls off and fills up with leaves. These are seeds that get into everything, and sprout VERY easy. Really messy and hard to get rid of. This particular tree has been cut off at ground level, several times, AND I never water it. Talk about water conservation! (It is a volunteer!) I have a hedge line of these that are on their own...so to speak.
My roses. The rabbits have been eating my rose bushes. All the red is new growth. If you look closely at the branch on the left, you can see new branches coming off from the bottom. Guess I need to fence things off.
The plants are looking all new, and shiny, and clean.
Then, on closer inspection, I see this. A perfect little bloom.
They are all over this plant. Hope for the future. To be in My rose garden, the rose needs to have a smell. Next, it needs to be different in color to the rest of the roses. I have one that is yellow and orange striped. Another one is purple. I have a hard time with the yellow rose, but will keep trying to grow one.
Another problem is, since the rabbits have been dining on my roses, a lot of the time they don't bloom. So I forget what color their flower is. Isn't that sad? I think this one is red.
The whole point, though, is Spring is here...at least in my yard. I just wanted to give you a peek of things to come.
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Another problem is, since the rabbits have been dining on my roses, a lot of the time they don't bloom. So I forget what color their flower is. Isn't that sad? I think this one is red.
The whole point, though, is Spring is here...at least in my yard. I just wanted to give you a peek of things to come.
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THE LADY BUG AND MOM...
3/21/10
Last week...The Lad took some pictures and figured a few things out on how to use my camera better. While he was shooting...he ran across this Lady Bug.
Was she trying to fly, but couldn't let go? I know how that feels.
If you look real close at her back side...you can see her wings sticking out of her hard candy coating...Oh....Sorry....well...you know what I mean.
I guess it is hard to fit those back up under the "hard top".
What I do like is that The Lad is taking an interest in photography.
On another note:
It has been a hard week for my family. Last year this time our Mom passed from cancer. We all miss her more than we can say. So, instead of writing sad things....which were going through my mind, I wanted to keep it light. It has been hard with out her here...but am working through the sadness. That is why I chose to write about the Lady Bug. She is hope for spring. Hope for the future.
Love you Mom...Wish You Were here.
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Broken Ear
3/19/10
This is a shadow of me taking a picture of Scardy Dog. The dog with the broken ear. Poor little girl! Sounds like an Indian name. Broken Ear...Dog of the frontier. Faithful friend. Loyal Lap dog.
I am back now. Been one of those days.
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I am back now. Been one of those days.
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No Charge
3/18/10
I have been working like crazy on the East Garden, getting it ready to plant.
You can see all the weeds in this picture. I have since moved all the mess in the foreground...and scraped all the weeds.
I have been taking a shovel used for leveling ground, flat front edge, and just pushing it across the soil...taking just barely the top layer of dirt...AND weeds. Then I rake them up. Not to be seen till next spring...mostly.
Now I need to fill the beds with dirt and spread chips around all the beds. Once I get some compost, we're on like Donkey Kong!
Just so you all know...Saturday is the Vernal Equinox. That is the day where we have as much light as we have dark. The Next day though, we have More Light than dark. Let there be Light! My plants will need it. I do have to say it has been perfect weather for working outside. A little cool in the morning, sweat shirt cool. But after a little while working, the sweatshirt comes off. That is why I like spring...I can work outside longer. I like being outside. I love my home.
Last night, The Lad and I were sitting in my swing, after checking out what I had done in the yard, and he said..."We sure have a nice life don't we?" That made me so happy. He turns 23 on the 27th of this month, his Mom lives with him, he will have had 2 days off this month, and we are strapped for cash, and he likes his life. He also said thanks for all I have done to give him a nice life. No charge, Lad. No charge.
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Now I need to fill the beds with dirt and spread chips around all the beds. Once I get some compost, we're on like Donkey Kong!
Just so you all know...Saturday is the Vernal Equinox. That is the day where we have as much light as we have dark. The Next day though, we have More Light than dark. Let there be Light! My plants will need it. I do have to say it has been perfect weather for working outside. A little cool in the morning, sweat shirt cool. But after a little while working, the sweatshirt comes off. That is why I like spring...I can work outside longer. I like being outside. I love my home.
Last night, The Lad and I were sitting in my swing, after checking out what I had done in the yard, and he said..."We sure have a nice life don't we?" That made me so happy. He turns 23 on the 27th of this month, his Mom lives with him, he will have had 2 days off this month, and we are strapped for cash, and he likes his life. He also said thanks for all I have done to give him a nice life. No charge, Lad. No charge.
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Scardy Dog's New Home
3/9/10
Some one asked me about the dogs...where did I get them? Scardy Dog is a sad story, that went on way too long in my not-so-humble opinion. I have to say, I felt my hands were tied...till they weren't.
Years ago, I had another dog. Her name was Venus. THE most perfect name for her...cause everyone in the neighborhood loved her. In her mind, she OWNED the whole thing. I walked her around here all the time. We frequently walked by Scardy Dog's house. It was 3 houses away, on the corner. That was when she still had a litter-mate.
Over time I noticed that she and her sister were awful skinny. So when we walked by, we would throw a few dog cookies. Then she got markedly more skinny, and I knocked on their door and commented on it. She started gaining weight. For a while.
I quit walking for a while (can't remember why) and when I started again, I noticed that Scardy Dog was all alone. AND really scared.
She walked as far away from the chain-link as she could. Pacing back and forth. I could see she had "changed" somehow and was so skinny I could see all her ribs.
I thought, if I turn them into the Humane Society, Scardy Dog might be put to sleep because she was so shy and had "food issues". So I took it upon myself to walk everyday to feed her. Which I did for 1 & 1/2 years. Any days I wasn't able to feed her, I sent The Lad.
This was a process. Feeding her. She was so scared that as a starving dog, she would wait till I got all the way to the corner before she would go eat the food I left her. This went on for a least six months. Little by little she would let me stick my hand through the gate, and let me barely touch her with my fingers as she ran by. That was as close as she would let me get. After feeding her for that long. Not kidding. The thought of this still makes me cry.
I usually fed her in the afternoon. One particular afternoon, I saw another dog in there with her. This made me mad, because they were not taking care of the one they had. I would have to think how to handle this! So off I went.
The next morning, I went to feed her (I had something to do) and found her, in shock, running from the other dog (which I chased off) and a 8 inch rip in her shoulder.
It was on then!
I ran up and knocked on their door. The son answered.
"Your dog is hurt and NEEDS to go to the vet, now!"
"I have to go to work."
"She is in shock and needs to go now or she will get way worse."
"Well, if it costs too much I will just have to put her down."
"I am not tolerating that for one minute. I will be back!"
I went home, sobbing. What was I going to do? How was I going help her? Venus did not like her. She tolerated her, barely. I didn't have any money. What was I gonna do?
The Lad came up and said, "Momma, what's the matter?" So I spilled my guts...crying hard the whole time. When I was done, he grabbed my chin, pointed my face to his (like I used to do to him when I wanted him to listen) and he said..."You do what ever you have to to save her. I will back you up 150 percent!" I hugged him so hard and off I went.
I got a large travel crate and a friend with a truck. We knocked on the owner's door and told him we had come to take her, could he help us get her in the crate. Which he tried to do. She was afraid of him...so he wasn't much help. She did do what I asked her to do...even though it was a little hard getting her in the crate. This guy kept saying "She loves you!" very surprised. The 3rd time he said that, I said "I know! I love her back!"
We loaded her on the truck and went to the vet. $400 on the credit card later...we were on our way home. I called to let them know that she would need tending because of her surgery . She would be staying at my house. If they wanted to see her, they knew where she lived.
All they could say was "Bless you." That was just the beginning of the rehabilitation of Scardy Dog. On many levels. It is an ongoing progress to this day.
She only acts scared most of the time, now...instead of actually being scared. All this happened in 2006. She is joining in all the doggy games these days...not just standing back and watching Bad Dog do all kinds of "brave" things. Plus, she looks more like the Golden Lab that she is, instead of the starved Greyhound that she was. A much better look, in my not-so-humble opinion.
Years ago, I had another dog. Her name was Venus. THE most perfect name for her...cause everyone in the neighborhood loved her. In her mind, she OWNED the whole thing. I walked her around here all the time. We frequently walked by Scardy Dog's house. It was 3 houses away, on the corner. That was when she still had a litter-mate.
Over time I noticed that she and her sister were awful skinny. So when we walked by, we would throw a few dog cookies. Then she got markedly more skinny, and I knocked on their door and commented on it. She started gaining weight. For a while.
I quit walking for a while (can't remember why) and when I started again, I noticed that Scardy Dog was all alone. AND really scared.
She walked as far away from the chain-link as she could. Pacing back and forth. I could see she had "changed" somehow and was so skinny I could see all her ribs.
I thought, if I turn them into the Humane Society, Scardy Dog might be put to sleep because she was so shy and had "food issues". So I took it upon myself to walk everyday to feed her. Which I did for 1 & 1/2 years. Any days I wasn't able to feed her, I sent The Lad.
This was a process. Feeding her. She was so scared that as a starving dog, she would wait till I got all the way to the corner before she would go eat the food I left her. This went on for a least six months. Little by little she would let me stick my hand through the gate, and let me barely touch her with my fingers as she ran by. That was as close as she would let me get. After feeding her for that long. Not kidding. The thought of this still makes me cry.
I usually fed her in the afternoon. One particular afternoon, I saw another dog in there with her. This made me mad, because they were not taking care of the one they had. I would have to think how to handle this! So off I went.
The next morning, I went to feed her (I had something to do) and found her, in shock, running from the other dog (which I chased off) and a 8 inch rip in her shoulder.
It was on then!
I ran up and knocked on their door. The son answered.
"Your dog is hurt and NEEDS to go to the vet, now!"
"I have to go to work."
"She is in shock and needs to go now or she will get way worse."
"Well, if it costs too much I will just have to put her down."
"I am not tolerating that for one minute. I will be back!"
I went home, sobbing. What was I going to do? How was I going help her? Venus did not like her. She tolerated her, barely. I didn't have any money. What was I gonna do?
The Lad came up and said, "Momma, what's the matter?" So I spilled my guts...crying hard the whole time. When I was done, he grabbed my chin, pointed my face to his (like I used to do to him when I wanted him to listen) and he said..."You do what ever you have to to save her. I will back you up 150 percent!" I hugged him so hard and off I went.
I got a large travel crate and a friend with a truck. We knocked on the owner's door and told him we had come to take her, could he help us get her in the crate. Which he tried to do. She was afraid of him...so he wasn't much help. She did do what I asked her to do...even though it was a little hard getting her in the crate. This guy kept saying "She loves you!" very surprised. The 3rd time he said that, I said "I know! I love her back!"
We loaded her on the truck and went to the vet. $400 on the credit card later...we were on our way home. I called to let them know that she would need tending because of her surgery . She would be staying at my house. If they wanted to see her, they knew where she lived.
All they could say was "Bless you." That was just the beginning of the rehabilitation of Scardy Dog. On many levels. It is an ongoing progress to this day.
She only acts scared most of the time, now...instead of actually being scared. All this happened in 2006. She is joining in all the doggy games these days...not just standing back and watching Bad Dog do all kinds of "brave" things. Plus, she looks more like the Golden Lab that she is, instead of the starved Greyhound that she was. A much better look, in my not-so-humble opinion.
THE WINDOW SEAT
3/8/10
As I was sitting in "My" chair eating lunch, I looked at the dogs guarding the front yard, and thought..."Aww! Aren't they cute with their butts sticking out from under the curtain!" So I quietly stood up and grabbed my camera off the mantel and sat back down, hiding the camera. Scardy dog wasn't buying it.
She made a hasty retreat. I clicked these as fast as I could. Bad Dog was glad to see her go.
These dogs spend all day posturing and trying to one-up the other one. You see, where Bad Dog was sitting is "The" seat at the window. Since Scardy Dog was no longer interested in the window, Bad dog could get comfortable, stretching out on the seats.
But she didn't really like me taking her picture....so I kept it up.
Till she was fed up...cause that is how I roll! Besides...she gets payback for waking me up last night. There are new squirrels in the yard at night she has to show who's yard that really belongs to. She is 80 pounds of dog in a 40 pound body. She thinks she is a much bigger dog than she is. See the little scars around her eye? That 80 pound dog got her 40 pound butt kicked! Wasn't the first time-won't be the last time! She is stubborn like that. Takes after The Lad. She is such a flat head!
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A USE FOR EVERY THING
3/14/10
This side of my "green waste" pile is OLD grass clippings. It used to live, for 20 years, where my West wing garden is now. I like to put it on top of my garden beds after the plants are up. It aerates the soil when it decomposes and keeps the moisture in the soil. It will evaporate from the sun and the wind...and we sure have wind.
This side is branch chips. I use it to keep weeds down and so things drain well. This hill is at least 3 wheelbarrows high. I have a bunch more branches I could add to this pile.
I have taken the chips and spread them all over my West wing. It will stop weeds from growing in the walkways, keep any "fruit" off the ground, stop from walking on mud, and add nutrients to the soil. Now I need to address the watering. I have a bunch of soaker hose I would like to re-purpose. I also have a bunch of fittings I can salvage from another system. Maybe I can do this without too much expense. Everyday a little closer to ready.
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READY TO GO
3/13/10
This is what my garden looked like last week. A little worse for wear.
This is what it looks like today. All it needs is some compost and a little mix-up. The bed that is the darkest is completely ready to plant. I have some more compost that I made I can apply to one, maybe 2, rows...but I definitely need more. I am hoping to step up my compost making this year. Along with my worm composting. But I have to say I am pretty much ready for planting. I just need to get my tree beds made and filled with compost so our trees do better this year. I turned all this soil and pulled out the weeds.
I want to transplant the herbs to some big pots to line the patio area. Maybe do a Jones' Hanging Garden...he would be so proud.
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I want to transplant the herbs to some big pots to line the patio area. Maybe do a Jones' Hanging Garden...he would be so proud.
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These were my "late" tomatoes from last year. They didn't do very well and I had tried so hard by this point to get something going in my garden, I had pretty much given up trying. These froze. I am SO looking forward to having bunches of really good tomatoes this year. I just wanted to post a picture of a green garden. I am getting my Sis to come and help me plant this year. Then later in the summer she will visit again. I can hardly wait.
I have finally cleaned the tumbleweeds out of the front yard...from last spring...I am ashamed to say. I forgive myself for not getting to the front yard before now. It looks way better now.
I have finally cleaned the tumbleweeds out of the front yard...from last spring...I am ashamed to say. I forgive myself for not getting to the front yard before now. It looks way better now.
This was one big pile of tumbleweeds.
This is the one big pile in the corner.
This is the one on the west side of the yard.
This is what it looks like tonight. This shows all three spots.
This shows the gate and the corner better. I now have a really big pile in the back. Except for one, lone tumbleweed. Hanging on the fence. Guess I better go get it....if I can get up.
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Dedication
3/9/10
I woke up today to THIS in my yard. Snow. AND...it was cold. Very cold. For California woosies like me...mind you. See the green poking through? IT doesn't like the cold either.
It snowed on my garden beds...
...and it snowed on my "chip" pile. I went out to say prayers and I ran around my circle so I could come back in quick. Then I remembered that few pictures would tell this story better so I grabbed my camera and went back out. I am so dedicated.
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NOT ALLOWED!
3/7/10
On Friday I finished turning the closest bed and staked down the farthest bed. These beds are 8 foot by 4 foot. This is my East Wing.
This is my West Wing. Today I turned two beds over. The one in the lower left hand corner, and the one in the top right hand corner. I also pulled out the weeds. They still need raking, and I need to put in compost...but pretty close to being ready. There are 4 rows that are 16 feet by 3 feet. I want to take some chips and line the walkways. It will help keep the weeds down. 2 and 1/2 more rows and this garden will be close to planting-ready.
The white stuff is hail. Hail! Frozen solid rain! That is like really hard snow and that is not allowed!
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SPRING
3/5/10
This is my new compost pile. The boxes on top are a small diversion for Bad Dog. They are what Big Al's Pizza bring me their veggie scraps in. I actually have about 10 of these or more. I plan on lining the bottom of my new raised beds with these AFTER I take out all the staples. That way, when the boxes dissolve, I won't get hurt digging in the soil with my hands...cause I just can't stop myself from doing that.
Last year, I went and picked up a truck-load of compost to help fill my beds. I only have a little left. In about a week or two I WILL need more. Pizza Girl and I will be going down together to load up her truck AND new trailer with as much as we can safely drag back.
She needs some for her new yard, in her new house. We are so happy she has a move in date. Buying a house these days takes so long now. People (and banks) are waiting to see if they can get a way better deal...before they actually let you have it anymore. I think they should have been more careful years ago so our economy wouldn't have taken a header in the trash can. Don't get me started! So for now...I find peace in working in my garden and preparing for the bounty I am anticipating. Hope springs eternal...at least till It doesn't have any spring left.
Just so you know, it takes equal portions of green waste, and brown waste, and dirt, plus water, to make good compost. Green is scraps from veggies (no seeds), grass clippings, other green clippings or leaves. If you chop them up they will compost faster. Taking a large trash can, putting in your green waste, and run your weed-eater inside till the pieces are small, works great. Just don't fill it too full. The same goes for the brown waste. It is basically the same stuff, only dried up.
I took a chipper and chipped up a bunch of old branches. The chips are about medium in size. These are what I use to line my paths between my rows. It helps keep the weeds down, and amends the soil. Plus, if you water too much, it keeps you from having to walk in the mud. I also use it on top to keep the moisture in till all my plants get big and cover the rows. It works GREAT.
Last year, I went and picked up a truck-load of compost to help fill my beds. I only have a little left. In about a week or two I WILL need more. Pizza Girl and I will be going down together to load up her truck AND new trailer with as much as we can safely drag back.
She needs some for her new yard, in her new house. We are so happy she has a move in date. Buying a house these days takes so long now. People (and banks) are waiting to see if they can get a way better deal...before they actually let you have it anymore. I think they should have been more careful years ago so our economy wouldn't have taken a header in the trash can. Don't get me started! So for now...I find peace in working in my garden and preparing for the bounty I am anticipating. Hope springs eternal...at least till It doesn't have any spring left.
Just so you know, it takes equal portions of green waste, and brown waste, and dirt, plus water, to make good compost. Green is scraps from veggies (no seeds), grass clippings, other green clippings or leaves. If you chop them up they will compost faster. Taking a large trash can, putting in your green waste, and run your weed-eater inside till the pieces are small, works great. Just don't fill it too full. The same goes for the brown waste. It is basically the same stuff, only dried up.
I took a chipper and chipped up a bunch of old branches. The chips are about medium in size. These are what I use to line my paths between my rows. It helps keep the weeds down, and amends the soil. Plus, if you water too much, it keeps you from having to walk in the mud. I also use it on top to keep the moisture in till all my plants get big and cover the rows. It works GREAT.
This is my "chip" pile. On the other side it is my "grass clipping" pile. I like using stuff that would otherwise go in the dump. This was branches from about 200 dead trees. It took 4 people about 10 hours and an industrial size chipper to get it done. I have another pile that needs chipping and more trees to cut down. More work for me! I could use 2 full days of some REAL help. This is not The Lad's thing. So I am now looking for volunteers...anyone? Anyone? Bueller? Guess it's up to me.
CONTROL...SORT OF
3/4/10
Here is a picture of me that the Lad took while I was putting together my application to BANK OF HOLLYWOOD for some money they were giving away.
I am STILL hopeful that I might get the money (minimum 10 grand) so I can expand my gardening projects. I check everyday, but no answers yet.
When I look at myself, I really don't recognize that person. The top of my hair is white, and the rest is gray...which makes my braid look cool, but I feel so vibrant it just doesn't match how I look. Also, my hair is down to my waist...but being braided doesn't show how long it really is. One of the things that bothers me is that of all four of us kids, I am the only one with white hair. The rest of the kids got my Mom's hair. Which got darker the older she got. A toe-head as a child to dark brown hair (with about 6 gray hairs) at the age of 77. I took after Gma S. in many ways...besides the hair.
Then there is that double chin. Who does THAT belong to? Would you please come and get that? Right away!
This is where I do my work on this site. I spend a lot of time writing, researching, creating, and mostly learning. Learning how to use my camera, computer, printer, how to do things in my garden and for my garden. I am self-taught about it all. It is my control center. Just waiting for the control to kick in...but NOT holding my breath.
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I am STILL hopeful that I might get the money (minimum 10 grand) so I can expand my gardening projects. I check everyday, but no answers yet.
When I look at myself, I really don't recognize that person. The top of my hair is white, and the rest is gray...which makes my braid look cool, but I feel so vibrant it just doesn't match how I look. Also, my hair is down to my waist...but being braided doesn't show how long it really is. One of the things that bothers me is that of all four of us kids, I am the only one with white hair. The rest of the kids got my Mom's hair. Which got darker the older she got. A toe-head as a child to dark brown hair (with about 6 gray hairs) at the age of 77. I took after Gma S. in many ways...besides the hair.
Then there is that double chin. Who does THAT belong to? Would you please come and get that? Right away!
This is where I do my work on this site. I spend a lot of time writing, researching, creating, and mostly learning. Learning how to use my camera, computer, printer, how to do things in my garden and for my garden. I am self-taught about it all. It is my control center. Just waiting for the control to kick in...but NOT holding my breath.
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THE CURIOUS BEGINNING
3/3/10
Here is The Lad's business. Midori means green in Japanese (?) I think. It began on February 26th, 2010. I am such a proud MAMA!
My Mom's name was Doris, but she went by Dori, so I like to say there is a little Mom in that name. Besides it is a recycled business. It went from where The lad worked for a company, and then they took it over...and made it their own...recycled! I think it is perfect.
The real funny part was when they were looking for a place to house this business...they checked 6 or more places. When The Lad walked into this place he said..."This place reminds me of my Dad."
The funny part is that his Dad used to work in this building in 1982.
Divine intervention maybe, I don't know. But it is curious.
My Mom's name was Doris, but she went by Dori, so I like to say there is a little Mom in that name. Besides it is a recycled business. It went from where The lad worked for a company, and then they took it over...and made it their own...recycled! I think it is perfect.
The real funny part was when they were looking for a place to house this business...they checked 6 or more places. When The Lad walked into this place he said..."This place reminds me of my Dad."
The funny part is that his Dad used to work in this building in 1982.
Divine intervention maybe, I don't know. But it is curious.
Ask and you shall receive? Hope so!
3/2/10
This is a rose from my circle. As you can see, there are no leaves for about the first foot or so. This is because of those wascaly wabbits. The shorter the rose bush, the more the rabbits demolish it. This year I am hoping to fence in the whole west side of the yard. If I get to do it the way I want to...it will be a permanent fence, buried about a foot deep or more...that will keep out the "diggers".
Of course...this depends on a lot of things, like money and tools and supplies and HELP! Since I can't kick a shovel very well, I either need my rototiller working, or someone willing to dig. I can till the soil and use a rake to pull the dirt back so I can bury the fence. It needs to be tall enough to keep the dogs out. Then I need a gate that is tight enough to the ground to keep rabbits from squeezing under...but wide enough to pull the truck in if I need to.
Of course...this depends on a lot of things, like money and tools and supplies and HELP! Since I can't kick a shovel very well, I either need my rototiller working, or someone willing to dig. I can till the soil and use a rake to pull the dirt back so I can bury the fence. It needs to be tall enough to keep the dogs out. Then I need a gate that is tight enough to the ground to keep rabbits from squeezing under...but wide enough to pull the truck in if I need to.
This is one of those short roses. Every year it starts out like this and those rabbits eat the tender new shoots. See how woody those old branches are? Six years as rabbit food has taken its toll. I can hardly remember...but I think this one has purple roses on it.
Send me help God! So I can see the rose again! (If you don't ask, how else will you get what you want?)
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Send me help God! So I can see the rose again! (If you don't ask, how else will you get what you want?)
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COOKIE HOG
2/27/10
Every night when The Lad comes home, The Girls follow him around until he gives out cookies all around and lots of love. Last night, he took my camera, (it is such a wonderful camera!) and started to take action pictures of Bad Dog. We were trying to show you how she can open the door and let herself in...she knows her window of opportunity and is very good at getting in even IF you are trying to keep her out. I will have to try to accomplish that task in better lighting. Anyway, as soon as he took out the camera and the flash went off, Scardy Dog hid on my bed. Even the promise of cookies couldn't drag her off that bed. But Bad Dog is not scared and took full advantage of The Lad's generosity. Here she is sitting pretty for a cookie.
Here is an action shot of cookie catching at it's best.
You can still see the last cookie stuck to her molars. The wild eye look is fashionable this year. See the towel on the floor...it is to keep mud off the nasty carpet...It is raining and I need to wipe off the dogs when they come back in. Bad Dog Loves it...Scardy Dog walks away till she gets by the couch and then she lets me wipe her off.
After about 20 cookies, I said it might make her sick to eat any more...she wasn't happy about that. Here she is looking hopefully at the cookie jar. It almost seemed like she was posing..."Get me from this side Dad! See how flat my head is?"
"Ohhhh! Those cookies are starting to kick in....I may need a nap soon." Actually, I think she was tired of the flash. It wasn't worth it if there were no more cookies involved.
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DA DEBIL
2/26/10
Here she is in all her glory! As you can see, she has stolen the Lad's sock. HE is taking the pictures...he thinks she is so cute.
There is one thing...this dog's ears are so tiny. AND ... I think she is able to close off her ears...sort of like how an alligator's throat closes off in the water. It also helps when she really doesn't want to listen. Sometimes Kid's ears do that , don't they?
There is one thing...this dog's ears are so tiny. AND ... I think she is able to close off her ears...sort of like how an alligator's throat closes off in the water. It also helps when she really doesn't want to listen. Sometimes Kid's ears do that , don't they?
This is her trying out for her singing career. Forget about it!
You can see Scardy Dog in the background, freaking out. She hates getting her picture taken. Only she can't leave 'cause the Lad is in the way AND he has the offending device. My bed is "sanctuary", always has been for her.
She is pretty much disgusted with me for folding her ears back. Can't you hear her say "Biotch!"? She is looking at the Lad hoping he will make me stop.
Here, we both have agreed Not to torture the other one. Sealed it with a "High-five"...but she can't be trusted. She looks like she is already planning her revenge. She IS a Devil dog.
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No Rules
2/24/10
This is pretty much what it looks like in my yard right now. We have another storm rolling in. Earlier today we had a little rain. Just enough to dampen the sand.
I was outside, in between the storms, cutting some more branches off the trees before they start to bud. I am hoping to get them trimmed, and boxes built around the trunks for watering, this spring so the trees have a good chance of recovering from years of abuse. So I cut trees, then I drag branches. Cut. Drag. Cut. Drag.
As I look around, I see Bad Dog, (I am going to show you why she EARNED her name) and she is chewing on something. I go in the house, get my camera, and as I approach her, I start clicking pictures.
I was outside, in between the storms, cutting some more branches off the trees before they start to bud. I am hoping to get them trimmed, and boxes built around the trunks for watering, this spring so the trees have a good chance of recovering from years of abuse. So I cut trees, then I drag branches. Cut. Drag. Cut. Drag.
As I look around, I see Bad Dog, (I am going to show you why she EARNED her name) and she is chewing on something. I go in the house, get my camera, and as I approach her, I start clicking pictures.
She is right in the middle of the picture, to the left of the bird bath.
I am saying "What have you got there?" She looks at me to show she hears.
I am saying "What have you got there?" She looks at me to show she hears.
"No Bad Dog! Stop" She doesn't.
She starts chewing faster because she is afraid I will take it from her...and she is right.
Now she is just checking that she got it all. Then the neighbor's horses whinny and off she goes.
After she decides she has completed her mission to boss the neighbors around, she returns to her other mission...where she liberates my compost heap of it's bread.
"Stay out of there! No! Stop it!"
See how well she listens...as she goes in...
Practically chocking herself....she reaches farther...
VICTORY!
After she gets a better grip on her treasure, she spins around, and off she goes...ignoring all my attempts to get her to drop the bread.
She is trotting...and chewing...
Taking a page from The Lad's book on RULING THE WORLD..."I can do whatever I want and not get in trouble."
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SIGNS OF SPRING
The other day I ran around taking pictures of the yard. As you can see, things are turning green. I am hoping that all you people who are still in the throes of winter can see that spring is truly on the way.
Excited!
Here are my starter cups, filled with my starter mix. It is 2 parts spaghum moss, 1 part vermiculite, and 1 part pearlite. Check in past posts to see how I rolled these newspaper stater pots.
These are ready to plant and are sitting on my kitchen table which is pushed up against the slider door warming up in the sun. Today they will get their seeds.
We ordered a slider door from Lowe's last Sunday. Tuesday they came and measured the opening for the custom door. Friday they called and said that the opening was too small to get the door I wanted. I could pick another door. All this was at a cost of $40. It cost us $40 for them to tell us that we can't have the door we want. What is wrong with that picture?
So today I am going in to let them know my displeasure about the fact they can charge $40 for nothing. Hopefully, they will give it back. If they don't, we WILL be driving 2 miles down the street to Home Depot from then on.
It seems like for the last week, that the things I was trying to accomplish, never really turned out right. Except the pots. I filled 120 cups to start. I also put a coir brick in some water to make some fresh bedding for my worms. Today I will prepare the box and start feeding in the new bedding. Hopefully the worms will move to the new bed and I can harvest all the wonderful castings for fertilizer for my seedlings. I read that if you use the castings when you are starting the seedlings (after the first 2 weeks) it will keep the seedlings disease resistant. I am hoping that is true so I get the best tomatoes ever!
A local health food store told me that she would buy my tomatoes from me to sell in her store. I am hoping to get TONS of tomatoes, along with a bunch of other veggies. Maybe I will be able to get a few restaurants to buy my fresh stuff...or at least some of my baked goods.
I have the local vet offering to let me plant things behind a building of hers up on the highway in town here. It would make a PERFECT place to sell roadside veggies. I think it will be wonderful. But I am not ready to plant outside my yard...yet.
These are ready to plant and are sitting on my kitchen table which is pushed up against the slider door warming up in the sun. Today they will get their seeds.
We ordered a slider door from Lowe's last Sunday. Tuesday they came and measured the opening for the custom door. Friday they called and said that the opening was too small to get the door I wanted. I could pick another door. All this was at a cost of $40. It cost us $40 for them to tell us that we can't have the door we want. What is wrong with that picture?
So today I am going in to let them know my displeasure about the fact they can charge $40 for nothing. Hopefully, they will give it back. If they don't, we WILL be driving 2 miles down the street to Home Depot from then on.
It seems like for the last week, that the things I was trying to accomplish, never really turned out right. Except the pots. I filled 120 cups to start. I also put a coir brick in some water to make some fresh bedding for my worms. Today I will prepare the box and start feeding in the new bedding. Hopefully the worms will move to the new bed and I can harvest all the wonderful castings for fertilizer for my seedlings. I read that if you use the castings when you are starting the seedlings (after the first 2 weeks) it will keep the seedlings disease resistant. I am hoping that is true so I get the best tomatoes ever!
A local health food store told me that she would buy my tomatoes from me to sell in her store. I am hoping to get TONS of tomatoes, along with a bunch of other veggies. Maybe I will be able to get a few restaurants to buy my fresh stuff...or at least some of my baked goods.
I have the local vet offering to let me plant things behind a building of hers up on the highway in town here. It would make a PERFECT place to sell roadside veggies. I think it will be wonderful. But I am not ready to plant outside my yard...yet.
Yard work galore!
Yesterday was a wonderful day for getting things done. After all the rain we had this month things are starting to come to life around here. So I went around taking pictures of the new shoots coming up. Including all the weeds...that I will have to deal with soon...but there is a chance of more rain today.
Along the fence there is grass growing...why not on the lawns!?
As you can see, the lawn area is green too. Except the green here is weeds!
What's up with that? There used to be grass here but I quit watering it when the water bill got too high.
What's up with that? There used to be grass here but I quit watering it when the water bill got too high.
These wonderful little wonders are what we call goat heads. Goat heads are these horrible stickers, something on the line of sand burs we used to get in Illinois, except sand burs have many fine sticker shafts on each bur. Goat heads have three shafts...hard shafts...like a thick splinter...and they are at least a 1/4 long.
They grow close to the ground and have 1 large tap root that goes deep! If you break them off at the ground they just get a new plant that is harder to get out each time you do it. We have a tool we call a hula hoe. You push and pull it across the top of the dirt. It catches the goat head at he edge of the plant and pulls the root up and out of the ground. Otherwise you have to pull them out by hand which is much easier if the ground is damp.
They grow close to the ground and have 1 large tap root that goes deep! If you break them off at the ground they just get a new plant that is harder to get out each time you do it. We have a tool we call a hula hoe. You push and pull it across the top of the dirt. It catches the goat head at he edge of the plant and pulls the root up and out of the ground. Otherwise you have to pull them out by hand which is much easier if the ground is damp.
I made a bigger compost heap, also. I have been collecting some veggie scraps from the local Pizza place (Big Al's) to help the community recycle their waste into something wonderful. Last week I went to Starbuck's and got some coffee grounds, and I put them in here too. (See the grass along the fences?)
Then I got out the chainsaw-on-a-stick and whacked up this tree. It NEEDED it badly. It is one of the trees I want to build a "bed" around to help water it better. Then I can fill the bed with free compost and some flowers or whatever to keep the weeds down and to stop the water from evaporating so quickly. It is very windy around here.
Then another storm started to blow in...and I got afraid to stand on a ladder with an electric chain-saw. Nothing like being a lightening rod.
FAMILY
This is a common sight in the living room. Bad Dog...keeping watch and making sure NO ONE sneaks up on us. This particular view is when I walk in the room. She is waiting to see what I'm about to do. I think it looks funny that her ears are hidden by the curtain. Her ears are so tiny it seems funny that are NOT showing. Usually her back side is higher up on the back of the couch. Scardy Dog has been sitting there too. Only she has to put out a leg to prop herself up because she weighs at least twice as much as Bad Dog. It is the best "Doggy" seat in the house.
The other day, The Lad drove up in the drive to see Bad Dog in this position. The only thing he could see was her eyes peering above the edge of the window. I guess that makes her a couch gator.
Today I forgot close the screen I put across the entry to the kitchen to keep Bad Dog out. The next thing I hear is this crash. When I get to the other room I see Bad Dog slinking around, guiltily. When I round the corner to the kitchen, I see the chocolate zucchini cake I made, on the floor, plate and all, with bite marks out of it. Now I am watching her to make sure she didn't eat enough to make her dead. She might be trouble...but we still love her. She is family like that.
The other day, The Lad drove up in the drive to see Bad Dog in this position. The only thing he could see was her eyes peering above the edge of the window. I guess that makes her a couch gator.
Today I forgot close the screen I put across the entry to the kitchen to keep Bad Dog out. The next thing I hear is this crash. When I get to the other room I see Bad Dog slinking around, guiltily. When I round the corner to the kitchen, I see the chocolate zucchini cake I made, on the floor, plate and all, with bite marks out of it. Now I am watching her to make sure she didn't eat enough to make her dead. She might be trouble...but we still love her. She is family like that.
I MOVE ROCKS...
As you can see, I have been moving rocks. In the top right-hand section of the picture, you can see a tree trunk. I am trying to build a well around the trunk...and move the rock pile by my west garden. The well will keep water around the tree and make a nice bed for planting stuff. I am hoping to put my melons and pumpkins around the trees.
My plan is to fill the bed with compost and wrap chicken wire around the rocks so the rabbits can't get to the new shoots. The compost will fertilize the tree and the new plants. The new plants will help keep the moisture from evaporating quickly. Not to mention they keeping the weeds down.
I have at least three trees AND the bed outside the east garden that I want build a rock wall around. I want to plant peas and green beans in that bed. The runner type beans. These have a dual purpose. I won't have to look at my neighbor's barn anymore.
So for now...I move rocks.
My plan is to fill the bed with compost and wrap chicken wire around the rocks so the rabbits can't get to the new shoots. The compost will fertilize the tree and the new plants. The new plants will help keep the moisture from evaporating quickly. Not to mention they keeping the weeds down.
I have at least three trees AND the bed outside the east garden that I want build a rock wall around. I want to plant peas and green beans in that bed. The runner type beans. These have a dual purpose. I won't have to look at my neighbor's barn anymore.
So for now...I move rocks.
REMINDERS OF GARDENS PAST
Today they came and measured for my new slider door! Looks like it might be about a month before it is installed...but that is OK. I will be using the old one as a greenhouse up until then. When it does come out...it will begin it's new life as either a cold frame or a wind block/wall. Or maybe both!
Anyway...the thing that was odd today was the man who measured my door was early....by an hour! I had just pulled up in the drive from getting groceries when he showed up. The thing is, he thought he was late. Maybe I should buy lottery tickets...in case my luck has changed. Thinking maybe so!!
So, after I buy some tickets I will finish making some more cups for my garden seedlings. I am so ready for my garden!
Anyway...the thing that was odd today was the man who measured my door was early....by an hour! I had just pulled up in the drive from getting groceries when he showed up. The thing is, he thought he was late. Maybe I should buy lottery tickets...in case my luck has changed. Thinking maybe so!!
So, after I buy some tickets I will finish making some more cups for my garden seedlings. I am so ready for my garden!
Happy Valentine's Day!
It has been a great weekend so far. Bff came and took me out. We went and had massages! Mine was a hot stone massage! Afterwards, we went for sushi, and then a movie. It was delightful! She is my B.B. (Best Buddy) for a reason.
Today The Lad got up and took me out to breakfast. Afterwards we went to Lowe's to pick out a new slider door. They will be coming here to measure the opening so they can special order the door. They will then deliver said door, and then install it.
It is a Pella door. High grade. It also has mini-blinds in between the panes of glass, that disappear in the frame. Energy efficient. It is also good for a tax rebate. Makes me wish we could do all the windows. Right now. In time.
So, in my minds eye, it has already been a great Valentine's Day. I think he plans on taking me to Outback for dinner. What a perfect dinner.
Today The Lad got up and took me out to breakfast. Afterwards we went to Lowe's to pick out a new slider door. They will be coming here to measure the opening so they can special order the door. They will then deliver said door, and then install it.
It is a Pella door. High grade. It also has mini-blinds in between the panes of glass, that disappear in the frame. Energy efficient. It is also good for a tax rebate. Makes me wish we could do all the windows. Right now. In time.
So, in my minds eye, it has already been a great Valentine's Day. I think he plans on taking me to Outback for dinner. What a perfect dinner.
LATER
As my birthday approaches, I wonder what is in store for me this coming year. Anyone who knows me, knows I ask a lot of questions. I want to know everything yesterday. I wonder should I write a Bucket list? How about wishes for things I would like to happen. Like...
Will all this hard work turn into a career?
Will I get my acres? Canning shed? Own home?
Will my garden do as well as my mind sees it doing?
Will I get financial help? Soon?
I have other things I would like...not to tell. LOL.
I also have my regular wishes...like...
Keep everyone safe and happy.
Choose abundance in all blessings.
Find the humor. In everything!
Nature is cruel, we don't have to be.
Smile at everyone. They may need it.
Pray for the highest good for all concerned. Who can that hurt?
I open my arms wide to accept the gifts because.....
IT IS MY BIRTHDAY WEEK END AND I WANT GIFTS!!!! LOL!
Anyway, I am off to celebrate. I may be gone so long you will miss me. Be back later.
Will all this hard work turn into a career?
Will I get my acres? Canning shed? Own home?
Will my garden do as well as my mind sees it doing?
Will I get financial help? Soon?
I have other things I would like...not to tell. LOL.
I also have my regular wishes...like...
Keep everyone safe and happy.
Choose abundance in all blessings.
Find the humor. In everything!
Nature is cruel, we don't have to be.
Smile at everyone. They may need it.
Pray for the highest good for all concerned. Who can that hurt?
I open my arms wide to accept the gifts because.....
IT IS MY BIRTHDAY WEEK END AND I WANT GIFTS!!!! LOL!
Anyway, I am off to celebrate. I may be gone so long you will miss me. Be back later.
Signs of Spring
2/11/10
It has been raining for days and today is a little chilly but nice enough to work out there with a hoodie on. Since the ground is damp/wet, the weeds come up easier. I am all for working easy, not hard.
I am still trying to get my "beds" ready for planting. Today I pulled up the remnants from the garden last year. I took my pitch fork and got some deep-rooted weeds. My thoughts keep going back to my compost situation. In my head I am still trying to pin down a good idea on how to produce something I can use better. Using things that might otherwise be thrown away...preferably.
As I was out in my West garden, I noticed the plant I talked about in the fall that had the lavender blooms. It looks all spidery and dead. I started to pull up the dead stuff and saw it is already green around the dead. This gives me hope. Spring is on her way.
I also noticed that the apple trees look like they are about to bud-out. THAT means I need to decide where to put them and get them in the ground...PRONTO!@ That way the shock will be less and the recovery time faster. I might even get a few apples this year.
Yesterday I did some cooking and managed to get the pictures I need to post the recipes. Mostly. I still need to get some chocolate chips to finish up a desert. I want that to post for Valentine's Day. It is a chocolate mousse mini pie. They are big enough to share, but not too big to eat by yourself. Hope to get that up tomorrow. See you soon!
I am still trying to get my "beds" ready for planting. Today I pulled up the remnants from the garden last year. I took my pitch fork and got some deep-rooted weeds. My thoughts keep going back to my compost situation. In my head I am still trying to pin down a good idea on how to produce something I can use better. Using things that might otherwise be thrown away...preferably.
As I was out in my West garden, I noticed the plant I talked about in the fall that had the lavender blooms. It looks all spidery and dead. I started to pull up the dead stuff and saw it is already green around the dead. This gives me hope. Spring is on her way.
I also noticed that the apple trees look like they are about to bud-out. THAT means I need to decide where to put them and get them in the ground...PRONTO!@ That way the shock will be less and the recovery time faster. I might even get a few apples this year.
Yesterday I did some cooking and managed to get the pictures I need to post the recipes. Mostly. I still need to get some chocolate chips to finish up a desert. I want that to post for Valentine's Day. It is a chocolate mousse mini pie. They are big enough to share, but not too big to eat by yourself. Hope to get that up tomorrow. See you soon!
Alarm system
I guess I am still trying to learn how to use this #@%*&^$ site. I just wrote a great post and was trying to "clean" up my mistakes and deleted the whole darn thing!
I was talking about the dogs getting dirty this AM out in the yard. Seems they were hunting those "waskely wabbits" in the yard. Scardy Dog had mud all over her face and feet from digging. I had to clean her up before letting her in. She gets real nervous when you want to do things at ANY doorway. Her previous owners must have done some awful things to her for her to be so scared. She didn't even know how to play when she got here.
When Bad Dog showed up here, it was a blessing in disguise. She had no fear and thought she was the Queen of the Universe. Everytime she did something Wild...Scardy Dog would look at me, as if to say..."Did you see that!? Did you see what she just did?"
I think she was amazed that nothing bad happened to Bad Dog. What it did, was give Scardy Dog the courage to do things, too.
She plays now. Not REAL dog play. But playing for her. She even sticks up for herself now. And barks. It took her 8 months or more for her to bark at anything. She still doesn't really know what to bark at , but she tries. If Bad Dog barks, I go see whats up. If it is Scardy Dog...I wait for her to go see what is up...and if she continues to bark, I go see what is up. Usually...she finds out herself there is nothing and stops.
My comment to this is..." That is my security alarm. It has a hair-trigger."
I was talking about the dogs getting dirty this AM out in the yard. Seems they were hunting those "waskely wabbits" in the yard. Scardy Dog had mud all over her face and feet from digging. I had to clean her up before letting her in. She gets real nervous when you want to do things at ANY doorway. Her previous owners must have done some awful things to her for her to be so scared. She didn't even know how to play when she got here.
When Bad Dog showed up here, it was a blessing in disguise. She had no fear and thought she was the Queen of the Universe. Everytime she did something Wild...Scardy Dog would look at me, as if to say..."Did you see that!? Did you see what she just did?"
I think she was amazed that nothing bad happened to Bad Dog. What it did, was give Scardy Dog the courage to do things, too.
She plays now. Not REAL dog play. But playing for her. She even sticks up for herself now. And barks. It took her 8 months or more for her to bark at anything. She still doesn't really know what to bark at , but she tries. If Bad Dog barks, I go see whats up. If it is Scardy Dog...I wait for her to go see what is up...and if she continues to bark, I go see what is up. Usually...she finds out herself there is nothing and stops.
My comment to this is..." That is my security alarm. It has a hair-trigger."
THIS LITTLE PIGGY...
I try to go shopping once a week. The dogs ran out of "cookies" on Friday. I keep their "cookies" in a big gallon jug that is see-through, on our 1/2 wall. So...several times a day they pester me (especially if I am on the computer) to give them cookies.
For the last three days when they ask for them, I take the jar down, take off the lid, turn the jar upside down, and say "All gone!" They don't like that phrase.
So today I went to Pet smart to get all things dog. Chew sticks, cookies, canned food and dry. Whenever I return from an outing, I can hear them begging to get back in the house before I get all the way out of the car. So by the time I get the groceries in the house and let them back in....they are EXCITED!
Normally, that is OK...but today I guess they were more so than normal. I fed them some cookies and them gave them a chew stick. Next thing I know Bad Dog is throwing up.
When I got up this morning I gave them about a half cup of dog food before I went shopping. What I am thinking happened is this...Bad Dog must have eaten ALL the dog food, hers and Scardy Dog....plus all the cookies, plus her chew stick. There just wasn't enough Dog for all that food. She thinks she is way bigger than she actually is. Poor little piggy.
For the last three days when they ask for them, I take the jar down, take off the lid, turn the jar upside down, and say "All gone!" They don't like that phrase.
So today I went to Pet smart to get all things dog. Chew sticks, cookies, canned food and dry. Whenever I return from an outing, I can hear them begging to get back in the house before I get all the way out of the car. So by the time I get the groceries in the house and let them back in....they are EXCITED!
Normally, that is OK...but today I guess they were more so than normal. I fed them some cookies and them gave them a chew stick. Next thing I know Bad Dog is throwing up.
When I got up this morning I gave them about a half cup of dog food before I went shopping. What I am thinking happened is this...Bad Dog must have eaten ALL the dog food, hers and Scardy Dog....plus all the cookies, plus her chew stick. There just wasn't enough Dog for all that food. She thinks she is way bigger than she actually is. Poor little piggy.
Blame
This morning the Lad asked for "an epic breakfast". Right! I tried to make pancakes. I have a recipe that tastes good...I just have trouble frying them....sometimes. This was "sometime". These did not turn out good. I guess I need a good, electric griddle, with a non-stick finish.
The Lad is so good...he didn't even tease me about it. You know...like..."Hey Mom. Thanks for the burnt offerings!" Or
"The dogs will sure love these new Frisbees." Or "What happened to 'epic'?" That was my question.
Seems like sometimes I just have a hard time cooking. Other times, it just goes so easy. Guess I wasn't in the groove this morning. But for now...I will blame the pan.
The Lad is so good...he didn't even tease me about it. You know...like..."Hey Mom. Thanks for the burnt offerings!" Or
"The dogs will sure love these new Frisbees." Or "What happened to 'epic'?" That was my question.
Seems like sometimes I just have a hard time cooking. Other times, it just goes so easy. Guess I wasn't in the groove this morning. But for now...I will blame the pan.
BURLY MAN
Here is Burly Man. He is my favorite person. Glad to know you! Proud to be your Mama. In the background...you can see Scardy Dog running away from the scary camera!! She is so abused! NOT!
He was kneeling to pet Bad Dog. She is trying to stay between Scardy and The Lad...I mean Burly Man. Three weeks till he is his own boss. Do you think he wants me to call him Burly Boss Man? How different is our lives about to get? Too many questions. I am willing to take the leap of faith that our paths are true. I await the future with open arms. BRING IT!
CHECK THIS OUT!
2/4/10
This picture is for BFF. See how the edges are folded over? I actually twisted the ends after I folded them over. There is quite a lot of paper there, but I think it will be easy to tear off or fold back when it is time to plant. I am hoping this works most excellently!
I have been researching things today. Like...what is lasagna planting? Can I plant in "straight" compost? (The answer is yes you can!)
I will be going into Town tomorrow to see if I can get some free compost from a guy who works at the park. I am under the impression that he has some to give away. If he doesn't...then I have to drive "down below" where I got it last time. That will be more time and more gas money. Fingers crossed on he has some.
I have been researching things today. Like...what is lasagna planting? Can I plant in "straight" compost? (The answer is yes you can!)
I will be going into Town tomorrow to see if I can get some free compost from a guy who works at the park. I am under the impression that he has some to give away. If he doesn't...then I have to drive "down below" where I got it last time. That will be more time and more gas money. Fingers crossed on he has some.
AHH...TO DREAM!
Today I have been taking inventory, trying to decide EXACTLY my game plan for my garden. How many beds can I make? How many beds do I need? There in lies the rub. I think I have decided that I would like to have 25 by the end of this year. Right now I have six (and 1/2) beds...in the ground full of dirt. I have 2 beds made, ready to stake and fill with dirt. These are all fenced in.
Then I have 3 short beds and 2 long beds to make, stake, and fill. Short beds are 8 ft. and long ones are 16 ft. These need a fence. That makes 13 beds.
The reason I am freaking out is because yesterday I went to the hardware store and bought some peat moss, vermiculite, and pearlite to be the bedding of my seedlings. I also bought a BUNCH of seeds. 30 packs!!! I must be nuts! It seems to me that the best chance for a successful garden requires fresh seeds. I am getting a jump on this planting season and hope to do really well! I found some heritage beefsteak tomato seeds! Also, some Polish Linguisa tomatoes (talk about heritage!) which are supposed to be the best ones for tomato paste. The picture looks like Roma tomatoes, only longer. I am curious how they will turn out.
Last year, I had a lot of trouble with the plants I bought. Almost all of the plants turned out diseased and NOT what I bought. I ended up with mostly cherry tomatoes. I was not too happy.
I will be growing from seed this year, either direct in the ground or from my own starter plants. That is why I need more cups. There has to be lots of tomatoes this year. Plus, I need a bunch of zucchini plants for my zucchini bread, and a bunch of peppers for my hot pepper relish. Then we have green beans, peas, carrots, beets, 2 kinds of onions (red and yellow), cucumbers,and salad greens of all kinds. Then I want to grow some pumpkin, cantaloupe, and watermelon. But they need to be by themselves. I don't want them to squeeze out the rest of the garden like they did last year. So... I start the seeds and then I have 6 weeks to get the beds ready, with fence and watering in place. After that, I start building new beds. New fence. New watering system. (It needs to be automatic watering.)
Anyway...I love this time of year. The planning...is like getting ready to cast your dreams in the dirt. My dreams are really big this year. I will do my best to make them come true. But for now...I dream.
Then I have 3 short beds and 2 long beds to make, stake, and fill. Short beds are 8 ft. and long ones are 16 ft. These need a fence. That makes 13 beds.
The reason I am freaking out is because yesterday I went to the hardware store and bought some peat moss, vermiculite, and pearlite to be the bedding of my seedlings. I also bought a BUNCH of seeds. 30 packs!!! I must be nuts! It seems to me that the best chance for a successful garden requires fresh seeds. I am getting a jump on this planting season and hope to do really well! I found some heritage beefsteak tomato seeds! Also, some Polish Linguisa tomatoes (talk about heritage!) which are supposed to be the best ones for tomato paste. The picture looks like Roma tomatoes, only longer. I am curious how they will turn out.
Last year, I had a lot of trouble with the plants I bought. Almost all of the plants turned out diseased and NOT what I bought. I ended up with mostly cherry tomatoes. I was not too happy.
I will be growing from seed this year, either direct in the ground or from my own starter plants. That is why I need more cups. There has to be lots of tomatoes this year. Plus, I need a bunch of zucchini plants for my zucchini bread, and a bunch of peppers for my hot pepper relish. Then we have green beans, peas, carrots, beets, 2 kinds of onions (red and yellow), cucumbers,and salad greens of all kinds. Then I want to grow some pumpkin, cantaloupe, and watermelon. But they need to be by themselves. I don't want them to squeeze out the rest of the garden like they did last year. So... I start the seeds and then I have 6 weeks to get the beds ready, with fence and watering in place. After that, I start building new beds. New fence. New watering system. (It needs to be automatic watering.)
Anyway...I love this time of year. The planning...is like getting ready to cast your dreams in the dirt. My dreams are really big this year. I will do my best to make them come true. But for now...I dream.
Canning
As you look to the bottom right of this picture, you see a poster board with ribbons from the AV Fair I won, and articles in the local papers that were about ME! What these really say in my opinion, is that there are others out there that think the food I make is quite tasty! I have won ribbons on my apple crumb pie, zucchini bread, orange marmalade (which is Judges Choice), and hot pepper relish (which was Best of Division). I might have those two twisted around.
I have been canning since I have been a little girl. At the age of 11 I was canning by myself. Applesauce. One of the things I hear all the time is..."I have always wanted to learn how to can...I am just afraid I will poison my family!" To that I say...FORGET ABOUT IT!
If an 11 year old girl can do it by herself and not poison her family, so can you.
It is a lot of work but it is not difficult. There are "tricks" to getting food to taste really good. That is what I hope to teach you all about. One thing is to get the best fruit available. Most produce people will cut you a taste of what you want to buy. Remember that if fruit is ripe you will be able to smell it....from a distance. Fruit for jams and jellies must be REALLY ripe. Almost to the point of spoiled. I also put most of my fruit through a hand crank meat grinder. It makes the texture just right.
I wanted to show you that I might not be an expert, but I am pretty good at this. Not just my opinion. You see, I love food, always have. I have always read cook-books like others read novels. I can switch things in recipes around to make something new.
What made me look at things differently was a cook-book about Mixes. Mixes you can use for several other recipes. Like meatloaf, or biscuits, or cookies, salad dressings, or broth. These can be made to change into other things. Meatloaf is meatballs for spaghetti, or meatballs for albondigas soup, (Mexican meatball soup). You can also use it to stuff peppers or zucchini or make cabbage rolls. Or Shepard's Pie.
So what I like to do is make a big batch of the meat mix (cause it is cheaper to buy meat in bulk) and make a couple of meat loafs or a bunch of meatballs which you can cook at the same time you make meatloaf. Then all you have to do is cook some noodles for spaghetti and heat up some sauce....throw in the meatballs, heat till thawed. Dinner in about 20 minutes. If you make a salad it makes a nice well rounded meal.
By making meatballs ahead of time, it would be easy to give a jar of sauce and some noodles to the kids to help with dinner. I hope you have better luck at getting you kids to help than I had. The Lad still won't cook, if he can get away with it. He heats stuff up. He just won't do it. Since he makes his own money he buys junk food.
Personally, I want to help you make good food in less time for less money. I also fix smaller recipes( cause it was mostly just The Lad and me.) so it can be doubled or tripled to accommodate more people. Or make up a big recipe that can be split, and frozen for later use. Like spaghetti sauce. Or Chili, which can go on chili dogs, or eat plain. Or take a Seven bone roast, cook it in the crock pot, and then make BBQ Beef, or beef and gravy, which can be frozen in small portions for later recipes. Mark and date everything with a sharpie.
Anyway...off to the store. I have a bunch of ideas I need to try out. It is things like this that keep me going. I just can't stop myself.
I have been canning since I have been a little girl. At the age of 11 I was canning by myself. Applesauce. One of the things I hear all the time is..."I have always wanted to learn how to can...I am just afraid I will poison my family!" To that I say...FORGET ABOUT IT!
If an 11 year old girl can do it by herself and not poison her family, so can you.
It is a lot of work but it is not difficult. There are "tricks" to getting food to taste really good. That is what I hope to teach you all about. One thing is to get the best fruit available. Most produce people will cut you a taste of what you want to buy. Remember that if fruit is ripe you will be able to smell it....from a distance. Fruit for jams and jellies must be REALLY ripe. Almost to the point of spoiled. I also put most of my fruit through a hand crank meat grinder. It makes the texture just right.
I wanted to show you that I might not be an expert, but I am pretty good at this. Not just my opinion. You see, I love food, always have. I have always read cook-books like others read novels. I can switch things in recipes around to make something new.
What made me look at things differently was a cook-book about Mixes. Mixes you can use for several other recipes. Like meatloaf, or biscuits, or cookies, salad dressings, or broth. These can be made to change into other things. Meatloaf is meatballs for spaghetti, or meatballs for albondigas soup, (Mexican meatball soup). You can also use it to stuff peppers or zucchini or make cabbage rolls. Or Shepard's Pie.
So what I like to do is make a big batch of the meat mix (cause it is cheaper to buy meat in bulk) and make a couple of meat loafs or a bunch of meatballs which you can cook at the same time you make meatloaf. Then all you have to do is cook some noodles for spaghetti and heat up some sauce....throw in the meatballs, heat till thawed. Dinner in about 20 minutes. If you make a salad it makes a nice well rounded meal.
By making meatballs ahead of time, it would be easy to give a jar of sauce and some noodles to the kids to help with dinner. I hope you have better luck at getting you kids to help than I had. The Lad still won't cook, if he can get away with it. He heats stuff up. He just won't do it. Since he makes his own money he buys junk food.
Personally, I want to help you make good food in less time for less money. I also fix smaller recipes( cause it was mostly just The Lad and me.) so it can be doubled or tripled to accommodate more people. Or make up a big recipe that can be split, and frozen for later use. Like spaghetti sauce. Or Chili, which can go on chili dogs, or eat plain. Or take a Seven bone roast, cook it in the crock pot, and then make BBQ Beef, or beef and gravy, which can be frozen in small portions for later recipes. Mark and date everything with a sharpie.
Anyway...off to the store. I have a bunch of ideas I need to try out. It is things like this that keep me going. I just can't stop myself.
Wish Me Luck
Just to let you know, I have been filming. I need to put in an application for some "seed" money for my "big idea". Which is...buying up the two acres next door, building a "green" canning shed so I can give canning lessons. I want to give gardening classes. I am already collecting veggie scraps from the Pizza place for my compost. I am sure I can get the coffee grounds from the restaurants in town too. I figure I can get about 50 beds for planting on a half acre. I really want to have at least 20 beds this summer. I need help leveling the beds and making trenches for the water system. As long as I am making new water system I need to repair the ones for the trees. That means using the rocks to make wells around the trees.
Tomorrow, I will be putting in my application for the money. Hopefully...they will PICK ME! Wish me luck!
Tomorrow, I will be putting in my application for the money. Hopefully...they will PICK ME! Wish me luck!
MORE CUPS
As you can see, there are two boxes, one on top of the other. Inside are about 200 newspaper cups I plan on using for my "starter" seeds. I think this is about half of the cups I will need.
For instance...I have 4 kinds of sweet peppers and 4 kinds of hot peppers I use in my hot pepper relish. If I start 6 plants per kind of pepper, that is 48 pots. I think I would like 12 plants per kind of pepper. That is 96 pots. I want 4 kinds of tomatoes...at 12 plants per kind....48 pots. I would really like 24 beefsteak tomatoes. Which says...I need a lot more cups!
For instance...I have 4 kinds of sweet peppers and 4 kinds of hot peppers I use in my hot pepper relish. If I start 6 plants per kind of pepper, that is 48 pots. I think I would like 12 plants per kind of pepper. That is 96 pots. I want 4 kinds of tomatoes...at 12 plants per kind....48 pots. I would really like 24 beefsteak tomatoes. Which says...I need a lot more cups!
I AM WORTHY!
1/28/10
I have been working on my "New" garden. Looking for seeds, setting up an idea of how I would like things to go. "Send me some help!" That is my prayer for this garden.
In my mind I see this "perfect" garden. Wide row upon wide row of tomatoes, cucumbers, radish, greens, eggplant, carrots, green beans, zucchini and other squash. Where the promise of abundance is so ripe you can smell it. I want my biggest problem to be what do I do with it all. (I have even worked on that!
I have a place in Palmdale I can take tomatoes to sell. Plus, I am sure I can take veggies to Carrol's Manor. Maybe if my garden does really good I can find a couple of more places that would be glad to feed my veggies to their charges. THAT, would make me real happy! Maybe even some restaurants would like my stuff. Not just my veggies but my baked goods too. I have around 500 quart jars to fill. When people give me jars, it is usually quarts.
I have been researching what to fill my paper pots with so my seeds start well. Seems that peat moss, spaghum moss, pearlite, and vermiculite are good but don't have any nutrients. Lucky for me, I have worm castings for that! That will also help with the plants being healthy...diseases don't do well with the castings.
I am hoping to get a jump on this planting season so I get mine first and the most for the longest. I see bed after bed with veggies spilling out around the edges. Baskets full of beautiful veggies. I will be forced to find a place for it.
I need to get my application into the game show...BANK OF HOLLYWOOD. Maybe that way I can buy this acre to the west and build me a canning shed. THEN I can give lessons all I want. A girl can dream...can't she! It could happen! They gave a substitute teacher money for designer shoes...are my dreams any less worthy?
In my mind I see this "perfect" garden. Wide row upon wide row of tomatoes, cucumbers, radish, greens, eggplant, carrots, green beans, zucchini and other squash. Where the promise of abundance is so ripe you can smell it. I want my biggest problem to be what do I do with it all. (I have even worked on that!
I have a place in Palmdale I can take tomatoes to sell. Plus, I am sure I can take veggies to Carrol's Manor. Maybe if my garden does really good I can find a couple of more places that would be glad to feed my veggies to their charges. THAT, would make me real happy! Maybe even some restaurants would like my stuff. Not just my veggies but my baked goods too. I have around 500 quart jars to fill. When people give me jars, it is usually quarts.
I have been researching what to fill my paper pots with so my seeds start well. Seems that peat moss, spaghum moss, pearlite, and vermiculite are good but don't have any nutrients. Lucky for me, I have worm castings for that! That will also help with the plants being healthy...diseases don't do well with the castings.
I am hoping to get a jump on this planting season so I get mine first and the most for the longest. I see bed after bed with veggies spilling out around the edges. Baskets full of beautiful veggies. I will be forced to find a place for it.
I need to get my application into the game show...BANK OF HOLLYWOOD. Maybe that way I can buy this acre to the west and build me a canning shed. THEN I can give lessons all I want. A girl can dream...can't she! It could happen! They gave a substitute teacher money for designer shoes...are my dreams any less worthy?
ON TASK
1/25/10
The dogs reminded me last night to check on the sunset. If they hadn't...I would have missed this.
I would have been sorry to miss this....
Isn't that spectacular? Thanks Girls! I like it when you keep me on task.
JONES
This is how I like to deal with snow...from afar! I can see it but don't have to deal with it unless I want to.
Right now, Jones is snow sculpting in Illinois. I believe next week is Nationals. He and his team won the top 2 awards at this particular event last year so they get to go to Nationals in Chicago this year. The sculpture they are doing now is a demonstration of sorts. Next week is the Big Deal.
It is sort of like practice for next week. It pays to get comfortable with the tools.
Jones has done a lot of sculpting projects. Twice he went to Russia and placed top 3 both times. Russia does it in ice!
I believe he worked in wood with his Team Mexico. My memory says they came to Rockford another time, but there was no snow. Jones took them around and showed them around Northern Illinois.
I have to say that is only a portion of places he has gone and what he has done. We must have 'Gypsy' in our blood. I am just waiting for my chance to travel. My passport is cocked and ready to go.
I want to say how proud I am of him. He has worked hard to be where he is these next couple of weeks. Hazzar!
Right now, Jones is snow sculpting in Illinois. I believe next week is Nationals. He and his team won the top 2 awards at this particular event last year so they get to go to Nationals in Chicago this year. The sculpture they are doing now is a demonstration of sorts. Next week is the Big Deal.
It is sort of like practice for next week. It pays to get comfortable with the tools.
Jones has done a lot of sculpting projects. Twice he went to Russia and placed top 3 both times. Russia does it in ice!
I believe he worked in wood with his Team Mexico. My memory says they came to Rockford another time, but there was no snow. Jones took them around and showed them around Northern Illinois.
I have to say that is only a portion of places he has gone and what he has done. We must have 'Gypsy' in our blood. I am just waiting for my chance to travel. My passport is cocked and ready to go.
I want to say how proud I am of him. He has worked hard to be where he is these next couple of weeks. Hazzar!
HERE COMES THE SUN....
Just let the dogs out...and the sun is shinning! It may be fleeting, but at least I got to see it! AND...the dogs are outside.
Yesterday it rained all day...mostly. Scaredy Dog would go in the garage but not out in the yard. So...I found a "pee puddle" on the floor. Bad Dog has no problem being in the "mess" so I think it was S.D. It is funny how she has changed. She used to be out in the "mess" 24-7. Now she acts like a princess.
They also do not like to get their feet wet. I see them jumping puddles all the time. Cracks me up!
We had a dog before S.D. and she was really fussy about her feet. There are these stickers here we call Goat heads. They are like what we had in Il. as a kid called sand burrs, except they only have 3 stickers that are thicker and harder. If she got one in her foot, she would hop around till it fell out or I picked it out. She wouldn't do it herself.
One day, The Lad made a bowl of Top Ramen. On his way out of the kitchen, he dropped the bowl and the soup went everywhere! She ran over and started to eat. The next thing I knew she was hopping around. When I picked up her foot to see what was stuck there, it was a noodle! She was so used to me fixing things she didn't even look to see what was there. I would say she was spoiled.
I am hoping that the sun stays out for a while so some of the puddles dry up. We don't want it to flood. After all the fires this last fall, there is nothing to keep the dirt from running off and causing land slides. (Name that a song).
Yesterday it rained all day...mostly. Scaredy Dog would go in the garage but not out in the yard. So...I found a "pee puddle" on the floor. Bad Dog has no problem being in the "mess" so I think it was S.D. It is funny how she has changed. She used to be out in the "mess" 24-7. Now she acts like a princess.
They also do not like to get their feet wet. I see them jumping puddles all the time. Cracks me up!
We had a dog before S.D. and she was really fussy about her feet. There are these stickers here we call Goat heads. They are like what we had in Il. as a kid called sand burrs, except they only have 3 stickers that are thicker and harder. If she got one in her foot, she would hop around till it fell out or I picked it out. She wouldn't do it herself.
One day, The Lad made a bowl of Top Ramen. On his way out of the kitchen, he dropped the bowl and the soup went everywhere! She ran over and started to eat. The next thing I knew she was hopping around. When I picked up her foot to see what was stuck there, it was a noodle! She was so used to me fixing things she didn't even look to see what was there. I would say she was spoiled.
I am hoping that the sun stays out for a while so some of the puddles dry up. We don't want it to flood. After all the fires this last fall, there is nothing to keep the dirt from running off and causing land slides. (Name that a song).
Grandma S.
1/21/10
Today looks dreary. There is fog and it is cold. AND...another storm is coming in. Guess that means I will be cooking/baking today. That is a good thing. It will help heat up the house a bit and will help me get a jump on tomorrow. The Lad is having a buddy come over for the weekend. If I make a few things...like a BIG bowl of potato salad, deviled eggs, maybe a pie or two, we should be good to go. That way I won't have to be a line cook. I have some leftovers...chili and carnitas, which is easy to heat in the microwave.
It reminds me of Grandma S. Whenever it was chilly she would bake. Cookies, cake, bread, rolls. Whatever she baked was excellent. I have to say she was not as good with meat. I think that it had to do with the fact that there really wasn't any good refrigeration. So they tried to cook it to death. Or smoke it to death.
She used to make a sour cream and raisin pie I liked...but not too many other people do. Today I may make my apple crumb pie and/or my a chocolate cream pie. Or...maybe a butterscotch cream pie. She used to make her own butterscotch from butter and sugar. Guess I need to dig out her cookbooks and see if I can find a recipe.
By baking, I think it will cheer up the house a little. At least it will smell good. AND when I bake, I use her baking equipment...rolling pin, baking pans, pastry cutter. That way, I KNOW I have put plenty of ''LOVE'' in my "goodies". Also, out of all of us kids...I am the one who looks like her the most. I also laugh like her. Thanks Grandma S., for sharing your skills with me!
When she passed, I got her baking pans. The two I like the most are her heart shaped pans she always used to make my birthday cakes (Valentine's day), and her angel food cake pans. Maybe I will make the Angel food cake today. Less fat and all and I have been wanting to try it for some time now. She used to cool hers off on her ironing sprinkle bottle which was a 7up bottle with a sprinkle head on it. She used a wringer washer and a clothes line to do laundry. Then sprinkle it, roll it up, and put it in the fridge to wait for ironing. She also made her own soap out of the bacon grease. When the bars got too small to use, she put them in a jar with a little water and used it to do her laundry. Waste not, want not.
She was a woman before her time when it came to her ability to do any job. She built us furniture for our "little house". (I will look for pictures to show you) It was right behind her garage and she would hook a clothes line from there to the little house. When she did laundry, she washed our doll clothes too. Then we would hang them up with our little clothes pins. What a way to keep us busy.
The house was furnished with a hot plate with the cord cut off so we couldn't get hurt on it, a spool for electrical wire as a table, a crate for fruit to store our pots and pans in, and she made us a hutch for our dishes, complete with hooks to hang our coffee cups up like hers were hung. She bought us all the little baking pans, so when she was baking bread or cakes or whatever...we made little versions too. On Saturday mornings, we had silver dollar pancakes and coffee milk in little coffee cups, just like the ones the adults used.
I guess I "channel" her a lot when I bake. Or when I solve problems. She was handy and smart. A pioneer...for real. She made her own clothes on a treadle Singer sewing machine, and could re-purpose anything! As the oldest girl of 8 children on a farm in Iowa, it was her job to do all the baking. So I come by it naturally, I guess. Thanks again for sharing, Grandma S.. Miss you bunches!
It reminds me of Grandma S. Whenever it was chilly she would bake. Cookies, cake, bread, rolls. Whatever she baked was excellent. I have to say she was not as good with meat. I think that it had to do with the fact that there really wasn't any good refrigeration. So they tried to cook it to death. Or smoke it to death.
She used to make a sour cream and raisin pie I liked...but not too many other people do. Today I may make my apple crumb pie and/or my a chocolate cream pie. Or...maybe a butterscotch cream pie. She used to make her own butterscotch from butter and sugar. Guess I need to dig out her cookbooks and see if I can find a recipe.
By baking, I think it will cheer up the house a little. At least it will smell good. AND when I bake, I use her baking equipment...rolling pin, baking pans, pastry cutter. That way, I KNOW I have put plenty of ''LOVE'' in my "goodies". Also, out of all of us kids...I am the one who looks like her the most. I also laugh like her. Thanks Grandma S., for sharing your skills with me!
When she passed, I got her baking pans. The two I like the most are her heart shaped pans she always used to make my birthday cakes (Valentine's day), and her angel food cake pans. Maybe I will make the Angel food cake today. Less fat and all and I have been wanting to try it for some time now. She used to cool hers off on her ironing sprinkle bottle which was a 7up bottle with a sprinkle head on it. She used a wringer washer and a clothes line to do laundry. Then sprinkle it, roll it up, and put it in the fridge to wait for ironing. She also made her own soap out of the bacon grease. When the bars got too small to use, she put them in a jar with a little water and used it to do her laundry. Waste not, want not.
She was a woman before her time when it came to her ability to do any job. She built us furniture for our "little house". (I will look for pictures to show you) It was right behind her garage and she would hook a clothes line from there to the little house. When she did laundry, she washed our doll clothes too. Then we would hang them up with our little clothes pins. What a way to keep us busy.
The house was furnished with a hot plate with the cord cut off so we couldn't get hurt on it, a spool for electrical wire as a table, a crate for fruit to store our pots and pans in, and she made us a hutch for our dishes, complete with hooks to hang our coffee cups up like hers were hung. She bought us all the little baking pans, so when she was baking bread or cakes or whatever...we made little versions too. On Saturday mornings, we had silver dollar pancakes and coffee milk in little coffee cups, just like the ones the adults used.
I guess I "channel" her a lot when I bake. Or when I solve problems. She was handy and smart. A pioneer...for real. She made her own clothes on a treadle Singer sewing machine, and could re-purpose anything! As the oldest girl of 8 children on a farm in Iowa, it was her job to do all the baking. So I come by it naturally, I guess. Thanks again for sharing, Grandma S.. Miss you bunches!
NOT HAPPY
I don't mind if it rains. But I DO NOT like snow...and it is snowing!!!
I moved away from Illinois to get away from the snow. THIS IS NOT RIGHT!
I moved away from Illinois to get away from the snow. THIS IS NOT RIGHT!
THIS is about 10 minutes later! I am not happy about this!
AFTER AND BEFORE
This is what I woke up to this morning. I woke up AFTER The Lad had already left for work. I went out and took a bunch of pictures. When I came back in, the phone was ringing. It was The Lad. He said..." you need to look outside, Mom".
"I have already been out there"
"Isn't it awesome?"
"Yes! Oh, I need to get back out there" and then I got this shot. We are having storms this week so it makes the clouds a wonder to look at.
"I have already been out there"
"Isn't it awesome?"
"Yes! Oh, I need to get back out there" and then I got this shot. We are having storms this week so it makes the clouds a wonder to look at.
This is what it looked like before the sun lit it up.
SWAP MEET TREASURES
Yesterday The Lad and I made our way to the local Farmer's Market. I needed peppers for my hot pepper relish and I almost always try to get them here.
I gave the camera to The Lad so he could take pictures of me. He got my most favorite angle...my back side...hahaha.
As you can see...they have some nice looking peppers. In the summer they are REALLY cheep. This time of year...not so much. But it is better than the store on some of the peppers. So I buy some here and then go to the Mexican store and buy the ones that are cheaper.
They are used to me coming for peppers, so they drag out the good ones for me. I ply them with zucchini bread...sometimes.
This time they had these red cherry hot peppers and I thought I would try them in the "mix" for the relish.
I got two batches that weighed 9 1/2 pounds each. It makes 3 batches of the relish. Which I made yesterday when I got home.
Looks like I will be doing that again next week. That relish is so addictive! AND...it tastes good on all kinds of stuff. I just can't make it fast enough.
Looks like I will be doing that again next week. That relish is so addictive! AND...it tastes good on all kinds of stuff. I just can't make it fast enough.
Storm clouds
I like this picture. It looks like the branches of the tree are trying to hold back the storm clouds. Sort of.
This is the "scene" that sent me in after the camera. Sunset.
Setting more...
Setting more still...I think the clouds look funny. Sort of like the foam I scrape off when i make jelly. I have food on the brain. I must be hungry.
Grand it is!
1/15/10
Yesterday was wonderful! When we got to the Office, the Phone Co. had left a card on the door. It seems they had come the day before! So when we showed up...the work was already done! I got my wish. I love when that happens.
When we left the house we were "loaded for bear". I have a tendency to be over prepared...Girl Scout training...Thanks Marilyn Duhigg...you trained us well. If you have time to kill, you need distractions. We took Monopoly and dice to play Ten Thousand. I also took some yarn to crochet, a journal to write in, a book to read, and some water.
The Lad called to Phone Company ( no longer "dreaded") to make sure their business was complete. Once that was established, he said...Breakfast? Why of course! So off to IHOP we went. Where I proceeded to kick his can at Ten Thousand! In a major fashion. And then we ate waffles! Ain't life Grand?!?
I have to say, that The Lad and I are both happy to spend time together. We enjoy the other's sense of humor and we end up laughing...a lot. What is up with that? It just seems that most 20 somethings don't really like their parents that much. Maybe since The Lad's Dad is gone, is why he appreciates me more. What ever the reason, it works for us. We try to give the other person their space. We ask before we commit the other person's time. We have each other's back. We appreciate the other person's contribution to our situation. AND...we tell them so.
Years ago...I told The Lad...."There are two things you can do to make a woman happy. Notice when she does something nice for you, and to say thanks." Women usually do the mundane tasks around the house...all the chores that need to be done all the time, like laundry, dishes, cooking, ironing, mending of clothes, groceries, the list goes on. Sometimes she gets help, but mostly....Not. For me...I don't mind doing "It", as long as "It" isn't expected to be solely my "Job". In translation....Don't give me grief if I don't get "It" done on your timetable, unless we agreed to it beforehand. You know how to get it done, if you need it now, you do it. But he is very observant, and almost always notices when I do something...like sew buttons on a shirt, or do his laundry, or get him something he uses for grooming, and says "Thanks". Plus, he is the most kind and generous person I know.
I remember the first time someone else brought him home from somewhere. I was in my room with the windows open, when I heard the car pull up. I then heard them saying their goodbyes. In my mind I am thinking..."Don't forget to say "Thanks"...Then I hear it...again..and again. Three times! Good! I have done my job!
Teaching gratitude is hard. It is a feeling...sort of. But kids these days have a tendency to think that you "Owe" them what they want. Plus...Parents give their kids too much. In my experience, kids LIKE to know where the line in the sand is. They want to know you are standing there with a big stick to say "No! Stop!" That you have their best interest at heart. That you will stand between them and the World...with that big stick. It all stops here. I am the filter. I will be what you need to keep you safe from yourself and others. Weather you like it or not. That is what makes me the adult.
Another thing about kids is...you can't "tell" them how to act, you have to "show" them. THAT is the hardest part. Walking your talk. Cause kids WILL throw it in your face..."Well..it was good enough for you!"
Personally, I think I did a decent job as a Mom. Not that I didn't make mistakes cause I did. But when I was wrong...I apologized. It makes it OK for them to be wrong and makes you more of a human "being".
When we left the house we were "loaded for bear". I have a tendency to be over prepared...Girl Scout training...Thanks Marilyn Duhigg...you trained us well. If you have time to kill, you need distractions. We took Monopoly and dice to play Ten Thousand. I also took some yarn to crochet, a journal to write in, a book to read, and some water.
The Lad called to Phone Company ( no longer "dreaded") to make sure their business was complete. Once that was established, he said...Breakfast? Why of course! So off to IHOP we went. Where I proceeded to kick his can at Ten Thousand! In a major fashion. And then we ate waffles! Ain't life Grand?!?
I have to say, that The Lad and I are both happy to spend time together. We enjoy the other's sense of humor and we end up laughing...a lot. What is up with that? It just seems that most 20 somethings don't really like their parents that much. Maybe since The Lad's Dad is gone, is why he appreciates me more. What ever the reason, it works for us. We try to give the other person their space. We ask before we commit the other person's time. We have each other's back. We appreciate the other person's contribution to our situation. AND...we tell them so.
Years ago...I told The Lad...."There are two things you can do to make a woman happy. Notice when she does something nice for you, and to say thanks." Women usually do the mundane tasks around the house...all the chores that need to be done all the time, like laundry, dishes, cooking, ironing, mending of clothes, groceries, the list goes on. Sometimes she gets help, but mostly....Not. For me...I don't mind doing "It", as long as "It" isn't expected to be solely my "Job". In translation....Don't give me grief if I don't get "It" done on your timetable, unless we agreed to it beforehand. You know how to get it done, if you need it now, you do it. But he is very observant, and almost always notices when I do something...like sew buttons on a shirt, or do his laundry, or get him something he uses for grooming, and says "Thanks". Plus, he is the most kind and generous person I know.
I remember the first time someone else brought him home from somewhere. I was in my room with the windows open, when I heard the car pull up. I then heard them saying their goodbyes. In my mind I am thinking..."Don't forget to say "Thanks"...Then I hear it...again..and again. Three times! Good! I have done my job!
Teaching gratitude is hard. It is a feeling...sort of. But kids these days have a tendency to think that you "Owe" them what they want. Plus...Parents give their kids too much. In my experience, kids LIKE to know where the line in the sand is. They want to know you are standing there with a big stick to say "No! Stop!" That you have their best interest at heart. That you will stand between them and the World...with that big stick. It all stops here. I am the filter. I will be what you need to keep you safe from yourself and others. Weather you like it or not. That is what makes me the adult.
Another thing about kids is...you can't "tell" them how to act, you have to "show" them. THAT is the hardest part. Walking your talk. Cause kids WILL throw it in your face..."Well..it was good enough for you!"
Personally, I think I did a decent job as a Mom. Not that I didn't make mistakes cause I did. But when I was wrong...I apologized. It makes it OK for them to be wrong and makes you more of a human "being".
Phone Co.
Today The Lad and I are off to the Office to wait on the Dreaded Phone Company. Let us see how long it takes those suckers to show up. They said "8-12". Wouldn't it be nice if they showed up at 8? I am hoping that is what happens. Guess we are about to find out.
Already!
Everyday I am amazed at the "Show" I see when I look to the sky. It is constantly changing. In fact, "change" is the one thing you can count on happening. Even though "change" is what most people avoid. When things stay the same...most people find that comforting. I myself, welcome change.
I like the change in seasons....for one. I prefer spring and fall to summer and winter. Now don't get me wrong I like them all. Winter is good for doing the hard yard work. It is not too hot to do the heavy labor. Spring is full of potential and planning. Summer gets too hot but that is better than too cold. Plus the food is starting to become ripe, full of promise. Fall is a busy time of harvest and preserving and the Fair.
One of the changes this year is The Lad is becoming his own boss. I am also hoping, now that He has found his path, I will be allowed to have a path of my own that leads to the fulfillment of my own dreams.
He and I are "connected" in our paths. Neither one moves on with out the other...at least that is the way it seems. If I had made "too much money", I would have paid for everything, while The Lad reaped the benefits. By not having disposable income, we were forced to live a different kind of life. A life where the teenager "owns" the home...not the parent. Where the parent lets the "child" pay the bills cause it is his home AND he chooses not to go to school. School or work...that is the game plan for young adults. No one rides for free. It has to do with finding a "Purpose" or living a life of purpose.
Ever since he was young he always said to me..."We make a good team, Mom". He is right. We understand each other and push the other to do better...be better. We tell each other the truth...even when it hurts. We just try to be careful about the others feelings. AND we give encouragement, praise, and "backup".
Last night, The Lad said he was nervous.
"About what?"
"Spending all that money."
"I'm not. I predict you will be a great success."
In my mind, he is already.
I like the change in seasons....for one. I prefer spring and fall to summer and winter. Now don't get me wrong I like them all. Winter is good for doing the hard yard work. It is not too hot to do the heavy labor. Spring is full of potential and planning. Summer gets too hot but that is better than too cold. Plus the food is starting to become ripe, full of promise. Fall is a busy time of harvest and preserving and the Fair.
One of the changes this year is The Lad is becoming his own boss. I am also hoping, now that He has found his path, I will be allowed to have a path of my own that leads to the fulfillment of my own dreams.
He and I are "connected" in our paths. Neither one moves on with out the other...at least that is the way it seems. If I had made "too much money", I would have paid for everything, while The Lad reaped the benefits. By not having disposable income, we were forced to live a different kind of life. A life where the teenager "owns" the home...not the parent. Where the parent lets the "child" pay the bills cause it is his home AND he chooses not to go to school. School or work...that is the game plan for young adults. No one rides for free. It has to do with finding a "Purpose" or living a life of purpose.
Ever since he was young he always said to me..."We make a good team, Mom". He is right. We understand each other and push the other to do better...be better. We tell each other the truth...even when it hurts. We just try to be careful about the others feelings. AND we give encouragement, praise, and "backup".
Last night, The Lad said he was nervous.
"About what?"
"Spending all that money."
"I'm not. I predict you will be a great success."
In my mind, he is already.
Injustice
1/12/10
Last year for Christmas, Buddy gave me a gift card. It was on this company called...ALL-ACCESS. It was a Visa card...sort of...I guess. I think it is something you can get in the grocery stores.
Anyway...I used it shortly after Christmas...but didn't use it all. I then forgot I had it. When I found it the other day, I figured that I would use it up. IT...HAD...EXPIRED! IN SEPTEMBER!
So I called the number on the back of the card told them that it is against the law for gift cards to "expire"...in CA. Which I was told was basically too bad. As I read further on the card it said that they charge a "fee" every time you use it. What is up with that?
So...I told the poor girl I know it is just her job and NOT her fault, but I was glad they were recording my call and that I have a web site and that I would be telling You-all about this. It doesn't seem right that they charge you to use something that was already paid for, and get to keep the "leftovers" if you don't use it fast enough.
So most of the money you pay to ALL-ACCESS goes to ALL-ACCESS.
I am sure that wasn't your intention, so I wanted to bring that to your attention. This IS my soapbox...after all.
It puts me in mind of those commercials on TV that say "Do you want a pony?" or "Do you want to ride the bike?" "Even kids know it is wrong to put stupid stipulations on things". It is shady business practices that should be brought to light.
So, to anyone who will listen...All-Access is practicing on the DARK side. They are the Debil! (name that movie)
Anyway...I used it shortly after Christmas...but didn't use it all. I then forgot I had it. When I found it the other day, I figured that I would use it up. IT...HAD...EXPIRED! IN SEPTEMBER!
So I called the number on the back of the card told them that it is against the law for gift cards to "expire"...in CA. Which I was told was basically too bad. As I read further on the card it said that they charge a "fee" every time you use it. What is up with that?
So...I told the poor girl I know it is just her job and NOT her fault, but I was glad they were recording my call and that I have a web site and that I would be telling You-all about this. It doesn't seem right that they charge you to use something that was already paid for, and get to keep the "leftovers" if you don't use it fast enough.
So most of the money you pay to ALL-ACCESS goes to ALL-ACCESS.
I am sure that wasn't your intention, so I wanted to bring that to your attention. This IS my soapbox...after all.
It puts me in mind of those commercials on TV that say "Do you want a pony?" or "Do you want to ride the bike?" "Even kids know it is wrong to put stupid stipulations on things". It is shady business practices that should be brought to light.
So, to anyone who will listen...All-Access is practicing on the DARK side. They are the Debil! (name that movie)
I was a Lumberjack for a day.
Last January.....it snowed. A lot. So much so that it covered everything heavily with snow....about a foot of snow. This made some of our trees break branches. Particularly a tree at the front of the acre. It fell into the neighbor's empty acre. Shortly thereafter
Mom got sick and I had to go to Illinois for three months.
Also...I hurt myself trying to "deal" with the snow on the driveway. I am getting older. Things don't work like they used to. Besides, I can only do so much work by myself. Whaaaaa!!! Sorry...I had to get that out.
Yesterday...almost a year later, we get some help to chop up the tree. The Lads boss/business partner came over with a BIG chainsaw. AND the thing about needing help, you sort of have to jump when your help says "Hop". So that is exactly what we did. And...being OUR tree, we had to get it out of her yard.
I have to say that it went very well. No one got really hurt (the Lad smashed his thumb a little and we were both pretty sore...DUH!).
So we chopped off limbs, chunked the bigger limbs into smaller pieces to fit in his wood burning stove, loaded the chunks into the truck, and threw the rest of it over the fence into our yard to be dealt with later.
The branch pile over the fence got really big. I said "We need to move that pile right away 'cause Bad Dog thinks she is Michael Jordan and will "fly" right over that fence."
Shortly there after, The Lad and The Partner filled up the truck and took off with the first load. I was talking to the neighbor in her yard... and I looked down and there stood Bad Dog. She had flown the coop...so to speak. So I hooked my finger in her choke chain and walked her home. All the time she was chocking herself by pulling on her collar. So I put her in the house and started moving the pile.
I have a stiff piece of metal fencing that is about 5 feet long and 3 feet wide. I use it all the time to "move" things in the yard. Especially things that DON'T fit in the wheel barrow. I can lay it up next to a pile, close....and rake the pile onto the fence. Then I can drag it where ever I want and make a pile. The only problem is sometimes it gets a little heavy. But it works REAL good. I also have an old, flat mattress pad that I took two pieces of rope and made "handles" on each end. That way, for smaller things (like leaves) I can rake them on the pad, fold it over, and drag it around too. Raking things in a pile takes less energy than trying to use a shovel to fill something up. Work smart...not hard.
Just wanted to say I am so grateful to have our mess out of the neighbor's yard...finally. Now I can work on cleaning up the front yard. Maybe this year I can get our status off the "white trash" list.
Mom got sick and I had to go to Illinois for three months.
Also...I hurt myself trying to "deal" with the snow on the driveway. I am getting older. Things don't work like they used to. Besides, I can only do so much work by myself. Whaaaaa!!! Sorry...I had to get that out.
Yesterday...almost a year later, we get some help to chop up the tree. The Lads boss/business partner came over with a BIG chainsaw. AND the thing about needing help, you sort of have to jump when your help says "Hop". So that is exactly what we did. And...being OUR tree, we had to get it out of her yard.
I have to say that it went very well. No one got really hurt (the Lad smashed his thumb a little and we were both pretty sore...DUH!).
So we chopped off limbs, chunked the bigger limbs into smaller pieces to fit in his wood burning stove, loaded the chunks into the truck, and threw the rest of it over the fence into our yard to be dealt with later.
The branch pile over the fence got really big. I said "We need to move that pile right away 'cause Bad Dog thinks she is Michael Jordan and will "fly" right over that fence."
Shortly there after, The Lad and The Partner filled up the truck and took off with the first load. I was talking to the neighbor in her yard... and I looked down and there stood Bad Dog. She had flown the coop...so to speak. So I hooked my finger in her choke chain and walked her home. All the time she was chocking herself by pulling on her collar. So I put her in the house and started moving the pile.
I have a stiff piece of metal fencing that is about 5 feet long and 3 feet wide. I use it all the time to "move" things in the yard. Especially things that DON'T fit in the wheel barrow. I can lay it up next to a pile, close....and rake the pile onto the fence. Then I can drag it where ever I want and make a pile. The only problem is sometimes it gets a little heavy. But it works REAL good. I also have an old, flat mattress pad that I took two pieces of rope and made "handles" on each end. That way, for smaller things (like leaves) I can rake them on the pad, fold it over, and drag it around too. Raking things in a pile takes less energy than trying to use a shovel to fill something up. Work smart...not hard.
Just wanted to say I am so grateful to have our mess out of the neighbor's yard...finally. Now I can work on cleaning up the front yard. Maybe this year I can get our status off the "white trash" list.
The Moon.
Sunrise or sunset? This is the moon...going down. Actually it is the blue moon. Doesn't look blue to me.
If you look at the trees, you can see the reflection of the sunrise on the branches. It also looks like the branches are holding up the moon. The moon looks all soft and undefined because of the clouds. The first day of the new year.
It was a little cloudy when I took this picture which made the sky feel all close and comforting like a blanket. It makes me think that the new year will be "soft" and "comforting" this year. No harsh times, maybe. That would be nice. Since last year was a time of great loss to my family and me.
It reminds me that things have seasons, too. I am hoping that last year was the winter...that means this is spring. Where things start to "sprout" and are ready to grow into a wonderful new "season" in my life.
Now, don't think I am crazy. I would rather have "hopes" for the future than to "dread" it. I guess that makes me an optimist. I believe that "what we fear we draw to us" Or what we put our "energy" into.
So this year I am putting my energy into the wonderful imagination that I have been blessed with. I think that if you imagine over and over again that things are good, it will happen...if you take the steps to make it so. Keep walking in the direction of your dreams. Don't stop when you run into road blocks. At least not for long. Ask for "Spirit" to show you the next right action, and to give you the eyes to see it. Then...pay attention to messages that are reoccurring. If you are like me....you might need a few nudges. Just to make sure it is the right thing.
If you look at the trees, you can see the reflection of the sunrise on the branches. It also looks like the branches are holding up the moon. The moon looks all soft and undefined because of the clouds. The first day of the new year.
It was a little cloudy when I took this picture which made the sky feel all close and comforting like a blanket. It makes me think that the new year will be "soft" and "comforting" this year. No harsh times, maybe. That would be nice. Since last year was a time of great loss to my family and me.
It reminds me that things have seasons, too. I am hoping that last year was the winter...that means this is spring. Where things start to "sprout" and are ready to grow into a wonderful new "season" in my life.
Now, don't think I am crazy. I would rather have "hopes" for the future than to "dread" it. I guess that makes me an optimist. I believe that "what we fear we draw to us" Or what we put our "energy" into.
So this year I am putting my energy into the wonderful imagination that I have been blessed with. I think that if you imagine over and over again that things are good, it will happen...if you take the steps to make it so. Keep walking in the direction of your dreams. Don't stop when you run into road blocks. At least not for long. Ask for "Spirit" to show you the next right action, and to give you the eyes to see it. Then...pay attention to messages that are reoccurring. If you are like me....you might need a few nudges. Just to make sure it is the right thing.
I usually don't like pink...
I love this picture. It puts me in mind of the Harry Potter films...when they use the fireplaces to talk to each other secretly. The whole sky looked layered pink...sort of.
There were layers of hot pink. It just looks so surreal when it is so pink. Majestic. What a lucky Gal I am! To see such wonders in my yard.
Poor Lil' Girl
Today I changed out my header. Got a little tired of the old one. This looks like the sky is on fire....sort of. At least like it is trying to catch the trees on fire. I just love the view from my backyard.
I have been making zucchini bread today. I want to take some to the Old Folks Home down the street. They are always so happy to get my treats.
As I sit here to post , Scaredy Dog is asleep on my bed. She must be dreaming cause she is snorting and whining and wiggling like crazy. She sure has come a LONG way from when I first met her.
The other day she let a Male friend of mine pet her. He has been around since before she moved here with me and she has been here for 3 years. That is why I call her Scaredy Dog. He had to bribe her with cookies at first but then she just let him touch her. I have the lad to thank for that. I am sure he is the first male she ever loved. The first one to earn her trust. He is just that kind of guy!
I have been making zucchini bread today. I want to take some to the Old Folks Home down the street. They are always so happy to get my treats.
As I sit here to post , Scaredy Dog is asleep on my bed. She must be dreaming cause she is snorting and whining and wiggling like crazy. She sure has come a LONG way from when I first met her.
The other day she let a Male friend of mine pet her. He has been around since before she moved here with me and she has been here for 3 years. That is why I call her Scaredy Dog. He had to bribe her with cookies at first but then she just let him touch her. I have the lad to thank for that. I am sure he is the first male she ever loved. The first one to earn her trust. He is just that kind of guy!
OLD WEST
Yesterday...I went to the train station to retrieve my friend from her travels to see her Mom. I remembered my camera so I took some shots.
This first shot shows the main part of the station. As you can see, it looks like an old west store front. The walls look as if they used the stones they uncovered when they were building the foundation.
This first shot shows the main part of the station. As you can see, it looks like an old west store front. The walls look as if they used the stones they uncovered when they were building the foundation.
This part is the hotel facade. It would be believable if it weren't for the handicap parking signs.
This is where you sit to stay out of the wind. Believe me it sure does get windy around here. Our tornadoes are called dirt devils. I guess they don't pack the punch a real tornado does but they "play hell" with your dirt. HA HA HA HA....get it...never mind. My humor is an acquired taste.
Hopes and Dreams
I would like to say that this year sure has been full. I helped my siblings help our Mother to pass over....I started this web-site...I changed the way I look at myself. I feel as if I have been vibrating for months now. I am anticipating this year to be so spectacular. I feel the shift in my being...like I have finished the work and am ready for all the "wonderful". The last step is to turn around and see all the trials, forgive everyone...especially yourself, let go of the things that no longer serve you and the future you are about have.
Keep your head about you as you make this transition. Humility will serve you well. Try not to judge harshly. Be generous of spirit. It costs little and is worth so much. It serves the higher good for all concerned. See what needs to be done and do it. Don't make someone ask for help if you can see they are struggling to open a door. Random acts of kindness seem to act like a snowball rolling down hill...so set a few rolling.
This year I am set on losing weight. That is all I am saying about that right now.
One of the things I am allowing is the flow of money to be great and plentiful for me and my loved ones. I want to be able to put a bunch of people to work and pay a decent wage. I want to start giving canning lessons...maybe gardening tips...start my own TV show....or feature my "goodies" in a restaurant. I want to start my garden and have a watering system and/or some minions to do my bidding while I am gone. I want to travel...use my passport...see my family. I need a place to give canning lessons. Send me that, OK?
I want the Lad to be successful in his new venture. He wants to be a good boss...I find that commendable. I am so proud of him...I can't seem to say that enough.
As I contemplate the past...I turn and step through the gateway to the future....arms open to the possibilities and blessings. Thanks.
Keep your head about you as you make this transition. Humility will serve you well. Try not to judge harshly. Be generous of spirit. It costs little and is worth so much. It serves the higher good for all concerned. See what needs to be done and do it. Don't make someone ask for help if you can see they are struggling to open a door. Random acts of kindness seem to act like a snowball rolling down hill...so set a few rolling.
This year I am set on losing weight. That is all I am saying about that right now.
One of the things I am allowing is the flow of money to be great and plentiful for me and my loved ones. I want to be able to put a bunch of people to work and pay a decent wage. I want to start giving canning lessons...maybe gardening tips...start my own TV show....or feature my "goodies" in a restaurant. I want to start my garden and have a watering system and/or some minions to do my bidding while I am gone. I want to travel...use my passport...see my family. I need a place to give canning lessons. Send me that, OK?
I want the Lad to be successful in his new venture. He wants to be a good boss...I find that commendable. I am so proud of him...I can't seem to say that enough.
As I contemplate the past...I turn and step through the gateway to the future....arms open to the possibilities and blessings. Thanks.
Plans for 2010
For several days now I have been thinking about....what is the next step? For several months I have been working on getting my name and my web site "out there". Now comes the time to build on my ideas and where to start first.
A friend told me that the plants you want to plant on a "blue" moon are the blue plants. The "blue" plants would be brussel sprouts, cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower...I think that is all. They have grayish-blue foliage. So I am going to see if the gardening shops have them for sale. Otherwise I will plant some seeds. Maybe I will do both to see what happens. I will dig up my garden, plant it, set up water, and cover the rows and walkways with mulch.
The more rows I have ready, the faster planting can go. As it stands I have 5, 16 foot rows, and 2 4X8 boxes, full of dirt and fenced in. I have 2 more 4X8 boxes built that will fit in the fence with the other 2 4X8 boxes. I had thought to make Teepee's to plant runner beans and peas...maybe even some cucumbers...to put in the fenced area known as the East garden. The East garden can hold 4, 4X8 beds with some plants around the perimeter of the fence.
I also have enough wood to build 3, 4'X8' beds, and 3, 4'X16'. So these are a priority to build, place, fence, fill, and provide water. This year I want all water to be automatic and with PVC pipes. This creates a lot of planting space I hope to have finished by my birthday. I need to go get a bunch of compost.
One of the experiments I want to do this summer is plant tomatoes in a bed of mostly sand. Sis says that is what they like...I will do it. I want so many tomatoes this year that I am able to preserve all I can eat and some to give away. I also want to start a strawberry bed so I can make the best jam. I want my own salad row. And cucumbers....for pickles. Also peppers.
Two more projects that are related are I want to move the rock pile by the West garden to two places. One is around the outside of the East garden...I want to build a wall/edge for flowers. The other place would be to build beds around the trees. It will make it more efficient to water the trees at the same time as the melons. Plus, it will keep the water from evaporating so fast. Doing these two things makes more space in the garden and easier to fence it in. It will utilize the space, sun and water well.
Another project would be a bigger compost heap. I have outgrown the little one I have. Since I have the wood...all of these projects would be relatively cheap to accomplish..except for some cement for the edgings around trees and flower garden.
I need to go get some compost for my beds. I have a little, but I need way more than I made this year. I live in Southern California and there are at least 8 places to get free compost 6-7 days a week. If you live here too, go to www.smartgardening.com and click on additional information and scroll down to free mulch and it will give you all the addresses and times and days. It was worth the drive. Hopefully I can get 3-4 truck loads this year.
If you need compost...type free compost in your search engine and see where it leads you. I always like a good adventure.
I hope this gets you thinking about your garden this year. What you want in it, how many beds do you need and what are you going to use for a watering system. Planning helps stop disasters. I wish you good planning.
A friend told me that the plants you want to plant on a "blue" moon are the blue plants. The "blue" plants would be brussel sprouts, cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower...I think that is all. They have grayish-blue foliage. So I am going to see if the gardening shops have them for sale. Otherwise I will plant some seeds. Maybe I will do both to see what happens. I will dig up my garden, plant it, set up water, and cover the rows and walkways with mulch.
The more rows I have ready, the faster planting can go. As it stands I have 5, 16 foot rows, and 2 4X8 boxes, full of dirt and fenced in. I have 2 more 4X8 boxes built that will fit in the fence with the other 2 4X8 boxes. I had thought to make Teepee's to plant runner beans and peas...maybe even some cucumbers...to put in the fenced area known as the East garden. The East garden can hold 4, 4X8 beds with some plants around the perimeter of the fence.
I also have enough wood to build 3, 4'X8' beds, and 3, 4'X16'. So these are a priority to build, place, fence, fill, and provide water. This year I want all water to be automatic and with PVC pipes. This creates a lot of planting space I hope to have finished by my birthday. I need to go get a bunch of compost.
One of the experiments I want to do this summer is plant tomatoes in a bed of mostly sand. Sis says that is what they like...I will do it. I want so many tomatoes this year that I am able to preserve all I can eat and some to give away. I also want to start a strawberry bed so I can make the best jam. I want my own salad row. And cucumbers....for pickles. Also peppers.
Two more projects that are related are I want to move the rock pile by the West garden to two places. One is around the outside of the East garden...I want to build a wall/edge for flowers. The other place would be to build beds around the trees. It will make it more efficient to water the trees at the same time as the melons. Plus, it will keep the water from evaporating so fast. Doing these two things makes more space in the garden and easier to fence it in. It will utilize the space, sun and water well.
Another project would be a bigger compost heap. I have outgrown the little one I have. Since I have the wood...all of these projects would be relatively cheap to accomplish..except for some cement for the edgings around trees and flower garden.
I need to go get some compost for my beds. I have a little, but I need way more than I made this year. I live in Southern California and there are at least 8 places to get free compost 6-7 days a week. If you live here too, go to www.smartgardening.com and click on additional information and scroll down to free mulch and it will give you all the addresses and times and days. It was worth the drive. Hopefully I can get 3-4 truck loads this year.
If you need compost...type free compost in your search engine and see where it leads you. I always like a good adventure.
I hope this gets you thinking about your garden this year. What you want in it, how many beds do you need and what are you going to use for a watering system. Planning helps stop disasters. I wish you good planning.
MOVIE DAY
12-27-09
Yesterday the Lad and I went to Burbank to the IMAX theater to see the 3-D movie AVATAR. I have to say it was most excellent in spite of the fact that we were in the very first row. It put me in mind of Fern Gully. I love movies....but this was definitely a movie that needs to be seen on the big screen. I thought a couple of times someone was in my lap and I felt like I wanted to touch things on the screen. I like the message everything is connected.
The action was exciting...the creatures beautiful...and I even cried. I am such a sucker for love. We want to go again...maybe more than just again. This time I would like to sit in the very back to see from a different angle. A whole new perspective if you will.
I have this favorite set of books by Diana Gabaldon called The Outlander Series. I have read it 3 or 4 times. I have never read any other book or series more than once. I read so fast the first time I had to read again just to pick up on things I had missed I am sure that Avatar will be the same way.
It was a date with my son. He drove and we ate at In and Out Burger on the way home. We went to Stater Bros. on the way home and spent our Santa gift card on Nutty Bars, Hot chocolate, chips, and Kool Aid. All in all, it was a wonderful day with my most favorite person on this planet. What a lucky Mom I am.
Yesterday the Lad and I went to Burbank to the IMAX theater to see the 3-D movie AVATAR. I have to say it was most excellent in spite of the fact that we were in the very first row. It put me in mind of Fern Gully. I love movies....but this was definitely a movie that needs to be seen on the big screen. I thought a couple of times someone was in my lap and I felt like I wanted to touch things on the screen. I like the message everything is connected.
The action was exciting...the creatures beautiful...and I even cried. I am such a sucker for love. We want to go again...maybe more than just again. This time I would like to sit in the very back to see from a different angle. A whole new perspective if you will.
I have this favorite set of books by Diana Gabaldon called The Outlander Series. I have read it 3 or 4 times. I have never read any other book or series more than once. I read so fast the first time I had to read again just to pick up on things I had missed I am sure that Avatar will be the same way.
It was a date with my son. He drove and we ate at In and Out Burger on the way home. We went to Stater Bros. on the way home and spent our Santa gift card on Nutty Bars, Hot chocolate, chips, and Kool Aid. All in all, it was a wonderful day with my most favorite person on this planet. What a lucky Mom I am.
MERRY CHRISTMAS
Just a quick note to all who come here...Merry Christmas! I hope you get/give all that makes you happy. If you enjoy other factions of the Holiday bless you on your day too.
My Son is taking me out for a drink tonight and to meet with his now boss and soon to be business partner. I just love saying that. It is such a blessing to have such hope for the future. That is my wish for you all too. Hope for your future. It is that glass half full thing. Be thankful for what you have, not angry over what you don't have. I may not have much money, but I have a Son who loves me fiercely, a wonderful home to live in warm and cozy, a decent car to drive that is paid off, and many friends and family who love me. AND....I have this site. It is an outlet for my creative side...my cooking...my gardening...my fixing things (like the couch), and my pictures (which I am sad to say, has been sorely lacking recently).
Again I want to say ...have a wonderful day! Love to all!
My Son is taking me out for a drink tonight and to meet with his now boss and soon to be business partner. I just love saying that. It is such a blessing to have such hope for the future. That is my wish for you all too. Hope for your future. It is that glass half full thing. Be thankful for what you have, not angry over what you don't have. I may not have much money, but I have a Son who loves me fiercely, a wonderful home to live in warm and cozy, a decent car to drive that is paid off, and many friends and family who love me. AND....I have this site. It is an outlet for my creative side...my cooking...my gardening...my fixing things (like the couch), and my pictures (which I am sad to say, has been sorely lacking recently).
Again I want to say ...have a wonderful day! Love to all!
TASTE THE LOVE
Today is Christmas Eve Day. I am in the midst of making cinnamon rolls as I write. These are going to the neighbors and friends. It is my last baking of holiday stuff.....maybe. That depends on if someone requests something or if I get a bug . Sometimes it just makes me feel close to my relatives to bake. Plus it makes everyone happy to eat it...so I just can't stop myself. Someone gave one of my zucchini breads away and the person who received it called it "magical". Maybe it is all the love I use to make it. Like Collette Baron Reid says about her line of chocolates, it is Oh My God....whatever it may be. Chocolates or zucchini bread or cinnamon rolls. Because I channel all my dead relatives when I bake. I use my Grandmother's rolling pins and baking pans and pastry blender. I put a lot of love in my work. People can taste that.
So for all of you who are going to stuff yourselves for the next week...eat up all that love. For all of you who will be cooking...I say bless you and your dishes and everyone who eats your food.
So for all of you who are going to stuff yourselves for the next week...eat up all that love. For all of you who will be cooking...I say bless you and your dishes and everyone who eats your food.
Funny...HA HA!
Today I was asked what was my most memorable Christmas. I would have to say that was the year we got the record player. My first 45 was Ruby Tuesday by the Stones. I think I was 8. I am sure I made everyone sick of that song by playing it over and over. Later on it was Joni Mitchell that I played like that. Nowadays...I put on my headphones, open up Pandora.com, and listen to her all I want. Only now I sing. Loud. Just cause I want to. But mostly when I am home alone. And usually, if the Lad is in his room, he has his headphones on and the door shut so it won't bother him..so...I'm good! It must sound OK cause when I do sing the dogs aren't howling. The Lad usually asks me if I am OK when I sing...like I am hurt or something. He's such a comedian.
Raven sort of day.
I try to meditate everyday. Especially in the morning. Sometimes I go to this web site and "pull a card"....sort of a starting point ...to know what to focus on for the day. Today I pulled the Raven. I consider the Raven to be one of my totem cards in any deck. Raven is especially significant to me. (Scroll down to "Sunrise"). The lesson today is to expect the unexpected. That works for me!
After the voicing of my leap of faith yesterday...the card says it all.
So as I stand at the gateway between the past and where we are going, I want to turn and see where I came from. Thanks for all the lessons that brought me to here. I am looking forward to the future.
Some times I feel like I am vibrating...waiting for the time to move forward. The anticipation building. I can't explain it too well....just that it feels like something is building...gaining momentum. I guess we will see what t happens...won't we.
Today we have a little friend who is having her tonsils and adenoids taken out. So I am off to help make home-made play dough and to deliver breads. The little men we are taking care of need projects. AND treats.
After the voicing of my leap of faith yesterday...the card says it all.
So as I stand at the gateway between the past and where we are going, I want to turn and see where I came from. Thanks for all the lessons that brought me to here. I am looking forward to the future.
Some times I feel like I am vibrating...waiting for the time to move forward. The anticipation building. I can't explain it too well....just that it feels like something is building...gaining momentum. I guess we will see what t happens...won't we.
Today we have a little friend who is having her tonsils and adenoids taken out. So I am off to help make home-made play dough and to deliver breads. The little men we are taking care of need projects. AND treats.
LEAP OF FAITH
As the year of 2009 comes to an end, I find myself standing on the precipice of a New Year. This year we went through a lot of hard things. Nothing harder than the loss of our Mother. She was a tough lady. She made it OK for me to be who I am. We shared a love of food...even in those final days. We sat together holding hands, watching our shows on the Food Network. Precious moments.
There were good times too. Sis came out and we went on vacation, got my fair entries ready, worked in my garden, and went to the spa! (Waiting patiently for her return). Went to the beach house with BFF!!! That was great fun! (Hoping to live on the beach soon).
I took a leap of faith this year by starting this site. It took months of planning and lots of money, and hours and hours of work. I chose to do it with an attitude of gratitude. I have many, many people who contributed to the birth of this site...even if they don't know they contributed. They encouraged me in some way, or let me run things by them...like ideas, or telling me how my "stuff" taste. For someone who is trying to follow their path, you were all instrumental in helping me get to where I am today. I have to thank you for that.
This has been a labor of love...also. For Years...Innig has been saying I should write...and I never knew what to write about. I have to thank Pioneer Woman for that. She inspired me to start this...whatever it is. It is full of who I am and what I hope to be. The possibilities are endless and I am waiting with open arms for a wave of prosperity to wash me and mine into the realm of MY dreams.
I "see" me owning the 2 acres next door and building a "green" house for me to live in. I have a Big building where I can give canning lessons. A good multi-purpose room...good for parties. Maybe with a "green" walk in-fridge. Is that possible?
In my dreams, I have many jobs to fill and can pay a good wage. With benefits. Not that kind of benefits! The dreams are detailed and well thought out. For the highest good for all concerned. This or something better. Thanks to all.
There were good times too. Sis came out and we went on vacation, got my fair entries ready, worked in my garden, and went to the spa! (Waiting patiently for her return). Went to the beach house with BFF!!! That was great fun! (Hoping to live on the beach soon).
I took a leap of faith this year by starting this site. It took months of planning and lots of money, and hours and hours of work. I chose to do it with an attitude of gratitude. I have many, many people who contributed to the birth of this site...even if they don't know they contributed. They encouraged me in some way, or let me run things by them...like ideas, or telling me how my "stuff" taste. For someone who is trying to follow their path, you were all instrumental in helping me get to where I am today. I have to thank you for that.
This has been a labor of love...also. For Years...Innig has been saying I should write...and I never knew what to write about. I have to thank Pioneer Woman for that. She inspired me to start this...whatever it is. It is full of who I am and what I hope to be. The possibilities are endless and I am waiting with open arms for a wave of prosperity to wash me and mine into the realm of MY dreams.
I "see" me owning the 2 acres next door and building a "green" house for me to live in. I have a Big building where I can give canning lessons. A good multi-purpose room...good for parties. Maybe with a "green" walk in-fridge. Is that possible?
In my dreams, I have many jobs to fill and can pay a good wage. With benefits. Not that kind of benefits! The dreams are detailed and well thought out. For the highest good for all concerned. This or something better. Thanks to all.
What to write?
Today I have been taking a break...sort of. At least for now. I need to get back in that kitchen and start baking. But for now I am content to play games and talk on the phone.
Buddy is up and around and feeling better...but still not great. Progress is good though.
Sis fell and smacked her head. Need to call and see how she is doing. ARNICA!!!!! Arnica Montana is an herb that if you make a tea of it and pour it in your tub water, it will help with bruising and swelling. I use it if I have fallen, or been in a accident where I ache. It is good for sprains also. Some plastic surgeons ask their patients to use it lately. I like that.
It comes in a dried flower (to make the tea from), or gel/rub, or homeopathic medicine. I use all three. The tea is NOT for drinking. It is for soaking. I get mine in the herb section at Mexican stores for 89 cents. I boil it in water till it looks like beer. It is part of my first aide kit. So are butterfly stitches, and Popsicle sticks.
Once, the Lad went out with his Dad, putting up signs for work. Lad cut his knuckle open on a piece of metal off of the sign. Dad was freaked out to bring a hurt , bleeding, crying child home to me. We didn't have insurance, so I did what I had to. I cleaned it real well, put Bentadine on it, some Neosporan, the butterfly stitches, and taped it to the stick. I told him NOT to get his finger wet, or ELSE!! I watched him real close till it healed. I didn't want him to bend the finger while it healed...it would break the scab. It healed up so great that you can not see a scar at all...guess I did a good job.
A couple of years ago I cut my finger. The Lad had to take me in for stitches. It was amazing how he realized that I needed his help. He wanted to freak out but decided that we BOTH couldn't freak out at the same time so he let it be me. Not that I freaked out, just that I got a little anxious. He never left my side, and watched them numb it and stitch it and everything. I was just grateful he was so accommodating. I have said it before and I will say it again, he is the best thing I have ever done in my life. I am so proud of him. I know his Dad would be too.
Buddy is up and around and feeling better...but still not great. Progress is good though.
Sis fell and smacked her head. Need to call and see how she is doing. ARNICA!!!!! Arnica Montana is an herb that if you make a tea of it and pour it in your tub water, it will help with bruising and swelling. I use it if I have fallen, or been in a accident where I ache. It is good for sprains also. Some plastic surgeons ask their patients to use it lately. I like that.
It comes in a dried flower (to make the tea from), or gel/rub, or homeopathic medicine. I use all three. The tea is NOT for drinking. It is for soaking. I get mine in the herb section at Mexican stores for 89 cents. I boil it in water till it looks like beer. It is part of my first aide kit. So are butterfly stitches, and Popsicle sticks.
Once, the Lad went out with his Dad, putting up signs for work. Lad cut his knuckle open on a piece of metal off of the sign. Dad was freaked out to bring a hurt , bleeding, crying child home to me. We didn't have insurance, so I did what I had to. I cleaned it real well, put Bentadine on it, some Neosporan, the butterfly stitches, and taped it to the stick. I told him NOT to get his finger wet, or ELSE!! I watched him real close till it healed. I didn't want him to bend the finger while it healed...it would break the scab. It healed up so great that you can not see a scar at all...guess I did a good job.
A couple of years ago I cut my finger. The Lad had to take me in for stitches. It was amazing how he realized that I needed his help. He wanted to freak out but decided that we BOTH couldn't freak out at the same time so he let it be me. Not that I freaked out, just that I got a little anxious. He never left my side, and watched them numb it and stitch it and everything. I was just grateful he was so accommodating. I have said it before and I will say it again, he is the best thing I have ever done in my life. I am so proud of him. I know his Dad would be too.
MY SON
Today is the day of days...this year. The Lad called today to say they have the business...legally. They take over the end of February. So on his birthday month...day one....He is His own Boss!!!! Twenty-six days before his 23rd birthday. This is one Proud MAMA here. He is telling me he wants to retire at 40. I believe he can do it. I hope he buys a beach house first. That would be really good for me. Anyway...just wanted to get this in print...kind of like a prayer..."and it was so."
Moms
This week I am helping Buddy get Harrison back and forth to school. It is so familiar to be chasing around with a Lil' Feller in the back seat. That was always when the Lad and I would talk. We would talk about EVERYTHING! It was safe to talk in the car. I think sometimes it is easier to talk there. The Lad said he misses those talks. Me too. So I am really enjoying these rides. It's a Mom thing.
Today I was missing my Mom. Three times I thought today..."I should call Mom" ....and then I realized I couldn't. I had to call Sis and Jones. It was happening to them, too. What's up with that? I would guess that it is the Christmas season. Mom loved Christmas.
Just in case she can hear...Miss you Mom. Love you.
Today I was missing my Mom. Three times I thought today..."I should call Mom" ....and then I realized I couldn't. I had to call Sis and Jones. It was happening to them, too. What's up with that? I would guess that it is the Christmas season. Mom loved Christmas.
Just in case she can hear...Miss you Mom. Love you.
Buddy Watch
Today I made Rice Krispie cookies and the spicy potato/sausage soup from Olive Garden to take to Buddy's house. I like to go check to see if they need any help. It is hard when a family has to switch roles like this to care for someone. Plus...I am nosy and want to make sure they don't need help and won't ask. But that is just the way I am!
My other Buddy made this soup a couple of weeks ago and she put bacon in hers. It gave it a nice depth of flavor...so I copied her. I just wish I had taken pictures of me making the soup so I could post more then the recipe...cause it tastes great!
I just get to cooking and forget the camera...something to work on.
My other Buddy made this soup a couple of weeks ago and she put bacon in hers. It gave it a nice depth of flavor...so I copied her. I just wish I had taken pictures of me making the soup so I could post more then the recipe...cause it tastes great!
I just get to cooking and forget the camera...something to work on.
MY BUDDY!
I have a friend I met a while ago who has encouraged me to enter my canned and baked goods in the local fair. She makes the best corn relish! I want to say "thanks" to her for her support in my en devours, even if I am not clear myself what they are.
Last Friday she had brain surgery as a result of toxic mold in her house. She has been ill for over a year and fighting with Dr's about weather or not it was in her mind. Her "old" Dr. kept telling her she was depressed and gave her more anti-depressants. Her "New" Dr. went up through her nose to clean out the polyps and mold in her brain. Scary thing!!! I believe she is finally on the road to recovery....Thank goodness! There is still 2 weeks of some heavy recovery...but she should be good before Christmas. So, today I am grateful that she is doing so much better!
So...Buddy...when they say "it is in your head" you can now say, "Not anymore!"
Last Friday she had brain surgery as a result of toxic mold in her house. She has been ill for over a year and fighting with Dr's about weather or not it was in her mind. Her "old" Dr. kept telling her she was depressed and gave her more anti-depressants. Her "New" Dr. went up through her nose to clean out the polyps and mold in her brain. Scary thing!!! I believe she is finally on the road to recovery....Thank goodness! There is still 2 weeks of some heavy recovery...but she should be good before Christmas. So, today I am grateful that she is doing so much better!
So...Buddy...when they say "it is in your head" you can now say, "Not anymore!"
THE ECLIPSE
I talked about the "Blue" moon on New Years Eve but I forgot to mention on that same day is also a partial lunar eclipse. It is said that eclipses have the power to change lives. It usually pinpoints things you need to change in your life, or at least brings them into focus. Since this is a partial eclipse it "strikes" a glancing blow....sort of.
I know this may sound like a lot of hooey. I am not trying to convince you to believe all of this..I just want you to be aware and pay attention and see if any of this shows itself to you.
A blue moon AND an eclipse on the same day might actually have some significance for some of you. I myself will be watching carefully for signs of change. It is what I have been praying for.
"Draw the people to me that will propel me to my destiny. Show me the next right action and give me the eyes to see it. This or something better...for the highest good for all concerned." Those are my prayers...how can that be bad?
I know this may sound like a lot of hooey. I am not trying to convince you to believe all of this..I just want you to be aware and pay attention and see if any of this shows itself to you.
A blue moon AND an eclipse on the same day might actually have some significance for some of you. I myself will be watching carefully for signs of change. It is what I have been praying for.
"Draw the people to me that will propel me to my destiny. Show me the next right action and give me the eyes to see it. This or something better...for the highest good for all concerned." Those are my prayers...how can that be bad?
TWO FULL MOONS
Today is the first full moon of December. New Years eve will be the "Blue" moon. I wonder how often we get a "Blue" moon on New Years eve. A Blue Moon happens about every 2 1/2 Years. I think people get crazy on a full moon. If you don't believe me...ask an emergency room nurse. Or just walk around in public...and see for yourself.
It is hard for me NOT to believe that the moon affects us. Since our bodies are made up of mostly water...AND the moons affect the tides...a much bigger "body" of water...what makes us think that it DOESN'T affect us.
For some time now, I have been looking forward to the "flood" of wonderful I expect to wash over me. I have been trying to follow my path for a long time. Not an easy task. Fear is my biggest enemy. I fear I will fail. Which is not all that different from most everyone who is trying something...new...big...different. I just don't want my fear to parallelize me . Sometimes when I am scared...I just try to keep moving cause doing something new is scary in itself. Then I pray...."Show me the next right action and give me the eyes to see it." I suppose I could add..."and the strength to carry it out."
My astrology says that good things could suddenly happen today. All I can say is....BRING IT!
It is hard for me NOT to believe that the moon affects us. Since our bodies are made up of mostly water...AND the moons affect the tides...a much bigger "body" of water...what makes us think that it DOESN'T affect us.
For some time now, I have been looking forward to the "flood" of wonderful I expect to wash over me. I have been trying to follow my path for a long time. Not an easy task. Fear is my biggest enemy. I fear I will fail. Which is not all that different from most everyone who is trying something...new...big...different. I just don't want my fear to parallelize me . Sometimes when I am scared...I just try to keep moving cause doing something new is scary in itself. Then I pray...."Show me the next right action and give me the eyes to see it." I suppose I could add..."and the strength to carry it out."
My astrology says that good things could suddenly happen today. All I can say is....BRING IT!
Happy Thanksgiving!
I have been so busy these last few weeks. Which is something to be grateful for. Today is the first day I feel I can relax...since we had our Thanksgiving last Saturday. Today the Lad is working. Sorry Buddy! I have been invited to a couple of places..Lucky me!
I can pick up some food from them so I don't actually have to cook...unless I want to. I have about 12 pounds of zucchini I can process...if I feel like it. I like the sound of that.
Tomorrow...being Black Friday...is a little scary for me. I certainly don't want to go shopping at 4 in the morning to get good deals. Is that a sign of insanity? Not wanting to go out in that mess? Going out in that mess? Mostly people are shocked when I buy gifts cause I usually make them.
I am grateful for all the support that got me to this point on this web site. The Lad said we could film on Saturday...I will be glad to do that. I want to get some video on here.
I am hoping this finds you all well and happy and ready to eat whatever you fix for the Holiday dinner.
I can pick up some food from them so I don't actually have to cook...unless I want to. I have about 12 pounds of zucchini I can process...if I feel like it. I like the sound of that.
Tomorrow...being Black Friday...is a little scary for me. I certainly don't want to go shopping at 4 in the morning to get good deals. Is that a sign of insanity? Not wanting to go out in that mess? Going out in that mess? Mostly people are shocked when I buy gifts cause I usually make them.
I am grateful for all the support that got me to this point on this web site. The Lad said we could film on Saturday...I will be glad to do that. I want to get some video on here.
I am hoping this finds you all well and happy and ready to eat whatever you fix for the Holiday dinner.
THINK BIG!
As I start my day, I check my e-mail and then go through my favorite sites. Today as I checked my mail I read a quote from 'The Donald' Trump. It was..."As long as you are going to be thinking anyway...why not think Big."
When I started this site I wanted to name it the Green Acres because, in my garage, on a rafter, someone who was building it had written 'green acres'. I looked up and saw it...like a sign. Green acres was taken on the domain names...so I checked Lil and Little. They were both available.
Now my BFF, who is my go-to-gal on anything about language, asked how will you spell it? I went back and forth till finally I thought how about just go "Big"!
It is nice to know that "He" feels the same way. Do you think it might be a good thing? Who says that?
When I started this site I wanted to name it the Green Acres because, in my garage, on a rafter, someone who was building it had written 'green acres'. I looked up and saw it...like a sign. Green acres was taken on the domain names...so I checked Lil and Little. They were both available.
Now my BFF, who is my go-to-gal on anything about language, asked how will you spell it? I went back and forth till finally I thought how about just go "Big"!
It is nice to know that "He" feels the same way. Do you think it might be a good thing? Who says that?
My Church
Here is my Church. Most everyday I go out here, fill the different receptacles with water for the "critters", and say The Lords prayer, positive affirmations, and ask to be shown the next right action and have the eyes to see it.
It is where I go when I am worried to "let it Go!" Lately I have been praying to release my negative thoughts about money and blessing my bills.
Sometimes I go there just to think. It is easier for me figure things out ....especially when faced with a moral dilemma.
When I first moved BACK into this house...it was the first thing I moved from my other place....well...Jones helped me move all my stuff from my other place. That was not the first time it had been moved. It started back when The Lad was about 6.
Sometimes when I am praying...the Girls walk with me around and around. Scaredy Dog is tall enough that I can lay my hand on her head while she walks with me. Once, a bunch of butterflies swarmed around me when I was in my circle...hundreds of them, landing all over me. Talk about a blessing!
It is where I meditate and center myself for the day to begin. It also has stuff my friends gave me...I surround myself with the love it brings from their participation. This Mother's Day I planted a yellow rose for my Mom who passed in March of this year. I also put an angel statue next to her rose. All are honored here and all are welcome. I want right action to flow through me.
Some people think this is witchcraft. I would have to say that if intent were important, that I intended it's origin to be American Indian. All I know is that it is a sacred place in my yard where I pray for the highest good for all concerned....how can that be bad?
It is where I go when I am worried to "let it Go!" Lately I have been praying to release my negative thoughts about money and blessing my bills.
Sometimes I go there just to think. It is easier for me figure things out ....especially when faced with a moral dilemma.
When I first moved BACK into this house...it was the first thing I moved from my other place....well...Jones helped me move all my stuff from my other place. That was not the first time it had been moved. It started back when The Lad was about 6.
Sometimes when I am praying...the Girls walk with me around and around. Scaredy Dog is tall enough that I can lay my hand on her head while she walks with me. Once, a bunch of butterflies swarmed around me when I was in my circle...hundreds of them, landing all over me. Talk about a blessing!
It is where I meditate and center myself for the day to begin. It also has stuff my friends gave me...I surround myself with the love it brings from their participation. This Mother's Day I planted a yellow rose for my Mom who passed in March of this year. I also put an angel statue next to her rose. All are honored here and all are welcome. I want right action to flow through me.
Some people think this is witchcraft. I would have to say that if intent were important, that I intended it's origin to be American Indian. All I know is that it is a sacred place in my yard where I pray for the highest good for all concerned....how can that be bad?
My Header
As you can see, the header is changed. My Sis and I "staged" my kitchen table with all these fruits and vegetables and herbs. We took lots of pictures and had a great time doing this. We both have experience in the printing industry and have an "eye" for what looks good in print. Actually...our brother Jones has printing experience too. I find that curious that we all worked in printing separately from each other. But it is like art and we all love that.
Jones loves art so much that he does snow sculpting...and has been to Russia twice to do ice sculpting. The last time they paid for his trip. I am so proud of him.
Just so you know it didn't take me very long before I used up all of these fruits and veggies and more. The apples went for pie, zucchini for bread, the peppers for relish and watermelon just for fun. I usually have a table full most of the time. Yesterday I used up 26 pounds of zucchini. Today I have about a 32 gallon trash can full of pomegranates to juice. My arms are going to hurt tomorrow.
I guess I better get started...it is going to be a long day. Maybe I can get the Lad to help tonight....maybe.
Jones loves art so much that he does snow sculpting...and has been to Russia twice to do ice sculpting. The last time they paid for his trip. I am so proud of him.
Just so you know it didn't take me very long before I used up all of these fruits and veggies and more. The apples went for pie, zucchini for bread, the peppers for relish and watermelon just for fun. I usually have a table full most of the time. Yesterday I used up 26 pounds of zucchini. Today I have about a 32 gallon trash can full of pomegranates to juice. My arms are going to hurt tomorrow.
I guess I better get started...it is going to be a long day. Maybe I can get the Lad to help tonight....maybe.
My Sheds
What you are looking at is the foundation of one of my sheds. Bad Dog has been "hunting" the multitude of rabbits that live here. Now, I am not sure where they "call" home...but it is either here or in my neighbors barn.
Not too long ago, I came outside to do something and noticed right away the dogs were suspiciously absent. As I started out toward the back I kept hearing this muffled barking. At first I thought it was one of my neighbors dogs. As I got closer to the shed I realized Bad Dog was UNDER the shed. Now the barking wasn't a panicked bark but more of an inquisitive sort of bark . Like..."Mom is that you?" I think she got under the shed to chase the rabbits and really didn't have much room to maneuver. Then she got turned around and couldn't find her way out. I think that is when she started to bark.
I walked around the shed to find out where she had crawled in. It wasn't long before she figured how she got in and crawled out.
Now they have holes dug all over back there around both the sheds. So I guess this winter I get to throw a bunch of rocks and cement around the edge of my sheds to see if I can keep the sheds on their foundations. Like I don't have enough to do already.
Not too long ago, I came outside to do something and noticed right away the dogs were suspiciously absent. As I started out toward the back I kept hearing this muffled barking. At first I thought it was one of my neighbors dogs. As I got closer to the shed I realized Bad Dog was UNDER the shed. Now the barking wasn't a panicked bark but more of an inquisitive sort of bark . Like..."Mom is that you?" I think she got under the shed to chase the rabbits and really didn't have much room to maneuver. Then she got turned around and couldn't find her way out. I think that is when she started to bark.
I walked around the shed to find out where she had crawled in. It wasn't long before she figured how she got in and crawled out.
Now they have holes dug all over back there around both the sheds. So I guess this winter I get to throw a bunch of rocks and cement around the edge of my sheds to see if I can keep the sheds on their foundations. Like I don't have enough to do already.
SUNRISE.
I know I usually show you sunsets...but today I thought I would change it up a little. I really liked the way the yellow came through. It also shows the ravens starting out their day. That is those two tiny black specks in the middle.
We live very close to an orchard and the ravens "play" over there all the time. I have seen them ride the thermals in the evening. It looks like a bunch of ravens (usually around 200 of them) playing in a tornado. Slowly spinning around going higher and higher...almost never flapping their wings. I just love the ravens.
My Mom used to call me "the bird Lady". I guess because I always had "bird stories" to tell. It seems that the birds know I won't hurt them...well, it is not just the birds...dogs and other animals are like that too.
A couple of years ago, I saw a raven that was caught on a chain link fence next door. It was flopping back and forth over the fence. His feet were caught in some twine. The more it flopped the more tangled it became. It's raven friends were very upset and "cawing" like crazy...which is what caught my attention in the first place.
So I said... Ok! If you want me to help this fella, He needs to quit flopping around and those other fellas need to get out of here. At that moment...the 3 flew away and the caught guy dropped like a rock and just hung by his feet. I reached over the fence, grabbed him by his chest and wings with one hand, and untangled the twine from the fence. Now his feet were another story. It was like he had laced his toes together with the twine all twisted up too. BIG mess! So I went to the neighbors house for some help. She got some scissors and carefully cut the twine till all his toes were free. That didn't stop him from biting her .
After the bird was free of twine...I poked his feet to see if his toes were broken. If he couldn't clasp a branch I would have to figure something else to do with him till his feet healed. But luckily for us both.. they worked fine. So I put him on the ground and stepped back to give him room to fly off. But he just lay there. Sort of reminded me of an opossum. Faking. So I walked back over and went to poke him a little to see what would happen. He reached up and bit me on the arm...and drew 1 drop of blood....and flew off. See...ravens don't have soft lips...so that raven kiss has to hurt a little bit.
I think he hangs around here all the time and watches me work in my garden, or goes on walks with me around the block. Some Indians think that ravens represent magic. I figure I could use a little magic in my life...so bring it on!
We live very close to an orchard and the ravens "play" over there all the time. I have seen them ride the thermals in the evening. It looks like a bunch of ravens (usually around 200 of them) playing in a tornado. Slowly spinning around going higher and higher...almost never flapping their wings. I just love the ravens.
My Mom used to call me "the bird Lady". I guess because I always had "bird stories" to tell. It seems that the birds know I won't hurt them...well, it is not just the birds...dogs and other animals are like that too.
A couple of years ago, I saw a raven that was caught on a chain link fence next door. It was flopping back and forth over the fence. His feet were caught in some twine. The more it flopped the more tangled it became. It's raven friends were very upset and "cawing" like crazy...which is what caught my attention in the first place.
So I said... Ok! If you want me to help this fella, He needs to quit flopping around and those other fellas need to get out of here. At that moment...the 3 flew away and the caught guy dropped like a rock and just hung by his feet. I reached over the fence, grabbed him by his chest and wings with one hand, and untangled the twine from the fence. Now his feet were another story. It was like he had laced his toes together with the twine all twisted up too. BIG mess! So I went to the neighbors house for some help. She got some scissors and carefully cut the twine till all his toes were free. That didn't stop him from biting her .
After the bird was free of twine...I poked his feet to see if his toes were broken. If he couldn't clasp a branch I would have to figure something else to do with him till his feet healed. But luckily for us both.. they worked fine. So I put him on the ground and stepped back to give him room to fly off. But he just lay there. Sort of reminded me of an opossum. Faking. So I walked back over and went to poke him a little to see what would happen. He reached up and bit me on the arm...and drew 1 drop of blood....and flew off. See...ravens don't have soft lips...so that raven kiss has to hurt a little bit.
I think he hangs around here all the time and watches me work in my garden, or goes on walks with me around the block. Some Indians think that ravens represent magic. I figure I could use a little magic in my life...so bring it on!
Enjoy!
I just read something I thought was interesting. It said "Enjoy life. There is plenty of time to be dead." In turn, does that also mean enjoy the living? Living in the past keeps you from living in the now. Now is so much better.
It is sad when we lose someone to the other side. For us, that thought of them not being here to talk to anymore is so sad.
Maybe we should be happy that they won't suffer anymore. Or that it is a better place. How do we know? Maybe we should just be glad we got the time with them that we did. That maybe our time with them was something they cherished.
Maybe "Heaven" is just a thing we made up to make us feel better about "where we go" when we die. I guess we will all find out for sure, later. Cause none of us get out of here alive.
AND...everyone's Idea of Heaven is different. Like some would think skydiving would be a great "Heaven activity". Or shopping, or Libraries, or sitting on the front porch in a rocker watching the birds fly around.
What would your idea of "Heaven" be?
It is sad when we lose someone to the other side. For us, that thought of them not being here to talk to anymore is so sad.
Maybe we should be happy that they won't suffer anymore. Or that it is a better place. How do we know? Maybe we should just be glad we got the time with them that we did. That maybe our time with them was something they cherished.
Maybe "Heaven" is just a thing we made up to make us feel better about "where we go" when we die. I guess we will all find out for sure, later. Cause none of us get out of here alive.
AND...everyone's Idea of Heaven is different. Like some would think skydiving would be a great "Heaven activity". Or shopping, or Libraries, or sitting on the front porch in a rocker watching the birds fly around.
What would your idea of "Heaven" be?
Information!
Yesterday I went to a gathering of women where we discussed heavy metal toxicity and hair analysis. It was a very interesting conversation.
As a result, I was curious about what I could dig up on the internet. Like..how much difference in price could I get on there. I have very limited funds and am interested in saving money...like everyone else.
As I was going "down the rabbit hole"...checking things out on the net...I came across an article about aspartame. Anyone who knows me knows I think that stuff is REAL poison.
Years ago...the Lad's Dad and I were going on vacation. Since I was a smoker at the time I thought that having gum to chew would slow down the smoking a bit. AND since we would be gone a while I thought I would try the "sugarless" kind. So I bought 5 or so packs of gum for the "road trip".
We get back in the car...I stick several pieces in my mouth, and started reading the pack of gum. The side of the package said "can cause cancer in laboratory animals". All of a sudden the gum got bigger and bigger in my mouth and I had to spit it out. The next time we stopped, I threw out the sugarless gum and bought the kind with sugar. That was 1981.
As the years have passed and the more I have read about fake sugar, the more I am glad that I read that gum pack. It is not that I think white sugar is good for you...I just believe that IF you need something sweet, that eating real sugar is better than the fake stuff...by far. Even if you are diabetic.
In the article about aspartame it said that toxicity for the fake sugar mimics a lot of other diseases, like cancer, lupus, depression, fibromyalgia, among others. Now this is for drinking just a liter of it a day. Most of the people I know who use diet drinks drink way more than that. I guess if you are dead you don't have to worry about being fat anymore.
One of the minerals that causes a problem is mercury. As I was doing my research someone said they got an overload of mercury from eating too much canned tuna. I remember as a kid, my Grandma had a bottle of mercury in her garage. I don't know what she used it for, but we would play with it. It sort of reminded me of the second Terminator movie where they could freeze the bad guy and them smash him into tiny bits. As the bits warmed back up...the little drops could be pushed back into one big glob. Personally, I wonder how badly playing with mercury affected me medically.
So...once I get the chance, I want to do a hair analysis to see where I stand and then clean myself with a detox or whole body cleanse. Maybe adjust some supplements to help "balance" anything out of whack. And then test again. I will let you know.
As a result, I was curious about what I could dig up on the internet. Like..how much difference in price could I get on there. I have very limited funds and am interested in saving money...like everyone else.
As I was going "down the rabbit hole"...checking things out on the net...I came across an article about aspartame. Anyone who knows me knows I think that stuff is REAL poison.
Years ago...the Lad's Dad and I were going on vacation. Since I was a smoker at the time I thought that having gum to chew would slow down the smoking a bit. AND since we would be gone a while I thought I would try the "sugarless" kind. So I bought 5 or so packs of gum for the "road trip".
We get back in the car...I stick several pieces in my mouth, and started reading the pack of gum. The side of the package said "can cause cancer in laboratory animals". All of a sudden the gum got bigger and bigger in my mouth and I had to spit it out. The next time we stopped, I threw out the sugarless gum and bought the kind with sugar. That was 1981.
As the years have passed and the more I have read about fake sugar, the more I am glad that I read that gum pack. It is not that I think white sugar is good for you...I just believe that IF you need something sweet, that eating real sugar is better than the fake stuff...by far. Even if you are diabetic.
In the article about aspartame it said that toxicity for the fake sugar mimics a lot of other diseases, like cancer, lupus, depression, fibromyalgia, among others. Now this is for drinking just a liter of it a day. Most of the people I know who use diet drinks drink way more than that. I guess if you are dead you don't have to worry about being fat anymore.
One of the minerals that causes a problem is mercury. As I was doing my research someone said they got an overload of mercury from eating too much canned tuna. I remember as a kid, my Grandma had a bottle of mercury in her garage. I don't know what she used it for, but we would play with it. It sort of reminded me of the second Terminator movie where they could freeze the bad guy and them smash him into tiny bits. As the bits warmed back up...the little drops could be pushed back into one big glob. Personally, I wonder how badly playing with mercury affected me medically.
So...once I get the chance, I want to do a hair analysis to see where I stand and then clean myself with a detox or whole body cleanse. Maybe adjust some supplements to help "balance" anything out of whack. And then test again. I will let you know.
The Holidays!
11/02/09
They are on their way now! So...until Thanksgiving...I will be posting recipes for "The Holidays".
Right now I am working on zucchini soup. Now don't get your panties in a twist! And don't tell people it is zucchini until after they taste it. A lot of people give zucchini a bad rap. This soup is a beautiful pale green and looks quite elegant. Not to mention how wonderful it tastes. I will also give alternative recipes without so much fat, and one with bacon.
Then I want to show you how to make THE best broth/gravy. This can also be frozen for later recipes. It takes a while to make, but it is well worth it.
I want to show you my apple pie, and am working on a pumpkin pie and pumpkin bread. Just need to tweek the recipes.
When it comes to the pumpkin, I want to show some soup and pancake/waffle recipes. Maybe even some bar cookies. I want to show how a pumpkin will be good for a bunch of special recipes for the holidays and worth the work to get it from a fresh pumpkin.
Also...a yam or sweet potato casserole I have been making for years. Made with orange juice and pecans. Oh My!
Another thing is jellied cranberry. Turkey tastes so good with a little tart sauce on it. I also like the pomegranate jelly with it. Oh... don't get me started. I will just go on and on. And NOBODY likes when I do that.
So let me get started....I need to go grocery shopping...brb!
Right now I am working on zucchini soup. Now don't get your panties in a twist! And don't tell people it is zucchini until after they taste it. A lot of people give zucchini a bad rap. This soup is a beautiful pale green and looks quite elegant. Not to mention how wonderful it tastes. I will also give alternative recipes without so much fat, and one with bacon.
Then I want to show you how to make THE best broth/gravy. This can also be frozen for later recipes. It takes a while to make, but it is well worth it.
I want to show you my apple pie, and am working on a pumpkin pie and pumpkin bread. Just need to tweek the recipes.
When it comes to the pumpkin, I want to show some soup and pancake/waffle recipes. Maybe even some bar cookies. I want to show how a pumpkin will be good for a bunch of special recipes for the holidays and worth the work to get it from a fresh pumpkin.
Also...a yam or sweet potato casserole I have been making for years. Made with orange juice and pecans. Oh My!
Another thing is jellied cranberry. Turkey tastes so good with a little tart sauce on it. I also like the pomegranate jelly with it. Oh... don't get me started. I will just go on and on. And NOBODY likes when I do that.
So let me get started....I need to go grocery shopping...brb!
Friends
11/01/09
Yesterday I went and spent the evening with the 3 T's and their families while they got ready for Trick or Treat.
We had enchiladas, carnitas, beans and rice and CANDY! I love candy! AND of course...my apple pie is always a big hit. I made 4 apple pies yesterday because I am going to visit my BFF today and her family for another day of celebration. She had to jerk my chain a little with something about getting pies from her neighborhood. I know they aren't like mine and they would rather have mine. She just doesn't want to put me out. But I love to make her happy and find great joy in sharing my "gifts" with her.
I often wonder if it is hard to ask me to bake because they don't like to bake and for them it would be a chore. I can whip out four pies in less than an hour...not counting baking time. But I usually have pie crust made up in the fridge and crumb topping also. So all I really have to do is cut up apples. After making so many pies...I am really quick at rolling out the crusts. Besides...it makes me proud for everyone to make such a fuss about how good they are.
While I was at the party last nite...my friend said she had had the cable company over to fix something this week. While he was working with her computer, he noticed this web page on her computer. He told her he had been at my house a couple of weeks ago and I had given him some of my hot pepper relish. "That stuff is CRACK!"
Now I hear that all the time about my zucchini bread, apple pie, and cinnamon rolls. It just makes me laugh. What I really like when someone tastes one of my goodies for the first time...is the face they make. Like they can't believe something can taste so good. And THAT, my friends, is why I can't stop myself from making my goodies. It is your faces. And the "ping" of those jars sealing. Simple pleasures.
We had enchiladas, carnitas, beans and rice and CANDY! I love candy! AND of course...my apple pie is always a big hit. I made 4 apple pies yesterday because I am going to visit my BFF today and her family for another day of celebration. She had to jerk my chain a little with something about getting pies from her neighborhood. I know they aren't like mine and they would rather have mine. She just doesn't want to put me out. But I love to make her happy and find great joy in sharing my "gifts" with her.
I often wonder if it is hard to ask me to bake because they don't like to bake and for them it would be a chore. I can whip out four pies in less than an hour...not counting baking time. But I usually have pie crust made up in the fridge and crumb topping also. So all I really have to do is cut up apples. After making so many pies...I am really quick at rolling out the crusts. Besides...it makes me proud for everyone to make such a fuss about how good they are.
While I was at the party last nite...my friend said she had had the cable company over to fix something this week. While he was working with her computer, he noticed this web page on her computer. He told her he had been at my house a couple of weeks ago and I had given him some of my hot pepper relish. "That stuff is CRACK!"
Now I hear that all the time about my zucchini bread, apple pie, and cinnamon rolls. It just makes me laugh. What I really like when someone tastes one of my goodies for the first time...is the face they make. Like they can't believe something can taste so good. And THAT, my friends, is why I can't stop myself from making my goodies. It is your faces. And the "ping" of those jars sealing. Simple pleasures.
HAPPY HALLOWEEN! 10/31/09
I want to share a story about Halloween when I was dating the Lads' Dad.
We were living in Tempe, Az at the time and had found a scary Ol' ladies face mask He was going to wear. The problem we were having was he was 6'2" and about 200 lbs. So finding Ol' ladies clothes to fit was a little hard. We went to a bunch of garage sales picking up bits and pieces at each one. What we finally picked was a pair of military dress shoes all shined up, a white crocheted shall, a black patent, stiff sided, snap closure purse, pantyhose, and this dress. It was perfect! A sleeveless dress with gold flower brocade top and black chiffon skirt with a satin underlay.
We had a great time shopping for this costume...but not as much fun as it was to WATCH him get ready. When he put on the pantie hose...he stepped into them like they were a pair of pants and then just pulled up the top elastic. Now Girls...you know that the crotch of those pantie hose were around his knees. I had to tell him to "gather" up the legs of those hose and pull from the foot up.
I had an outfit to be like a Cat Woman. A leopard Cat Woman. It was a bathing suit in Leopard print fake fur with rhinestone straps. I had lace-up, high heeled boots, fake eye-lashes, and I wrapped gold garland around my wrists and pinned on a tail made from the garland too. With the right make-up I was Purrrfect!
Once we got to the party, I made him carry all the stuff in His purse...for a change.
After a while we both got tired and sat on a curb to rest. Well...he sat down like a guy...with his knees apart and way high up in the air. Of course all his "stuff" was there for all to see. I still laugh when I picture him that way. Besides, if you had known how painfully shy He was...the face He made when He realized He was hanging out...It was priceless!
We were living in Tempe, Az at the time and had found a scary Ol' ladies face mask He was going to wear. The problem we were having was he was 6'2" and about 200 lbs. So finding Ol' ladies clothes to fit was a little hard. We went to a bunch of garage sales picking up bits and pieces at each one. What we finally picked was a pair of military dress shoes all shined up, a white crocheted shall, a black patent, stiff sided, snap closure purse, pantyhose, and this dress. It was perfect! A sleeveless dress with gold flower brocade top and black chiffon skirt with a satin underlay.
We had a great time shopping for this costume...but not as much fun as it was to WATCH him get ready. When he put on the pantie hose...he stepped into them like they were a pair of pants and then just pulled up the top elastic. Now Girls...you know that the crotch of those pantie hose were around his knees. I had to tell him to "gather" up the legs of those hose and pull from the foot up.
I had an outfit to be like a Cat Woman. A leopard Cat Woman. It was a bathing suit in Leopard print fake fur with rhinestone straps. I had lace-up, high heeled boots, fake eye-lashes, and I wrapped gold garland around my wrists and pinned on a tail made from the garland too. With the right make-up I was Purrrfect!
Once we got to the party, I made him carry all the stuff in His purse...for a change.
After a while we both got tired and sat on a curb to rest. Well...he sat down like a guy...with his knees apart and way high up in the air. Of course all his "stuff" was there for all to see. I still laugh when I picture him that way. Besides, if you had known how painfully shy He was...the face He made when He realized He was hanging out...It was priceless!
Fall
10/30/09
This is our Black Locust tree. I have been trying for 6 years to get rid of this tree because it is too close to our leach lines. I have cut down the original tree, and dug up a large portion of the roots, but as you can see...it is still here. Much smaller, but still here.
In So Cal, we don't get as big a color change as other parts of the country. But as you can see, we get a little color change. It is mostly yellow and they fall off right away. It means that the nights are colder, the days are cooler, too. If we are lucky we will get rain in the winter...and hopefully....NO SNOW! Up in the mountains it is OK. But I live in the high desert....I really hate snow. I hate dressing in layers. I hate being wet and cold at the same time. But I like looking at snow....from a distance.
Fall reminds me of Grandma S. When it got cold out she would bake early in the morning...to heat up the kitchen. She would make cakes and cookies. I really liked her Black Walnut cake, and her Sour Cream Raison pie. But the one thing she was most excellent at was making bread.
So on cold days it reminds me of her baking and all the love we felt in her kitchen. THAT is something I want to pass on to my family...the warmth and the love. How can you beat that?
In So Cal, we don't get as big a color change as other parts of the country. But as you can see, we get a little color change. It is mostly yellow and they fall off right away. It means that the nights are colder, the days are cooler, too. If we are lucky we will get rain in the winter...and hopefully....NO SNOW! Up in the mountains it is OK. But I live in the high desert....I really hate snow. I hate dressing in layers. I hate being wet and cold at the same time. But I like looking at snow....from a distance.
Fall reminds me of Grandma S. When it got cold out she would bake early in the morning...to heat up the kitchen. She would make cakes and cookies. I really liked her Black Walnut cake, and her Sour Cream Raison pie. But the one thing she was most excellent at was making bread.
So on cold days it reminds me of her baking and all the love we felt in her kitchen. THAT is something I want to pass on to my family...the warmth and the love. How can you beat that?
Safety!
10/27/09
Being a single Mom with a Son, I was force-fed a males idea of what was funny.
Now, there is a whole section on "Farts". With sub-sections labeled a) arm, b) back-side. Those are the only ones I am willing to talk about. Plus, when "gas" is passed, there is a protocol to follow. 1) the gassee is to proclaim "Safety" before someone else says "Door knob". If "Door knob" is said first....hitting is involved and do ALL males know this rule from birth?
"The Lad" asked me today, "Did you fart?"
To which I replied, "Did you hear me say 'safety'?" Because I have been trained!
Check out the cooking section...I have finished the jelly making instructions...hope it helps.
Being a single Mom with a Son, I was force-fed a males idea of what was funny.
Now, there is a whole section on "Farts". With sub-sections labeled a) arm, b) back-side. Those are the only ones I am willing to talk about. Plus, when "gas" is passed, there is a protocol to follow. 1) the gassee is to proclaim "Safety" before someone else says "Door knob". If "Door knob" is said first....hitting is involved and do ALL males know this rule from birth?
"The Lad" asked me today, "Did you fart?"
To which I replied, "Did you hear me say 'safety'?" Because I have been trained!
Check out the cooking section...I have finished the jelly making instructions...hope it helps.
Checking for a pulse!
I just checked my "stats" for this site....and it was flat-lined! No pulse! Oh my! Help!!!! Hit me in the chest! One fifty! Clear! Make that 200! Clear! Let's try 300! Clear!
Wait...I think I have a pulse! Man...don't do that to me! Freak...me...out!
Sorry...this is my baby. Guess I need to pay closer attention.
Today I made apple pies. Then I went to a new-age gathering and gave massages. Shortly, I am going to wish a friend a happy retirement. Big day.
Yesterday was the Green Fest. I ended up staying at home, cleaning my garage, and having my own garage sale. I took the boxes I get water in and made my garage sale signs by painting on the bottom. The edge of the box makes it more sturdy for signs. There were holes in the corners so it was easy to slip some twine through tie it to....whatever. Then all you have to do to remove them is cut the twine.
To paint on the sign I used a 1" foam brush, damp, in some acrylic paints. It is easy to paint and it drys fast.
Waiting With Anticipation
This summer I got the chance to go fishing with some of my Sistas! It was sort of spur of the moment for us and am glad we all went.
After a full day of fishing...we were on our way back in. The "mates" were cleaning our fish and throwing the scraps to the gulls. This one is hanging in there...waiting. Thinking it won the dinner lotto.
I think he looks so majestic..wings spread, feet hanging, tail flared. I wish I could fly like that. It would be such a different view of things.
I could use a different view sometimes....
After a full day of fishing...we were on our way back in. The "mates" were cleaning our fish and throwing the scraps to the gulls. This one is hanging in there...waiting. Thinking it won the dinner lotto.
I think he looks so majestic..wings spread, feet hanging, tail flared. I wish I could fly like that. It would be such a different view of things.
I could use a different view sometimes....
I think I am "getting it"
10/23/09
Years ago....I helped a friend "clean up" after a divorce. Some of the things I collected were some plants. This flower. I looked it up once a long time ago, but I forget it's name now. Angel something.
All spring and summer it is a green, succulent-looking sort of thing and then it gets these fluffy sort of flowers that start out green in color and then turn purple....and then brown. The whole plant turns brown...and dies. Sort of. I cut all the brown stuff off in the spring and it turns green again. Then purple. Then brown. All over again.
I like it when it is purple the best. It doesn't stay purple for very long, though. Sad. Winter is sad too. All that brown.
But, every year for 6 years now, it starts all over again. A phoenix rising from the ashes. It never gives up....every year it comes back from the brown, dead stuff.
So...I guess the moral is ...no matter how dried up and dead you feel, if you are NOT dead...get up! Start all over again! Someone may be waiting for that little bit of color you bring to their life.
Years ago....I helped a friend "clean up" after a divorce. Some of the things I collected were some plants. This flower. I looked it up once a long time ago, but I forget it's name now. Angel something.
All spring and summer it is a green, succulent-looking sort of thing and then it gets these fluffy sort of flowers that start out green in color and then turn purple....and then brown. The whole plant turns brown...and dies. Sort of. I cut all the brown stuff off in the spring and it turns green again. Then purple. Then brown. All over again.
I like it when it is purple the best. It doesn't stay purple for very long, though. Sad. Winter is sad too. All that brown.
But, every year for 6 years now, it starts all over again. A phoenix rising from the ashes. It never gives up....every year it comes back from the brown, dead stuff.
So...I guess the moral is ...no matter how dried up and dead you feel, if you are NOT dead...get up! Start all over again! Someone may be waiting for that little bit of color you bring to their life.
My Backyard
I try to go every night to see the show. I think how lucky I am to have witnessed such beautyfrom my own back yard.
Garage sale!
Oct. 15, 2009
This summer, my sister came out to help me work on my entries for the fair and have some fun. We had been working real hard for a week and then went deep sea fishing out of Ventura. The next morning, when we went for breakfast, we saw some garage sale signs. I suggested that we follow them and see where we ended up. I was curious because we were in a really nice area. The signs wound us all over the place and it took 20 minutes before we ended up in these MULTI-million dollar homes. By then I was wondering what would they have to sell! So we went in and it just seemed odd to me to be digging around in these people's garage, and walking off with their china. I kept looking over my shoulder waiting for the cops to come. Sis decided that she wanted me to take her picture in front of the house like she was leaving the house for the day. As if!
PLAYING WITH MY FOOD
10/13/09
This summer I was taking photos of things I was doing in the garden in prep for this site. One of the photo documentaries was of the beets. At the same time, I was making zucchini bread because they were growing like crazy at the time. Since I make 8 loaves at a time, and there are 3 eggs per 2 loaves, I had a bunch of egg shells, too. One of the things I do that is "green" is I raise my own worms for fertilizer. Worms just love eggshells (and coffee grounds)! Plus I feed them scraps from veggies that I throw out.
I was photographing the "beet process", and contemplating a name for this site. It took a long time to pick a name. I wanted it to be just right. As I played with the beet scraps and eggshells I thought it looked more and more like a Yin and Yang symbol. So I decided to be like Picard when he would say to #1..."Make it so".
This summer I was taking photos of things I was doing in the garden in prep for this site. One of the photo documentaries was of the beets. At the same time, I was making zucchini bread because they were growing like crazy at the time. Since I make 8 loaves at a time, and there are 3 eggs per 2 loaves, I had a bunch of egg shells, too. One of the things I do that is "green" is I raise my own worms for fertilizer. Worms just love eggshells (and coffee grounds)! Plus I feed them scraps from veggies that I throw out.
I was photographing the "beet process", and contemplating a name for this site. It took a long time to pick a name. I wanted it to be just right. As I played with the beet scraps and eggshells I thought it looked more and more like a Yin and Yang symbol. So I decided to be like Picard when he would say to #1..."Make it so".
What to do next?
Today, I have been researching what to do with the squash in my garden. The problem being that I have several kinds of squash that I am NOT familiar with. As I looked at a multitude of pictures I think I figured that one kind is banana squash...mine are huge! AND there are at least six of them. Then there are some that I think are kobocha...nice ones for making soup. Then there is one that looks like a squat pumpkin. The other question I have is how do you tell when they are ready to pick? According to my research they get about 120 days or a little less to reach maturity. I think we are about there. So the next question is ..... what do we make? I was thinking soup, cookies, ravioli, and pancakes. The ravioli intrigues me. I have been making pasta for a short time now...but it is really good! Ravioli is something you can make up and then freeze. I like that for a quick and easy meal for the future. You can freeze the pancakes too. Breakfast can be a hard thing to accomplish if it is a bad day. With frozen pancakes...you can thaw them in the microwave, smear them with peanut butter and jelly and make "sandwiches" so it easy to travel. So now I need to test a few recipes to see if I like them, if they can be made better....or I can put my twist on them. Maybe try them with Nuttella or Trader Joe's has a cashew butter I just love. But I am thinking some pomegranate jelly sounds really good on the pumpkin pancakes. I have a neighbor I would like to liberate from his pomegranates...so maybe that IS what to do next.
HOME
This is where I plan to post my ideas, daily happenings, interesting facts and my rants. Believe me I can rant! I want to tell what is happening locally...like the fires we had recently and what we did to help around here. Our town is having a little Thank-You meal for the local firemen who put themselves at risk to save our homes. I just LOVE fireman! I am also hoping to get people interested in being active in their communities. It is what we need to do if we are not happy with the way things are where we live. Don't be a part of the problem but part of the solution.