dbjc364's Blog

A little stretch..
Jun 30, 2008 | 3:32 AM PST
Tag: smell the earth..
I think it was last Wednesday that I last ventured into the gardens to get my hands in the dirt.. Wow-thats weird for me.But steady hard rains will do that, and a few other things cropping up.Yes- I finally gave in & washed the kitchen floor,and turned on the knobs to clean the oven.Its a new stove and I've misplaced the manual-hunted high & low,but haven't found it yet.Anyways its clean,Jim figured it out.So I decided that thats why it rained,so I'd stay inside and do some needed cleaning...that's done- and now the rain has let up this morning-and its trying to clear out.In between the drops last nite we took a quick walk around,and again, everythings grown another 2-4 inches.I dont mind all this rain as their flowering and need it- I just hope we get the sun as the fruit starts growing & we're ready to get building again.Jim's got all the panels cleaned now- got another 5 day off-stretch coming up-and I'm clapping my hands,as if the rain holds off the fence gets done.I should see about the new little line of peas that I just planted,hope they didn't float away.I've got a 6-pkg. of petunia's to tuck in somewhere-the Siberian Iris.And sow some more seeds.It can't be that I'm over my planting frenzy already-can it?Hush...do not speak the unspeakable...well -hmmm,I can get back to moving plants to better spaces,I quess...

Its about cool feet...
Jun 29, 2008 | 2:20 AM PST
Tag: lifeofaqueen..
Recently,I've come across a few references about Square Foot gardening.Nothing I followed up on, but I quess I should because there might be some special tidbits I could use.But I have this sneaking suspicion that I already do it unintentionally.I always crowd the tomatoes in together,the naive first year-thinking that they wont get too big,,then I found out.It was like tomatoes on steroids..I kept calling them "Arnold".Then after that, knowing what I did the year before,but now I'm doing it because of space reasons,and trying to squeeze in as many as I can so I dont have to build another bed right off.This year,its because,I planted, thought I was done & satisfied,then I went back out 2 more times and came home with more plants.Ohh-oh.So I think its turned out to be and always has been square foot gardening techniques.Between having raised beds,with no grass encroaching on my space,and putting-mixing the soil with the good compost stuff, crowding the plants close together,I have little weeds, at least in the veggie beds.So I quess I was doing it before it was cool.It seems I do that alot in life-always doing some little thing before its time & its a cool thing to do.Same goes with re-cycling.We've been doing it up here in Maine-since the caveman was here & he lived under rocks. Now we've taken those same rocks for centuries-,and used them to border our properties making stone walls,used them in the gardens, or as barriers for the "IRS" across the driveway.Course the shotgun is always an effective method too.Not because its the cool thing to do,or save the freaking planet,but because we cant live the life of "Queens" if we don't.We've come a long ways from our outhouses.Growing up, there were actually people,who lived in neighboring states-that didn't know we had indoor plumbing up here.For years and years,everyone thought we still used outhouses.Now of course,their re-cycled, and we call them potting sheds,,and they have a nice moon cutout on the door.

Weird night..
Jun 28, 2008 | 1:55 AM PST
Tag: who's that cat..
Its either humid out- or I'm having a hotflash,since I'm at the beginning of that incredible -adorable age.And I took a nap yesterday- which occasionally throws off my sleep cycle.I usually go back to bed after a fashion.I took pics yesterday-have to wait for Jim to get up to post them.A light shower yesterday,just enough to make me look sexy in muddy overalls,with sprinkles-mud all over my garden-tanned skin.I had the look of a California lady-but with Auburn hair,not a maine mountain woman.Awesome, and where was the photographer when you need him.Ugh! That'll probaly never happen again...lol. I'm on the warpath & the slugs should be downright scared of me by now..Anyways, to the garden..the" beefsteak" are incredible! They have topped over the bottom rail,the Mystery plant-additional pic posted and have another coming in full bloom, is not a Chelone -"Turtlehead." The lady told me what it was-so I'm still racking my brain...I know its in there somewhere..The old compost patch is going to be a while till its leveled out etc., so I said the heck with it- and planted the zuchinni just like it was.They were screaming to be set free from their restraints.I need to plant the 2 cantaloupes today also next to them.I dont really expect I'll get a ripe melon-but miracles happen sometimes.I ended up planting another small row of peas under that Arbor-as that space was ready-when their done-then I'll probaly try a sage there.One thing thats been brewing for the last 2 months, is Toyota has recalls on certain vehicles-bad frames. Ours was one of them,it failed on the frame ,so Toyota is buying it back.They certainly live up to their commericals.We've loved the truck since we bought it.In the near future we hand them back the truck and title-but we have to scramble for another truck or similiar -as we have the utility trailer & something is definitely needed to haul the manure and the many things that happen around the property & gardens.We haven't found one yet,but hopefully soon we will find a reasonable replacement.I'm sure it'll all work out in the end,and I'm trying not to get anxious about it.Chamomile tea.Good stuff...nice flavor too.When we first moved in,that was a great berry year following,2004-Plenty of rain and dry air- hot.Short humid spells.Then the next 3 summers have been so-so.Much more humid,enough berries but not loaded.Now we're back to the 1st year conditions. Loaded. So the berries produce according to mother natures climate. Interesting,and at least I can say its not me on the off years, I'm doing everything I know to give them what they want.So I can expect good years and not so good.If I can keep Landon away from having a feeding frenzy on the bushes this year-I may have enough to freeze some! We found yet another new nursery place opened up on the way to the strawberry farm,which the lady also raised pigs-so got some new info on that situation.I had my butt in the air- my head in the ground, and a bird let out a huge weird squawk,nothing like I ever heard before,,I let out a blat-and I must have jumped 10 feet in the air! I must have looked like a cat when you scare them & they jump up on all fours....must have been a funny sight...

I wish..
Jun 28, 2008 | 12:24 AM PST
Tag: silly stuff...

I wish I had a maid,for all those little times-that I could be in garden-

and she could wipe behind.

I could sit with lemonade-and stretch upon my chaise,

Dream of fairies flying,or wave my spade with grace.

She could scrub the floor,and she could scrub the can,

And she would always smile,and take it like a man.

I can pick my produce-while all the while in glee

and she would make the supper-and be paid so handsomely.

My compost would be made,and never a weed would be-

for they all know I'm coming,and they'd be scared of me.

I dream of silly things,like a robot to cut the grass,

And I'd go fishing at the lake-and meet the Mr. Bass.

So when I win the megabucks-you'll say you heard it here,

Hey- I knew that lady,and for me you'll drink a beer.

 

 

 

Jelly time..
Jun 27, 2008 | 9:59 AM PST
Tag: full day..
Today we went to the "Pick your Own" strawberry farm, and picked.This year I went with my mom , who out picked me,,go figure..lol,73 & and with a bad back.. For whatever reason,my daughter has the little one and has a hard time getting her act together most of the time.So I know I'll be giving her some jam.We ended up with a bit over 30 pounds.This year I learn to make jam,,woo-hoo! Kinda neat- after all these years,,I should have learned many years ago..and this year or next I aim to learn how to make relish,,as Jim is crazy about his moms relish, and she passed away.We have all her cookbooks, so I'm sure its in there.I love jam especially in the winter months-and much prefer homemade.Every afternoon we're still getting thunder rain storms that go about an hour, then sun,then again during the night. So I'm not having to water,what a blessing that is. I have done the unthinkable-and not walked around the gardens for 2 days.The hosta bed is waiting for me to finish that up, and moms taking the 3 good size hostas I pulled out, for her front of the house,they will love it there with all the shade. And it will make her front look so much nicer. So thats on tomorrows list- hostas and Jam with mom-after my much needed haircut.I'm not venturing outside till later when the sun calms down a bit today. After more information on raising our own pig- I think its been pretty much decided to get 2.If someone had told me 5 yrs ago I'd be slopping a pig-s,I would have laughed myself silly,but what the heck-life is an adventure.We just have to make sure the pen is rugged so they can't get out.And I also paid more attention to the strawberries and how they grow them,and plan on doing mine a bit different than how I planted them.Mine should then be as good -organically.Well-that was enough for one day-tomorrow will be as full.

Temps & plants..
Jun 26, 2008 | 3:10 AM PST
Tag: extremes..
Now we're hot & dry.Talk about extremes.Other than a quick thunder shower-it goes back to hot sun & dry air.oh-well,I quess this is better than humidity.Yuck.We keep watching the weather across the country,and whats coming towards us.The tomatoes "Beefsteak"-love it-already to the top of the 1st rail in the raised bed,probaly this morning-up over that.Their all flowering too.The Roma's are a bit stunted-in the rock garden, but I'm pretty sure thats the soil,as I didnt have time to mix in a good compost mixture as its not ready.The one in the milk can is much bigger-with potting soil.The one in the upside down planter is doing good-just needs to be moved, as too much rain from the roof is getting in there-and I dont want to drown it.Other than that their all healthy looking.As I had room in the strawberry bed for more veggies,and the roots of some of the strawberries are deader than a doornail{from a store}I started plunking in the little plants I picked up the other day.The strawberries purchased from the fella down the street are doing wonderful.Jim finally got some hay the other day, so I can mulch them today.After the grandson left yesterday-I had only lowkey energy-I mowed again-the blueberry orchard, weeded one Hosta bed,very little weeds,took out 3 hostas, to plunk elsewhere as they get far too big for the bed,in such a short time.I quess I'll plunk them under the honeysuckle tree.The other hosta bed only needs to be balanced a bit,take out 2 smaller hostas-its way too crowded.And theres no weeds. Go figure.I wish for all my beds to look like that.On the subject of pigs,we raised 2 when we were growing up,the best meat we ever had,so Ma got it in her head she'd like to do another.As we have the room-she lives about 5 miles from us,we'll pen it here & split the cost of raising it.But we're holding off till early next spring,as its late in the season.We'll build the pen this year and be more ready for it-and also do some reading as its been many-many years-find out who comes and gets them for slaughter etc.I'm sure not much has changed since then,a pig is a pig,but you never know.

The green grass of home..
Jun 25, 2008 | 1:25 AM PST
Tag: pig tales..
And green it is..it seems about every 5th day it needs a cut. I can keep the blade lower right now-but if it warms up too much I cut it a bit higher.Most places are so thick,its like walking thru snow all over again,so I have to keep on top of it. By planting lots of stuff-and building raised beds,I've cut down on mower time.My cement block raised bed awaits its dirt, and Jim built the 2nd hemlock raised bed yesterday,and we got it into place,3 are planned for that area, for the veggies.That also will await its dirt till this weekend.We'll pick a cover crop for all the beds-like hairy vetch or rye. I got the picnic table top coated- the last coat today,and he can put it back together again. We figure another 2 years-then its a new one.Other than a late afternoon thunder shower,it was sunny and hot all day. Same with today they are saying.As we didn't look at the calendar sunday nite- we forgot he had monday & tuesday off-again,vacation days he's trying to use up.So a whole lot got done again over the last 4 days.He got the brakes together and ready to put on- and the drums turned.I had the last 4 days off from the grandson,I have him today-then another 4 days off. After doing the table yesterday I decided to just let my self follow wherever my energy went to,most of the time its on the list,but this time,it took me off the list to the 1st Arbor we built when we moved in.The 2 Black Co-Hosh on the outside are doing great-but outgrown their space,and not ready to move them yet,so they got a severe haircut & mulched.One has sent up its flowers.Mr. Baffin Rose kept pricking me,everytime I trimmed & mowed,so he got a bit of a trim-some fish smelly stuff,and mulched.On the inside of the arbor,I moved out the Coral bells to the hosta bed,and that small space got a border edge,Turtlehead,the mystery plant,and coneflower-mulched.The other inside side isnt done yet,but Muscari & Lupine is removed to go somewhere else. There's just enough room to mow a wide path and have the 2 tiny beds-so whatever I put in there has to be disciplined & like partial shade.Thats tricky,as most of what I have is for full sun.I'm going to say it has a 1 ft. wide space-so will an Astilbe get too big for that area..? I can't have something thats floppy-and I'm trying to remember what Moms looks like...so I'll have to look when I go over there next. I did bunches of other things on those 4 days,but its all a blur right now-my body is a bit sore,so I know I got a good workout whatever I did.oh-ya ,I harvested the 1st cut of the Comfrey bed...maybe thats why I'm sore..& on the table is the talk of the Pig raising..but thats the next blog...

Oh-my..
Jun 24, 2008 | 3:45 AM PST
Tag: plants..

Oh- my, oh my, have I gone completely mad? I've dug in the dirt,and muddied my clothes,

till all that was left was turn on the hose. I hop in the truck,and forget my mail keys,so its another 2 miles out of my way-,see? Go get the groceries,and try not to doodle,as the gardening calls,and for supper its noodles.The sauce is just simmering,its odor enticing,and those strawberries I just bought were grand without icing.The road that I'm on,along the river way,oh-my its that plant lady,I forgot about today.I must stop this truck,its like a magnet you see,with the little plants just begging-take me home please. I load up the basil,2 coneflower- for sure,and add another "Beefsteak" just for the cure.The peppers look swell,I reason myself,as mine a bit shaky-and not growing too well. Every year its the same,when I think that I'm done,all sweaty & thirsty from the hot little sun,something becons me out,its calling my name,its those darn little plants,just playing their game.

Can't walk away from that..
Jun 22, 2008 | 6:01 PM PST
Tags: whoa , nellie..
On our way to the city,and Jim decides to take a different route. Thats fine with me,as I like to explore.Yard sales everywhere, but none interested me, and then a plant sale...whoa! nellie...turn this truck around please....lol.These types I love-little plants from $1-$5. And their hardy Maine grown-so you know their going to make it.And I decided I like the little plants better-so it gives me time to do all the other stuff before I have to divide them.You sit with the air conditioner and give me 15 minutes honey...Came home with a Siberian Iris-blue, and 2 good Basils.As we're heading that way in 2 weeks again, I put in my next order to pick up. Her yard was absolutely gorgeous of course,she had 17 beds-she was pulling from.And when I grow up-mine's gonna be as good as that....wow that was fantastic, and we could have talked for hours I'm sure-but we were on our way somewhere.The $2.00 mystery plant in the album-another stop on a sunny day last year- but I forgot to mark the papercup.Its starting to open now,and I like it.Heck if I know what it is,and I almost pulled it up,thinking it was a weed,but it looked odd,so thought I'd wait. Good thing I did.Hate it when I forget to mark them..so now I'll make sure tomorrow I surround it with stones. Another fierce thunder-rain storm on the way home-a good soaking,but all is well,,and I'll dream of little plants tonite...

row-row-row your boat..
Jun 22, 2008 | 4:54 AM PST
Tag: time is all we have..
Mother nature sure is giving us a strange weather season. Looks like it'll be cloudy today-but ok.A very heavy fog.We re-checked the dream yesterday-going over some finer points,and are glad we're slightly ahead of things to accomplish around here for this summer, and its because of the delayed spring showers.Not to get too excited about that- I am more determined to row ahead-but gently...Jim got 4 of the last 7 holes dug for the stockade,brakes taken off the car, to replace today.One of the holes gave me another big garden rock..and him a sore neck-back.But its out-and the rice sock helped his neck. He also got the picnic table apart for me as I'm repainting that,and 2 new boards.If no rain today,I can finish that up.The picket fence is all primed,just need a top coat,but the raspberries can be moved any time as their going on the backside of it.Perhaps he'll screen some loam for me when we get back- and I can start mixing batches that I'll need everywhere.After fluffing the plants up a lot,they'll be ok.I'm sure they were scratching their heads saying"what was that?"..

I turned in my bottles yesterday, and the bottle lady said"what in the world are you doing now?,every time I go by your place, you guys are out there working on some project". I said yes- more holes for fencing now,etc., but we havent stopped since the day we moved in...I asked her if she had a garden,,heck no,,we pretty much dont eat veggies or fruit,,,I can't even imagine that..!But I can imagine their chlorestrol  levels...lol. Well,,whatever, we can't imagine not being outdoors ,and practically stay out there every day till dark, weather permitting. I'd like to say we rest during the winter -which we do a bit more-but inside work gets done then.The yard is our entertainment budget-and instead of paying to go to the gym,its a spade & fork in the hand,,

Two blueberry lines are done now- one more to go. We're dreaming of when we can really make a dent in the only tree line we have-clearing out the dead old brush-renting a chipper,planting lots of new trees.And doing it when the ticks are dead. A small water pond & fountain as early as next year is quite possible finally. July the tractor shed gets started-which is more than exciting-and will take a chunk of time.

A stretch..
Jun 21, 2008 | 3:43 AM PST
Tag: whats the poop scoop?

A 3 hr. stretch in the morning was all mother nature would give us yesterday. It was quite wet-but I pulled out my magic carpet to sit upon,while Landon explored around the yard near me, I weeded one line.I still need to do it again-but I got the heaviest of it.This little boy is so different from my daughter,curious,a bit creative,and always getting into something.We have to make sure we dont leave any dangerous gardening tools hanging about-so it makes us a bit tidier.Also keys to machinery are always in our pockets-as he watches every move we make in driving them.But even without a tool in his hand,he managed to go where he shouldn't. I think I'll be glad when he finally starts preschool & hope they can channel that energy-lol..Every few seconds I'm looking up to check on him,constantly talking to him so I can hear his voice,and he's climbing into the poop pile side..I look up & he's become "King of the Horse Poop pile", oh lordy...and that bin was straight poop.Thank god it was old poop...

After that episode it was time for a nap anyways- then more heavy rain- but strong winds this time, hail, & lots of it,thunder & lightening.It beat down vegetables,and filled window boxes with hail. My johnny jump-ups were shivering...The stuff survived,stems & leaves strewn about-& I had to go fluff them up a bit.Today is overcast-but looks like it'll hold off-and I'll get back to it.

 

Landon & I...
Jun 19, 2008 | 5:23 AM PST
Tag: wet..
My grandson doesn't have muck boots, but he's got 2 pairs of sneakers,so that works for me. Every chance we get -which is between all the rain drops,,we're out back. I work whatever area he gravitates to & we play ball in between.But today it doesn't look like we're getting outside at all. Usually when we come in for lunch-naptime we're both covered in mud & wet.Thank goodness this little boy still loves showers...lol .We go thru 2 changes of clothes per day-many times 3.He loves blueberries and goes from bush to bush as he sits and eats.There's more than last year-with ample rainfall,but since the bushes are still young,its not nearly a loadful-so I doubt I'll have enough to freeze,and will have to go pick & buy again this year.We're gonna have rain off & on right up till next monday...I think this is our delayed April showers...

I see more...
Jun 18, 2008 | 7:07 PM PST
Tag: theres always a spot..
The rain finally stopped-sun came out,went to visit with mom.Got back home and its still light out.So we started tackling the tearing apart of the old compost heap.Took both of us to lift the full garbage can I'd been saving & out to the compost-and whew!! eeee,,,what an odor!! I'd been saving it up since April,,for the new compost. Got all the old wood out of there and he's ready to level that out a bit more-then I'm gonna throw another batch of cukes in there, and let them go.Picked up tools, and now as he said,,getting rid of the old stuff around here, makes it look so much better and much better organized. so much easier to get the tractor in & out of there now.Now I'm seeing places where I can plant some more Mexican sunflowers....

oookkk..
Jun 18, 2008 | 1:47 PM PST
Tag: fence
Okkk,at least we got one major thing done before rain rolled back in.The white picket fence is up- all I have to do is start moving the raspberries now- after he tills the line of course.He put up two bird houses on the poles of the compost for me. He was going to cut them for me- but I said no- I could hang stuff off them.The bird houses have been waiting for a long time. That would be nice to have birds nesting next year. I can hang baskets of flowers,etc.The compost is already being filled.I put together a cement block raised bed at one end of it. This one is a no-dig bed. I'll lay the newspapers down and soak them good. I quess I should have let the rain do that for me by the looks...It was a good morning project,and he's happy with the fence. Now its pouring off & on. Maybe I can get back out there and lay the paper.An early supper tonite. The car didn't pass inspection-he has to change 2 lights, and fix a back brake-then goes back to the garage.okkk-another week of thisss...

Knock-Knock
Jun 18, 2008 | 3:47 AM PST
Tag: gardens..
Knock-Knock. Who's there? Plant control.Plant control who?Slug.An army of us, and if you aren't careful -we'll eat all your cukes..

Ha-Ha,very funny.They ate the whole line of baby cukes that just came up.And they were just starting on the 3 baby cantaloupes.I salvaged 2 of them.Somebody's watching me & has a warped sense of humor.. not to be swayed from my goal of having lots of summertime cukes, I'll just build another raised bed-and buy some "Sluggo".So there..if I have to, I'll buy a Be-Be Gun, and shoot the ***** in the middle of the night..take that.

On a lighter note..the rain stopped long enough for the grass to dry out a bit. I grabbed my only chance to mow with rain coming back in.Its done- & good thing-it was getting quite tall.Back aways a bit-on one of those Lists, the blueberry orchard needed tending.All the bushes needed weeding,as some I could barely make out there was a bush there.One bush still in its pot-that went in,they all need compost mulch- and organic sulphur.I got them all weeded,and 1/2 the 1st line-mulched & fed.Thats one chore that needs to be fully done this summer,and additional holes dug & ready.Last year it got started & never finished.I'll keep at it till its done.The Texas Quince in the corner of the orchard has outgrown its spot.Thats going on the fence line soon as that goes up.Its a good thing the "Man of the Year" and his tractor are by my side-theres no way I could do all this by myself, as silly as I can get at times,I dont think I would even attempt this-so I'm glad we're working on the same dream.We'll just be glad when the bigger structure things are built,and someday I can totally just garden.Next year-there'll be a huge difference in how time is spent out there,as the bigger things will be done-so there should be more time for any weeding.The swingset got picked up- in the rain of course,we'll get that in,sometime soon.We've had many people tell us,once you build your garage,you won't be able to put your cars in there after a fashion-you'll have so much junk. I dont think so. To build a building costing thousands of dollars & paying taxes on it,...I dont think so.As much as I like to recycle I would cart it off to the dump if I couldnt get my car in there.All those years of scraping 2 feet of snow off the cars & driveway to get out,,The same with the property- people say-Oh- you'll never be done...I dont think so.I think that depends on one's dream-passion-time.If the dreams there-then it'll get done...page by page.

more drops..
Jun 16, 2008 | 2:04 PM PST
Tag: pray for red tomatoes..
Its raining now-and has been off & on the last 24 hrs. The grass is getting quite high now.Its suppose to rain most of the week,oh- well-good thing I got some finger paints to keep the little one occupied.We explored the new compost area together- and he thought it was more like a house for him.Brought his trucks right over and sat in there and filled them up with dirt-and played hide and go seek with me amongst the 4 bins.It wont be long before I start filling them-by the weekend I'm sure, and he wont be able to do that-at least in a couple of them. The Tinman finally got a new lease on life,and the Peony wants so bad to open.We've got the indoor Rain List going,and the Outdoor List,so there's never a dull moment-but always time for a good nap on rainy days. The Hemlock beams are getting finished up,so we can start the ceiling soon.We're putting up a swingset-hopefully this weekend-no rain in the forecast-and then jim will get back to the stockade fence. I'm going to build another raised bed-this one with all the cement blocks I have in a pile.He looked at the "Beefsteak" and said "wow",he couldnt believe how much they grew even with the cloudy days. Lets hope to get a good red crop this year. I love to make spegitti sauce  and Hamburg-tomato soup with them for the winter. Nothing more satisfying than that, with a good crusty bread.

No rain,,
Jun 15, 2008 | 4:03 AM PST
Tag: Puffs Plus..

They said rain last nite,but no--we're gonna get it today instead.Jim's got one more piece to attach to the compost bins.A much better set-up,we moved it over to the left of where it was,in hopes it won't flood as bad as the last one during the spring rains. We were limited in where we put it.This one is also much bigger, the 2 front bins now facing the sun to heat them up,4 ft. deep by 8.The back bins I'll use for storing up leaves-pine needles,paper ,etc. I have a decent shredder,now I can put it to more & better use,as there's plenty of room to shred now.I also have an Envirocycle composter that I will keep nearer the kitchen during the coming winter months.Last winter it got no attention,stayed out back so it didnt get turned,but this spring it was black & crumbly anyways-with a good batch of tea.Now, I can make some serious compost....

I did manage to water yesterday,and take pics-and that was it.Today feeling a bit better-but still very little oomph.My Puffs Plus & I are now joined at the hip.I should buy stock.I won't need to water today-and I could sit on the mower,I'm sure I could find some low-key thing to do today,perhaps Mr. Tinman will finally get his face..

I know theres sun..
Jun 14, 2008 | 1:25 AM PST
Tag: waskly rabbit..
Well,I know it was gorgeous out there,the guy on tv says so.I came down sick late thursday afternoon with this cold virus,and plunked myself on the couch.Got all my cold stuff gathered,and a note of what to get thats needed.It was full sun- no wind, and 75 he said on friday.I opened up the door to smell the air-which at that point I couldn't.It looked nice out,the grass needing cutting,but I had no energy at all.ok- back to the couch and daydream about plants.A full day of soap opera's is a scary thing.thank god- I dont get sick often-because those people are so boring-as none of them garden-which explains why their always in trouble. They wouldn't be in so much **** if they were plowing a field,and planting potatoes.Jim came home and babied me a bit with some chicken soup. I could see my picket fence section just outside the window-waiting for me to get excited & finish the last of it.I didn't have any oomph,and I still don't.He made us spegitti last nite- I think it was good- I couldn't taste it.Thank god we now have machines-that we can just load and walk away,so not to get too far behind,when we're down.today is suppose to be another good day-so I will at least walk out to the rock garden & back & see how the plants are doing.From the window,I can see the cucumbers peeking at the top of the self-watering container,and the others in the ground.Jim will get the last 2 poles in today,& do the dump run.Maybe today Bugs Bunny will be on tv,at least he's into gardening..

Older pics..
Jun 13, 2008 | 2:52 AM PST
Tag: circles..
I am forever amazed with-at time.Sitting beside me is a 5x7,black & white photo of the house & good portion of the property.From the air.We moved in,in the fall of 2003,a plane overhead-unbeknownst to us in early summer 2004,was shooting pics.Just near the house were my herbs from the old place,and the other small shrubs we acquired in a short time.In the early winter of 2004,a knock came to the door,from the photographer,selling his wares.As money was a bit tight at that time, we only bought the 5x7,and of course now, wish we had scrounged up another few bucks for the larger.But this is ok,and I sure do hope someday he comes back with another.Being down on the ground is good,I always say,but the ariel view is altogether different.Which is why I stand in my tub with coffee,and check out the scene.I am totally amazed at the view & how much changed over the course of 4 tiny years.The only thing original I made still in place is a small circle bed.The herbs have since been moved or died,but the circle remains.Its been a strawberry bed after that,now a bed for Iris,& smaller bulbs.It got an edge border after a fashion,to keep out the creeping grass,which works well.I am tempted occasionally to pull everything out,reseed with grass to become part of the lawn.But I don't -for whatever reason.The circle just changes with time...

slower weekday..
Jun 12, 2008 | 2:32 PM PST
Tag: low key time..
The Clematis is fine,will just add a small section of wire fence onto that,instead of the wood. That was destroyed.The tinman got a new coat of paint-now I'm looking around for face parts-reglue his hat-and he's dashing again. I'm 1/2 way thru priming the second piece of fencing-and lining up all the little paint projects.

Helter Skelter..
Jun 12, 2008 | 1:31 AM PST
Tag: wizard of Oz..
I spoke too soon..! Horses were much easier to tend to than cars..well- it needed a new battery & spark plugs anyways,,but it turns out its getting a new distributor cap & relay switch.I hope this is it.Thank god all the parts are minor ones.As it wouldn't start for the mechanic-he couldn't inspect it. I've been 2 months without a car now. I told him I will be getting a scooter to have on hand. Anyways,,a big black cloud rolled over late afternoon- after Jim got home,and we thought we were in the Wizard of Oz,a huge wind picked up,we expected the house to fly up in the air-big rain drops,anything in the yard that wasnt secured,went helter skelter,the little pool went flying into the field quite a ways.It took him about 20 min to find it in the tall grass. Next time I'll leave the water in it.table & chairs turned over-rain barrel went rolling across the lawn. it lasted about 15 min,,then sun & rainbow.By then I was making supper-so I didn't check the gardens.I got to start the picket fence project- got one section primed.One more to go. The dump find,that was stained red,I'll just paint it white to match the gardenshed trim.It should last about 5-7 more years by the condition of it.I bought a"Hibiscis" Rosa Sinensis-on sale yesterday-the tag says 20*-the info on net says zone 5-which we are.Can I sink this in the ground forever-?or does it become a house tree? I do like the huge blooms.It would look good potted up and on my future deck if need be-but I'd rather have it outside.Next time I'll put my glasses on & read the tag..lol My daughter will pick me up this morning and I'll do my 2 errands,then I can finish the firepit area-wack & mow-and the last section of fence. I emptied the old deep wheelbarrow for more plants-hopefully potatoes,and have a few more small painting projects to do.Its break time from so much planting for a little while anyways.Before the Wizard of Oz rolled in anyways-the plants were doing great-the tomatoes & cukes have doubled their size-all new transplants had latched on.I do fear my Clematis a bit-as Jim just screwed on an extension for its height- and" Oz" ripped it off.So I wonder if some of it got pulled out of the ground...

A mini vacation-
Jun 11, 2008 | 2:04 AM PST
Tag: time flies when having fun..
My mans' gone back to work after his mini vacation.He's probaly glad to get away from the List for a couple days and rest up,but I know he was happy getting 7 of the 9 poles in- and getting the car started again.It was the spark plugs.Its now being inspected,and hope there's not much else to do to it.The rain rolled in yesterday-late afternoon here,strong winds-thunder & lightening.It took a break-then again during the night. It cleared the humidity out-and breezy today -with sun-but more tolerable for sure.The plants liked it alot. I took a hike to wally world in the afternoon, and so glad I did, as I purchased the "Hibiscis" tree, I wanted,on sale.ya- now just have to figure out where its going,but in the holding bed for now.I wacked-mowed the fire pit area this morning,,just a little left to go...

Lists..
Jun 10, 2008 | 2:15 AM PST
Tag: can't get enough of that garden..

I have to write lists,if I don't I'll forever be muddled and walking around in circles. Besides, Jim's always asking me whats next..I also frequently stray from that list- but I always return..

Yester
day,lots of little things got done- and then some bigger stuff. All the holes are ready today for posts on the compost project-and the stockade marked out.The car was running fine-then decided to have some more issues.New spark plugs today- I hope thats it.My comfrey bed is tidy once again for awhile at least,and the area next to it getting ready for the raspberry move.Jim pulled all the posts out from the woodside,to count them.His sisters property purchase looks promising,ample room outside-1/2 acre,,and big enough inside for what they want to do.She wants to know if we want the 3 very LARGE shrubbery,so thinking of how we're gonna do this-and where we're gonna put them.I'm on painting fence today-planting a dogwood-more strawberries screaming to go in,and water. as bad as it looked like rain- we got nothing.Cooler weather approaching now.My tomatoes are so very happy-happy,,and 3 cantaloupe popped,so I put them with the cukes.

Don't worry,just sweat..
Jun 9, 2008 | 2:50 AM PST
Tag: humid..

Well- I had gained some weight over the winter- but I really don't have to be too concerned about it, as I'm going to sweat it all off! I think I left 1/2 of me back there in the comfrey bed...

Tons of Gatorade -water & lemonade,the comfrey bed is now trimmed & mowed,alongside it -an area being prepared for the raspberries.The 2 plants almost ready to plop in their holes on the other side of the comfrey. Jims got 6 of the 9 postholes dug for the compost set-up.The car's painted & we hope ready for inspection.We take a morning break and go to look at a house his sister & hubby are buying in nearby town-and we're excited for her,as much as she is.Another gardener,and plenty of room to plant.oh-oh-watch out!! another gardener to swap plants with..The Wisteria with 2 little branches,that has struggled being only 3 inches high-has taken off this year-branched out and now 8 inches.The Pergola will certainly have to get built next year-as its my understanding,that they have some weight to them,and their climbers.The metal arbor its on-just won't do for very long.We're so happy this stockade fencing is getting done finally-its been a 3-4 yr. project.More to write-but I have to take a tour before the little one gets here...

another day..
Jun 8, 2008 | 3:19 AM PST
Tag: nuttyplants..
after the last post,we got one day recoup-then another day of rain. Now the heat is here,At 8 pm last nite it was 80*. Very humid.Weird for maine.With all this rain-the plants are going crazy-crazy.Today-I'm taking a measuring stick out there. thunder storms probable. we had the grandson over nite last nite,so we were limited in doing our projects. but we did get the bamboo trellis made & up for another line of cukes.More pics posted.The 1st batch of cukes is popping up-and the runner beans are now 4 inches high...same with the morning glories.I have the whole yard to mow today,,as the grass is high.Soon as Landon leaves this morning- we kick it into higher gear...and start the post holes before the afternoon heat. We always break between 1 to 4 for lunch & seista during the heat waves..but even with the heat- the self-watering window boxes are still looking good-so quess whats on my xmas list for 2008-?.....??

rainy days
Jun 4, 2008 | 1:22 AM PST
Tag: gardenshed
What to do with one's self when it rains..a day off from other jobs,so I headed out to the shed.A fairly steady rain-& too wet to plant.Decided to clean up the wreck-mess in the gardenshed.Donned the pink muck boots,& had the morning to spend out there,but its all done.Just have to haul down the cushions to the lawn chairs that are being sold on the garage sale.Its all done raining now,and the plants are just loving this spring rain.Tuesday was a vaca day for Jim-another 4x8 raised bed got built for the daughter,in the light rain also. But its done now and all planted.We positioned it so another could be built beside it,as once she gets going,she'll lov it.She planted tomato-green peppers,cabbage,scarlett runner beans.Her 1st garden,so this should be a bit entertaining.Jims got another 4-day weekend,so he's on the compost project,& post holes.I'll open with the garage sale-and will need something to do,at the front of the house- so I'm on the painting of the picket fence for the raspberry patch & dividing up Hosta,and I think I'll plant a wheelbarrow of potatoes.The 1st time was pretty cool watching them grow in tires,but the borers got them-and I only got one perfectly round potato.This time its the deep wheelbarrow-and I shouldn't have a problem.

After the rain..
Jun 1, 2008 | 2:53 AM PST
Tag: everythings so happy..

It rained 24 hrs. straight.Light & heavy.The ground was just sucking it up.Finally towards the end,it started pooling.First thing this morning,there's lots of heavy fog, & before the gardening starts, we have more shelving to put up in the garage for the garage sale.Then I can move onto planting a variegated dogwood-2 Rhodes,an Azalea,1 blueberry,2 Stella D Oro's,2 chives,more strawberries.The ground is nice and wet-so they should love it & I should be fairly well covered in mud by days end.I think this day is for my Pink Muck Boots, & this time I'll remember to bring my hunk of carpet with me should I get a chance to weed.Thats my Magic carpet ride...

It turns out the leaf destruction I saw on my Oriental Lillies isn't the red beetle- but just slugs.I sprayed twice anyways,maybe they wont like the spray either. I haven't seen any more damage as of yesterday.I like Hosta,have 4 diff. kinds,but will have to divide again this year-because they are huge and outgrowing the bed.The William Baffin Rose has the ladybug things on it- I'm not sure if its that or the other that looks like that, and I hope their just after some Aphids.The birds found the birdbath-but not the feeder yet.The swallowtails were lining up on the ground in a line-where I had watered-wings open & looked so funny but didn't have my camera with me.Today I'll remember to have it with me.I remembered to put flat rocks in the birdbath for the butterflies.I remember last summer the butterflies were circling me, and I said to Jim he was going to land on me-I stuck my hand out, and he did for quite a few minutes.I quess he thought I was a big rock and was sunning himself..