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dbjc364's May 2009 Entries

Last Post 5 days, 21 hours Ago

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May 31, 2009 | 3:29 AM PST
Tag: perennials just starting..
Most older gardners know what a Hoosier is. For the younger ones,its a piece of kitchen furniture,much like a hutch,that women used in the older days to knead their bread upon and other baking chores. It holds a flour sifter bin and various cookware, and spices and herbs.They usually had a metal,enamel or other type of kneading surface other than wood.I have one that I bought 3 years ago. I had it in the kitchen,but my kitchen is just too small for it- its not one of the larger ones- but now that we've shifted the kitchen around to prepare for the remodel, it definitely doesn't fit.My dad and my brother both lov to redo the Hoosiers,as back to the original shape as possible.My dad doesnt do it anymore,but Rick does. Mine has been restored-but will need a paint color change. Mine has the enamel kneading board.I'll be adding the flour sifter to it, and my small microwave just fits in the cubby hole.Its a very useful piece of kitchen furniture.I've had it on the garage sale,it hasn't sold,but really would like to keep it if I can,theres just no room. Well-on the trip up north,sitting in the back seat,watching the trees go by,my mind must have been turning this around and stewing on it. My brother had come home with a Hoosier Helper,which I promptly claimed stake to it.It will fit right beside my stove quite nicely. The enamel top matches my Hoosier enamel top. A Hoosier helper is simply the base cabinet with a drawer and 2 doors or a single door.They came before the more modern wood cabinets of today.They fit with the period of this house much better than modern furniture and often times are more useful pieces.Anyways, I have a small bump out in my kitchen, and a wee-little voice inside me said if we build a slightly bigger bump-out-then we could incorporate the Hoosier into the kitchen. So thats what we're going to do.I told the guys of my plan,and they agreed with not too much problem this could be done.Also Rick came home with another Hoosier that needs to be restored,and we have one other one that he'd like to restore and sell. That gives him a project to work on thru the boring winter months. I'm in the beginning stages of gathering my pieces for the kitchen remodel-the gutting stage is unknown at this time, as the bathroom has to come first-and both are winter projects.It was a long trip up north,the perennials in the yard are just barely beginning to bloom.We took our measurements of the small roof that needs replacing,and discussed what in general needing doing.While we were in the middle of all that, we were approached by a potential buyer,who is quite serious about wanting the house & property-for renting or for sale, as is..So we told the young man to go to the bank, and see what his options are, and we'll chat with him again next week about what can be done.We really dont want to deal with it anymore-the trips are too long for us,and theres much to be done at our own place to deal with.Just a reasonable fair market value,not a killing on this.The young man has dreams of his own,living close to his own family,so who knows, it may turn out ok for him.In the meantime,we hired the fella down the street to bushhog the property for us,to keep the grass down.This same fella, also had a nifty way of hanging his post-hole digger,which is the same one as Jim's,and Jim would like to build one for his, and on these poles were 8 or 9 hanging 5 gal. buckets,each had a tomato plant in the top,and a pepper plant coming out the bottom.Well- I have the hanging bags,but this was quite a nifty way to do this also.So the guys are also going to build this in the yard-hopefully this summer,after the shed is built, in preparation for next years massive gardening bonanza. So-all,in all, it was a good trip,just a long one.I checked on the raised beds when I got home,all are growing fine,we covered over for frost last night,and today I get to play outside all day,all by myself...hmmm, where to start first....

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Dreams..

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May 27, 2009 | 3:31 PM PST
Tag: full barrels..
Its a good thing we do take naps. I really think its what helps to keep us going and better to think on our feet! Some days we dont get one though-like blueberry bush day. I've never been skinny. I call myself a bit chunky-with some good muscles,some would call it extra padding when one falls down-you dont get hurt as much.lol. And we do eat,we lov food. But also like to eat a variety of it.I never feel guilty when I go for an ice cream,which isnt often, but Jim and I usually split a banana split.A whole one is too much for me anyways.Well- didnt get the flower pot done up- we are in full rain mode now till friday, and we need it badly.But Rick and I went to the city and got his worm containers,Jim a new level,me just one cocoa liner I found.Well- one's better than nothing.Tomorrow I have outside jobs to do that will tie me up a good part of the day,so maybe I can get the flower baskets done in the carport late afternoon.Rick went out and checked on the garden,and said Jims little roof isnt holding up too good- so it may be back to the drawing board on that one, but right now all the barrels are full.We are the type of people that would rather be doing something productive -dreaming and scheming,than just sitting around any day.We do watch tv at night,a few shows we enjoy.We're taking friday off to go north,and just walk around the house and write everything down that needs fixing.So thats kinda like a day off.If something special comes up-like birthdays & get togethers,we usually go.We happened to buy a house that had good bones but we felt needed work,so here we are.We are now seeing the fruits of our labor take shape,better than last year even. The bushes are happy we got them in. I know their getting a good drink- and I know I'm going to get some good berries within 3 years so that seems to make it all worthwhile.I skip a bit of stuff that we're doing as it seems boring,but theres always more thats been done than just whats in print. I also think an attitude of whether we consider it work or not makes a difference. Even though it is work, alot of it seems like play.To me, this is normal,I dont know how I would act if I had a brand new house with nothing to fix or improve upon.I think I'd probaly go crazy...

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#@!$-a-doodle-doo..

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May 27, 2009 | 1:06 AM PST
Tag: hhmm..adding some color
We were out there early this morning-before 8 am. If the neighbors were farther away, we would have been up and out with the rooster, planting those bushes,but had to wait for a reasonable hour. They both started gathering the tools,water,loam and other stuff for the plantings,I had to go into town on a few errands. I knew I'd be gone at least 2 hours,but with the help of the post hole digger,they could get those holes dug alot faster than by hand. They were just finishing up the holes when I got home.Jim had fixed my rain barrel,so I got that soaking for the day. Rick got out my electric leaf shredder he's been wanting to try out, and loved what that did to the leaves. He wants my brother to buy one for his place,as that will make much shorter order for his compost to break down. I have no leaves of my own,I have to wait till they blow in from the big tree across the street,I get 6-10 bags from my moms,and a couple tarps full from the jobsite I do. I use them up rather quickly too,and stockpile what I cant shred in the fall to do in the spring.Those disappear fast also,and I'm left scratching my head,and wanting more leaves. I make a note to stockpile more this year.And this year I'll buy them the box of bags needed for all they have.Landon was the water boy,making sure all the plants got a good drink.We were done by 4:30,took a break,then I mentioned to Jim that the front entry steps had a top rise step that was just too high,and 3 of us with short legs were struggling to go up and down.Could they possibly fix that. Rick jumped on that, and its done now,and much better. Jim mowed around the honey suckle tree for me,so I could get in there with the small push mower today.I told Rick today was going to be a lower key day-as my back was a bit sore,and we really pushed to get those in before the rain came. They were some tired last night.We also got all the rain barrels into position,as they say to expect rain from wed. afternoon into thursday morning.Yippee! Having spigots on them is a bonus,but I'm just as happy just having them filled & near a bed.I transplanted the 2 little low bush blueberry into their own raised bed,and filled their holes with the highbush. Supper was in the oven,so I spraypainted another large plant pot to go in the wishing well,that I can do up today for some relaxing funner time.And I can do the 3 tier planter if I can find 16" cocoa liners.I'll use the 14" if I cant find anything,but 16" would fit better.Rick needs containers for his worms-so I think we'll take a ride to the city this morning,and see if we can find both.Jim says he's going back to his "regular occupation" today,he's no longer calling it his job,his work,as this place out does that with work.But he says he's not complaining,he's quite happy with all that got done in 4 days,just needs a bit of a rest. ok- I won't bug him when he gets home.The gardenshed needs a tidy-up now,after doing all that planting.I'd like to build one long narrow raised bed for the perennials I need to move,this time with mortar,which I know Rick would lov to do. I have all the bricks left over to do something with.I already told Jim a while back I needed one more bed,next to where the little water pond will go,so it wont be a shock to his system.Even if I didnt tell him of my plans, he would say-"No, really?"...and laugh at me.I picked up his butternut squash plants also to go in today.The pumpkin plants wont be ready till next weekend. A few cukes go in today too.I have a 1/2 whiskey barrel thats falling apart,but wanting to get more mileage out of it,I tipped it over a bit,added a smaller one next to it,in the strawberry bed.Rick says,"Oh-no! Not the tipped over barrel planting!"...as these are frequent sightings in peoples yards.I laughed,but said I'm not quite ready to chuck it yet!..I planted Bush Morning glories in them,and next to it I'll put in some Cosmos seeds.Besides we need some color there,and can work on the other half of the bed adding more of the good stuff it needs. The strawberries dont get moved into there till next year- and we cant have an empty large bed sitting there doing nothing & I got a drawer full of seeds to use up...

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Windy day..

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May 25, 2009 | 6:41 PM PST
Tag: sunny-windy..

With the 1st bed done now- we've decided to leave the 2nd bed just plain with no trellis for now. Still have to add the condiments also to the 2nd one,but pretty sure one of the guys can get a few loads in tomorrow and finish it up. Yup- A torrential rain on wed night- rick says tomorrow we put in all the blueberries.Pushy-pushy.Lov the new bed. And definitely lov it when Jim gets 4 day weekends.We always start out slow- but it picks up speed as we go along,and get so much done.When its only 2 days,its never as good,as its always broken up by other things too.We're trying to accomplish alot before having to devote alot of time up north at the other house straightening that out. Jim took the wind aneometer down so I could paint the trellis, and it was only a temporary spot anyways.Up on the peak of the garage it finally went, and we clocked 21 m.p.h. today,most of the day. We'll be recording our winds speeds for the next year or two.Since the day we looked at the house to buy it- the wind was blowing good that day. We weren't even thinking of buying a wind generator-just how cold it was going to be.I asked the renter if the traffic was loud,and the wind always like that. She said no they didnt seem to mind it.Well- we found we wanted to add a fence to buffer some of the noise,and the wind on the house -which we did.And it helped quite a bit.I think a line of trees in front of the fence will add to that buffer.Jim also got the seat boards all the way around the new strawberry bed for next year-and that works great for my butt. I weeded the garlic bed and Allium bed & the tire planter. Mowed the orchard,and the front,brought out my new 3 tier 2nd hand planter-Jim will strap it to the house just in case.I found it in an antique shop not to far from here.Not sure what I'm going to put in it yet.Got one window box planted with annual flowers, and a frost tonite they say so we covered the beds. The guys played ball with the boys all morning in between projects,and tuckered them right out. Landon took maybe all of 2 minutes to konk out for a nap.Jim got that small roof up on the compost panel near the beds,-tomorrow we'll move the barrels into place,and see how much they get filled. The soil is dry so we need another round of rain.I took the little ones for an ice cream to give the guys a break from running after balls,now I know I better keep wet ones in the car from now on.I had them sit at the picnic table instead of in my car,but they were some sticky afterwards.No Mr. Rabbit today,but we were out there all day making a rukus,so he was probaly watching & waiting for us to calm down.I'll probaly see him in the morning.Somewhere in there I squeezed in a nap right alongside with Landon.Mornings work best for me to get things done,so tomorrow is 16 blueberry bushes-top priority he says...
pics are going in the May album..

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There's nothing like a good bed..

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May 25, 2009 | 1:17 AM PST
Tag: lobster-the finale..
and good soil. As we prepared for our barbaque the threat of rain was upon us. We expected a shower- but got the tables etc., all set up,then we 3 went out to the new beds,to finish up.At least in the 1st bed,they got the manure,compost,peat & leaves added,I decided to mow, and throw some of the grass clippings in there.As we didnt have much time Rick will put the trellis on today. I planted 2 large cherry tomato,4 super beefsteak- 2 kinds of peppers.There's enough space for a good line of cukes to climb the trellis.You'd think this was my first ever bed-but because its got the height,it was easier to plant,and had the rail cap to set things on,so I was pretty excited about plunking them in. He'll finish the manure-leaves in the 2nd one today, and we'll plant carrots,parsley,a few pumpkins that he wanted to,and whatever else to try. I'll also put marigolds around the outside edges for the tomatoes.As our soil is on the clay side-the added ingrediants fluffed it up quite a bit. We got the tractor to move the 2 small rain barrels-transferred the water, and positioned them for the time being at the foot of the beds,but are thinking of another idea of how to fill them.With the compost fence panels just a few feet away, we're going to try a sloped roof on one of the panels to shed the water into the barrels like a regular roof does. It'll also give me an 8 ft. overhang to store items that need to be closer to the beds.Thru all this it did start raining light,but we kept going,and it wasnt stopping so put the barbaques back under the carport to grill.Everyone showed up,including the son-in-law,who raved about the onion chip dip,we ate inside,which was fine. Now my daughter will have to make him some.lol.The ribs were so good,had plenty of food.When the first round of ribs were done I gave my daughter 2 good sized ones,and happily ate my hotdog,when she reached for the second round that came in,I declared senior dibs and war,waved my fork like a sword,,and scooped it off her plate,which made everyone laugh.The next round soon followed so she didnt have to wait but a few minutes anyways.And of course-I had to show off Ricks beds.By then rain had stopped.After the company left-the sun popped out and my Dad & girlfriend arrived,still had a few ribs left over to feed them too. My Dad brought me a nice surprise of 4 cooked lobsters,,and stayed for a good visit before heading back to their destination in the next town. Jim said he wasnt hungary for any supper-so Rick and I enjoyed a lobster-which was a pretty darn good ending for a day.I still have 2 more to go today.While it was still light out-Jim's out there talking to someone,"who are you talking to?" The rabbit. Jim stood in the doorway of the mudroom, and Mr. Rabbit munched near the bottom of the stairs. He thinks it used to be someones pet, as he was too tame for a wild rabbit,skittish but not afraid to the point of running when he simply saw a human.So when I get a chance I'll check next door as they have kids, and see if they lost a bunny at some time. The other day Rick thought he'd move on, I didn't.Now I said to Rick,I dont think he's going away,as theres much too much to eat around here-including the new beds.Yes- I feel I'll have to net-protect them,Rick doesnt. I dont trust Mr. Rabbit at all,I dont care how high it is,he'll get up in there and have a field day.I'm sure he's rather eat crops instead of grass anyday,just like I'd like a lobster instead of a cheeseburger. No sign of japs-just furry critters.So now, its wire instead of organic spray.I'm sure I'll get some good pics of him too.I was just too tired to get the camera,as we watched him bounce all around the back of the house.Rick says last night,You know ,we really should get those blueberries in the ground.Yes- we should..Put that on tomorrows list please...

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And the project takes on a life of its own,,

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May 24, 2009 | 2:00 AM PST
Tag: roots..

As Rick started building these 2 raised beds Monday. Both are built now,and I finally got to show him Soaphouse's pictures of hers,then he had a better pic instead of just a description of them.Once he saw the pics, he shelved the idea of the garden hose on the top of the sharp metal,and decided to cap rail the top edge also.He could build them whatever way he wanted to,as I knew they'd come out ok.All the lumber is scraps,but he decided to make them look as nice as he could.Wow,they are coming out really good. More pics are coming.Now I'm thinking perhaps I'll stain the boards so everything matches.I dug out a nice trellis for him,plus the lattice,and he'll incorporate them into the side of one of them.I have 2 smaller rain barrels,that I'd like to keep right next to them,as their a distance from the water supply,but with a dolly or the tractor they can be filled from the big barrel and scooted over there with not much hassle.But ideally, I have the one big barrel with a spigot,and with a soaker hose it would be better-so we'll have to think about this a bit more.He didn't get as far as planting them, as he's now messing with the finishing touches-but I know he'll get the manure in today.While he was doing that-I was out getting groceries,and got tied up with that most of the day,and didnt get back to weeding the blueberries like I wanted to. Jim was hard at work in the camper getting the last of the studs & insulation in place. He's finished with that part,now it can be moved when we are ready to.Its parked in the spot where we'll be putting a wood shed of some type.That whole area needs to be cleared of scrap wood,the clothes line,etc. for my other brother to come in,excavate & level when we're ready for him. A {small-?} get together is planned for a barbaque here today-at least it started out that way.I'm not that crazy about having it here as I'm not set-up for it without climbing up and down the stairs,but mom is tired of having it at her house,even though she's set-up much better.I look forward to the day when that back deck is on the house-and its probaly going to be next year,as I'm getting some age on too,and all this walking makes for sore feet after all the gardening chores.I also need an umbrella,and I was right there at Walmart getting the flowers for the graves,and forgot it.An early trip this morning to get one of those. Whats usually a problem is having no table next to the grill. Its on my summer list to get but havent got that far for a quick get together barbaque.But the dump provided the top of one for me yesterday so I didnt have to buy one. On 2 saw horses it works for me.I'll scrub that down,throw a tablecloth on it and the person doing the grilling will think they're in heaven.My daughter never had barbaque ribs {spare ribs} as an adult, till last year when we grilled one day.,I thought she was going to go crazy when she had them. Her eyes rolled in the back of her head,the drooling started,I thought I was done with that,and she basically went nuts. Its one of those items we only have once or twice a year.I know we've had them when she was a kid,but some kids are finicky about trying different things,so she probaly never ate them. The daughter and son-in-law are usually busy with friends,but I told her we were having a barbaque and to come if she didnt have any other plans,and we were having an assortment of food. When I got to the ribs,she said she didnt care what the husband was doing, but she was coming here. The husband only comes once in awhile,but she said he's even thinking of coming with her this time,and went on & on to him about the ribs, she was so funny. Good thing I bought 2 racks of ribs this time..but I'm wondering if I should have bought 3.When Jim & Rick saw the meat I brought home,they thought it was overkill,but I said you wait and watch them disappear.For some reason most people lov ribs,and you'll get left over hamburgers to throw in the fridge,but you wont get any ribs left over with this family. The heat is tolerable now,with a lower humidity and suppose to be decent grilling weather tomorrow.I also borrowed a grill from a friend that had a spare, to take up north for the summer,so I'll have 2 for grilling tomorrow thank goodness. Bsmitch mentioned a nap. Without them I'd never make it. During the heat of the day,I take frequent naps,,and now that I've entered the wonderful world of menepause, I'm trying herbs to see if they can help me thru this wonderful time of life.Can u see my eyes rolling...?Most days I can't tell if its a hotflash or the weather,so I have to ask Jim,and most days I was ready to dig up the Black Cohosh root and eat it dirt and all.I didn't have to resort to such drastic measures,as there's black cohosh pills now, and my plants for the time being were safe from me disturbing their roots,and they are beautiful when they're flowering. I'll give it 6 weeks, then I'll try something else if they dont work.I don't do well with high humidity never mind adding something else to that. I stopped at the nursery on the way home and picked up green pepper plants for Mom and Jim,as I dont eat green peppers but love to grow & watch them,and they'll go in the new bed. They stayed in the gardenshed last night because of frosts still,but will cover them over once their planted.It appears to me that this year is to be a good growing year by the looks of things.

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More produce space..

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May 23, 2009 | 2:28 AM PST
Tag: big bumblebee's..
The final cost for the 2 new metal beds was just under $50. It would have been more,but I had all the wood we needed left over from 4 yrs. of construction projects. It runs $60 for Jim to build one of the 8 inch hemlock beds. One more hemlock bed to build on this side of the house-then I think thats it. The other side is a different story,although I think only 2 are planned.Since I have looked everywhere I could think of for the trimmer string,and couldnt find it- will order another batch this morning.I know about 6 spools are here somewhere,and it was probaly me that missplaced it.The blueberry bushes really needed a hand weeding,so now I'm on row 6.I do lov to hand weed for long stretches when I have the time to do it.After this,I can weed with the wacker with the shrub guard up.Brother is pretty proud of himself building these beds,adding the corner boards to protect against the sharp edges. First we''ll try splitting a garden hose up the middle to lay on the top edge of the metal and see if that works.Then he said he needed a trellis- so I got out 2 pieces of lattice for some cukes.well last night he says,since its so deep might as well throw in a couple lines of carrots..I can see where this is going.lol. And I'm not suppose to be veggie gardening this year-just building and filling...so hopefully he'll deal with it mostly,as my plate is full enough.Today he'll add some horse manure,and I'll get out the leaf shredder,and he can add some of those.If he doesnt start planting today I'll be very surprised,but I know he will be by tomorrow.I took pics,but will have to wait for sweetie to come out of dreamland. I had Jim put up 2 older birdhouses last summer up on the fence posts of the compost pile.I really didnt think I'd get any birds,but one was scoping it out hard yesterday even with us there next to it building the beds and making a rackett. Bumblebee's. We've had plenty since I started planting flowers.Now we have even more I've noticed. And their not tiny ones.I've recently read their even better than honeybees for blueberries especially.Well-theres no shortage of them here.I'm teaching Landon to give them plenty of room and to never bother them,actually walk the other way. Their bite doesnt tickle for sure-but they do a great job of pollinating,so we leave them alone to do their important job.Their only aggressive when their bothered,and I like to take pics of them.When we moved in, I started a Comfrey bed to aid with the healing of cuts,bumps & bruises, and to feed the important nutrients to all the other plants. I can get 3 harvests in a season.I'm almost ready for the first harvest.I also started a large drum for the juice,to mix with water and water the plants.The 2 Rubarb roots that Mom gave me this time took off-so one whole line of that will be on the other side of the comfrey bed. Finally,its only taken me 4 trys to get it right with this plant,and this is a plant that grows well in this state. The strawberries are starting to flower now and are quite large,and I'm thinking I can harvest the garlic late next month.Those funny little Johnny Jump-ups jumped out of their bed last year and decided to start a line of their own,so I can't wack near the rock border now as their much too happy growing there.A grocery trip early this morning-then I can get back to some serious weeding..

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High temps..

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May 22, 2009 | 1:58 AM PST
Tag: raised beds..
My brother and Landon worked on the new raised beds for the whole morning. He's got a real small shovel just right for him and he was so funny backfilling and stomping it to pack it down.All posts are in now,they are ready to screw on the sides this morning,and start filling them. I made them quit at 11:30, as the temps were getting high and it was just too hot out there.It ended up reaching 85* yesterday,with high humidity.Its in the shade till about 9 am,then full sun all day.I know he's excited about getting it finished,so he'll be out there early to take advantage of that shade. Suppose to be a repeat today.One of the valves broke on my rain barrel,so need to pick up another one today,and it needs a good scrubbing.Got one air conditioner in last night at least,but have to move the window box to another window, and will have to go with shade type plants for that.Now that will be different as I'm used to doing everything that takes full sun.I lost 2 of the celery between getting hit with a frost-then high heat-I dont think they'll bounce back.The other 4 are in partial shade,so their doing ok.Watered last night and mowed a section after it cooled down somewhat.It looks to be another busy weekend,with a small barbarque planned.Time to dig out the picnic table again,and time for a new umbrella,and hope this one lasts longer than one season.

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Two gardener's..

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May 17, 2009 | 2:48 AM PST
Tag: seedlings..
Are better than one.Kinda like the two heads are better than one thing..? My brother for various reasons,has bounced around,but always manages to have at least some container tomatoes etc., where ever he lives.This summer he's with us,but also has a small raised strawberry patch at my other brothers house about an hours drive from us.He was into composting there also,but he was the only one that was into it.He wants to grow a few pumpkins for the boys here,to have as their own, and can watch them grow. His boy Hunter,who is 8, who visits with us, and my grandson-Landon,almost 4,who's with me 3-4 days a week.So he's got an itch he has to scratch.Where to put them,since areas are planned out for building more beds,whenever we have spare time.Well,I'm gonna suggest he start building the compost area bed.I have areas where I cant plant so to allow the tractor, truck or mower-rider to drive thru.Well-in between night crawling,and the odd jobs,I think he wants to build and get his hands in the dirt,and if Jims busy working on the vehicles,what the heck.I liked soaphouse's building materials for her raised beds,and I told jim I'd like that in the compost area bed. Hopefully the metal roofing wont cost a fortune.So I'll run it by Rick,and we'll pick up some pumpkins already started,and get them in for the boys.In the meantime,my new strawberry bed is empty & awaits the loam-compost mixture. Those will be moved next spring but want to get the bed filled ahead of time.Rick knows how to run the tractor,so if he wants to play on it in between the important house stuff-then it might as well be getting done by somebody-anybody...update- Rick got antsy and started building the raised bed area.All dug up with the Mantis, and 2 posts sunk already. We found one full sheet of metal left over from the garage roof to use-so only have to buy one.He'll split that sheet in two for the sides.Have enough posts laying around,for the stakes for the sides.We'll end up making two 4 x8 metal beds,with a space between for walking.Now he's cranking,and has his seedlings started too...jim has his pegboards done- and now ready to empty more totes..I cant believe how long it takes to get a garage situated...or maybe its just because jim has alot of tools now-at any rate I'll be glad to be able to walk around in my bay finally.

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Another critter..

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May 16, 2009 | 1:23 AM PST
Tag: the green grass of home..
Knowing a strong rain storm was looming, I went around and picked up all the stray yard stuff the day before.I'm sure my neighbor appreciated it. lol. Gusts up to 50 m.p.h.,went on thru the night and it seems all survived ok.We halted on the chimney work 1/2 way for the time being,till we bring the stainless steel chimney back with us,or measurements at the end of the month. We put the brother on building the middle partition in the garage,which will also be insulated. More shelves for storage & pegboards for hanging stuff is needed,and that'll give Jim a nice cozy bay-without having to heat the whole thing. Right up brothers alley, as he loves to build-and Jim can concentrate on doing other stuff.Wow-the wall is done,shelves are up,peg board on sunday.Now I can clear the middle bay, be able to walk around and find stuff-and brother has some pocket money in between jobs to get his truck on the road.I was suppose to finish up my job friday-but the owner whipped another spare room on me,so I still have a room left to do next week. In the meantime Jim's taking me for some R&R one night next week-so I hope they have a hottub or pool.My girl got me a Coneflower & a Lupine for mothers day,the Lupine is red. She doesnt know I already have both,but there are areas where I would like a mass planting of those two things-so that worked out well.Also a little garden sign that reads " Tickle the earth with a rake and she will giggle flowers", to add to my small collection. I put the pots under the honeysuckle till I could get to them,well-the groundhog decided to try something new,and sheared off the coneflower,and 3/4 of the Lupine. So I put them next to the house till I can get to them. When we moved in-the property was pretty much a bare lot.And that included critters that we could see.Since then we've acquired frogs-toads,resident groundhog,mice & moles,occasional skunk,and possibly a rabbit,although we never saw one.Till yesterday. He was hopping around in all his glory on my evening check.And I got to say-he was beautiful,but I probaly wont think so when I plant my veggie garden next year,so will have to plan to critter guard the raised beds.He was eating the tall grass and whatever else they eat,and wasnt too scared of me.I think thats the critter thats been nibbling at the bark of shrubs this past winter. So we'll have to gate off the orchard of blueberries late this fall-but I'm sure if he's determined he'll get in there.I have to remember to grab the camera when I go out for my checks from now on.The groundhog. Has made its den right at the edge of the property line,so I quess thats here for awhile-kinda like squatters rights. Rick says I've made an oasis of heaven for nature here,so expect more interesting things to come.I think he's waiting for the deer,thats what he wants...lol.Sitting on the roof is the perfect deer stand.Its not just japs & slugs anymore.Because we're having a different type of season,the slugs are minimal this year. Jims grass patch is filling in nicely,and the Morning Glories made it thru the storm & making their climb.The tulips I brought back from his moms house are a deep red,I have them in front of the stockade fence right now,and so very pretty. 4 out of 8 bloomed,so thats a start. The new ones from the country fair are a beautiful yellow with red lines.Now I know that tulips like sandy soil,so will keep sand on hand for fall planting this year.I suppose that all bulbs like a mixture of sand as it probaly drains better too.It turns out my Raised Rock Garden is 3/4 bulbs,but just a little shifting around in the fall,putting the taller ones in the back is all it needs.Most of the garden accents are blue,as it was going to be a "Blues Garden",but somewhere along the line changed my mind-since their all bulbs.They require less water,so its great I shouldnt have to water it at all. The last 2 perennials have to be moved,since I want more room for more bulbs this fall.I did get the seat planter changed from brown to blue also & planted with the celery and petunia's. A strange combo,but they like each other. I quess that means I'll be building another for that blues garden somewhere.The days are packed full,and summertime grilling has started,which we love more than indoor cooking.The grass is a lush green this year-seems to be a more vivid color than previous years,probaly because the climate this year is better.We've had rain, but not drowning in it,and the humidity hasnt started in full force yet.But I do believe we will get the air conditioner in sunday,as the temps are climbing to 70* plus,and I want to be ready this year...

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Its chimney time,,

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May 10, 2009 | 1:44 AM PST
Tag: something red..
Well-so much for best laid plans.Didn't get to the blueberries,but it still turned out ok. At the end of the day friday nite we decided to take Landon overnite for saturday. Pappa was already going to take him for his haircut/breakfast sat morning anyways while I worked the morning, and my brother went to pick up his boy.This time my daughter wanted his hair real short,as she found a tick on his head the other day.No curls left on this haircut! And he tells me"No more bad bugs-MeMe'"! He looks like he's ready for the armed services..lol.The boys had a good time playing together outside,my brother had had enough time before the kids got there to take down the chimney-all thrown onto a tarp in the back yard & cover over the hole.Jim and I loaded up all the bricks in the truck to take tuesday to the dump.Its a good thing we decided to do the chimney this year as the flue was cracked quite a bit down & it simply fell apart with the push of his finger. Lots of mortar missing too.Not good when planning on putting in a woodstove! Apparently its got some age on it & at least we won't have to worry now if the chimneys ok everytime we light a fire.The bricks & mortar get delivered Monday morning-and he still has to inspect the rest of it all the way down to make sure its ok or needs more.This is something I won't fret about when it comes to budget,whatever he needs to do the job right.I'm just glad he's experienced enough to do it and he's available. It rained on & off during this,I got the morning glories planted-when the heavens opened up,,,thunder-lightening,pourin
g rain till dark.Very large drops,creating huge puddles in 15 minutes.Its suppose to be 1/2 way decent today after that good soaking.I'm glad for the rain as I dont have to go out and water the blueberries that needed it.Today I can pop in the celery plants,after seeing my Mom this morning.4 years ago I told my daughter I wanted something for my gardens on mothers day. Keep it simple,no jewelry,no candles,no inside flowers,no clothes,just go to a nursery & pick out a plant for the gardens.Last year I requested blue,this year,red. Has to be able to take full sun.I don't even care if she gets me one I already have,as I usually buy/divide more than one of everything anyways.My kid has a hard time following instructions-and/or remembering-as I got a Columbine-not blue but so very delicate & pretty anyways.I see yesterday its up a little bit,so now I'm excited to see what she picked this year.Hmmm,will I get red?? Suppose to have 3 days of sun coming up this week,should be a great week!...

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Pretty Annuals..

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May 9, 2009 | 3:04 AM PST
Tag: sunny days..
After I got done with the stuff that I had to do,then I got to go to the nursery for the annuals. I had 1 1/2 hr. hours to play before supper. I potted up the 2 hanging baskets on my trellis with petunia's.I had spray painted a large neglected flower pot that was in the clients trash pile,then I got an annual to go with the burgandy color of the pot.This morning I'll take it back and put it near their front entrance for some good Feng Shui. The pots in good enough shape to last a few more years,it just needed a new paint job. I planted pansies in the hanging basket by the road,and have a few left over to stick somewhere else.I did end up with one 6 pack of celery,that I'll put in somewhere also,just couldnt stand the thought of not growing some celery this year-even though I said I wasnt getting into veggie gardening this year.I got the yard 1/2 mowed-then had brother take over so I could play with the flowers.I'll work this morning-then up to Walmart for some Krylon paint for the large plastic troughs.I had sprayed the new "Royal Crown Imperials" with the garlic spray real good-as they were covered with the red lily beetles.It seemed to do the trick,as I checked last nite,and their numbers were diminished quite a bit.I finally picked up the "tree face" to put on the large stump near the firepit. After Walmart I'll plant my last 2 blueberries-then start on the orchard.A nice day yesterday and another today they say,so a few more gardening chores may get done outside.Lots of black flies this year...my Skin-So-Soft is on its way! The flies dont like it-and we'll be softer for it!

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Everythings popping..

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May 8, 2009 | 1:07 AM PST
Tag: all thats green..
We've had rain on & off,its simply making everything pop now. My brother is up for the summer,sleeping in the camper which he loves.The chimney redo is a bit more exstensive ,and exspensive than the first look-but we're really not surprised,as thats how it usually goes.Its got to get done this year-so whatever is needed.He made the attic crawl space bigger for us,and even cleaned up his mess. I've been too sore and tired-but did walk around yesterday and plucked up some weeds in 2 beds,and did a general check.I've got another week for this job-then I can do something real out in the gardens-although today I can probaly muster up enough energy to plant the Morning Glories,as their sprouting like crazy in the bowl,and going to climb out if I don't. When we first moved in,we noticed on every shovel full, we had a good amount of worms. My brother has always liked collecting nightcrawlers for fishing.Last night he stayed up a couple extra hours in the drizzle to collect.In just 2 small areas, he collected 16 dozen nightcrawlers without digging.He was totally blown away from the amount he was seeing,and how fast he got them. So he's making a sign to sell them for the summer.I told him I quess I should think about getting set up in the future & selling them along with the blueberries in my retirement. For now-he can handle it and make some spare change.Jim bought the 2 biggest pieces of sheetrock we needed for the living room,and now have the muscles available to do it,so when it rains again, they'll have something to do instead of twiddling their thumbs.It'll be nice to at least start the walls.The garlic is twice the size now,the strawberries are thriving with this spring rain.I'll be glad to harvest the garlic so I can add to the bed and get it ready for next year,as it needs more soil.The spruce took yet another huge leap of growth-I think its topping out at 9 ft now,more than I expected.Apparently it loves the flood zone area.I need the pine needles & cones,so if I could do another in a good spot I will.Time to get this tropical Hibiscus out of the house and give it some rain too.More rain rolling in on sunday.I think today is a low key day-do the morning glories and repaint the pot up and potting soil it..My chariot is now up and running again-it needed a new battery.

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Hmmm, an unusual week,,

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May 2, 2009 | 2:24 AM PST
Tags: one potato , two potato...
Ah-well, I spoke too soon. My "Chariot" is still broken. He thought he had it fixed-but it wouldn't start for me after he left for work. A couple more windy days,, and Landon didn't want to stay outside for too long anyways.But we did manage to get in 4 blueberry bushes along the little fence-and planted the new Clematis. 2 more to go this weekend. Yesterday it was rain-we needed it for sure. The flower buds got to a certain point & just refuse to open without it I quess. We also got halted on moving the strawberry bed-and finally decided to wait till my brother shows up for the weekend.The tractor can handle the brunt of the heavy load of weight,and we can each be on the sides,guiding it into place.My brother will start redoing our chimney,thats needed this year.I started the extra job yesterday,and feel like I worked in the garden for 2 days,and got plenty of sore muscles-so I'm glad its raining,as I haven't enough oomph to pick up a shovel,only to look.I go back today,start a bit earlier and knock off at 3. This little side job bought my 2nd hand brush cutter for the north side.We wont tackle that till this fall,but by then we'll have all the powertools we need to do the job.I may go back and put in the morning hours tomorrow as well.By then I should need a big hottub,but do like the progress I'm making. Since the owner is so thrilled with how its coming out,-he wants me to stay on and keep it in shipshape,and help train 4 men into being somewhat tidy.A family housing unit turning into a boarding house for males.The older one being the only one that has a clue. Basically I say, give a man a trash can with a liner, and thats 1/2 the battle.It sure is funny.We got the rain we needed,and a little more last night. Now the buds should pop open. I'm soaking the morning glory seeds to plant this afternoon-hopefully that will make a big difference in the germination from last year. Potatoes are in & Scarlett Runner Beans are next...

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