dbjc364's Blog

long days..
Jul 31, 2009 | 4:59 AM PST
Tag: have more frogs now..

Now is when I should take some pics.After I've weeded the beds,and they look good. Silly me, when I weeded the last time- I didnt think to lay down some black mulch fabric to keep the weeds down, if I had, I wouldnt have had to weed again.The one bed that had a big piece-thats being fixed up & filled for next year- had no weeds at all.So I got it out and laying it down today.The front rock garden is being weeded now-2 hrs so far,and I only got the top layer it seems.Thats just a spring flower bed,so if I lay the fabric down,and take it up in early spring so the bulbs can pop up-it should be ok.The bamboo fence needs fixing yet again,,this time just the rails are falling off as the twine didnt hold up,and this time we're using vinyl coated wire.We hung some Jap bags again,plan on doing another application of the Milky Spore very soon with the granules this time, and saving the powder for the small areas & beds,as the powder application takes longer to do. We can use the spreader for the larger areas and go faster.Hopefully the bags will diminish their numbers and not attract to many more-as some say it does. Landon can help me plant more radish, carrots & lettuce today.I pulled up the 1st garlic, a good crop this year- big and well formed.I'll keep one for replanting,a couple for us and give away the rest.The bed that their going in has to be filled a bit more & conditioned this weekend for that.Landon doesnt like it when I just weed, as he tends to get bored,but we'll haul out the trucks and cars,and he can get grubby while I do that-that seems to occupy him for a bit, and I'll time myself for an hour only,so its not too boring for him.Its been very hot and humid in between the rain showers,and the garden is going crazy now.Oh- boy,I've had a couple days to get out there and work some magic.Even though I'm still working on the front rock garden{that may take a few more days this week},but I've made good progress out back.All the garden clutter hanging around on the ground & pallets out back the gardenshed is picked up. Jim put up 2x4's on the walls for me, and I hung the large potting basins,pieces of lattice,and whatever else I had on sturdy hooks. nothing on the ground now,and instantly I have another spot for a flower bed. The garlic is slowly getting harvested one bulb at a time to whomever wants some,I think I have 13 bulbs.A few perennials need removing from a bed that the next round of garlic is going in,so I'll need another flower bed,and the back of the gardenshed gets full sun also.I've got about 200 bricks to use up.So I might as well use some of them.I've got a screen door thats leaning against the side of the house- for my brother to install if it will fit,and he has a couple more things he can do when he gets here today.Jim started the bathtub project yesterday also,the small wall is built,I've insulated the underside of the tub to help keep the bathwater warmer longer,his holes are cut,so now we're ready to attach the wall clips to the wall.He also worked on his trailor getting the wiring harness situated better.I'm all caught up on mowing-that goes in the shop today.I also got the inside of the gardenshed cleaned out & up pretty good,just a little more tweaking.Today I'll add some stuff to the compost pile-which needs to be flipped again. Jim & Rick will disconnect & hopefully get the remaining oil out of the oil tank-somewhere between 10-50 gallons.Rick can take down the remaining brick chimney on a rainny day,and Jim can go pick up the lawn mower down the street today.I got out back again, and weeded the raspberry patch-now I can see them.Then I moved to the front fence line-mowing, weeding and can see them also.Pruning back the sad looking rose bush from the destructive japs,now it can take off again,and did that whole small area.With the jap bags up-their now leaving the blueberry bushes alone,and the bags are filling up,so it looks like I'll have to do this till the Milky Spore kicks in.House trim is going up,a screen on the back door-just needs a bit of tweaking today. More materials to go up north Jim picked up last night,and the little wall for the bathtub here is made and ready to put in place-? Only he knows for sure...

Oh- woe is me,,
Jul 30, 2009 | 4:54 AM PST
Tag: their numbers are staggering

Oh, I wish I had some chickens,

So I could sit upon my rock,

and watch them eat those japs

and to each other they would talk.

They could scratch the dirt and grass,

And pluck them one by one,

So by year 2011,not a nary one.

I'll build them a fine warm house,

as grand as it could be,

with all the nests they could want

and a window for them to see.

My flock of queens will be spoiled,

and be happily content,

as they eat their way into beetle heaven

cause I haven't made a dent. 

 

Too much grass,,,
Jul 29, 2009 | 5:08 AM PST
Tag: tiny toads
It's what I keep thinking, I won't have to do this next year.There will still be a fairly long list-but the crucial things will be done,and the rest can be done at a better pace.Back at our place,we had a nice breakfast out yesterday- went and ordered the 2 windows we needed at the discount place.Jim ordered the spare tire we need for the trailor from the manufacturer,as I dont trust never having a flat with those long trips.The dealership gave us the wrong rim for our car when we bought it,so we got an exchange for that and he got that done too.We havent been able to fix the "Nueton"- it isnt the charger or the battery,and theres just very little that can go wrong on it- so I think the thing has to be shipped back and fixed by their experts,as its beyond us.So the price of trying to go green has begun to be quite costly,and the only green is the green thats disappearing from our wallets.Thats a bummer-cause I really like the mower so I hope they can fix it.In the meantime, my el'cheapo is doing a fine job.I worked in the blueberry orchard,finally finishing what I started 3 weeks ago.Jim helped me at the end of the day finishing up with the wacker,while I hand weeded.Then I moved onto one of the beds to weed-got that done while he continued to wack and sweep up the grass clippings.The mower has an appointment next monday to change the blade to a mulching blade-oil change etc.That eliminates the sweeping time,and better for the grass.I think I have all the grass clippings I need for a while.I'm back outback for a couple hrs this morning to weed again,and by golly we might get this yard shaped up after all.It would be real nice to have a fire this weekend in the pit,as we havent been able to mostly because of weather- and we have another nice weekend coming they say.I found the tiniest baby toad-not even as big as my pinky,trying to avoid my lethal blows of the wacker,so I put it in my raised bed.I got another 2 1/2 cups of blueberries also.Right now I dont have enough time to bake with them-so I'm shipping them over to Moms as I'm still working off last years crop in my freezer. Its better for the bushes to pick them anyways-so I'm sure I can find someone who wants some.Ordered the concrete piers needed for the pole barn-they'll get delivered this morning. A full day ahead with sun this morning before rain rolls in again...

Progress..
Jul 27, 2009 | 1:33 AM PST
Tag: resident snakes..
Well- we rode up in the rain again,I'm glad we packed early on thursday,it poured all night-then started in again early morning saturday- but stopped around 6 am.Only about 7 leaks in the little roof- but Whoo-hoo! the guys were able to start demolition time early. It took them quite a while to get it off,and all cleaned up.The new roof certainly went on faster.There's still part 2 to do to it next trip,but glad this part is done.No disasters occurred,thank goodness, and the waste container is plumb full for the guy to take away.I got the cabinets all covered over-ready to start primer on the ceiling next trip,and bringing the mowers for sure.The guys went over the next 2 projects again after this was finished,just to check to see if any other materials were needed.The rain held off for us,and didnt start in again till 1/2 way home.Its thunder-lightening now and another round of wet for us.As there are more than plenty of trees at the other property- we'll be digging up some pines,as I counted at least 8 small ones that could be spared-and we need some here.The guys are quite tired but very happy they got part 1 -roof done.My other project was tackling a group of overgrown shrub-trees mess,lots of day lillies in the group-at the end of the driveway.I cut it down to managable status,allowing for a better view for street traffic when driving out of the driveway.An old lilac in the group got a major haircut too.I had 2 huge piles of brush, then had Jim go behind me in the morning,and get the saplings down to ground level better with the chainsaw.We piled it all on the trailor and brought it home.He'll do a dump run on tuesday.At our dump- they take brush-wood debris and mulch it up-bag it to sell on the market-its quite a recycle project they have there.That program helps to keep our taxes down.Its doing the thunder thing pretty good here,so I'll end for now...

Finally, a toad..
Jul 23, 2009 | 7:23 PM PST
Tags: weeds , and more weeds..
Tired. Yes, I am,and get that way quite frequently,so I stop when I do.And rest-then I can go on.I know its worth it- when I go out to the bushes at the end of the day, and pop one in my mouth, and start picking the blueberries, and I've got another 2 cups.Those are my babies for sure.Then its all worthwhile.And I know this is the rough part, doing the other house- and it will also be worthwhile when we're done or almost done, and looks so much better than it does at this point.I figure most of life is full of lemons,so the only thing to do is squeeze the heck out of it anyways.The house is a blessing and a curse at the same time.I just came in from mowing with the push-sweating up a storm,and did some small areas,but that was enough for tonite. We've packed the truck and trailor so we can just take a long nap and get up before the worms and head out.Even when I'm there,I point the fan directly at me and konk out for a bit in the afternoon,then I can continue for a few more hours,and I am usually more productive.We're just praying to get the little roof done and we'll be happy.Another full load going up,next trip I'd like to bring the rider and push mower to keep it down to somewhat normal and not have to hire the bushhogger again till next spring.My Red Rocket Lupine thats in the pot it came in, is ready to flower now,so should be in bloom when I get back.One happy fat toad out by the gardens tonite but he was too fast for me to catch to put in the garden.My front raised rock garden is swallowed up by grass and weeds,,so thats on my early week chore next week.Alot of mosquitos tonite too..

Whatever I get,will be a miracle...
Jul 23, 2009 | 4:49 AM PST
Tag: raindrops keep fallin' on my head...
What a busy season we have regardless if sun or rain. I had to pull up the potato plants as they were pretty much dying or dead. But I got a good bowlful of small spuds anyways.Another bite of a 1/2 ripe strawberry which was so sweet and delicious,I look forward to moving them, and getting them more protected from the slugs vigorous appetites.I accidently found a birds nest in the spruce tree next to the garden,the mama was quite upset with me for taking pics.{new pics in the July album}.The day at the lake at the bosses' camp was a long ride there,but many lobster to devour,and they had a good staff meeting. I had Landon that day also,but he kept occupied while Pappa did his work first,and him and I took a ride on a golf cart down to the lake.Jim and I took another day in the garage,got the last wall insulated,then started hanging what I could on the walls to clear out floor space.When the stuff was clear of the overhead door,Jim said,"wow"! I may actually get to installing this door finally! ,as its just temporarily nailed in place.So that may actually happen this year,and then I can use the door.Now we actually have useable floor space for any more building materials we can pick up on sale.I spent the morning on the cement floor and my feet were screaming at me when I finally caved in, but it was worth it.The cukes arent doing good at all,havent grown one iota,so I dont think I'll see any of them this year,unless I buy some at Shop & Save.I'm repacking for another trip early morning tomorrow and this time it looks like we'll have sun,so the little roof can get torn off and the new one on. Thats Rick and Jims top priority this time,but jim also has many other little things to do if he gets done early.I get to tape off the cabinets and cover with plastic so I dont make a mess of them while painting the ceiling,and get everything all set to go.The 1st week of August we start digging here,in between trips up north,and are quite happy to finally get closer to that very important project,as everything has been stalled for a spell.As theres no wall in back of my kitchen cabinet, I lost my spatula down the chimney hole,which brother will find when he gets to tearing that last portion down.I'm glad it wasn't my good spatula.We've got about 8 stalks of corn thats doing marvelous,much better than the field of corn around us.And lots of tomatoes that are going crazy now everywhere,and growing bigger each day.I am going to the store after work today to see if I can find something to cover the blueberry bushes from the japs,as they are doing a number on them.We get alot of rainbows right behind the house all the time- and each time I see one,its cool beans,and it always dumbfounds me how it does that.This last one was the closest we've had,the biggest and brightest. I expect one of these days its going to land right smack in my yard.Now that will be really cool. Not alot of frogs this year,or Fireflys either,and still no sign of the groundhogs.I'm barely able to keep up with the grass in between rain and the trips-and we'll be so happy when the other house is done for this year.

Almost full power..
Jul 17, 2009 | 4:53 AM PST
Tag: japs are here..
Well- I'm about back to full power now,,Jim's still lagging a bit,but should be ok within a couple more days.We've reduced ourselves to tackling the small stuff till he is.My new bath is finally here!..still needs to be plumbed in,and should be using it within a month.Who-Hoo!! Now thats really something exciting-been waiting a long time to have a bath downstairs! The Roma's in the front bed are doing great.I thinned them out a little more,and the ones in the raised beds are going crazy now and have tiny tomatoes.The Nueton{battery mower}is still having a problem,so we need to order a new charger and see if thats the problem,as its not giving us full power either.In the meantime,we picked up a Walmart push mower to get me thru,leaving the grass was not an option.I'd never be able to cut it if I waited.So thats plowing thru the smaller areas,and this one is lightweight for me,compared to the last gas push mower I had.My potatoes arent looking too good,either too much rain,or blight from the looks of them,but I do have lots of baby potatoes,so thats iffy.I can't get too worked up about it,as theres too much to think and do this summer,and next year will be better. I got the front grass cut yesterday and 1/2 way down with the wacker- will finish this morning-as they say temps are going up, and no rain.Another 1/2 hr of late afternoon rain yesterday,and the other day we had a double rainbow again,this time very close to the house, as we get alot of them in the field behind us.Tomorrow is cake and ice cream for the birthday boy.We got him the "Hot Wheels" Jurassic Park series,as now he's into dinosaurs a bit.I hope that gives him many hours of imaginative playtime.I'll pick up an Etch-A-Sketch too, as he seemed intrigued by that one day-if I can find one.Don't know why,but the groundhogs are infrequent these days.Maybe they are moving on,but that seems unlikely.The japs are here, making mincemeat of the Pussy Willow again-I look forward to having those chickens.Although with all the rain-their numbers are reduced this year.Even though I had the lily beetles in the beginning,they rebounded and started flowering also. I've started picking blueberries now,and the bushes are doing well,but will have to get out the garlic spray for the japs.

well,I know its bright outside..
Jul 13, 2009 | 3:34 AM PST
Tag: wher's my oomph..?
but kinda yucky in here.Well,we had this past weekend to tackle all kinds of stuff. It came and went.Both of us were sick at the same time.I started feeling yucky on thursday morning,jim around thursday night.Not sure if he'll go to work today or stay home and switch tomorrow instead.The rule is we're not to get sick at the same time so we can play doctor on the other,but mother nature didnt listen to us this time.well,I quess we made it & we're coming out of it now.Not sure if it was the swine flu or not.And saturday was a gorgeous day here,but we pretty much just slept alot.Of course-there was no-one to do any cooking,so we went out for hotdogs and ate by the river,and went for a drive in the country,as thats about all we had the energy for.Both of us are waiting to get our energy back before tackling the office job this week or anything that requires some oomph.As Landon didnt feel good last week,and had a runny nose,thats probaly where it came from.My daughter has the option of staying home today if she doesnt want to bring him over,but I said we're pretty much over it,it didnt matter at this point,I probaly just wont venture outside today.Sounds like the road is wet anyways.Well-at least it was timed good in between the house trips.With this good stretch of weather we hope the brother got the septic system job done,so he can get to our place shortly for the digging.Not much going on here- but I can see the grass needs mowing soon as I venture outside again..maybe tomorrow.

Run-groundhog-run!
Jul 10, 2009 | 4:13 AM PST
Tag: grass mulch
I wouldn't be surprised if these strawberries were "Gurneys Whoppers." Some of them are almost as big as my palm.Not knowing this as there was no tag- last year I bought them on a yard sale up the street.The plants are also huge.Much bigger than the first 2 crops previously planted.well- I said I wanted to try some of those whoppers.Anyways not knowing how big these were I crowded them into one 4x8 bed,waiting for the big bed to get done,then transplant them next spring.Alot of the berries are mis-shapen,which tells me the soil needs some nutrients.But I cant even get in there.So their on their own for this year,and it looks like the slugs are making their way in there also.But all in all,next year I look forward to them having enough room for them,and being able to attend to them.After I got home from the job, I rested for a bit-then went out to see the 2 raised beds. Rick said it was surrounded by a moat on 3 sides.It was down to one side by then,so I started weeding.The grass was up over the plants-6 inches high,and I got that one done-then Rick joined me.In full/partial sun mode now till at least wednesday they say.The beefsteak are getting big & uncontrollable now-we have them on the wrong side,but next year we'll put them against the lattice.He got the last pumpkin seedling in on the hill,we weeded the 2nd bed,not nearly as bad as the first,then I checked on the blueberries.Only thing I could see was one bush had 3 leaves curled around each other, I knew there was something in there.It was a small white moth, looked like one of those cabbage moths,making a cacoon.Other than that,they're bushing out real good,loved all this rain,and even the Kentucky line babies have grown a few inches.Jim wacked the heck out of the circle area around the 5 ft. stump,so we can do something with that.As the grass was quite tall,it'll take another round,but gave him a dandy good workout.I only had one dandelion weed in the garlic bed after 4 weeks,,and thats the only bed that got a 4 inch pile of grass mulch-so it works well.I got the flower bed almost finished,so if I can finish that this weekend, I will do the same in there.The weeds were pulling so very easy with all the rain we had.Boy-I can't wait till that pole barn is built-I have too much stuff crowded into the little gardenshed,making it hard to find stuff-and/or move around,so that needs a gentle overhaul.I think I could hang some stuff on the wall on the outside,freeing up the floor space.This weekend I'll have time to snap pics again.Rick went to step out of the camper yesterday,and there was Mr. Groundhog,right in front of the step- he almost stepped on him,and he said,it startled the begeezers out of him.lol,I think Mr. Groundhog was just as scared,jumped straight up & ran as fast as he could!

Different scenes..
Jul 8, 2009 | 2:55 AM PST
Tag: more rain..
Every trip we take up north is different.Usually the same 2 road routes,but always something different to see.This time the truck was loaded,and utility trailor partially. A trip to Home Depot for materials again,then head out from there.Well- we ended up taking another load of bricks to the dump in the morning,before we left the house,just to get them off the lawn,as they've been sitting there for at least 3 weeks.In Home Depot we found all that was on the list,and started unpacking the trailor and reload it.Got down to the last item,and started tying it on,and some boy walking by says "Sorry-but you aint going far with that flat tire",and his Dad says,"Don't worry its only flat on the bottom"!.lol. Dang. another delay- thank goodness Super Walmart was right next door,so I waited with the trailor while Jim went to have the tire fixed,and here its July 3rd, and many places are closed.Yup- they were open and fixed the tire for $2.00.It had a bad valve stem.ok- back on the road, and its around 3:00 p.m by now-but made it about 1/2 way in record time,a quick stop for a lemonade,and I noticed a camper place across the street to go look at campers,but way too much traffic this time, but Jim wanted to stop at the "Habitat For Humanity" Store two doors down.We'd never stopped- only heard about it, and you never know what you'll find.We got a new toilet for either house-whichever one it'll fit, for $50.They had alot of sinks,which we need at our place,but decided to wait till next trip,as we were running out of room.Rolled roofing that was on our list-2 & 1/2 rolls for $25. What a deal!.That helps the budget.All kinds of goodies there for future trips to look at.We got there a little before dark,unpacked some,watched a little tv,then hit the sack. We now have temporary hot water at least in the bathroom-Jim says where do you want the hot water-the bathroom or kitchen sink??...well- duh,,I want a shower,I dont know what the rest of the world would choose.I figured a bucket in the shower could collect hot water for dishes-which worked out ok.I felt like I won the lottery.Cool beans.Jim made headway on the little back entrance-a new threshold-half the floor is done-door is recut so it will close.I got one wall done in the dining room.Wacked and mowed in front of the 2 windows,unfortunately,had to cut down the perennials to get to the windows,but most should come back next spring.A good portion of it was oregano and thyme mostly.Another baby snake-this one was a bright green,matching the stems of the flowers-and blending in.I caught him twice to show Jim but he got away from me-slippery little devil.Another garden paver found,a bunny stone.So now I have 2 bunny's, 2 turtles, a heart.Ok- thats an odd number-so maybe there's one more buried there somewhere.The excavator man came and went-all is cleaned up-and a big hole where he got the huge slab out in front of the door,now waiting to get filled in,and get new steps built.We got a late start but feel it was still a good productive trip and going to take a break this weekend,and stay home-we hear its going to be a good weather weekend too.Tomorrow we finally go get a new tub for here,and Jim will start plumbing it in this week.Yippee! A 5 yr wait for a tub downstairs,but the tricky part is removing the tub upstairs,now that should be interesting! Update. We had to order the tub for here as they dont stock right hand drains. We bought the left hand drain for up there,and came home with that. Alot of plumbing stuff,etc. Next trip is on the 24th-taking a break for the next 2 weekends.We have his office-lobster party at the bosses camp to attend to on friday. Today is raining yet again-but sun is ahead for us tomorrow thru monday they say.No matter about the rain-I have chimney soot to clean by the looks of it.The tomato plants are getting very big- I will check them today to see if I have actual tomatoes yet.Looks like the chicken wire is working, keeping out whatever ate the strawberry.For as much rain as we've had-I'm still getting a good crop of celery-but I think the peppers are drowning.I dont know when most kids outgrow their naps,and Landon starts preschool at the end of August.He still takes 1-2 hr. naps most days,so I hope they give us a morning session.She's trying to get him to bed earlier most nights,but he still acts like he needs it.He turns 4 this month-so we're trying to get our schedules together for a small party,and I need to pick up a present for him.

Lots of berries...
Jul 3, 2009 | 2:37 AM PST
Tag: wheres the red..?
I'm amazed at the crop I do have. Its quite huge, many big strawberries,just waiting to turn red,lots of blueberries-many turning blue now,so they dont care if the suns not here.The woodchuck got the first strawberry I quess-I'm assuming it was them,it was 3/4 red. It now has chicken wire around the bed.I intend to get to eat a few of them at least.I'm hearing with all the rain-the strawberries arent doing well here-mush & rot I quess. Mine are holding up though so far. The rain stopped long enough for the grass to dry out a bit,and I had enough time at the end of Wednesday to mow it.Jim came home and swept it up for me.I have a hard time hooking the big thing on,so he usually does it.It rained again in the middle of the night-hard for an hour, then stopped and now back to a drizzle.Brother is taking a load of chimney bricks to the dump and we noticed the license plate wasnt there-just a big clump of grass. Must have lost it at the other house when we loaded up.The chimney is now down to the kitchen floor heading into the cellar.Yippee!..Now to get rid of this load of bricks! The chimney was very very bad,cracks all thru the flus,past fires in them,and overall condition was very bad,and brother said its a good thing we didnt hook a stove up right away without checking it,or we definitely would have burned the house down.I have the 2 boys today,the house quickly turned into boy wreakage,,so I will occupy myself cleaning the kitchen of brick dust for a bit. Then I'll go back outside if its not raining again and snap some pics.The boys have a computor set up just for games so they are quite busy going back and forth between all the toys.I only had the one girl,so I dont know how women do it with boys or a brood of mixed.lol..I think I'd simply go crazy. Leaving today for the other house-set my alarm for 4 a.m.,but awoke at 2 anyways. We had our first thunder shower around midnight-and even though it woke me briefly I would rather have that than rain or drizzle all day. After today- the sun is suppose to reappear sporatically-which is better than nothing.This is our spring weather in early summer.So we figure to get an Indian summer this year- and a shorter winter.It seems like we get one of these years every 4-5 years.The last one was when we moved in 5 yrs ago.Now that would be great for everyones fuel bill here,and a late harvest.I am already looking forward to the "Common Fair" in Sept.,and getting my supply of garlic,and a few new spring bulbs.But in the present, I still have a few seedlings left in containers waiting to go in- and not wanting them to drown in water,so holding off a bit more.Their not even climbing out of their little pots yet,so they know its not time either.When the cars go by-I can hear the rain on the road,so we'll cancel the dump run this morning, and head to Home Depot to load up again, then head out from there.Well-if its raining-might as well shop a bit,and by then maybe it'll let up..