Just another sign of spring's arrival!
Friday, March 27, 2009
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Seedlings
The Cosmos and Zinnias started poking their tiny selves out of the dirt sometime during the night. I’m hoping I can fill the non-vegetable areas of the garden with a superabundance of flower awesomeness!
I’ve also been working on some knitting projects. I’m using the leftover Malabrigo from my Foliage project...
...for a Kitschy Kerchief.
It’s one of the beginner patterns from S ‘n B. Sometimes it nice to go back to basics. It’s like a bit of a breather in-between the bigger projects.
I’ve got some more knitty projects on needles of which I will write about later.
Keep smiling! :o)
I’ve also been working on some knitting projects. I’m using the leftover Malabrigo from my Foliage project...
...for a Kitschy Kerchief.
It’s one of the beginner patterns from S ‘n B. Sometimes it nice to go back to basics. It’s like a bit of a breather in-between the bigger projects.
I’ve got some more knitty projects on needles of which I will write about later.
Keep smiling! :o)
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Randomness
Today's post meanders a bit, touching on a few random thoughts and musings.
Random #1:
Today, while I volunteered at the 577 Foundation, I glanced at the bonsai trees (which are nicely displayed now on driftwood platforms) and I thought about why I love them. I love bonsai trees because they spark my imagination. As a child I always conjured up fairies or talking mice or talking fairy mice who lived and hid among the bonsai trees. Even now, as an adult, when I look at a bonsai tree, I see the potential for stories about hidden worlds overlooked by those to busy to see them. Trees in general, whether they are 12 inches or 312 feet tall, always remind me of one of my favorite quotes, "Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished."
I try to remind myself of that when I think I need to rush my way through life. That quote always brings me back to center.
Random #2:
A couple of days ago, I ordered my seeds. I ordered them from Johnny's and High Mowing Seeds. Soon they will be here!
Today I started putting some seeds that a friend gave me into seedling trays. These are testers, while I wait for my seed order. Some of the seeds were a few years old, so I'm hoping they will germinate. Even though I have been gardening for awhile now, I am still amazed by the fact that something as tiny as a seed can create plants and veggies and fruit.
Random #3:
Last night I went to Insanknitty at The Yarn Cravin'. It was fun seeing everyone again, like Sarah and Karen. I think I'm going to try and make Insanknitty a habit. Oh, and HOORAY for Addi Purl, the cutest little puppy knitting mascot ever! I wish I had a picture of her, but I don't. At least not yet! She sat on my lap last night and tried to eat my hair. Silly puppy!
Random #4:
Just a picture of an orchid in bloom. Pretty.
Random #1:
Today, while I volunteered at the 577 Foundation, I glanced at the bonsai trees (which are nicely displayed now on driftwood platforms) and I thought about why I love them. I love bonsai trees because they spark my imagination. As a child I always conjured up fairies or talking mice or talking fairy mice who lived and hid among the bonsai trees. Even now, as an adult, when I look at a bonsai tree, I see the potential for stories about hidden worlds overlooked by those to busy to see them. Trees in general, whether they are 12 inches or 312 feet tall, always remind me of one of my favorite quotes, "Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished."
I try to remind myself of that when I think I need to rush my way through life. That quote always brings me back to center.
Random #2:
A couple of days ago, I ordered my seeds. I ordered them from Johnny's and High Mowing Seeds. Soon they will be here!
Today I started putting some seeds that a friend gave me into seedling trays. These are testers, while I wait for my seed order. Some of the seeds were a few years old, so I'm hoping they will germinate. Even though I have been gardening for awhile now, I am still amazed by the fact that something as tiny as a seed can create plants and veggies and fruit.
Random #3:
Last night I went to Insanknitty at The Yarn Cravin'. It was fun seeing everyone again, like Sarah and Karen. I think I'm going to try and make Insanknitty a habit. Oh, and HOORAY for Addi Purl, the cutest little puppy knitting mascot ever! I wish I had a picture of her, but I don't. At least not yet! She sat on my lap last night and tried to eat my hair. Silly puppy!
Random #4:
Just a picture of an orchid in bloom. Pretty.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
The Sometimes Stinky, Sometimes Sweet Scented Geranium
Once a week I volunteer at the 577 Foundation and help out with all things botanical. This is the same place I have my community garden (garden planning has begun as well!!!). Anyhoo, today's volunteer duties consisted of taking care of the scented geraniums.
I pruned leaves, removed the plants from their pots, teased their roots, stuck them back in the pots, refreshed them with new soil and then showered them with a diluted epsom salt bath (apparently, their muscles get sore and achy too). I had to quarantine four of the geraniums because it seemed that they had become deluxe condominiums for white flies. Poor little geraniums had to go to sick bay.
Now, it might not seem exciting to hang out with geraniums (especially the stinky ones) and dirt, but I LOVE IT! There's something about flowers and plants and trees that simply makes me happy, inspires my imagination and just plain relaxes me (Except for when a big hairy spider surprises me while I'm pruning. At that point I am neither happy or relaxed and am focused solely on getting far away from the clutches of Shelob). So, other than the scary, bloodsucking, fiend-like bugs there are smiles all around.
Repotted geraniums all lined up and ready to return to the dome.
Besides hanging out in the potting shed today, I've also started planning for this year's garden. My garden's theme will be based on the foods of Mexico.
These are the contenders so far:
1. Pinto Beans
2. Cilantro
3. Sweet White Corn
4. Epazote
5. Onions
6. Scallions
7. Tomatillos
8. Tomatoes
9. An assortment of chili peppers
10. Pumpkin (I want to try making pumpkin seed mole from scratch)
There will also be sunflowers, marigolds, cosmos, zinnias and nasturtium.
I haven't worked everything out, yet. So, some more vegetables might be added and some might be taken away. I wish I could grow citrus (lemon and lime) trees and avocado trees!!!
I'm super excited! w00t!
Here's a little splash of color to help you survive this cold rainy day...
I pruned leaves, removed the plants from their pots, teased their roots, stuck them back in the pots, refreshed them with new soil and then showered them with a diluted epsom salt bath (apparently, their muscles get sore and achy too). I had to quarantine four of the geraniums because it seemed that they had become deluxe condominiums for white flies. Poor little geraniums had to go to sick bay.Now, it might not seem exciting to hang out with geraniums (especially the stinky ones) and dirt, but I LOVE IT! There's something about flowers and plants and trees that simply makes me happy, inspires my imagination and just plain relaxes me (Except for when a big hairy spider surprises me while I'm pruning. At that point I am neither happy or relaxed and am focused solely on getting far away from the clutches of Shelob). So, other than the scary, bloodsucking, fiend-like bugs there are smiles all around.
Repotted geraniums all lined up and ready to return to the dome.
Besides hanging out in the potting shed today, I've also started planning for this year's garden. My garden's theme will be based on the foods of Mexico.
These are the contenders so far:
1. Pinto Beans
2. Cilantro
3. Sweet White Corn
4. Epazote
5. Onions
6. Scallions
7. Tomatillos
8. Tomatoes
9. An assortment of chili peppers
10. Pumpkin (I want to try making pumpkin seed mole from scratch)
There will also be sunflowers, marigolds, cosmos, zinnias and nasturtium.
I haven't worked everything out, yet. So, some more vegetables might be added and some might be taken away. I wish I could grow citrus (lemon and lime) trees and avocado trees!!!
I'm super excited! w00t!
Here's a little splash of color to help you survive this cold rainy day...
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Too Long!
Deep Freeze!!
It has been far too long since I've posted anything. Hopefully, I'll get back into the swing of things.
For now, here's a pic of my lil' cousin playing in the snow. I knitted the scarf she's wearing. It's leftover Noro Kureyon.
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Sunday, October 5, 2008
If The World Gives You Apples, Make Apple Cider
Yesterday we ventured out to the Cleveland area to make delicious cider with some friends of ours. This is the second time we've done it and it's always sticky, sweet fun!
I know what you're thinking...I want to make cider too!!!
Well, do not despair, I will share with you the basic steps of cidermaking.
1. Before making cider you need a cider press. Find a friend with one or make one for yourself.
2. Get yourself some apples! Lots of them and of all different varieties. It's the varying flavors of apples that make cider taste so good.
3. Wash the apples. Get all the gunk and possible pesticides (yuk!) off of them.
4. Gather up a large group of friends and family to help with the labor and promise them they'll get the sweet rewards of their hard work.
5. Start cutting. You have to get all the nasty bits out the apples. Say good-bye to worms and rot.
6. Be careful when cutting up the apples. My fingers got a couple of nicks. Oops.
7. Pile up all the yummy cuttings. Eat a little if you want.
8. Place the apples in the press.
9. Turn the wheel, push the apples through and watch as the sweet golden nectar flows. Bees will be your constant companions when making cider. They love it. I've even had a bee sip cider off my fingers. They're wild for the stuff. They don't usually get aggressive they just want to join the party and try and drown themselves too.
10. Using a strainer and a funnel, fill the jugs full of the yummy stuff. Try to refrain from putting your head beneath the spigot and filling your mouth full of cider.
11. Ta-dah! Delicious, homemade cider for all to share!
Side note: You're going to be left with a lot of pressed apples. Give them to your neighboring farm animals or put them in a compost.
Trust me, there's nothing quite as good as your own homemade cider! Yum!!!
I know what you're thinking...I want to make cider too!!!
Well, do not despair, I will share with you the basic steps of cidermaking.
1. Before making cider you need a cider press. Find a friend with one or make one for yourself.
2. Get yourself some apples! Lots of them and of all different varieties. It's the varying flavors of apples that make cider taste so good.
3. Wash the apples. Get all the gunk and possible pesticides (yuk!) off of them.
4. Gather up a large group of friends and family to help with the labor and promise them they'll get the sweet rewards of their hard work.
5. Start cutting. You have to get all the nasty bits out the apples. Say good-bye to worms and rot.
6. Be careful when cutting up the apples. My fingers got a couple of nicks. Oops.
7. Pile up all the yummy cuttings. Eat a little if you want.
8. Place the apples in the press.
9. Turn the wheel, push the apples through and watch as the sweet golden nectar flows. Bees will be your constant companions when making cider. They love it. I've even had a bee sip cider off my fingers. They're wild for the stuff. They don't usually get aggressive they just want to join the party and try and drown themselves too.
10. Using a strainer and a funnel, fill the jugs full of the yummy stuff. Try to refrain from putting your head beneath the spigot and filling your mouth full of cider.
11. Ta-dah! Delicious, homemade cider for all to share!
Side note: You're going to be left with a lot of pressed apples. Give them to your neighboring farm animals or put them in a compost.
Trust me, there's nothing quite as good as your own homemade cider! Yum!!!
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