The view on the bus: sunrise.
The view on arriving home: sunset.
sigh
Showing posts with label Whining. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Whining. Show all posts
Thursday, December 13, 2012
Wednesday, December 12, 2012
Dark days
I really, really detest this time of year. Oh, not because of the holidays but because the days are so short. With working outside the home, the sun is just coming up when I leave for work and setting when I return. I miss an entire day of light.
I feel bad because I'm having to rely on V and the boys to care for the chickens- It's never light for me to check for eggs or feed/water them. I went out with a flashlight to water the greenhouse this evening. BLAH!
I have been sure to take my Vitamin D every day. I never bother during the summer months because I am outside so much. In fact, my MD had my vitamin D level checked last year and was surprised that it was actually fine. So few people are able to have a good level naturally these days. But, I do take a supplement in the winter. I find that I have much more energy and focus when I do. And it's good for your mood as well.
Not much else going on. I've got a bit of hand sewing to finish this evening and maybe I'll cut out something new. We'll see. I'm rather impatiently waiting until Saturday when Justine comes home. I haven't seen her since August. That's a LONG time to miss my baby girl. Oh, we 'chat' on facebook or text on a regular basis but nothing like being able to hug her.
I just can't seem to get into the holiday spirit this year. No decorations have been put up yet (we're waiting to do the tree until Justine gets home) and I haven't done any holiday baking either. The weather finally decided to get cold- for a few days- but is now back into the 40's during the day and we haven't seen any snow at all. Who knows, with climate change, maybe we'll have a non-winter like last year. We'll see.
I feel bad because I'm having to rely on V and the boys to care for the chickens- It's never light for me to check for eggs or feed/water them. I went out with a flashlight to water the greenhouse this evening. BLAH!
I have been sure to take my Vitamin D every day. I never bother during the summer months because I am outside so much. In fact, my MD had my vitamin D level checked last year and was surprised that it was actually fine. So few people are able to have a good level naturally these days. But, I do take a supplement in the winter. I find that I have much more energy and focus when I do. And it's good for your mood as well.
Not much else going on. I've got a bit of hand sewing to finish this evening and maybe I'll cut out something new. We'll see. I'm rather impatiently waiting until Saturday when Justine comes home. I haven't seen her since August. That's a LONG time to miss my baby girl. Oh, we 'chat' on facebook or text on a regular basis but nothing like being able to hug her.
I just can't seem to get into the holiday spirit this year. No decorations have been put up yet (we're waiting to do the tree until Justine gets home) and I haven't done any holiday baking either. The weather finally decided to get cold- for a few days- but is now back into the 40's during the day and we haven't seen any snow at all. Who knows, with climate change, maybe we'll have a non-winter like last year. We'll see.
Tuesday, September 4, 2012
I have labored!
Yesterday and today have been busy, busy, busy. Labor day was definitely full of labor. I did laundry, weeded, cleaned house and canned tomatoes. I managed to get 7 more pints of diced tomatoes (although one jar didn't seal- my first failure of the year) and another 10 pints of enchilada sauce. We are definitely set for enchilada sauce for the year. Good thing we like enchiladas! And the diced tomatoes are useful in all sorts of things. I think I've finally perfected spanish rice- it's still not quite Zatarain's but it's pretty darn tasty. That is the one thing I use the diced tomatoes for the most. Now, having finally figured out what I have been missing (paprika!) I'll need to make sure I freeze some sweet peppers, This is the first year I've had enough bell peppers to actually have some for storage. And the Sweet Italian peppers are going crazy this year so I'll have plenty to freeze.
Today, I labored at work. It was insanely busy and we had someone off sick which always adds more stress into the mix. And I came home to chicken chores, dinner, pantry reorganization and deep conversations with children.
Tomorrow looks to be about the same. Work is still stacked up from today's unfinished tasks and I've got more tomatoes that will need to be processed. Sheesh! Doesn't a girl ever get a break? I guess not this time of year. But I'm trying to not complain. This is the life I've chosen for myself and all this food preservation works to help feed my family.
I sometimes wonder how women managed all of this in the past when they were responsible for preserving enough food to feed their family for the year. That always just blows my mind. I think of how tired I am after a day of housework, gardening and canning. And to do that day after day plus caring for children and animals. Wow! It gives me much more respect for what these women were able to accomplish. Of course, I also try to give myself some credit that I'm managing what I'm doing while working outside the home. That said, if I had to feed my family for the entire year we would probably starve.
Today, I labored at work. It was insanely busy and we had someone off sick which always adds more stress into the mix. And I came home to chicken chores, dinner, pantry reorganization and deep conversations with children.
Tomorrow looks to be about the same. Work is still stacked up from today's unfinished tasks and I've got more tomatoes that will need to be processed. Sheesh! Doesn't a girl ever get a break? I guess not this time of year. But I'm trying to not complain. This is the life I've chosen for myself and all this food preservation works to help feed my family.
I sometimes wonder how women managed all of this in the past when they were responsible for preserving enough food to feed their family for the year. That always just blows my mind. I think of how tired I am after a day of housework, gardening and canning. And to do that day after day plus caring for children and animals. Wow! It gives me much more respect for what these women were able to accomplish. Of course, I also try to give myself some credit that I'm managing what I'm doing while working outside the home. That said, if I had to feed my family for the entire year we would probably starve.
Saturday, August 18, 2012
Surviving
I'm still here. Not that it has been a long time since I posted... it just seems like it's been two very long days. While I have gotten quite a bit accomplished, I haven't done as much as I had hoped- mainly due to having V's mother here. I really want to go weed in the garden but she will want to help and she really isn't able to at this point- but would try anyway... So, I haven't gone. I had plans this morning to work on Justine's quilt... But we spent time discussing genealogy- although I did discover that I could leave the room to do something else, come back and she would still be talking.
We DID get the coat closet sorted and outgrown coats and gloves packed up for donation today. Of course, it took at least twice as long as it would have if I had done it myself- she kept resorting things I had already done and then I'd have to do them over again... sigh.... She also helped peel peaches yesterday for making jam- that was nice.
She had news yesterday that her car probably won't be ready until Tuesday so she is here for the weekend and Monday. V will be back on Monday afternoon. I am scheduled off on Monday from work but am 'on call' in case they get swamped since one other therapist needs to be off due to no child care. I'm almost afraid to leave V's mother here alone. I worry what 'tasks' she will try to accomplish. I know she means well, but it really isn't a help to have her put away the dishes since she doesn't know where anything belongs. But trying to convince her that it is easier to have the boys empty the dishwasher is about as effective as herding cats. And I think her hearing is going as she misunderstands many things we say and can't quite tell whether you're talking to her or someone else. She and K12 were talking (more she was questioning him about what he was doing on the computer and he tried to answer so she could understand) while I was working on sketching quilting lines on Justine's quilt. I snapped at one of the cats who kept trying to steal the pencil out of my hand and she came out of K12's room thinking I needed her for something. K was behind her just shaking his head and rolling his eyes.
Having spent this much time with her, I'm starting to really worry about her. She seems so disorganized. It took me 90 minutes to get her out of the house yesterday so we could run errands I needed to do. It makes me wonder if she should be driving herself cross country alone. She is younger than my parents but somehow seems much less sharp. And this is a woman who was a college professor.
Ok, I'll stop whining now. It's just that it has been a frustrating couple of days and I don't really have anyone to vent to. V is gone and I'm not going to complain to the boys about their grandmother driving me crazy.
Ah... family....
We DID get the coat closet sorted and outgrown coats and gloves packed up for donation today. Of course, it took at least twice as long as it would have if I had done it myself- she kept resorting things I had already done and then I'd have to do them over again... sigh.... She also helped peel peaches yesterday for making jam- that was nice.
She had news yesterday that her car probably won't be ready until Tuesday so she is here for the weekend and Monday. V will be back on Monday afternoon. I am scheduled off on Monday from work but am 'on call' in case they get swamped since one other therapist needs to be off due to no child care. I'm almost afraid to leave V's mother here alone. I worry what 'tasks' she will try to accomplish. I know she means well, but it really isn't a help to have her put away the dishes since she doesn't know where anything belongs. But trying to convince her that it is easier to have the boys empty the dishwasher is about as effective as herding cats. And I think her hearing is going as she misunderstands many things we say and can't quite tell whether you're talking to her or someone else. She and K12 were talking (more she was questioning him about what he was doing on the computer and he tried to answer so she could understand) while I was working on sketching quilting lines on Justine's quilt. I snapped at one of the cats who kept trying to steal the pencil out of my hand and she came out of K12's room thinking I needed her for something. K was behind her just shaking his head and rolling his eyes.
Having spent this much time with her, I'm starting to really worry about her. She seems so disorganized. It took me 90 minutes to get her out of the house yesterday so we could run errands I needed to do. It makes me wonder if she should be driving herself cross country alone. She is younger than my parents but somehow seems much less sharp. And this is a woman who was a college professor.
Ok, I'll stop whining now. It's just that it has been a frustrating couple of days and I don't really have anyone to vent to. V is gone and I'm not going to complain to the boys about their grandmother driving me crazy.
Ah... family....
Wednesday, August 15, 2012
A change of plans
I had a phone call this afternoon from my Mother-in-law. If you remember, she was involved in an accident while on her way here before we left for Minnesota. She got a rental car and continued her trip and vacation with all of us and left her car in Illinois being repaired. After the reunion vacation, she spent time visiting her sister in Duluth and waited for her car to be finished. But, it seems that they are still waiting for a part and she needs to leave her sister's home. So, guess what, she is coming here for an indefinite amount of time while she waits for her car to be repaired. She will arrive some time tomorrow from Duluth and spend time with the boys and I. Good thing I've got time off. So, I've only got one day to myself... sigh... And I guess I'll use it cleaning up the downstairs bathroom and spare bedroom. I wonder if I can move my sewing machine out of the spare bedroom into Justine's room so I can still work....
Sunday, July 29, 2012
WWW
I've noticed that I've got a lot of W's in my life recently.
Wacky Weather
Work Worries
Washer Woes
Yup, my washing machine is on the fritz. I got home from work yesterday to have Justine greet me with the words "The washing machine won't start". Great... one more thing. And just when she is finally cleaning up her 'floor-drobe' to get ready to leave for college. V has done his research and managed to download the service manual. Hopefully it is something that he can fix. Sadly, it is probably a problem with the circuit board and we'll need to order a replacement part. Of course, if that's the case, we may just get a new washer. I can't see paying $250 to repair a 6 year old washer when I can get a new one for not too much more. That's the problem with these high-end, computerized things- you can't just replace one piece, you've got to replace the entire control console. When we got this machine, it had great reviews. It seems that a few years later, it has been dubbed "the worst machine ever produced by Whirlpool" because of technical problems. But I guess we've lasted longer than most. V has seen many stories of this machine lasting only three years so we've managed to double its general life expectancy. But that's really sad considering that the washer we had before this one was about 20 years old when V finally blew it up. (a long story for another time)
sigh... if it's not one thing, it's another.
Wacky Weather
Work Worries
Washer Woes
Yup, my washing machine is on the fritz. I got home from work yesterday to have Justine greet me with the words "The washing machine won't start". Great... one more thing. And just when she is finally cleaning up her 'floor-drobe' to get ready to leave for college. V has done his research and managed to download the service manual. Hopefully it is something that he can fix. Sadly, it is probably a problem with the circuit board and we'll need to order a replacement part. Of course, if that's the case, we may just get a new washer. I can't see paying $250 to repair a 6 year old washer when I can get a new one for not too much more. That's the problem with these high-end, computerized things- you can't just replace one piece, you've got to replace the entire control console. When we got this machine, it had great reviews. It seems that a few years later, it has been dubbed "the worst machine ever produced by Whirlpool" because of technical problems. But I guess we've lasted longer than most. V has seen many stories of this machine lasting only three years so we've managed to double its general life expectancy. But that's really sad considering that the washer we had before this one was about 20 years old when V finally blew it up. (a long story for another time)
sigh... if it's not one thing, it's another.
Tuesday, July 17, 2012
Trying not to whine
I'm trying really, really hard to have a good attitude. I've got a healthy family, a job that I love, a home on 5 acres, air conditioning that works and a well. But it's getting harder and harder to stay positive.
Work has been really stressful recently. We've been incredibly short staffed- it looks like tomorrow there may be only 2 of us to cover 7 units in the hospital... far, far from ideal. Even though I love my job, it isn't easy, especially when we're super busy.
The weather has been another stressor- as I know it has been for many, many, many people. I added it up. Since May 7th we have had 2.95 inches of rain- and almost half of that in May. Since the beginning of June we've had just 1.3 inches- most coming in tiny dribs and drabs- not enough to really soak into the ground. And the heat has been miserable. I'm not sure what the official high was today but it was into the upper 90s here again and humid with a dangerous heat index. Driving home this afternoon we were appalled by how bad the neighbors' corn looks- curled up and beginning to turn that sick gray-green color. We've got burn bans in effect and one town nearby has begun asking for voluntary water restrictions. I hear stories of people selling off their herds because they don't have anything to graze and not enough hay to feed them. All of this just makes me a bit sick to my stomach. We eat quite a bit out of the garden but we aren't dependent on it for our livelihood- for which I'm grateful- we would never survive if that was the case. (but then, I try to tell myself that if we were dependent on the garden I probably wouldn't be working outside the home so would have more time to give it the attention it needs) So far our well is holding out- but I can tell you, this was a bad year for us to decide to do landscaping and plant lots of new shrubs that now need watered regularly. Of course, hindsight is 20/20. And I really couldn't resist the $10 plum tree, even if it lists a bit to the West.
But, we've got our health, our land and our dreams. We will survive. We will be able to afford food when the inevitable price increase because of the drought hits.
Add into the mix getting ready for the beginning of school in a few short weeks, never ending housework, Justine getting ready to head off to college, bills, depending on others to finalize vacation plans, dealing with inconsiderate people, not enough time to myself, family members and/or coworkers in crisis and a jerk of a rooster and you've got a recipe for a funk which I'm fighting.
I'll be fine- just needed to vent a bit- thanks for listening.
Work has been really stressful recently. We've been incredibly short staffed- it looks like tomorrow there may be only 2 of us to cover 7 units in the hospital... far, far from ideal. Even though I love my job, it isn't easy, especially when we're super busy.
The weather has been another stressor- as I know it has been for many, many, many people. I added it up. Since May 7th we have had 2.95 inches of rain- and almost half of that in May. Since the beginning of June we've had just 1.3 inches- most coming in tiny dribs and drabs- not enough to really soak into the ground. And the heat has been miserable. I'm not sure what the official high was today but it was into the upper 90s here again and humid with a dangerous heat index. Driving home this afternoon we were appalled by how bad the neighbors' corn looks- curled up and beginning to turn that sick gray-green color. We've got burn bans in effect and one town nearby has begun asking for voluntary water restrictions. I hear stories of people selling off their herds because they don't have anything to graze and not enough hay to feed them. All of this just makes me a bit sick to my stomach. We eat quite a bit out of the garden but we aren't dependent on it for our livelihood- for which I'm grateful- we would never survive if that was the case. (but then, I try to tell myself that if we were dependent on the garden I probably wouldn't be working outside the home so would have more time to give it the attention it needs) So far our well is holding out- but I can tell you, this was a bad year for us to decide to do landscaping and plant lots of new shrubs that now need watered regularly. Of course, hindsight is 20/20. And I really couldn't resist the $10 plum tree, even if it lists a bit to the West.
But, we've got our health, our land and our dreams. We will survive. We will be able to afford food when the inevitable price increase because of the drought hits.
Add into the mix getting ready for the beginning of school in a few short weeks, never ending housework, Justine getting ready to head off to college, bills, depending on others to finalize vacation plans, dealing with inconsiderate people, not enough time to myself, family members and/or coworkers in crisis and a jerk of a rooster and you've got a recipe for a funk which I'm fighting.
I'll be fine- just needed to vent a bit- thanks for listening.
Wednesday, June 27, 2012
Dust and sweat
That's what we've got here. It is HOT and DRY! We officially hit 99F this afternoon although our thermometer hit 100. And it is still dry, dry, dry. I finally broke down and pulled out the sprinkler last night to water the potatoes and beans. And this evening I deployed the gallon jug watering system on the vining plants. Rain barrels don't do any good if you've got no rain.
And the hot weather is forecast to continue. Tomorrow is supposed to be even hotter than today. I clipped an old sheet to the side of the chicken run to provide them some more shade than they've got and we put an extra waterer in there for them as well.
I still haven't managed to get the new blackberry bushes into the ground. And I don't think I'll be up for digging holes when the heat index is over 110. So, they have been moved into the shade under the deck to keep them from drying out too quickly until it cools down enough that I can plant them. I've still got three days of work this week at the hospital (I'm working Saturday) but then I've got 4 days off. Sunday is Sunday, Monday is my day off, Tuesday will be my comp day for Saturday and Wednesday is the holiday. I'm hoping that the weather cools off at least a little so I can get out into the garden to weed, at least a couple of mornings since the weeds are getting big again.
This weekend is the Jazz Festival downtown. V and I were talking about going down for a while on Saturday evening after I get off of work but we'll see what the weather is doing. I'm not too thrilled to go sit on a blanket in the middle of a closed off street if it is too hot, even to listen to free concerts. I've been there before when it's blisteringly hot and the streets just cook you. So, hopefully it will cool down a little. We'll see.
I hope you are all staying cool out there.
And the hot weather is forecast to continue. Tomorrow is supposed to be even hotter than today. I clipped an old sheet to the side of the chicken run to provide them some more shade than they've got and we put an extra waterer in there for them as well.
I still haven't managed to get the new blackberry bushes into the ground. And I don't think I'll be up for digging holes when the heat index is over 110. So, they have been moved into the shade under the deck to keep them from drying out too quickly until it cools down enough that I can plant them. I've still got three days of work this week at the hospital (I'm working Saturday) but then I've got 4 days off. Sunday is Sunday, Monday is my day off, Tuesday will be my comp day for Saturday and Wednesday is the holiday. I'm hoping that the weather cools off at least a little so I can get out into the garden to weed, at least a couple of mornings since the weeds are getting big again.
This weekend is the Jazz Festival downtown. V and I were talking about going down for a while on Saturday evening after I get off of work but we'll see what the weather is doing. I'm not too thrilled to go sit on a blanket in the middle of a closed off street if it is too hot, even to listen to free concerts. I've been there before when it's blisteringly hot and the streets just cook you. So, hopefully it will cool down a little. We'll see.
I hope you are all staying cool out there.
Wednesday, May 2, 2012
Cool and not so hot
I stumbled across a visitor this afternoon:
I nearly stepped on it. It was lying quite flat and still on the deck.
I believe it is an Iowa Grey Tree Frog. But it is much larger than I've seen tree frogs in the past. I love the colors and patterns.
J17 came out to check it out and stroked it's back. I don't know if you can see but it puffed out its sides, trying to look bigger. Finding the frog was a little bright spot in the day.
Other things today weren't so hot. I charged my i-Pod overnight and, as usual, listened to music on the bus and checked my email and the news. No problem. But when I got it home and wanted to check the radar to see if more rain was on the way, it wouldn't turn on. Dead... nada... I tried plugging it into my laptop- nothing- it didn't even show up. I tried plugging it in to charge... still nothing. sigh.... My trusty companion for to and from work is no more. It has served long and hard for the last 5 years+ but this couldn't have come at a worse time. There is no way I can afford to replace it, especially since I14's phone is dying a lingering, painful death and we've got other expenses coming up this month. sigh.... I'll just have to take some reading material on the bus... but I'll miss my music. Sadly, I had lots of things on the calendar and notes to myself on there that I'm not sure have been synced to the laptop recently. At least all the music and photos live on my laptop. But this reminds me that I need to back up my photos somewhere else.
More good and bad of the day...
A bright spot is that my little plants from Territorial Seeds arrived today.
A downer is that V stepped on a nail while working outside today. At least he's had his tetanus shot recently.
And it is still rainy. sigh... I was doing so well with keeping up on the weeds in the garden until it started raining.
I'll try to be more cheerful tomorrow... today has been long and tiring. We had a thunderstorm come through a little after 4 this morning that woke me up early and work was really busy.
Other things today weren't so hot. I charged my i-Pod overnight and, as usual, listened to music on the bus and checked my email and the news. No problem. But when I got it home and wanted to check the radar to see if more rain was on the way, it wouldn't turn on. Dead... nada... I tried plugging it into my laptop- nothing- it didn't even show up. I tried plugging it in to charge... still nothing. sigh.... My trusty companion for to and from work is no more. It has served long and hard for the last 5 years+ but this couldn't have come at a worse time. There is no way I can afford to replace it, especially since I14's phone is dying a lingering, painful death and we've got other expenses coming up this month. sigh.... I'll just have to take some reading material on the bus... but I'll miss my music. Sadly, I had lots of things on the calendar and notes to myself on there that I'm not sure have been synced to the laptop recently. At least all the music and photos live on my laptop. But this reminds me that I need to back up my photos somewhere else.
More good and bad of the day...
A bright spot is that my little plants from Territorial Seeds arrived today.
A downer is that V stepped on a nail while working outside today. At least he's had his tetanus shot recently.
And it is still rainy. sigh... I was doing so well with keeping up on the weeds in the garden until it started raining.
I'll try to be more cheerful tomorrow... today has been long and tiring. We had a thunderstorm come through a little after 4 this morning that woke me up early and work was really busy.
Monday, January 9, 2012
Goodbye Rosemary and Eric
Alas, poor Eric has died! Don't mourn, we're not mourning too much. Eric was our jalapeno plant that has lived in his pot with us for the last 7 years. Eric started as an experiment that just kept going. I'm not sure what happened. He just suddenly turned brown and withered. Maybe seven and a half was too much for the poor guy. But he lived a great life. Outside in the spring through fall and then inside in front of a sunny window for the winter. He sometimes provided us with hot peppers year round. Poor Eric, we will miss you. But, your pot will be cleaned out and a new pepper will take your place in the Spring. I'll have to have the children name this one as well... I was never sure how they came up with Eric.
Sadly, I am quite disappointed in Rosemary. I don't know what my problem is but I can never seem to keep rosemary alive over the winter. I can't even think how many Rosemarys I have managed to kill. They all do really well outside in their pots over the summer and seem to make the transition into the house well in the fall. But, ALWAYS they seem to kick the bucket in January or February. I just don't understand it. The plant was in a sunny South window with lots of other plants that are still doing well (the Meyer lemon is blooming up a storm) -except for the lemongrass that Spaz seems to think is his personal greenery to chew... but even it is holding it's own. But Rosemary... NEVER does rosemary survive. What am I doing wrong?? I wish I knew. I LOVE rosemary... sigh....
Sunday, November 6, 2011
Not much.
Things are quiet around here- but can you believe that this is my 900th post! You poor souls have been reading me babbling 900 times. I am so amazed! When I started this I never thought anyone would ever be interested in my ho hum life. Thanks to all of you for coming along for the journey!!
I've been frustrated this weekend. My back has continued to act up and I spent a lot of time doing absolutely nothing. Grrr... and I had so much on my list for this weekend. I felt like such a waste this afternoon. I went along with V to the home improvement store to pick up some more concrete to finish the second support pier for the deck extension as well as a bit of sidewalk/patio outside the back door. I couldn't lift anything- not that he would have let me even try. Of course, J17 was quick to point out that this is my body telling me to SLOW DOWN. Ok, Ok, I get it- can we move on now!
I didn't even get laundry done this weekend. I had I14 carry the hamper downstairs for me and I sorted slowly and painfully. But, when I tried to pick up the first load to put it in the washer- I got stuck- halfway up from a squatting position I couldn't move. Not cool. I can tell by the definite knot in my muscle that it's a muscular problem- not structural, thank goodness. I'm feeling much more mobile today but have still been taking it easy. I didn't even get bread baked for K11 (well, I made beer bread but that doesn't really count).
I do have the official word that I do not have to report for jury duty tomorrow. Good. Maybe I can get some laundry done in the morning. I've got an eye appointment at 1:30 so there goes the afternoon. At least it was too windy this weekend to put the roof panels on the chicken run or I'd be doubly frustrated- although I'm getting worried that it will be snowing before we get the roof on.
Had word from Mom that my uncle passed away this morning. He was my father's last living sibling. That really hits home. I'll have to give them a call tomorrow. Mom sent the message to my work email address and I didn't check that until late today and then didn't want to bother them. She also indicated that two other family members are having health issues. When it rains it pours.
Plans for tomorrow include cutting out my apron, doing a few loads of laundry and an eye appointment. If they don't dilate my eyes I may bake bread in the afternoon. We'll see how my back is doing.
I've been frustrated this weekend. My back has continued to act up and I spent a lot of time doing absolutely nothing. Grrr... and I had so much on my list for this weekend. I felt like such a waste this afternoon. I went along with V to the home improvement store to pick up some more concrete to finish the second support pier for the deck extension as well as a bit of sidewalk/patio outside the back door. I couldn't lift anything- not that he would have let me even try. Of course, J17 was quick to point out that this is my body telling me to SLOW DOWN. Ok, Ok, I get it- can we move on now!
I didn't even get laundry done this weekend. I had I14 carry the hamper downstairs for me and I sorted slowly and painfully. But, when I tried to pick up the first load to put it in the washer- I got stuck- halfway up from a squatting position I couldn't move. Not cool. I can tell by the definite knot in my muscle that it's a muscular problem- not structural, thank goodness. I'm feeling much more mobile today but have still been taking it easy. I didn't even get bread baked for K11 (well, I made beer bread but that doesn't really count).
I do have the official word that I do not have to report for jury duty tomorrow. Good. Maybe I can get some laundry done in the morning. I've got an eye appointment at 1:30 so there goes the afternoon. At least it was too windy this weekend to put the roof panels on the chicken run or I'd be doubly frustrated- although I'm getting worried that it will be snowing before we get the roof on.
Had word from Mom that my uncle passed away this morning. He was my father's last living sibling. That really hits home. I'll have to give them a call tomorrow. Mom sent the message to my work email address and I didn't check that until late today and then didn't want to bother them. She also indicated that two other family members are having health issues. When it rains it pours.
Plans for tomorrow include cutting out my apron, doing a few loads of laundry and an eye appointment. If they don't dilate my eyes I may bake bread in the afternoon. We'll see how my back is doing.
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Tears of frustration
I'll admit it. I broke down and cried this afternoon. I am just feeling so overwhelmed with trying to manage the garden and finish the chicken coop on my own. The garden is rapidly disappearing under a blanket of weeds and the chicken coop remains unfinished.
The tears? I was already tired from a really busy day at work. I was trying to put up the last bits of siding on the way high up parts of the coop. THINGS were not cooperating and pieces measured multiple times before cutting didn't fit... and I was running out of siding so every cut mattered. I was FRUSTRATED!!! And everything seems to be happening so slowly. I couldn't put the wire over the windows because I realized that we don't have the trim pieces ready. I ran out of nails... and now it's storming again.
But, V came and held me and let me cry for a bit and then helped me finish the siding- so the world seems a bit brighter... but it's still raining... and the chicken coop isn't finished... and I STILL don't have my vining crops planted... and the garden is a mass of weeds... and I still haven't planted the comfrey plant that J17 brought home from work... or our new kiwi that arrived to replace the one that didn't overwinter... or a couple of other flowers... and I have a huge mountain of laundry... and I feel incredibly guilty because I promised our friend Jim that I would till up a garden space at his new house and I have failed miserably at that. Oh, and I have a bunch of huge onions to chop and freeze (my brother brought them on Sunday- more later on those).
So, I remain overwhelmed. But, I have Friday off since I worked last Saturday (and it's my birthday).
Tomorrow is another day- I'll see what I get done.
Thanks for letting me whine. Maybe I'll try to make some cheese to go with it some time....
The tears? I was already tired from a really busy day at work. I was trying to put up the last bits of siding on the way high up parts of the coop. THINGS were not cooperating and pieces measured multiple times before cutting didn't fit... and I was running out of siding so every cut mattered. I was FRUSTRATED!!! And everything seems to be happening so slowly. I couldn't put the wire over the windows because I realized that we don't have the trim pieces ready. I ran out of nails... and now it's storming again.
But, V came and held me and let me cry for a bit and then helped me finish the siding- so the world seems a bit brighter... but it's still raining... and the chicken coop isn't finished... and I STILL don't have my vining crops planted... and the garden is a mass of weeds... and I still haven't planted the comfrey plant that J17 brought home from work... or our new kiwi that arrived to replace the one that didn't overwinter... or a couple of other flowers... and I have a huge mountain of laundry... and I feel incredibly guilty because I promised our friend Jim that I would till up a garden space at his new house and I have failed miserably at that. Oh, and I have a bunch of huge onions to chop and freeze (my brother brought them on Sunday- more later on those).
So, I remain overwhelmed. But, I have Friday off since I worked last Saturday (and it's my birthday).
Tomorrow is another day- I'll see what I get done.
Thanks for letting me whine. Maybe I'll try to make some cheese to go with it some time....
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Still plugging away
We're still working away.
But, I'm tired and V is tired. I think we're working on new definitions of tired and sore... We've both been working so hard that we've just about had it. But we just keep on going....
Ok, enough whining. I didn't sleep very well last night. It was hot and humid last night and even with the windows open and the ceiling fan on, it was muggy and we didn't want to resort to the air conditioning this early in the year. So, I'm extra whiny today.
Work was busy, busy, busy today. And today was the last working day for one of my co-workers who is retiring. So things will be even more wild for the next few months until our new person starts and gets oriented.
After work, I came home, made dinner and started in on the coop. V and the boys worked on shredding some brush from the trees while J17 was off at her violin lesson. Our chipper/shredder wasn't too happy with the still wet twigs we were trying to shred so they gave up after not too long. Then V came to help me. I've got almost all the interior walls up and the floor is nearly dry. My hope is that tomorrow I can finish the walls and maybe even get the flooring down. Once the floor is down, we can't walk on it for a while so we can take a bit of a break. Of course, V still has to make the chicken door and the clean out door. For those, we need to have the final siding up. Fortunately, that shouldn't take too long to put up. So, we're still working away. If the weather holds, I hope to have the big girls out there soon.
J17 says she will feed and water the chicks for me tonight and change the bedding because I'm done. Poke me with a fork done.
Now, I'm having a guilty moment and watching Chopped on the Food Network. Soon I will go to bed. It isn't as humid tonight but I'm so tired I don't think it would matter if it wasn't.
But, I'm tired and V is tired. I think we're working on new definitions of tired and sore... We've both been working so hard that we've just about had it. But we just keep on going....
Ok, enough whining. I didn't sleep very well last night. It was hot and humid last night and even with the windows open and the ceiling fan on, it was muggy and we didn't want to resort to the air conditioning this early in the year. So, I'm extra whiny today.
Work was busy, busy, busy today. And today was the last working day for one of my co-workers who is retiring. So things will be even more wild for the next few months until our new person starts and gets oriented.
After work, I came home, made dinner and started in on the coop. V and the boys worked on shredding some brush from the trees while J17 was off at her violin lesson. Our chipper/shredder wasn't too happy with the still wet twigs we were trying to shred so they gave up after not too long. Then V came to help me. I've got almost all the interior walls up and the floor is nearly dry. My hope is that tomorrow I can finish the walls and maybe even get the flooring down. Once the floor is down, we can't walk on it for a while so we can take a bit of a break. Of course, V still has to make the chicken door and the clean out door. For those, we need to have the final siding up. Fortunately, that shouldn't take too long to put up. So, we're still working away. If the weather holds, I hope to have the big girls out there soon.
J17 says she will feed and water the chicks for me tonight and change the bedding because I'm done. Poke me with a fork done.
Now, I'm having a guilty moment and watching Chopped on the Food Network. Soon I will go to bed. It isn't as humid tonight but I'm so tired I don't think it would matter if it wasn't.
Saturday, May 28, 2011
This
does not a happy camper make....
Update- how cool is that. I thought I just did a screen capture but it brought all the code with it. So you've got a live radar feed. Hmm, another storm is coming this morning.
Thursday, May 19, 2011
Nuthin'
That's what I feel I accomplished today.
Oh, I wasn't sitting around eating bon bons. Work was quite busy today and there was no way I could sneak out early. In fact, I didn't even get finished all of the things I would have liked to get done. So, I didn't get home until 5ish this evening. I did go out to look at the coop. V managed to put up the rafters all by himself this afternoon while taking a break from writing. I would have liked to get started on putting the OSB sheathing on the roof but we just didn't have time.
I made dinner (stir fry with rice stick noodles- mmmm) and we headed out for I13's final band concert of the year. For an 8th grade band they are GOOD! Home about 9:30, change chick bedding, start a load of laundry and here I am, ready for bed. I got nuthin'.
I'm hoping that the rain holds off and we can get some stuff done tomorrow night. It won't take long to slap on the roof and wall sheathing. There's only a 40% chance of rain tomorrow during the day. The real problem is overnight Friday and all day Saturday. If we can get the exterior walls up, I can work on the inside even in the rain. And maybe someday I'll get my garden weeded and planted. Of course, if I pull the weeds the rabbits will be able to find my peas easier (the few that came up, that is).
Ho hum, c'est la vie.
I hope you all had productive days.
Oh, I wasn't sitting around eating bon bons. Work was quite busy today and there was no way I could sneak out early. In fact, I didn't even get finished all of the things I would have liked to get done. So, I didn't get home until 5ish this evening. I did go out to look at the coop. V managed to put up the rafters all by himself this afternoon while taking a break from writing. I would have liked to get started on putting the OSB sheathing on the roof but we just didn't have time.
I made dinner (stir fry with rice stick noodles- mmmm) and we headed out for I13's final band concert of the year. For an 8th grade band they are GOOD! Home about 9:30, change chick bedding, start a load of laundry and here I am, ready for bed. I got nuthin'.
I'm hoping that the rain holds off and we can get some stuff done tomorrow night. It won't take long to slap on the roof and wall sheathing. There's only a 40% chance of rain tomorrow during the day. The real problem is overnight Friday and all day Saturday. If we can get the exterior walls up, I can work on the inside even in the rain. And maybe someday I'll get my garden weeded and planted. Of course, if I pull the weeds the rabbits will be able to find my peas easier (the few that came up, that is).
Ho hum, c'est la vie.
I hope you all had productive days.
Saturday, May 14, 2011
sigh
Today's forecast scattered showers turned into an all-day cold, soaking rain. GRRRRR... I had such hopes for the day. We did manage to get another wall framed for the coop by working in the shop but we're stuck there because we're out of room to do the other one. We had hoped to put those walls up today but V is worried about the OSB flooring that's out there now. We covered it with tarps but it is still looking wet and he's worried about sinking screws into it.
But, it is supposed to start clearing off tomorrow afternoon so we're hoping to get all the walls up. Then it is supposed to be lovely all week so hopefully we can get the roof on as well. Maybe by next weekend we'll be able to move the big chicks in. Of course, I have to work next Saturday so we'll see how much gets done.
And it's probably just as well I didn't get my tomatoes and peppers planted yet. The forecast for tomorrow and Monday night is for lows back into the mid 30s. I guess with the weather we've had I'm not surprised.
So, I'm frustrated by the weather. sigh.....
But today wasn't a total waste. Today I:
Baked J's birthday cake
Did dishes
Did 3 loads of laundry- used the dryer- too wet for the lines outside :(
Sorted the several baskets of laundry that have been sitting around (this time of year I'm good about getting it washed and folded but sorted and put away is another story.
Mended the pocket of V's work pants
Got J's birthday gift (yes, I'm still getting her something even after a car- which wasn't really for her birthday)
Picked up a load of pine shavings for bedding for in the coop
Got a big feeder for the chickens in the coop
Helped V frame the West wall of the coop. Now we have the North and West walls framed and ready to put up. We even worked on the door frame a bit. We are repurposing the old door that we replaced on the south side of the house last fall.
Started planning the roost for the coop. I'll be using repurposed wood from the counter crates. We would have used it for construction but it is really soft pine so V didn't think it was good for construction. But it should make great roosts.
Received a package in the mail from Susan. FUN! Thanks so much!
Tomorrow will be busy. I've got to work at the plant sale at church all morning. Of course, I'm getting rid of 5 flats of plants that I started! Woo Hoo!!! It's for a good cause- we're fund raising for the local crisis center. The fund we're donating to helps families financially with things like utilities and rent to keep them in their homes. There has been a HUGE increase in the demand for services in the past year.
Tomorrow there is also a name change here. J16 will officially become J17. So, there will be a cake to decorate and a party to be had. If it clears up in the afternoon, we'll be building.
Have a great Sunday.
But, it is supposed to start clearing off tomorrow afternoon so we're hoping to get all the walls up. Then it is supposed to be lovely all week so hopefully we can get the roof on as well. Maybe by next weekend we'll be able to move the big chicks in. Of course, I have to work next Saturday so we'll see how much gets done.
And it's probably just as well I didn't get my tomatoes and peppers planted yet. The forecast for tomorrow and Monday night is for lows back into the mid 30s. I guess with the weather we've had I'm not surprised.
So, I'm frustrated by the weather. sigh.....
But today wasn't a total waste. Today I:
Baked J's birthday cake
Did dishes
Did 3 loads of laundry- used the dryer- too wet for the lines outside :(
Sorted the several baskets of laundry that have been sitting around (this time of year I'm good about getting it washed and folded but sorted and put away is another story.
Mended the pocket of V's work pants
Got J's birthday gift (yes, I'm still getting her something even after a car- which wasn't really for her birthday)
Picked up a load of pine shavings for bedding for in the coop
Got a big feeder for the chickens in the coop
Helped V frame the West wall of the coop. Now we have the North and West walls framed and ready to put up. We even worked on the door frame a bit. We are repurposing the old door that we replaced on the south side of the house last fall.
Started planning the roost for the coop. I'll be using repurposed wood from the counter crates. We would have used it for construction but it is really soft pine so V didn't think it was good for construction. But it should make great roosts.
Received a package in the mail from Susan. FUN! Thanks so much!
Tomorrow will be busy. I've got to work at the plant sale at church all morning. Of course, I'm getting rid of 5 flats of plants that I started! Woo Hoo!!! It's for a good cause- we're fund raising for the local crisis center. The fund we're donating to helps families financially with things like utilities and rent to keep them in their homes. There has been a HUGE increase in the demand for services in the past year.
Tomorrow there is also a name change here. J16 will officially become J17. So, there will be a cake to decorate and a party to be had. If it clears up in the afternoon, we'll be building.
Have a great Sunday.
Friday, May 13, 2011
It coulda been bad
Wow, it seems like a long time since I posted. I was going through withdrawal yesterday while blogger had it's issues. Not only could I not post, I couldn't see what was going on with all my bloggy friends. I hope you all are well.
This afternoon was a tragedy averted. I arrived home from work and wandered around a bit doing little stuff: reading the mail, sorting and starting laundry, checking seedlings, etc. I finally went down to check on the chicks before I started dinner. I was planning to change the bedding tonight and I thought I'd do it before I had dinner and maybe a glass of wine. To my dismay, I discovered that the brooder light bulb had burnt out and the tiny chicks were huddled in a mass trying to stay warm! To make matters worse, the bathroom window was still open. We have had exceptionally warm weather the past two or three days (actually- hot!) and opened the window to allow more ventilation but today it cooled off and was rainy (high only near 60). Unfortunately, no one thought to close the window so cool air was pouring into the bathroom. EEEK! I got the bulb changed and the chicks seem none the worse for wear.
The weekend is supposed to be cool and rainy (well, off and on showers). I hope it holds off some. We desperately need to get that coop finished. We haven't had time to work on it this week after work. I've been doing other things and V has been incredibly busy trying to get stuff done for his book deadline. (he did get all his images sent off) One side of the coop is finished, the North side is framed and sitting in the shop. We just need to move it into place and fasten it. So, we just need to frame the West and South sides. Even if it is a bit rainy, we can do the framing in the shop and move them into place. But we really need to get it moving. The more rain we get on that exposed OSB sheathing and floor, the more likely we are to have damage that will cause problems later.
And, those big chicks are getting HUGE! And the little ones need more room. And I need to get the main summer garden planted. And I need to take the tiller over to Jim's house to help him start his garden. And I need to bake and decorate a cake for J16's birthday (soon to be J17!) on Sunday. And I have to work the annual plant sale at church on Sunday morning. And...... It doesn't end. I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed right now. My work schedule and the weather can't seem to get coordinated to make my life easy. But, I will survive. I always do. This is the way of May. Too many things need done at once. And our anniversary is coming up.....
Oops, laundry calls.....
I hope you all have a productive weekend. I'll be back tomorrow.
This afternoon was a tragedy averted. I arrived home from work and wandered around a bit doing little stuff: reading the mail, sorting and starting laundry, checking seedlings, etc. I finally went down to check on the chicks before I started dinner. I was planning to change the bedding tonight and I thought I'd do it before I had dinner and maybe a glass of wine. To my dismay, I discovered that the brooder light bulb had burnt out and the tiny chicks were huddled in a mass trying to stay warm! To make matters worse, the bathroom window was still open. We have had exceptionally warm weather the past two or three days (actually- hot!) and opened the window to allow more ventilation but today it cooled off and was rainy (high only near 60). Unfortunately, no one thought to close the window so cool air was pouring into the bathroom. EEEK! I got the bulb changed and the chicks seem none the worse for wear.
The weekend is supposed to be cool and rainy (well, off and on showers). I hope it holds off some. We desperately need to get that coop finished. We haven't had time to work on it this week after work. I've been doing other things and V has been incredibly busy trying to get stuff done for his book deadline. (he did get all his images sent off) One side of the coop is finished, the North side is framed and sitting in the shop. We just need to move it into place and fasten it. So, we just need to frame the West and South sides. Even if it is a bit rainy, we can do the framing in the shop and move them into place. But we really need to get it moving. The more rain we get on that exposed OSB sheathing and floor, the more likely we are to have damage that will cause problems later.
And, those big chicks are getting HUGE! And the little ones need more room. And I need to get the main summer garden planted. And I need to take the tiller over to Jim's house to help him start his garden. And I need to bake and decorate a cake for J16's birthday (soon to be J17!) on Sunday. And I have to work the annual plant sale at church on Sunday morning. And...... It doesn't end. I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed right now. My work schedule and the weather can't seem to get coordinated to make my life easy. But, I will survive. I always do. This is the way of May. Too many things need done at once. And our anniversary is coming up.....
Oops, laundry calls.....
I hope you all have a productive weekend. I'll be back tomorrow.
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
I'm gonna be stiff tomorrow!
I spent the morning doing some errandy things around town. This afternoon, I started in on the trenches for the coop foundation. Even though I know it is a good location for the coop, somebody please tell me why I decided I had to put the coop in the spot where the soil is compacted clay and gravel?
It took me a bit to get the stakes in place so the corners are actually square and then I started digging. OUCH. I got three sides done nice and straight but not deep enough yet. I started using the pick end of the mattock before I had to quit to get a shower before heading off to pick up J16 from an after school play practice. I'll have to be out working again tomorrow so maybe I can get it finished in the morning. V has volunteered to come help me but I hate to have him have to do it. Partly because this is my project but mostly because he strained his back using the tiller this weekend to break up compacted soil that they were trying to move to level out the yard. It's pretty heavy going out there in the trenches and I don't want him to totally incapacitate himself- I need him for construction!!
I do hope the weather holds, the forecast is for possible showers and thunderstorms tonight and tomorrow. Think positive thoughts for no rain!
In fun news, J16 got to work the first farmer's market of the season this evening and had a grand time. The local market is on Wednesday nights and Saturday mornings. I picked her up from school, dropped her off at the market (did a little shopping once they opened ;) ) and headed to a meeting at church about the plant sale we will be having in another week and a half (the 15th).
This is our second year doing the sale. The committee I am on (the Social Ministries/Concerns) is heavily into fund raising for the local crisis center. This means I need to sort my seedlings into three categories: those for me, those for Jim and those to donate to the plant sale. I really love having the sale- it gives me an outlet for all of those extra seedlings I always seem to have and just can't stand killing.
Back to J16 and the market- she had enough fun that she is actually going to work Saturday morning- before prom! She figures she can take a nap in the afternoon before all the excitement starts. What a whirlwind life she leads.
The new chicks are doing well. It's so fun to watch them run around- they look kind of like fuzzy ping pong balls sometimes bouncing off each other and the walls. Too cute. But I just need to look at the girls in the big bird side to get my inspiration for the coop. Ahhh... I think I'm going to sleep well tonight.
It took me a bit to get the stakes in place so the corners are actually square and then I started digging. OUCH. I got three sides done nice and straight but not deep enough yet. I started using the pick end of the mattock before I had to quit to get a shower before heading off to pick up J16 from an after school play practice. I'll have to be out working again tomorrow so maybe I can get it finished in the morning. V has volunteered to come help me but I hate to have him have to do it. Partly because this is my project but mostly because he strained his back using the tiller this weekend to break up compacted soil that they were trying to move to level out the yard. It's pretty heavy going out there in the trenches and I don't want him to totally incapacitate himself- I need him for construction!!
I do hope the weather holds, the forecast is for possible showers and thunderstorms tonight and tomorrow. Think positive thoughts for no rain!
In fun news, J16 got to work the first farmer's market of the season this evening and had a grand time. The local market is on Wednesday nights and Saturday mornings. I picked her up from school, dropped her off at the market (did a little shopping once they opened ;) ) and headed to a meeting at church about the plant sale we will be having in another week and a half (the 15th).
This is our second year doing the sale. The committee I am on (the Social Ministries/Concerns) is heavily into fund raising for the local crisis center. This means I need to sort my seedlings into three categories: those for me, those for Jim and those to donate to the plant sale. I really love having the sale- it gives me an outlet for all of those extra seedlings I always seem to have and just can't stand killing.
Back to J16 and the market- she had enough fun that she is actually going to work Saturday morning- before prom! She figures she can take a nap in the afternoon before all the excitement starts. What a whirlwind life she leads.
The new chicks are doing well. It's so fun to watch them run around- they look kind of like fuzzy ping pong balls sometimes bouncing off each other and the walls. Too cute. But I just need to look at the girls in the big bird side to get my inspiration for the coop. Ahhh... I think I'm going to sleep well tonight.
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Things
Hmm, after writing all that last week, I'm about posted out. That and there's nothing much going on here- much to my great annoyance. We finally had a day with no rain today. WOO HOO! Of course, it is supposed to get down into the mid 30's tonight and over the weekend. GRRR. No rain forecast for tomorrow either but thunderstorms on Saturday. sigh....
I work on Saturday so I'm in the middle of a 6 day stretch. And work has been emotionally draining this week. Not the awfulness of the other week- not busy, but just draining. Since I work in psychiatry, I hear things that people have been through that just break my heart. Most of the time, I can leave it at work and lose myself in things at home but some this week have stuck with me. And all this rain and cold weather have deprived me of my garden therapy.
But, in good news for work, we have someone who has accepted the soon-to-be-open position at work. Unfortunately, she can't start until August so I'm still on hold for my getting to reduce my hours... While I do really love my job, sometimes I feel that it gets in the way of my life and where I want to go. But, finances do dictate that I stick around there.
In V's book news, I have been out and about several times with him again recently to take more photos. That's another thing that the weather hasn't cooperated with. It's hard to get nice, quality shots of 'haunted' houses when it's raining. Yesterday, we spent quite a while after work wandering around in a local cemetery looking for a particular headstone. Ah, the things I do for love. We didn't find it. V went back to their office today and they couldn't find it it their records either, even though two local historians say that it should be there. V did manage to get an extension on the image files that were to be done by tomorrow. He now has until the 13th for the images but still has the manuscript due the end of May.
The chicks are growing huge. I'll have to take some more photos soon. Tomorrow we will have had them for 4 weeks. The others are due to arrive next week.
Speaking of next week, it's going to be crazy busy! Monday, I have to work, then I'm driving to the Quad Cities to attend my bee keeping class in the evening. I'm so excited!! But, I have to drive home and then get up and go to work on Tuesday. Blah. However, I have the rest of the week off next week. Woot!! Friday is my comp day anyway and I took 2 extra days of vacation. I'm really hoping the weather cooperates and we're going to build a coop. And I have about fifty thousand other outside things on my to-do list.
In garden news, I did send an email to Baker Creek Seeds, complaining about the poor germination of the purple tomatillos. I didn't really want any additional tomatillo seeds so told them that if they wanted to compensate me to surprise me. So I got an email today telling me to expect a little surprise. This should be fun. My other email conversation of the week was with Gurney's. I had ordered my hardy kiwi vines from them last fall but the female vine didn't overwinter. So, they are sending me a replacement plant (no charge) that should arrive by mid May. Not too bad. Oh, and another thing that doesn't appear to have overwintered (unless they come up really late) are the monarda (bee balm) plants that we started from seed last spring. They were absolutely gorgeous last year but there is no sign of them this spring yet. The anise hyssop is up and smelling lovely. And the coneflowers and blazing star are all looking good. Who knows. I won't rip them out yet.
Oh, I almost forgot!! We have a single little spear of asparagus up!! We had only one stalk on the entire plant last year. I don't think I've got it in a very good place. I really want to get more but I need to find a better home. This poor little plant has struggled since my parents brought it up to us right after we purchased this place. You'd think it would have grown a bit in the last two years. We haven't cut it yet since it is doing so poorly.
Wow, for not much going on, I sure rambled a lot. Maybe this is my therapy.
I work on Saturday so I'm in the middle of a 6 day stretch. And work has been emotionally draining this week. Not the awfulness of the other week- not busy, but just draining. Since I work in psychiatry, I hear things that people have been through that just break my heart. Most of the time, I can leave it at work and lose myself in things at home but some this week have stuck with me. And all this rain and cold weather have deprived me of my garden therapy.
But, in good news for work, we have someone who has accepted the soon-to-be-open position at work. Unfortunately, she can't start until August so I'm still on hold for my getting to reduce my hours... While I do really love my job, sometimes I feel that it gets in the way of my life and where I want to go. But, finances do dictate that I stick around there.
In V's book news, I have been out and about several times with him again recently to take more photos. That's another thing that the weather hasn't cooperated with. It's hard to get nice, quality shots of 'haunted' houses when it's raining. Yesterday, we spent quite a while after work wandering around in a local cemetery looking for a particular headstone. Ah, the things I do for love. We didn't find it. V went back to their office today and they couldn't find it it their records either, even though two local historians say that it should be there. V did manage to get an extension on the image files that were to be done by tomorrow. He now has until the 13th for the images but still has the manuscript due the end of May.
The chicks are growing huge. I'll have to take some more photos soon. Tomorrow we will have had them for 4 weeks. The others are due to arrive next week.
Speaking of next week, it's going to be crazy busy! Monday, I have to work, then I'm driving to the Quad Cities to attend my bee keeping class in the evening. I'm so excited!! But, I have to drive home and then get up and go to work on Tuesday. Blah. However, I have the rest of the week off next week. Woot!! Friday is my comp day anyway and I took 2 extra days of vacation. I'm really hoping the weather cooperates and we're going to build a coop. And I have about fifty thousand other outside things on my to-do list.
In garden news, I did send an email to Baker Creek Seeds, complaining about the poor germination of the purple tomatillos. I didn't really want any additional tomatillo seeds so told them that if they wanted to compensate me to surprise me. So I got an email today telling me to expect a little surprise. This should be fun. My other email conversation of the week was with Gurney's. I had ordered my hardy kiwi vines from them last fall but the female vine didn't overwinter. So, they are sending me a replacement plant (no charge) that should arrive by mid May. Not too bad. Oh, and another thing that doesn't appear to have overwintered (unless they come up really late) are the monarda (bee balm) plants that we started from seed last spring. They were absolutely gorgeous last year but there is no sign of them this spring yet. The anise hyssop is up and smelling lovely. And the coneflowers and blazing star are all looking good. Who knows. I won't rip them out yet.
Oh, I almost forgot!! We have a single little spear of asparagus up!! We had only one stalk on the entire plant last year. I don't think I've got it in a very good place. I really want to get more but I need to find a better home. This poor little plant has struggled since my parents brought it up to us right after we purchased this place. You'd think it would have grown a bit in the last two years. We haven't cut it yet since it is doing so poorly.
Wow, for not much going on, I sure rambled a lot. Maybe this is my therapy.
Friday, April 1, 2011
I give up!
I'm done. Finished. It's all just too much. I'm feeling overwhelmed and exhausted.
So, this year, I've decided to forego the garden and buy all our food from Wally world.
The chicks- well, they've been ordered so I can't ignore them but they will make a nice soup when they get bigger.
And bees for next year- who am I kidding.
Maybe I'll even cut down the apple trees and just re-convert all the lawn to grass... mowing is so much easier when you don't have to mow around herb and flower beds.
And in case you hadn't remembered:
Happy April Fool's Day!
So, this year, I've decided to forego the garden and buy all our food from Wally world.
The chicks- well, they've been ordered so I can't ignore them but they will make a nice soup when they get bigger.
And bees for next year- who am I kidding.
Maybe I'll even cut down the apple trees and just re-convert all the lawn to grass... mowing is so much easier when you don't have to mow around herb and flower beds.
And in case you hadn't remembered:
Happy April Fool's Day!
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