The Walk in the Garden

Four Years

2009-05-20T08:33:00.000-07:00

Today is the fourth anniversary of my surgery.

The last four years have been challenging, fun, hard and happy. I could not be in a better place in my life.

I am so very happy.

Update from the garden

2009-05-02T20:14:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone,

The garden is really popping now, so much so that we have had Rhubarb tarts tonight for dessert.

This is my very favorite time of year, everything is doing it's thing, getting ready to take off and feed me wonderful things. I was very excited again this year and have done my best to hold off and not plant out too early. This was very difficult for me last year and I started my seeds to soon and ended up losing most of them. Planting twice tends not to be very economical, so I have done my best to waaaaiiiit.

There are also some experiments going out there. I have wanted to plant potatoes in a container ever since I heard about it two years ago and finally decided to go for it. D got me 2 large food grade containers from his work and cut the top off them. I drilled some holes in the bottom and put in some rocks for drainage, put them up on blocks and added some soil and compost to the bottom. I put about 5 or 6 of my potato chunks in the bottom and covered it with some more soil and compost. As the plants grow up you continue to add soil and compost, just leaving the tops of the plant showing. When the plant flowers you can put your hand in and feel around for some early spuds. When the plant dies back, you have a container full of spuds.

* I cut my seed potatoes into chunks with at least 2 eyes on each piece a few days before planting and leave in a cool, dry place

Now I wait to see what will happen!

I have included a picture of the spud buckets, the Rhubarb and one shot of how I like to start the day before heading out to move dirt and mow all that grass again. :)

Groove on!

Happy Easter

2009-04-09T14:12:00.000-07:00

Hello

It's Easter this weekend and I wanted to take the opportunity to wish you all the very best.

Things are all well and starting to pop in the garden. The seedlings are planting and growing. The weeds are pulled and the beds are ready. If we could get mother nature to play along, well that would be dandy.

I have been doing a ton of crafting and down home type of work these past few months. I have been busy making greeting cards from a bunch of my old images and putting them on paper I have made at home from my bills. :) I could never find the card stock I wanted to I decided to make my own. They have gone over really well and have been selling since before Christmas. You can check them and the rest of my work out on my site below

Mic's Media

Anyways, hope you all have a very relaxing weekend and enjoy all that chocolate.

Ok

2009-01-21T14:13:00.000-08:00

Ok, so I am home again and loving it. Bored out of my mind and spending way too much time on Facebook. The fact is that D is wonderful and got me a new camera and flash for Christmas but it has been soooo foggy here, I can't see my hand in front of my face. It is so strange. My mail from the mailbox is damp... It's like a big wet blanket on the city. I think I need to get to higher ground :)

Itching to get out with the new gear. Trying really hard to get unstuck from the routine that involves nothing and accomplishes even less. I have customer orders for cards to make but I am still stuck in my Christmas rut lol. Is the holiday over... oh, I didn't know.

So now I have to get to work. Make some money. Learn how to use this new equipment. I am excited to get going, I am excited for spring and growing and green... Now if I could just huff and puff and blow this fog away?

Birthday Eve

2009-01-05T20:50:00.001-08:00

Well, I am getting older! Yup given the option, I am pretty pleased about it too.

This will be a forward moving year.

Happy Year Everyone.

Time

2008-12-30T17:21:00.000-08:00

Today was D's 40th Birthday! Happy Birthday D

As I sat alone in a dark theater watching a movie about time, it was difficult given my sullen mood, not to reflect on time well spent and time that is wasted. We have so little of it... we can not hold it or collect it. Time never belongs to us, it is only ours to borrow.

I feel so torn, so at a cross roads yet again. My birthday is coming, the year is ending. I understand this all very rationally but that has very little to do with anything.

When I was young, I took a business course so that if my singing career ever failed, I would have something to fall back on. I find it sad that I just fell back and stayed there. I was given chance after chance to make the changes. Big chance too! I am in the middle to a chance right now...

Tomorrow I hope will be a brighter day, the end of a year. Maybe the start of something new.

My horoscope told me to make a change, not a big one but a change, it said "Go to the same store but try on a different colour" I like that...

Where the hell...

2008-11-12T08:28:00.000-08:00

Where, What, When, you know, the regular lost my way questions. Ok, so something big is about to happen, or not. My life is about to really change, or not. I may get to spend my time doing what I love, or not.

So my last blog was about wishing away, so I decided to stop. I changed jobs in a big way. I have been an office type for about 20 years and I began to realize that I was not getting any younger or happier. D and I had some chats about it and a decision was made to make a big change. Since I have been feeling so well for a while now and have fallen for the gardening thing, I chose to go work at a wholesale nursery (plants, not babies) :P . I was expecting it to be a great place to be but found that it was just not my thing. More moving plant pots around than getting my hands in the dirt I guess. Then there was all that talk about accounting help and such! So, I stayed a month and then I bailed. Not my usual MO but I just didn't want to go there any more and so I didn't.

So, I have been sitting here for 2 and a half weeks trying to figure out what I want to be when I grow up. Of coarse me being me, I have to pick myself apart first. What is wrong with me, 37 is to old for this shit. Get back to work and behave like an adult... I just don't want to... I can't anymore. Spoiled, yes but that is just the way it is right now.

I want to take pictures... I want to be creative. Not everyone does portraits all the time right? I like to shoot things that don't talk back. Product, animals, flowers, bugs and weeds... as you know. How do I do that? How?

Can't wait to see how this one ends... I hope it's not with my ass back in an office chair... But I guess that is up to me.

Yikes!

Friday Things

2008-06-20T07:16:00.000-07:00

Friday at last. Funny, last week someone mentioned that I am wishing my life away. I wish it was lunch, I wish it was 4:30, I wish it was Saturday. In the end, all this tells me is I am wishing I was not at work.

The garden is so awesome right now. Everything is growning and getting ready for eating. Some things have already given up their delights! It's hard to give all that time to something that means so little at the end of the day. Taking pictures and growing stuff, that is how I would rather spend my day.

Now, how to do that... That is the question. Groove on Groovy People.

Done Waiting

2008-06-11T06:48:00.000-07:00

Well hello there,

Been some time since I was around there here parts! Last time, we were waiting, waiting on the summer coming and the rain going... turns out we got a little hit of sun and then more waiting...

The gardens are all planted but the work continues. This is only our second season on the property and we have so many things we want to do. We have already had radish and lettuce from the garden. This was thanks to the season extending tents D built out of recycled plastic he had found on a job site. I will be hanging on to that... I see a greenhouse in my future.

Oh, we also got 4 hens! Very excited about that. They are all for different bird and will start laying eggs around September. They have been a lot of fun and easy to care for since they were day old chicks living in my closet. Anyways, more on them later.

Lots of work left to do as I said but a lot of work already done. So, better run and get ready for the real job that allows for the garden job. See you soon.

In waiting

2008-01-26T10:22:00.000-08:00

It is really cold here today. Well, not really cold, but cold for us West Coasters. We are waiting on the snow that is supposed to fall for the next two days.

It is hard to believe that snow is coming. The sunrise this morning was incredible. I woke up after a nice sleep in. The sun was just coming up. So, in my PJ's and gum boots, I headed out with the dogs and the camera. Mount Baker was lit up, as was the Alex Fraser bridge in the distance. What a nice way to start the day.

We will not be up to much today. Time to take it easy and relax. A nice breakfast has been had and now it is time to get in the hot tub before heading out into the garden to see what is up. I need to get some clean up done under one of the big trees. We are planning on putting the chickens back there and have a bunch of work to do before they arrive.

SPRING!

2008-01-19T08:09:00.000-08:00

As I look out the window, I see rain dripping from the roof. This does not dull my excitement at having received my first seed catalogue in the mail this week.

Spring my friends is just around the corner. The beds are getting ready, mulching everything down with the rain. We have so many weeds out there having taken over a very old and well established garden. The first attempt to beat them back a bit is to cover them with newspaper and wet it down. This seems to be doing the job but only time will tell.

D and I will each have 3 garden plots to grow what we like. D has chosen to rip everything out of his gardens, including the soil and start from scratch. I however was not willing or able to dig out all the soil and have gone the lazy way. I guess we will see what works best.

We are really hoping that we see a little more sunshine this year. Last year was such a loss. This winter has also been really wet... My feet are webbing.

So, time to pick out seeds, decide what will be grown, how much will be needed and where to put it all.

So excited... I love spring!

Birthday Post

2008-01-06T16:03:00.000-08:00

Ahhh, what a nice day it has been. D and I have not done a whole lot. We went out to pick up some wine and a few odds and ends. For my Birthday, I received a blue leather recliner that is the perfect size for me and too small for D! I also received a blue tooth ear piece to go with my new phone from Christmas. Man I am spoiled.

Speaking of spoiled, today has been about food and relaxing. I had a wonderful hot tub while D made steaks and salad for lunch. For Breakfast we had a full bacon and egg fry up. Dinner looks like it will be whole roast chicken... oh, I love eating and I love my birthday! Don't worry, we went for a walk with the dogs between meals to get in a tad of fitness :)

Mom sent flowers and a cheque. Thanks Mom, for the two pairs of jeans and the sweater you bought me for my Birthday lol. I love January sales. Dad sent cash and that has also gone to good use. It is sitting in my wallet giving me comfort and joy!

Last night, D and I went out to Papi's for dinner to celebrate my birthday as well as his. D turned older than me last week. It was very nice as usual but I had had a migraine for the better part of the day and my time clock was all screwed up from having slept for the afternoon.

Oh well, today I am feeling great and enjoying it as much as I can. D is in the kitchen making some cake and dinner. Life is good. I could not ask for more.

Please go and say hello to my friend Susie. She is also celebrating her birthday today. Happy Birthday Susie!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

2007-12-31T06:57:00.000-08:00

TO ALL OUR FRIENDS IN THE BLOGOSPHERE

D AND I WANTED TO WISH YOU

A VERY HAPPY NEW YEAR!

ALL THE VERY BEST FOR 2008

Post Christmas Post

2007-12-28T06:56:00.000-08:00

OK, so all that work and all the money... worth it? Yup! We had a very nice Christmas. We took the motorhome out, decked it out in Christmas and headed up to Harrison Hot Springs to see my Mom and her Hubby. We had a very nice time and ate a ton of really great food. On The Eve, we had a fondue... anything dipped in cheese is ok with me. We got up in the morning and did the stocking, present thing. Everyone came away pretty spoiled.

Later that day we headed down the road to the in-laws. As we were half way up their mountain, it started to snow. It didn't stop for the whole night and in the morning, Winter wonderland! It would have been wonderful if I didn't have to work the next day but I did. We spent the better part of the day digging out. We could see the road and that it was clear but we first had to negotiate down the 50' steep driveway. We got home and rested a bit and now back to reality.

It went so fast but it was sure fun while it lasted. It is D's birthday this weekend and then New Years... followed by my birthday the following week... wow, I need a nap.

Anyways, better get my gear on and get to the office. Hope you all have a wonderful holiday.

Well Shit!

2007-12-15T08:20:00.000-08:00

Yippy it's Saturday. I still like to get up nice and early before the rest of the world. Today I have lots to do. It is not long before Christmas day and I still have to finish shopping, decorate the motor home for our road trip, do some baking and renew my drivers licence.

But before any of that can happen, I have to get in the hot tub for a nice long soak!

Have a very groovy Satruday.

Shopping Shopping Shopping

2007-12-12T06:54:00.000-08:00

I feel this over whelming need to be at the mall. Must shop more... and retail at that. I must be off my nut. Oh well, tis the season for over spending and we excel at that!

So we are now at hump day. I am running late in my getting ready as always. Some things it turns out, never change. I am spending my days trying to catch up on work and my evenings trying to catch up on sleep... when I am not shopping.

Man I can't wait for spring! I wanna go outside.

Holy Lazy Batman

2007-12-09T16:59:00.000-08:00

So yesterday I got up and hit the mall. Got a bunch of my list crossed off. Gifts wrapped and put under the tree. Very sucessful. I even took myself out for a nice lunch at earl's and got my hair cut.

Today, I have done as little has humanly possible. I have not even gotten into the hot tub because is reaks of effort. Ok, I have done a few loads of laundry but that is it. The plan was to get up early and get some more time in getting ready for Christmas. When I woke up, late I may add, it had snowed over night... This changed my whole plan. I added some Bailey's to my morning coffee and kicked my feet up. Ahhh, some may say a waste of time but some laundry got done and some souls got soothed with some much needed rest.

Have a groovy day.

The Walk

2007-12-08T09:10:00.000-08:00

So today is beautiful outside. The sun is shining, the rain is not raining and there is a wonderful frost on everything. I slept in just a little, got up, made the coffee, fed the dogs, had a shower and then took my beasts for a walk as the sun was coming up.

It is just stunning out there. All pink and sparkly. I am off to get my hair cut and to do a little shopping.

Have a great Saturday. Groove on groovy people.

Finally Friday

2007-12-07T07:00:00.000-08:00

Well, the end of another week for 07, man this year has flown. Must mean things are going well and the bumps are little ones :)

I am finding the need for less drama in my life and more quiet walks. For less getting wrapped up in it all and more letting it go.

Giving something the correct amount of energy is a hard thing to learn. If this will not really matter tomorrow then why would I let it upset me so much today. To much energy flowing in the wrong direction wraps you up in knots. I like to be knot free!

Anger is a hard thing to let go of, it feels nice and safe. To let go and move forward is not easy. It takes risk but it also brings reward.

Here's hoping you have a rewarding day.

Groove on groovy people.

Now... for more on that later.

2007-12-06T06:45:00.000-08:00

So not to toot my own horn (love that saying, makes my inner 12 year old giggle) BUT
while I was not hanging around on the interweb, I was out shooting shots for a contest in our city.

Each year they put out a call for entries for pictures that would make good street banners. You know the kind, they hang on either side of the lamp post. Well this year was the second year I entered. Last year, nothing. This year, out of 600 entries, I got 2 pictures in the top 100 and 1 of my pictures won a banner. They choose 6-8 banners a year and hang them from March 2008 - 2009!

Yup, pretty excited about it. So in February I go and meet the mayor and shake his hand and get a full size copy of the banner... Not sure where to hang that but still, very cool.

So, just wanted to share that with you and do a little braggin' and since that is out of the way, I can move forward lol.

I have included a picture of the winning shot below. Groove on groovy people.

What

2007-12-05T07:09:00.000-08:00

Tip toes into the room... looks around... clears out the cobwebs...

Well, it has been some time. Some time indeed. The sun was still shining last time I was here. We now have a whole new season upon us. D says I am happier when I write. So maybe I will write.

Life is good, really good. I realized this while trying to make a Christmas list. Do you know what? It turns out that I do not need a thing. I have everything that I want. Super spoiled or super simple, not sure but still happy.

My new job is going well, I say new job because it shocks me that it has been almost a year. A year without the old nut house. Don't miss that. Go take a look at last November and you will see what I mean. I work with strange and quirky people, I fit right in lol. Makes for a ton of fun. We laugh a lot at work.

I am still taking pictures and recently won a big contest here in the city I live in. More on that later...

Anyways, it was not my intention to come here to write today. Just thought I would stick my head in the door and see if the spiders had taken over. I'll be back...

Groove on groovy people

Corn!

2007-08-08T22:12:00.000-07:00

When we first moved in we didn't have a lot of time to think about what and where we wanted to plant. We pretty much went to the greenhouse and got seedling and bunged them in where ever we were done clearing out the weeds. Next year will have much better planning behind it.

By the miracle of this land we have been so lucky. Living on farm land and digging in black gold does not hurt one bit. Borage and Hollyhock grown wild in the beds. All sorts of fennel randomly grows around the property as do blackberries and a variety of herbs. This week we have had Zuc's of course, cucs, tomatoes, peas,onion and the most exciting of all... Corn.

Hope the week is being kind to you.

Really Quick

2007-08-02T07:08:00.000-07:00

Hi All,

I don't have a ton of time this morning but I wanted to pop in and let you know that things are going well. The sun is shinning and has been for a few days. It is nice to see since the weather man says we had more rain in July than in recorded history. The upside to all the rain is that I have not had to do much watering. The downside is... well it's rain.

Anyways, things are growing well and I was so excited to see this. WATERMELON! I really hope it grows. I really want to try some fresh out of the garden. I will let you know how it goes.

In other food news, I have found someone to share in the zucchini harvest. One of the ladies at my work will be taking some extras off my hands and making a zuc and chocolate cake for tomorrow... Yippy. I will let you know how it tastes and if it is really good, I will get the recipe.

Have a wonderful Thursday and happy gardening.

Rain Rain... what the hell it's almost August!

2007-07-24T06:39:00.000-07:00

I can't get over all this rain. Why is it raining in July? The slugs are having a hay day in my garden and have eaten at least one whole lettuce. My tan lines are starting to fade and my body is waiting to set the clocks back an hour... I NEED some sunshine!

The saving grace as far as the bugs are concerned, is that lovely little zapper I have in the carport. Zapzapzap... 3 less mosquitoes HA!

Anyways, see that cabbage below... courtesy of D, they turned into some yummy cabbage rolls. Predictable yes, but still very good. They are a couple in the freezer for a quick weeknight meal.

Here is another sample of veg from the garden that have made their way onto my plate. The Cauliflower made it's way into some white sauce over cannelloni stuffed with Zucchini, pork and cheese. Now that was tasty in deed!

Have a wonderful week and pray for sunshine!

More From the Veg Patch!

2007-07-16T20:43:00.000-07:00

So excited! On Saturday evening, D and I had a Bbq-ed roast. The roast was very nice but the exciting part was the vegetables. We had peas pods, broccoli and carrots from the garden. Yippy! We steamed them in foil on the bbq with a little salt, pepper and what ever booze I was drinking at the time. They were sooo good. I mean really tasty.

I know I am a dork about it but really, it is wonderful to put your hands in the dirt and plant food! For me it is equally about the planting and the eating!

We have had so much luck taking over this wonderful garden. Everything here is doing so well. I was out today pulling weeds and the odd carrot and thanking Mother Nature! No better way to spend an afternoon... except for in the pool once all the weeding is done.

Enjoy the day

Next to be dinner...