tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7855078930783574952024-03-13T13:37:15.801-05:00KatididsBeing happy doesn't mean everything's perfect. It just means you've decided to see beyond the imperfectionsKatididshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15568618127371786808noreply@blogger.comBlogger694125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-785507893078357495.post-46094348418477925982014-04-24T21:40:00.002-05:002014-04-24T21:40:39.003-05:00Hello SUNSHINE!!!!!Wow, it's been a rough winter and spring. <br />
The lack of sunshine and cold weather had me in the blues. I hadn't realized how bad it got till the sun came out. <br />
The first nice day we had I spent outside, doing a bit of garden prep. It felt like I was coming out of hibernation.....waking up in a way. Feeling alive for the first time since Christmas season. I owe quite a few phone calls and apologies for dropping off contact.<br />
It's a lesson for me to actively plan winter and cold weather activities for this coming winter. (Shuddering even thinking of it)<br />
<br />
Any way....THE SUN IS OUT!!!!!!!!<br />
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I've been digging in the dirt, the flip flops are out and I'm ready to dive in. Mother nature gave us a bit of a tease with a false spring & we took advantage of it by tilling the garden. Of course we tilled again a few weeks later as the soil packed with another heavy snow but....we got a jump on it. After adding all the rabbit poo these past few years the soil seems to be in great condition.<br />
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<br />
Peas, spinach, kale, carrots, broccoli, cabbage & radish are in. <br />
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Most of the herbs are coming back but, I will need to replace a few due to the deep polar freeze we had this winter.<br />
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<br />
I've lots to catch up on, many of your posts yet to read....now that I've finally remembered my login info I'll even be able to comment! Now, if I could only remember my live writer log in .....<br />
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Hope your all enjoying sunshine or, at least hear the dripping of snow melt!<br />
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Be back soon, I have lots of catching up to do<br />
KatieKatididshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15568618127371786808noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-785507893078357495.post-73412678390263471912014-01-02T08:50:00.001-06:002014-01-02T08:50:30.583-06:00It’s A New Year!!<p align="center"><font size="4" face="Bernard MT Condensed">Well, so much for my attempt to blog more LOL!</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Bernard MT Condensed">With the little people here and orders I’m keeping pretty busy. I miss you all! I’ve been trying to keep up with every one’s posts. We had to change internet providers and switching (remembering) all those passwords has been a challenge. I ’think” I’ve got it now.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Bernard MT Condensed"></font> </p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Bernard MT Condensed">Christmas is done and over….It went way to fast. We took the tree down today and I “Think” we will only find one or two errant decorations. We didn’t put out as much this year…it seemed like we ran out of time to decorate. It was wonderful as it was. We went to midnight Mass & had a beautiful service. To make it even better, it was the first time there wasn’t ice in years. no slip sliding into church.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Bernard MT Condensed">Through the week we were able to spend time with all of our children except our son. A collage student’s budget only stretches so far but, we were able to Skype with him and Brianne.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Bernard MT Condensed">We rang in the new year with my family and had a wonderful relaxing evening. Great company, a glass of wine and as always to much food. First time in years we’ve been “out” for the evening. We generally stay in to avoid traveling with the crazies but we went from one rural area to another so it was fine. Actually the roads were nearly empty so that was nice. Yesterday we took the tree down and puttered around the house doing nothing in particular…...it was a nice change.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Bernard MT Condensed">I’m so ready for spring!</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Bernard MT Condensed">Our weather has yo-yo’d like crazy. We had earlier than ever snows, then right before Christmas it hit 70! There’s not been a bit of real snow since. We’ve had a dusting or 2 but that’s it. There are dandelion's in the field for goodness sake! All the trees are forming buds, the mums are starting to sprout! If it stays nice the rest of the week I’ll get the flowerbeds and herb garden cleaned out. Our weather changed to rain and super nasty to fast & I didn’t get them cleaned out. EEEP! If I can get it done now it should be pretty good when real spring hits.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Bernard MT Condensed">OK, can we talk about stink bugs? </font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-qQUvSwTuYNg/UsV8sc68GaI/AAAAAAAAPUs/WVLxeKqaXL4/s1600-h/stink-bugs3.jpg"><font size="4" face="Bernard MT Condensed"><img title="stink bugs" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="stink bugs" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Wox4vQADE0c/UsV8te7z41I/AAAAAAAAPU0/_vjTbSZKw_8/stink-bugs_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="219" height="243"></font></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Bernard MT Condensed">We have been invaded! I bet I kill about 20 a day..in the house…and that’s a low estimate….one just landed on my keyboard….they don’t hurt anything but creep me out. Nasty little critters. I found 3 in the curtains (I’d just washed and rehung) and sucked them up in the vacuum.... BIG mistake. The entire front of the house stunk to high heaven. From what I’ve read this has been an unusually bad year here for them. Mr. Fix-It pulled his coveralls off the hook in the garage and had about 100 of those suckers (frozen) fall out the legs ewwwwwwwwwwwwwwww! </font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Bernard MT Condensed">Any tried and true tips for getting rid of them?</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Bernard MT Condensed">Help!!!</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Bernard MT Condensed">We rang in the new year with my family and had a wonderful relaxing evening. Great company, a glass of wine and as always to much food. First time in years we’ve been “out” for the evening. We generally stay in to avoid traveling with the crazies but we went from one rural area to another so it was fine. Actually the roads were nearly empty so that was nice. Yesterday we took the tree down and puttered around the house doing nothing in particular…...it was a nice change.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Bernard MT Condensed"></font> </p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Bernard MT Condensed">Supper for tonight is in the crock pot. I’m trying to clean out/use up items from the fridge freezer using the reach in and grab something method. Tonight will be pulled pork in BBQ sauce and slaw. The pork was from a pig roast earlier in the fall that I’d bagged up in meal sized leftovers. It may not have the full original flavor but I think the BBQ sauce will help with that. </font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Bernard MT Condensed">A list of errands in town awaits so I’ve got to run</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Bernard MT Condensed">Hope you all had a wonderful Christmas and relaxing New Year!</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Bernard MT Condensed">2014 is going to ROCK!</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="5"><em>Katie</em></font></p> <div id="scid:0767317B-992E-4b12-91E0-4F059A8CECA8:6bc74c81-e396-4741-89b7-83ed96813242" class="wlWriterEditableSmartContent" style="float: none; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px">Technorati Tags: <a href="http://technorati.com/tags/Katidids" rel="tag">Katidids</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/Christmas" rel="tag">Christmas</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/stink+bugs" rel="tag">stink bugs</a></div> <p align="center"><font size="4"></font> </p> <p align="center"><font size="4"></font></p> Katididshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15568618127371786808noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-785507893078357495.post-10546179758356053482013-11-21T06:37:00.001-06:002013-11-21T06:37:18.664-06:00Clearing Freezer Space<p align="center"><font size="4">It’s deer season. With any luck we will be needing freezer space.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4"> Last night I pulled out a few bags of tomato’s I’d frozen. I had the thought of saving some of the canning for when all that heat would be appreciated. Since it was mid 30”s this morning …the heat was appreciated!</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4">Let me tell you, working with frozen tomato’s is so much easier than fresh. I’d much rather slip skins from a cold tomato than a hot one any day. </font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4">I’ve read on a few canning sites about using the crockpot to cook the sauce down and decided to try it. I tossed a few bags of frozen maters into the crockpot and set to low, let it do it’s thing overnight. That worked but was a bit messy. Next time I wont let them cook overnight maybe only an hour or so till they are thawed <em>just enough</em> to slip the skins</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-brSfYE0aWWc/Uo3-Rjab_8I/AAAAAAAAPJ4/I00r8arKh0c/s1600-h/IMG_3434%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><font size="4"><img title="IMG_3434" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_3434" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-BorDPPLckSg/Uo3-S07PCMI/AAAAAAAAPJ8/gY7lBo0A0zw/IMG_3434_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="246" height="186"></font></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="2">3 of the many bags waiting in my freezer</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4">after they thawed & started weeping I poured all the liquid off and ran them through the food processer. If I was working one batch I would have left it in the crockpot to reduce & thicken but, I had more bags to go so on the stove this sauce went.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4">The bit that didn’t fit in the pan I used to thaw the next few bags of tomato's and left them to cook till the sauce pan was available</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-4bvLxPZu05o/Uo3-TgIYwII/AAAAAAAAPKI/WvemKpQXaKM/s1600-h/IMG_3435%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><font size="4"><img title="IMG_3435" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_3435" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-obBnyT8fU54/Uo3-UpLX5JI/AAAAAAAAPKQ/-ENCa01cp4E/IMG_3435_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="246" height="186"></font></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="4">Worked pretty slick! I’ll be doing this again for sure.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4">I ended up with 5 quarts and 7 pints cooling on the counter, not a huge batch but a good start.</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-_cNNbUlpUnU/Uo3-WBO2HAI/AAAAAAAAPKY/zwsN5mEgJag/s1600-h/IMG_3464%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-_cNNbUlpUnU/Uo3-WBO2HAI/AAAAAAAAPKg/Bv3TRL5A7Uw/s1600-h/IMG_3464%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><font size="4"><img title="IMG_3464" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_3464" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-hvgbD7tdrDo/Uo3-Y4QxuOI/AAAAAAAAPKo/xbYYldK0cuY/IMG_3464_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="246" height="186"></font></a></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="4">All the tomato skins I saved and popped in the dehydrator</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-arRfl8y81TY/Uo3-aG1ySOI/AAAAAAAAPKw/ZFUsATHpiuk/s1600-h/IMG_3436%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-arRfl8y81TY/Uo3-aG1ySOI/AAAAAAAAPK0/b_LXPdxwj8w/s1600-h/IMG_3436%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><font size="4"><img title="IMG_3436" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_3436" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-87w1clbp_L4/Uo3-cTBgbuI/AAAAAAAAPK8/YvrJ-8BQ3Xo/IMG_3436_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="246" height="186"></font></a></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="4">I ended up with all 9 trays loaded</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-izQR-VzEDAI/Uo3-d8MkOKI/AAAAAAAAPLE/d2WqDAA_OmY/s1600-h/IMG_3461%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><font size="4"><img title="IMG_3461" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_3461" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-s9G1m_J_2bE/Uo3-ew7c2bI/AAAAAAAAPLM/b2D3bIJJgWE/IMG_3461_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="246" height="186"></font></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="4">Last time I tried dehydrating the skins for tomato powder I scorched them. Forgot they were in the dehydrator and the scorch taste carried to all the skins. </font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4">This time I’m turning that sucker off before I go to bed!</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4">Have you tried freezing part of your summer harvest and canning in winter?</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4">Stay warm out there!</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4"><em>Katie</em></font></p> <div id="scid:0767317B-992E-4b12-91E0-4F059A8CECA8:933b3378-4afe-43b9-b590-b2e7ad39581c" class="wlWriterEditableSmartContent" style="float: none; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px">Technorati Tags: <a href="http://technorati.com/tags/Katidids" rel="tag">Katidids</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/canning" rel="tag">canning</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/tomato's" rel="tag">tomato's</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/frozen+tomatos" rel="tag">frozen tomatos</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/alternative+heat" rel="tag">alternative heat</a></div> <p align="center"><font size="4"></font> </p> <p align="center"><font size="4"></font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4"></font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4"></font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4"></font></p> Katididshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15568618127371786808noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-785507893078357495.post-8446556290794522462013-11-20T09:05:00.001-06:002013-11-20T09:05:00.506-06:00Life’s Wake up Call<p align="center"><font size="3">Yesterday morning I woke in a massive panic. I must have been dreaming of Thanksgiving, & running through my to-do list.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="3"> I woke in a full on panic knowing I have of a frozen… <font color="#333333"><strong>rock solid</strong></font> turkey and it was TUESDAY!!! There is no way it would have time to thaw for Thursday’s family supper. I sat down after putting the coffee on and came up with a “Gotta Do list that would take 3 people to complete. Think of it… actually writing legibly B.C. (before coffee). About the time I was half way through my first cup and ready to tackle the stairs to the basement freezer, my daughter text me. Good thing she did because I saw the date flash on my phone & realized Thanksgiving is <strong>NEXT</strong> Thursday. What a way to start the day! Talk about blood pressure check. </font></p> <p align="center"><font size="3">It was my wake-up call.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="3">This past year has seemingly been one of constantly playing catch-up. I couldn’t find my routine blending the house, garden & kids. </font></p> <p align="center"><font size="3">We’ve had a few changes and family events which I now know took more of an emotional toll on me than I realized. I was letting others choices control my attitude & taking their bad behavior personally. I thought I was working through & handling what needed dealt with…yesterday morning was a wake-up call in a way…made me realize I’ve kinda shut down, withdrawn and become a bit numb. </font></p> <p align="center"><font size="3">This morning has me thinking about letting go of people & burdens that are not mine… things/activities I’ve missed that I enjoy & changes I need to make to blend them back in. Blogging I miss. Although most of my content is nothing earth shattering, it’s mine. I miss it (blogging).</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="3"> Looking back through here this morning I realized I have little record of this summers garden…what worked, what flopped. </font></p> <p align="center"><font size="3">How did I miss an entire garden year?</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="3">Well, it is what it is right?</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="3">Moving forward from here with a much lighter heart.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="3"><em>Katie</em></font></p> <p align="center"> </p> <div id="scid:0767317B-992E-4b12-91E0-4F059A8CECA8:43a4b4ea-bac8-4873-b8fc-b530bedbdcd5" class="wlWriterEditableSmartContent" style="float: none; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px">Technorati Tags: <a href="http://technorati.com/tags/Katidids" rel="tag">Katidids</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/wake+up+call" rel="tag">wake up call</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/life" rel="tag">life</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/changes" rel="tag">changes</a></div> Katididshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15568618127371786808noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-785507893078357495.post-66763874849356716342013-09-19T08:49:00.001-05:002013-09-19T08:49:20.976-05:00Gardening on the Cheap-Free Grapevine!<p align="center">Every year we try to add a new food producer/source to our land. Most of the time we can find what we want or need by trading or, best of all free.ie.”Gardening on the Cheap!</p> <p align="center">We had the offer of domestic Concord grape vine from family. It was an established 15yr old vine they were planning to pull out & change in landscaping The vine is/was a super heavy producer ….even totally ignored the past 10 years. I nearly cried at the thought of destroying it and asked if we could dig it up. The thought of just ripping it out was heartbreaking to us. We planned to add grapes in the near future so it was a no brainer to at least try. Being Texas transplants and used to 0 yard maintenance they were <em>happy</em> to let us have it. We dug and dug…then dug some more attempting to get the entire root ball. Mercy this thing was big! We left a mini crater in the ground. I’m not sure if it will survive our efforts but it was sure worth the try. We trimmed about 15 ft. of vine from the fence & planted a bunch of the cuttings along the new trellis. I know we way over planted the cuttings but I figure only a few will survive. I’ve been keeping it watered & 1-2 of the cuttings have bits of green showing so I have hopes some may live & our cooler weather is really helping cut down on the plant stress.</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-jmFsNka4lMw/UjsA0tcO4MI/AAAAAAAAOBw/xTcwqL0RIEA/s1600-h/IMG_291011.jpg"><img title="IMG_2910" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_2910" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-EdTGvzXWFJ4/UjsA1T5A83I/AAAAAAAAOB4/fXuxObOl2SY/IMG_2910_thumb5.jpg?imgmax=800" width="246" height="186"></a></p> <p align="center">Hard to tell but the main stalk is nearly as large as my wrist.</p> <p align="center">The kitchen garden has done well. I’ve added bits here and there through the season. Mostly herbs & nearly all were transplants or cuttings I was given. Carrots seem to love this soil. The area originally had a sand base under the pool (which I have amended) so the soil is loose and loamy. Beets have done well as have lettuces.</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-s6r7nVQThuM/UjsA2PuvY5I/AAAAAAAAOCA/N8wdLljY51I/s1600-h/IMG_294311.jpg"><img title="IMG_2943" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_2943" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-5oCSvoyihqg/UjsA2jWusgI/AAAAAAAAOCI/41r-IuiLDd8/IMG_2943_thumb5.jpg?imgmax=800" width="246" height="186"></a></p> <p align="center">The 1 cherry tomato plant I put in here just took off like gang busters and is still producing heavily.</p> <p align="center">Lettuce is coming up faster than we can eat it.</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-0QvVU9DtFpo/UjsA3fotDAI/AAAAAAAAOCQ/s9kiPfzn_QA/s1600-h/IMG_29006.jpg"><img title="IMG_2900" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_2900" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-4Kt_nW5Tbmc/UjsA3wKjj9I/AAAAAAAAOCY/4_fVFhvsipQ/IMG_2900_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" width="186" height="246"></a></p> <p align="center">There are various mints, sage, lavender, chives, oregano, thyme, bee balm planted willy nilly in and around veggies as I was given the starts. I’ll say one thing, this area has been virtually bug free, although next year may be a different story I’m enjoying it now. I need to get out there and do a bit of rearranging/spacing & separating. I think I want to ring the entire area with lavender. The blooms I want to harvest & dry to use to protect the wool stash from potential moth problems.</p> <p align="center">Well, The dust bunnies in my house are scheduling a party tonight their friends all come and don’t leave so I need to go break it up now</p> <p align="center">Have a wonderful day</p> <p align="center">Katie</p> <div id="scid:0767317B-992E-4b12-91E0-4F059A8CECA8:9f934fad-5cb6-4b0a-8374-900b514c8287" class="wlWriterEditableSmartContent" style="float: none; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px">Technorati Tags: <a href="http://technorati.com/tags/Katidids" rel="tag">Katidids</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/gardening+on+the+cheap" rel="tag">gardening on the cheap</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/concord+grapes" rel="tag">concord grapes</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/bartering" rel="tag">bartering</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/kitchen+garden" rel="tag">kitchen garden</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/garden" rel="tag">garden</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/gardening" rel="tag">gardening</a></div> Katididshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15568618127371786808noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-785507893078357495.post-18247503501661864242013-09-17T21:53:00.000-05:002013-09-17T21:53:56.793-05:00Over the garden survived my neglect. However there were a few additions
that I’m pretty happy about.<br />
<br />
<strong>Raspberries</strong>, 20 ft trellis and 5 plants. Looks like one did
not survive the heat/transplanting but I’ll know for sure in the spring. I do
have unlimited access to more plants.<br />
<br />
<strong>Blackberries</strong>, a second trellis and 5 additional plants.<br />
<br />
<strong>Asparagus, </strong>added to the 1st raised bed. I transplanted
mature plants…it was the wrong time of year but they were going to be covered
over by a driveway. It was worth the try. It looks like they lived as there was
continued growth. Again we’ll know come spring.<br />
<br />
I’ve located 3 more plants in the area growing wild and want to get those
this fall.<br />
<br />
<strong>Rhubarb, 6 </strong>2nd year plants to the 3rd raised bed. They
are doing wonderful, healthy and thriving…tripled in size and continue producing
new shoots through mid September.. After 4 years of killing them I’ve not taken
one cutting & following nursery advise, mulched the plants with their own
leaves as they withered. Next year should be a bountiful harvest. <br />
<br />
<strong>Concord Grapes, </strong>Transplanted a 10-15 yr old vine that was
scheduled to be ripped out. Again wrong time of year but, the only investment
was the trellis (which we would have put in next year)Katididshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15568618127371786808noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-785507893078357495.post-23260196461546230712013-09-17T21:27:00.001-05:002013-09-17T21:27:38.471-05:00Summer is fading fast<p align="center">This morning I actually put a denim shirt over my singlet when I was on the patio with my morning coffee. There was a definite chill in the air. Trees in back are dropping leaves..most are just plain brown from the late summer heat.</p> <p align="center">Over the weekend we harvested the last of the potato’s. All in all I estimate roughly 30-40 lbs. if I add in those I snitched for meals the past few weeks. We started out with just 2 Lbs. of seed taters. My watering,( or lack there of) was inconsistent enough about 1/3 have healed splits in them. I’m hoping they will still store well. If I had stayed on top of watering I probably would have had a much higher yield. For the first year in the ground I’m happy with what we have & learned a lot. For example, I learned you don’t need a 6 inch trench..(which I did in the first small section.). I think you can just about toss the spuds on the ground! In the main tater bed I planted half of the spuds trenched a few inches & the other half I scratched a planting line. I kept them well covered with loads of compost & there really was no difference between the 2 sections. They actually produced <em><strong>much</strong></em> more than the smaller deeply planted bed. </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-vg9pwAU5HG0/UjkPf0de7uI/AAAAAAAAOAY/Dxu0AbhEZAk/s1600-h/IMG_2898%25255B16%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_2898" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_2898" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-TpnPwvJ4urA/UjkPg21Q0BI/AAAAAAAAOAg/Gkp1_0wmtIo/IMG_2898_thumb%25255B13%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="246" height="186"></a></p> <p align="center">Most of the tomato’s in the main garden are done & the plants pulled. This is the last large harvest I’m sure. They are all bagged in the freezer with the rest of the harvest waiting for canning in cooler weather.</p> <p align="center">Most of my potato’s produced these tater berries. After doing a bit of research I learned you can plant them & they will produce seed taters which can then be planted the following year. I may save a few to try but, I’m not dedicating much space for a 3 year process…..although I probably should</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-2zFjG4VXEOY/UjkPhkEMswI/AAAAAAAAOAo/O6Mltk3hBH0/s1600-h/IMG_2899%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_2899" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_2899" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Z0ML7d0gCCY/UjkPiKd3tOI/AAAAAAAAOAw/ozuScwjEA-M/IMG_2899_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="246" height="186"></a></p> <p align="center">I’ve been so wrapped up in everything else I totally forgot about the strawberry bed once they were done.</p> <p align="center">It’s loaded with weeds & I’m afraid a lot of plants got choked out or are dead. It’s on the list for the next few days chores. Spring will tell if any survived</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/--yioCSBh0FE/UjkPi4VH2FI/AAAAAAAAOA4/Oa1lsNRfz38/s1600-h/IMG_2913%25255B14%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_2913" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_2913" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-CL-eobIdONs/UjkPjtt10PI/AAAAAAAAOBA/3r8ZJB-iVfM/IMG_2913_thumb%25255B11%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="246" height="186"></a></p> <p align="center">Remember the weird random squash that came up and took over the garden?</p> <p align="center">After the vine died back this is what I have. Can anyone recognize the squash/pumpkin? It has a squash/pumpkin smell and texture…..</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-1dfAP9m13RQ/UjkPkOM3D9I/AAAAAAAAOBI/WG9TI7vjxdM/s1600-h/IMG_2919%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_2919" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_2919" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-eqn_Dzfc_9k/UjkPkjm4e1I/AAAAAAAAOBQ/LhtMfuNZMqE/IMG_2919_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="246" height="186"></a></p> <p align="center">But hit with a lawn mower its yellow inside</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-EQpA0seiRX4/UjkPlvQxdRI/AAAAAAAAOBY/nDUo1yN4QdY/s1600-h/IMG_2923%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_2923" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_2923" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-DN4eUGQfcEI/UjkPmCAYngI/AAAAAAAAOBg/eLZC-RYytO4/IMG_2923_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="246" height="186"></a></p> <p align="center">I bet there are over 30 out there in the garden waiting to be harvested! Now I need to figure how to store and preserve them</p> <p align="center">The herb garden is doing pretty well so far….I’ll get photo’s tomorrow</p> <p align="center">Have a great evening</p> <p align="center">Katie</p> <div id="scid:0767317B-992E-4b12-91E0-4F059A8CECA8:c8323b85-11db-42b8-bff6-b2a848606cf9" class="wlWriterEditableSmartContent" style="float: none; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px">Technorati Tags: <a href="http://technorati.com/tags/Katidids" rel="tag">Katidids</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/garden+update" rel="tag">garden update</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/harvesting" rel="tag">harvesting</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/potatos" rel="tag">potatos</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/lessons+learned" rel="tag">lessons learned</a></div> Katididshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15568618127371786808noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-785507893078357495.post-75724658311243384682013-09-16T01:01:00.001-05:002013-09-16T01:01:50.204-05:00Life Got In The Way<p align="center"><font size="4">Of blogging for a while. Did ya miss me? </font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4">Things got a bit crazy here and something had to give for a bit. It was blogging or what was left of my mind. I’ve popped in every week or so on your blogs attempting to stay in touch, but I know we’ll be into winter before I catch up.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4">The garden kicked my rear this summer. Honestly it was nearly ignored after it took off with our early season rains. We had a business trip to Milwaukee in June & I stayed for a week to visit friends….while I was gone the weeds took off & I was never able to gain control again. I keep the girls during the day & they would be playing or “helping” while I weeded. Well, I made the mistake of taking Miss Alix on a walk with me with me down to the mail box…after that when every my back was turned she would take off down the driveway. Let me tell you that 18 mo. old can run! I was ready to tie a rope to her. Our once <em>very quiet</em> road has become super busy now that there are 2 subdivisions on the other end & cars just fly down it. We have a hard time not getting hit pulling out of the driveway. The days I <em>was</em> kid free were in the high 80’s or 90’s….I’m not falling out for tomato’s!</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4">I’ve not canned at all so far. Everything has gone in the freezer. It was to blasted hot to have the stove on. I figure by this time next month I’ll be up to my elbows in canning jars & have a warm house when the heat will be appreciated.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4">So, Mr. Fix-It had been going for PT on <em>his</em> arm…well it helped for a while and he gained movement… but then got worse. To the point the vibration of Fred (the riding lawn mower) created all kinds of pain. Making a 18mo long story much shorter…it was a frozen shoulder due to a nerve issue. Yes, good times, mine was getting better and his got worse. Late August he had surgery. They knocked him out, forcibly manipulated his arm to break the “frozen shoulder”, removed gobs of scar tissue in the shoulder socket which was creating the nerve pain. They also removed the little tip of the socket and few bone burs in there. When we were leaving they kept telling us he was going to be in sooo much pain that to be sure and keep him on pain pills. Honestly? He said the discomfort from the surgery was much less than the constant nerve pain! No wonder he’s gone grey this past year! </font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4">Know what that dork did the next day? <strong> He felt so good… he went to work!</strong> I know a lot of women complain their hubby’s are big babies when they are sick or injured….I almost wish he would get some of that. Now he’s pushing his healing…trying to play catch-up around here before winter. Can’t slow a good man down.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4">In the good news department my shoulder is <em>nearly</em> 100%. Well enough I was released to use my bow again. Last weekend Larry took me to an archery shoot. And, to toot my own horn (keep in mind I’d only shot it about 3 times all year). Well, the course as it turns out is one national archery champs use to practice. Out of 150 possible points I scored just over 100. Towards the end my arm was pretty shaky but finished with what I felt was a respectable score.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4"> Next year that course is MINE!!!!</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4">Since it’s 2 am I’m crawling off to bed. I’ve a list of gardening questions to ask so grab a cup of coffee next time around or skip that post! LOL! </font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4">Have a wonderful day</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4">Katie</font></p> <div id="scid:0767317B-992E-4b12-91E0-4F059A8CECA8:123b3b9a-36b7-4b7d-804f-b73782d52188" class="wlWriterEditableSmartContent" style="float: none; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px">Technorati Tags: <a href="http://technorati.com/tags/Katidids" rel="tag">Katidids</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/healing" rel="tag">healing</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/catching+up" rel="tag">catching up</a></div> <p align="center"><font size="4"></font></p> Katididshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15568618127371786808noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-785507893078357495.post-5737068226454744822013-07-24T09:49:00.001-05:002013-07-24T09:49:29.809-05:00Craig’s List Finds & Clearing the Underbrush<p align="center"><font size="4">The other day someone sent me a link to a Craig's List ad for topsoil..thinking I needed more for the garden. I do but, it was from a property owner who uses all kinds of chemicals on his lawn so I gave it a “thank you” and a pass.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4"> BLECK!</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4">Not for me. </font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4">Looking at other local ad’s I found these barrels. 2 for $25! When my Son in Law went to pick them for their house as well…he paid $40.00 for all 4. SWEET!</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-9JlikAZM3B0/Ue_pVDax4yI/AAAAAAAANBw/bYmX7160UGg/s1600-h/IMG_27305.jpg"><font size="4"><img title="IMG_2730" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_2730" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-C0hn3dUfD7g/Ue_pV7rfO7I/AAAAAAAANB4/Y5yTbBiEdaQ/IMG_2730_thumb6.jpg?imgmax=800" width="246" height="186"></font></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="4">They held vinegar so I need to be sure I have them well cleaned before I use them for water catchment. I’m not sure they will be done this season but surely for the upcoming spring.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4">The boys & I made a lot of progress clearing the brush behind the house. It’s been slow going as there is a smaller/older brush pile under all of the honeysuckle and other vines…lots of things to trip and twist and ankle on. </font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4">When we started…</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4">deer target on the left leaning on the rabbit hut and green tarp in the lower right</font></p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-mF-ImSq0hHw/Ue_pWjZfvKI/AAAAAAAANCA/zZPI7EHHWSQ/s1600-h/IMG_25563.jpg"> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-mF-ImSq0hHw/Ue_pWjZfvKI/AAAAAAAANCI/u3W52M1CWZQ/s1600-h/IMG_25566.jpg"><font size="4"><img title="IMG_2556" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_2556" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-9no_4CXoXy8/Ue_pYg6gRzI/AAAAAAAANCQ/j7HpDTC1-ro/IMG_2556_thumb7.jpg?imgmax=800" width="246" height="186"></font></a></p></a> <p align="center"><font size="4">And after! </font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4">Deer by the rabbit hutch and the tarp</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4">Looks much better I think!</font></p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-rX9tDzlewaU/Ue_pZQh08xI/AAAAAAAANCY/e6roZ8v5-eE/s1600-h/IMG_27913.jpg"> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-rX9tDzlewaU/Ue_pZQh08xI/AAAAAAAANCg/7PLCA260C0w/s1600-h/IMG_27914.jpg"><font size="4"><img title="IMG_2791" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_2791" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-lbtKhMDTocg/Ue_pbWOTmVI/AAAAAAAANCo/siTJPnuIk1M/IMG_2791_thumb5.jpg?imgmax=800" width="246" height="158"></font></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="4">There is much more to clear out from behind the rabbit hutch but I’m very exited & encouraged with the progress..It really opens the back yard up. I’m pretty sure we disturbed numerous skeeter nests as we were bit up pretty good but, since then we’ve seen a noticeable decline in the amount of those blood suckers on the property</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4">A few tree stumps left to cut up & clear out. I’m thinking maybe we’ll use them for a bon fire</font></p></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-OyFKKib6Rr0/Ue_pcacpvCI/AAAAAAAANCw/96Hhxutm5q8/s1600-h/IMG_27943.jpg"> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-OyFKKib6Rr0/Ue_pcacpvCI/AAAAAAAANC4/Yy8S8DEOApU/s1600-h/IMG_27944.jpg"><font size="4"><img title="IMG_2794" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_2794" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-b8pmeb7ebO8/Ue_peMYZPiI/AAAAAAAANDA/OLcp8b8BUvg/IMG_2794_thumb5.jpg?imgmax=800" width="246" height="186"></font></a></p></a> <p align="center"><font size="4"></font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4">The underbrush I’ve been burning almost nightly in the fire pit. Starting early evening till after dusk. It’s been a nice evening change & helps keep the skeeters at bay. </font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4">But darn it, the deep bed of coals left just beg us to roast marshmallows. Makes for a nice treat for my pint sized helpers.</font> <div id="scid:0767317B-992E-4b12-91E0-4F059A8CECA8:e998b352-b9c9-4cc9-a598-95ad5f0bb58a" class="wlWriterEditableSmartContent" style="float: none; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px">Technorati Tags: <a href="http://technorati.com/tags/Katidids" rel="tag">Katidids</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/Craigs+List+Finds" rel="tag">Craigs List Finds</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/water+barrel" rel="tag">water barrel</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/clearing+brush" rel="tag">clearing brush</a></div></p> Katididshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15568618127371786808noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-785507893078357495.post-24269370779620835712013-07-22T09:51:00.001-05:002013-07-22T09:51:02.836-05:00Rain, Lovely Rain<p align="center"><font size="4">I know, I know… last week I was singing rain – rain go away!</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4">It was getting pretty dry & everything seriously needed watered. </font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4">The thick & fluffy clouds rolled in early yesterday morning. They were beautiful…. so low, they looked to be brushing the tree tops</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Z2Hv7B4RO7Y/Ue1GwAkr2CI/AAAAAAAAM_o/iqrj3IHEu5I/s1600-h/IMG_278914.jpg"><font size="4"><img title="IMG_2789" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_2789" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-57xbZG-Rj0Q/Ue1GwkyLxlI/AAAAAAAAM_w/eLhGtsD36IU/IMG_2789_thumb11.jpg?imgmax=800" width="246" height="186"></font></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="4">Perfect weather for processing corn outside. Mr.Fix-it is an early riser…What I call <em>“O”-God thirty”</em> You know, when most of us look at the clock and groan and roll back over. By the time I came out at 8AM, he had everything set up and was well into having the corn shucked and ready (<em>My Hero</em>)</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-axFEu3wfIqc/Ue1GxUquGjI/AAAAAAAAM_4/8McxZPFb-J4/s1600-h/IMG_28039.jpg"><font size="4"><img title="IMG_2803" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_2803" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/--2M3wyb3XlU/Ue1Gxzvh-EI/AAAAAAAANAA/XzBwR_UB94A/IMG_2803_thumb6.jpg?imgmax=800" width="246" height="146"></font></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="4">While the first batch was in blanching for 10 minutes & then cooling, we finished the shucking</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-vwrQ3R3sA1g/Ue1Gyq3E3-I/AAAAAAAANAI/KVe95j2I1Es/s1600-h/IMG_28018.jpg"><font size="4"><img title="IMG_2801" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_2801" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-wysqZNqsKZA/Ue1GzJigl2I/AAAAAAAANAQ/6dzZafukQhE/IMG_2801_thumb5.jpg?imgmax=800" width="246" height="186"></font></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="4">Turkey fryer works perfectly with a large kettle </font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-kHSf9UkN_3c/Ue1Gz15cN7I/AAAAAAAANAY/b2AfUjlgmqI/s1600-h/IMG_28029.jpg"><font size="4"><img title="IMG_2802" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_2802" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-HzhqR6Zoeag/Ue1G0dswU_I/AAAAAAAANAg/M4agWMjKZiM/IMG_2802_thumb6.jpg?imgmax=800" width="246" height="186"></font></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="4">Corn bagged and cooling a bit more in the breeze before going in the freezer.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4">I love this burner, canning (water bath) works so well outside & saves tons. I’m <strong>not</strong> using the house propane, the heat stays outside saving the A.C. usage…& electric bill which I love!</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4">The weather stayed beautiful all day, much cooler & the rain (wonderful rain) came at dusk once we were inside. I couldn’t ask for better than that! </font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4">************</font></p> <p align="center"><font color="#004040" size="4">As far as a garden up date goes, I fought the squash bug & borer’s but they won. I had to pull 3 of the squash plants out. I found finally found Neem oil but it was to late for these. I’m hoping I can get it sprayed soon enough to save the other plants… once it quits raining. </font></p> <p align="center"><font color="#008000"><font size="4"><font color="#004040">The rest of the garden is looking decent, the potato’s are showing blooms, melons are setting fruit & the surprise pumpkin are growing like crazy. Now it’s down to the waiting game. Other than the raised beds and cucumber area, all sections have been weeded clear & bare areas ready for fall planting in a week or so…but, that was <em>yesterday….</em>today who knows.</font> </font></font></p> <p align="center"><font color="#0000ff" size="4">**************</font></p> <p align="center"><font color="#0000ff" size="4">The first batch of blackberry jam was made the other day..the first 2 gallons went in the freezer slated for winter cobblers </font></p> <p align="center"><em><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-1qz0wKfDzvw/Ue1G0_R1GUI/AAAAAAAANAo/YjcW25pphNo/s1600-h/2013%252520Blackberry%252520Jam%252520firstbatch%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><font size="4"><img title="2013 Blackberry Jam firstbatch" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="2013 Blackberry Jam firstbatch" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-iaiO0FJGqso/Ue1G1bn5TzI/AAAAAAAANAw/10pZ3VI9ZeA/2013%252520Blackberry%252520Jam%252520firstbatch_thumb%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="246" height="129"></font></a></em></p> <p align="center"><font size="4">I’ve another batch waiting to be made now while Miss Alix is napping so, off for jam making & house cleaning while it’s to wet for outdoor work.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Bradley Hand ITC"><strong><em>Katie</em></strong></font></p> <div id="scid:0767317B-992E-4b12-91E0-4F059A8CECA8:b15456f5-06e4-4376-8831-f06741b37326" class="wlWriterEditableSmartContent" style="float: none; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px">Technorati Tags: <a href="http://technorati.com/tags/Katidids" rel="tag">Katidids</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/garden" rel="tag">garden</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/outdoor+canning" rel="tag">outdoor canning</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/gardening" rel="tag">gardening</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/blackberries" rel="tag">blackberries</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/preserving" rel="tag">preserving</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/blackberry+jam" rel="tag">blackberry jam</a></div> <p><font size="4"></font></p> Katididshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15568618127371786808noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-785507893078357495.post-63957509297127302142013-07-17T22:52:00.001-05:002013-07-17T22:52:35.832-05:00Beans Beans The Magical Fruit<p align="center"><font size="4">The more you eat the more you …wait! </font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4"> Wrong kind of beans!</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4">I’m talking Green Beans! The blue lake bush kind. We (My SIL Jessie & I)picked and processed green beans yesterday. I think it was her first time from picking to looking at the pretty cooling jars fresh out of the pressure cooker. </font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-k9Oga8GQvMs/UedmfFNa9RI/AAAAAAAAM9I/9-TbztbSQbc/s1600-h/2013%252520greenbeans%252520first%252520canning%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><font size="4"><img title="2013 greenbeans first canning" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="2013 greenbeans first canning" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-vxsrX9A_4bE/UedmflSjAiI/AAAAAAAAM9Q/xUvcAU74TC0/2013%252520greenbeans%252520first%252520canning_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="246" height="186"></font></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="4">More blossoms are showing on the plants so I’m hoping for another harvest. I also planted the Italian broad beans this year for my oldest daughter Danielle. She picked 2 full grocery bags worth & cried <em>enough! </em>Blossoms are showing on those plans as well so I think we may just be sick of beans by end of canning season let alone this winter!</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4">Cucumbers nearly got away from me…</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-0fKvm8PKDvY/UedmgBA3mMI/AAAAAAAAM9Y/PRTN5DyUG3Y/s1600-h/2013cucumber%252520and%252520squash%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><font size="4"><img title="2013cucumber and squash" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="2013cucumber and squash" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-BbiemsjhE6U/UedmgstUxnI/AAAAAAAAM9g/4sRC7VpWGcY/2013cucumber%252520and%252520squash_thumb%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="186" height="246"></font></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="4">We picked 16 and were able to re-home 3..so I need to get these processed. Not sure what relish recipe I’ll use but I want to try one from </font><a href="http://a-homesteading-neophyte.blogspot.com/"><font size="4">Erin</font></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="4">Be sure and pop over to check out her blog. She and her husband have just purchased land to go off grid. I can promise her posts will be a good read.I’ve been known to have coffee pass through my nostrils on a few LOL!</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4">The garden is *<em>cough</em>* nearly under control. OK, just over half..but I need to stay positive about it right? Healthy weeds mean good soil and ours are growing well. I’ve been having a morning & evening meeting with them. The potato bed is cleared and received a new layer of straw as well as the additional rows in the main garden, Some of the plants are showing blossoms forming so they are looking good.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4"> The peas planted in a shaded area are hanging on. Very slow growing but the blossoms are turning to pods so I’m hoping they continue to produce. Other than fresh out of the garden I love them dried. Can’t stand cooked peas (say tuna and pea casserole & watch me gag!) so these will be dehydrated for general munching!</font></p> <p align="center"><font style="background-color: #ffffff" size="4"></font><font style="" color="#0000ff" size="4">I watered the front flowerbed last night and realized what a sad state it was in. I used to keep it so nice and now…it’s looking sad, neglected and full of weeds. I don’t have/take the time to care for it as I should so I’m thinking of making some changes there as well. More perennials that take less maintenance but give those pops of color I love. I <em>need</em> to get back in my routine of spending at least 15 minutes a day devoted to the flower beds. It sure made a difference and they looked great. <em>Someday</em> I’ll grow up and get organized….</font><font style="background-color: #ffffff" size="4"></font></p> <p align="center"><font color="#0000ff" size="4">Well, morning comes early & I have a date with the canner.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4">Hope it’s staying cool where you are</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4"><em>Katie</em></font></p> <div id="scid:0767317B-992E-4b12-91E0-4F059A8CECA8:b1ec9a8b-89e0-4e03-86f1-769617624dd7" class="wlWriterEditableSmartContent" style="float: none; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px">Technorati Tags: <a href="http://technorati.com/tags/Katidids" rel="tag">Katidids</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/gardening" rel="tag">gardening</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/canning+greenbeans" rel="tag">canning greenbeans</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/canning" rel="tag">canning</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/cucumber" rel="tag">cucumber</a></div> Katididshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15568618127371786808noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-785507893078357495.post-7208445592838244742013-07-16T08:00:00.001-05:002013-07-16T08:00:48.442-05:00This & That<p align="center"><font size="4">Ah…., Monday. Oops I mean Tuesday! Reality kicks back in. We had such a fun weekend with family. You know how it is, weddings and funerals are the only time you have the chance to see some family due to time, distance & commitments. A few of my husbands cousins were in from Ohio and PA. We had 2 days together, talking, eating and laughing as they relived childhood memories & we created new.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4">But real life kicks back in…</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4">The boys helped me clear over half of the underbrush in the back where I will place the compost bins…hot and stick it was about 86 with super high humidity…we stopped before we melted and cooled off with popsicles. </font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4">The wild blackberries are ripening. Mr. Fix-It has been donning long sleeves, jeans & boots every few evenings and picking what he can. He’s gone out 2 evenings and harvested a bit over 2 gallons</font><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-syN4fv8FmlM/UeVD8mLztFI/AAAAAAAAM5U/Qs1jE0jd-Io/s1600-h/Field%252520picking%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><font size="4"><img title="Field picking" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="Field picking" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-g-M_lhz2QY4/UeVD9RODO0I/AAAAAAAAM5c/5i3kYAAWMi4/Field%252520picking_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="186" height="246"></font></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="4">This was last nights haul….he said they are just starting to ripen & we’ll both need large buckets when they fully ripen. I believe this batch will be blackberry jam. </font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4">Mike and Jessie brought us a few of their berries as a thank you when they picked up the boys &</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4"> </font><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-IV812sshvxA/UeVD9_zJ_PI/AAAAAAAAM5k/CmENFnvr-5g/s1600-h/Black%252520Berry%252520cobbler%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><font size="4"><img title="Black Berry cobbler" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="Black Berry cobbler" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-uETdPcpngN0/UeVD-sj_qII/AAAAAAAAM5s/ZleU71nTW5Y/Black%252520Berry%252520cobbler_thumb%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="246" height="186"></font></a></p> <p><font size="4"></font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4">thrilled Mr. Fix-It with a cobbler.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4">Since the oven was already on, I used some fresh picked zucchini and made a few loaves of </font><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-zHN6U0BFNX4/UeVD_OpYGuI/AAAAAAAAM50/N8vpnnY5qqw/s1600-h/20130715_162157%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><font size="4"><img title="20130715_162157" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="20130715_162157" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-gDIEtb-TXgE/UeVD_xABtNI/AAAAAAAAM58/RFKypBF8gTw/20130715_162157_thumb%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="186" height="246"></font></a></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/chocolate-chip-zucchini-bread-10000001809024/"><font size="4">Chocolate zucchini bread</font></a><font size="4">. It weighs a ton but is soooo good! </font></p> <p><font size="4"></font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4">Green beans are calling my name to be harvested this morning. Since it’s already 78 degrees and they are calling for high 90s I’m heading out to get that done. Jessie is popping in to help me can some this morning/afternoon. I have a feeling I’m going to regret not being out at first light! </font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4">Have you harvested much this year?</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4">Katie</font></p> <div id="scid:0767317B-992E-4b12-91E0-4F059A8CECA8:7979be71-d796-40a1-baa8-7c3a9df66513" class="wlWriterEditableSmartContent" style="float: none; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px">Technorati Tags: <a href="http://technorati.com/tags/Katidids" rel="tag">Katidids</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/blackberries" rel="tag">blackberries</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/harvesting" rel="tag">harvesting</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/canning" rel="tag">canning</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/garden" rel="tag">garden</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/gardening" rel="tag">gardening</a></div> <p><font size="4"></font></p> Katididshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15568618127371786808noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-785507893078357495.post-1035441091865162332013-07-14T07:01:00.001-05:002013-07-14T07:01:58.539-05:00Sunday Bee’s and Blooms<p align="center">Bees have been few and far between this summer. </p> <p align="center">The little’s have learned learned to give a shout out when they are seen. A shout of celebration (or fear) depending on your age LOL!</p> <p align="center">The blooms were loaded with the bumbles this morning</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-PhInOwE0OVI/UeKTEvA0-VI/AAAAAAAAM0s/58_RhLIPhKQ/s1600-h/IMG_27724.jpg"><img title="IMG_2772" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_2772" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-eVYzgh4uCIc/UeKTFa0mCoI/AAAAAAAAM00/oT4UrX84LqU/IMG_2772_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="246" height="186"></a></p> <p>Last of the lilies, this was another freak double bloom…freaky but I love them</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-W1KsMjZXZNI/UeKTGAikr3I/AAAAAAAAM08/euiI6DxA3Qk/s1600-h/IMG_27704.jpg"><img title="IMG_2770" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_2770" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-0euQsxj4SPQ/UeKTHDNg_PI/AAAAAAAAM1E/tmR7BLgrp34/IMG_2770_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="186" height="246"></a></p> <p align="center">Honey bee’s covering the cucumber blooms…</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-oDUsiGe3SG8/UeKTHy-I4jI/AAAAAAAAM1M/PdZMM_G6s-A/s1600-h/IMG_27684.jpg"><img title="IMG_2768" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_2768" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-8NBLUNctDfA/UeKTL-cDa7I/AAAAAAAAM1U/fssGnmLcmok/IMG_2768_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="186" height="246"></a></p> <p align="center">That’s it little men, do your bee thing and pollinate those blooms.</p> <p align="center">The boys & I started clearing the area where I want the compost bins. Mr.Fix-It’s arm is not quite up to snuff yet so my BIL brought his chain saw over the other day and we <em>played</em> a bit.</p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-3kNOEFrSIPE/UeKTM-r5iZI/AAAAAAAAM1c/oJ3TpMZTz0Y/s1600-h/IMG_27565.jpg"><img title="IMG_2756" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_2756" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-UuFh_de821k/UeKTNS3jdVI/AAAAAAAAM1k/i4MqfH6Ejuk/IMG_2756_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="246" height="186"></a> <p align="center">Still have quite a bit to clear but it’s a start,,,and starting is half the job!</p> <p align="center">What are your plans for the day?</p> <p align="center">Katie</p> <div id="scid:0767317B-992E-4b12-91E0-4F059A8CECA8:56703813-7723-4e3b-8c24-19de2d4ba9d2" class="wlWriterEditableSmartContent" style="float: none; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px">Technorati Tags: <a href="http://technorati.com/tags/Katidids" rel="tag">Katidids</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/blooms" rel="tag">blooms</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/bee's" rel="tag">bee's</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/compost+bins" rel="tag">compost bins</a></div> Katididshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15568618127371786808noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-785507893078357495.post-78381296516351287962013-07-13T09:54:00.001-05:002013-07-13T09:54:13.910-05:00Lazy Morning Wandering<p align="center">in the garden. It’s in need of some serious weeding after all the rain. For the first time in weeks it’s beautiful out, low 70’s and as light breeze & perfect for garden work. </p> <p align="center">The only work being done out here is with my camera.</p> <p align="center">One of my nephews if getting married this afternoon and I’m trying to look presentable. Garden stained feet & hands are not quite the look I’m going for. I’ve soaked my feet in peroxide 3 times and scrub them nightly but cannot get rid of the stains. </p> <p align="center">Overall the garden is going great, </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-TindQuujbso/UeFp3e4LM8I/AAAAAAAAMYY/7KSiqb4d20Y/s1600-h/IMG_2759%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_2759" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_2759" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-C5IzT1sas24/UeFp4P7TFmI/AAAAAAAAMYg/7fz-rITIkqg/IMG_2759_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="186" height="246"></a></p> <p align="center">The second potato bed is growing well with few bare spots</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-QwsqipdF44Y/UeFp43lBbQI/AAAAAAAAMYo/WrpP6oo0rzQ/s1600-h/IMG_2760%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_2760" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_2760" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-QEpfeNneZFc/UeFp5jgr8RI/AAAAAAAAMYs/A8CirVXLbi4/IMG_2760_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="246" height="186"></a></p> <p align="center">Pathways mulched with 4 inches of grass clippings</p> <p align="center">Zucchini are producing like crazy. Neither Mr.Fix-It or I care for it much as a veggie but love zucchini bread. I think I have 24 cups of it in the freezer so far bagged in portions ready to use this fall & winter.</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-cls3fFGejBs/UeFp6dgn-zI/AAAAAAAAMY4/lJH1qqfG-YA/s1600-h/IMG_2761%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_2761" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_2761" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-2ozUW22mwws/UeFp6-veqkI/AAAAAAAAMZA/lW8CoeCBkSs/IMG_2761_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="246" height="186"></a></p> <p align="center">If this kind of production keeps up & the squash bugs don’t get me, I’ll be that person that drops off bags of zucchini on random front porches under the cover of darkness</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-wdmQl-gx11Y/UeFp7_G_w7I/AAAAAAAAMZI/TE6a06vADLg/s1600-h/IMG_2767%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_2767" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_2767" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-6i03DFtBrfw/UeFp8RJxG-I/AAAAAAAAMZQ/vK5SDQsbGjY/IMG_2767_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="246" height="186"></a></p> <p align="center">The green beans & Italian beans are ready to pick but will have to wait until tomorrow or Monday.</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-TMHRYgoUYqs/UeFp8xPvLZI/AAAAAAAAMZY/jBW-n416FTI/s1600-h/IMG_2763%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_2763" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_2763" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-XFZIXgmOFyc/UeFp9q3-kAI/AAAAAAAAMZg/g6YnN2vvmWg/IMG_2763_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="186" height="246"></a></p> <p align="center">As I was taking photos I munched quite a few of those nice fat beans for breakfast. Wish I could preserve them raw & retain all that freshness</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-B7PxdbVjDyE/UeFp-BRCTOI/AAAAAAAAMZo/fg-z82mtj6A/s1600-h/IMG_2762%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_2762" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_2762" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-zVmOyjQQRfk/UeFp-sscjoI/AAAAAAAAMZw/rYHtvVknkPQ/IMG_2762_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="246" height="186"></a></p> <p align="center">The broccoli bed stripped.I can’t get over how long they produced this year. All the rain really paid off. I think I have 20 2 person servings in the freezer.</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-y-htm04SG-s/UeFp_pbscWI/AAAAAAAAMZ4/GBHGGoZjkNg/s1600-h/IMG_2764%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_2764" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_2764" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-TtZdxnxsZys/UeFqACO3eeI/AAAAAAAAMaA/4BGysycYy8A/IMG_2764_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="246" height="186"></a></p> <p align="center">The rhubarb & pumpkin seeds I dropped. </p> <p align="center"> The rhubarb lived!! </p> <p align="center">so far…</p> <p align="center"> After 4 years of trying…success! It about killed me but I’ve not taken one cutting from these 2 year plants. They have such beautiful thick stalks….I may snitch <em>just</em> enough for a pie. Next year <em>God willing</em> I’ll have a wonderful stash of rhubarb sauce & enough for a few pies. The pumpkin seeds I lost (and found)have set fruit and there are about 4 softball size pie pumpkin forming up</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-p3xK3pd8cKE/UeFqA23HQNI/AAAAAAAAMaI/y34Z2uEHhyk/s1600-h/IMG_2765%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_2765" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_2765" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-11C3fbVpiLA/UeFqBTfX-GI/AAAAAAAAMaQ/pVuPwz7-gag/IMG_2765_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="246" height="186"></a></p> <p align="center">Cucumbers think they own the garden. Taking over everything! I <em>was</em> planning on adding another row of green beans or fall planting of spinach. I can see 3 that are huge and overgrown. Its been to wet and muddy to get in this section. </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-UcZZGohk4wo/UeFqCHgYlvI/AAAAAAAAMaY/xDnktlBNMj0/s1600-h/IMG_2766%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_2766" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_2766" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-SDrVHbKfwk0/UeFqCjZBv7I/AAAAAAAAMag/ufL0EYtGvHs/IMG_2766_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="186" height="246"></a></p> <p align="center">But there are plenty more blooms coming. </p> <p align="center">These are pickling cucumbers..I want to try sweet pickles this year although I’m not sure if there will be enough…after I find a recipe.</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Tpw0PdnR6DA/UeFqDfDa3_I/AAAAAAAAMao/yKASOPnbkpc/s1600-h/IMG_2768%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_2768" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_2768" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-_IY9YXjo1pY/UeFqD_FVwlI/AAAAAAAAMaw/AqMPkbETZMg/IMG_2768_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="186" height="246"></a></p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center">Off to play lady of leisure this morning and putter around the patio..till it’s time to put on the fru-fu clothes<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-je9vMCTzeNw/UeFqEs3mjAI/AAAAAAAAMa4/CcbFcNhVXbo/s1600-h/IMG_2773%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_2773" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_2773" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-FKx7Z57TvQU/UeFqFNN-qOI/AAAAAAAAMbA/nx6Y3wHMRPU/IMG_2773_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="246" height="186"></a></p> <p align="center">Good golly it needs cleaned up! </p> <p align="center">What are your plans this beautiful day?</p> <p align="center"><font size="5" face="Bradley Hand ITC">Katie</font></p> <div id="scid:0767317B-992E-4b12-91E0-4F059A8CECA8:b09ed5a3-87c6-4caa-9cbc-1a01696d8746" class="wlWriterEditableSmartContent" style="float: none; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px">Technorati Tags: <a href="http://technorati.com/tags/Katidids" rel="tag">Katidids</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/garden+update" rel="tag">garden update</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/gardening" rel="tag">gardening</a></div> Katididshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15568618127371786808noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-785507893078357495.post-36792692601319395862013-07-10T11:15:00.001-05:002013-07-10T11:18:12.291-05:00Plop, splat, plop…plop….splat<p align="center">That was the sound of our wet clothes as they hit the laundry room floor at 9:30 Tuesday evening. </p> <p align="center">It’s been so blasted hot we’re outside early morning and again after supper till dark.</p> <p align="center">Monday night we lost light at 9:30 along with all our energy…..it was still <em>85</em> degrees with <em>65</em>% humidity. My hair was so wet I looked like I’d just stepped out of the shower. </p> <p align="center">Last night wasn’t much different other than it was still 88 at 11 pm UGH! But, It’s so worth it as Mr.Fixit is <strong><em>totally</em></strong> on board now with composting. </p> <p align="center"> Don’t get me wrong, he was before but didn’t understand the amount we really needed for the garden. We do have a compost bin…but it is 1 bin & we keep adding to it….so its never done. I’ve tried shifting some to the side but it ends up mixed back in.</p> <p align="center"> So far this summer I’ve bought 4 yards of compost and could use 4 more . 1yard = a front end loader scoop. Granted 1 yard was only $5.00 but, it was the time/gas/quality and yes money I had a problem with when, with better resource management we could do it ourselves. So, after much discussion, I’m getting 3 large compost bins. At the shop he receives shipments weekly on pallets & will be bringing them home to reuse. I’m hoping we have enough to get 1-2 built this coming week and will add other sections as he receives more pallets. </p> <p align="center">The other change is to put the plans for a pool on hold till next year. </p> <p align="center"> Our pool became Fred and Ethel. </p> <p align="center">Yes, that’s right I named them</p> <p align="center">A friend of ours retired & moved from a large land holding into a smaller home in town. He sold us Fred and Ethel for less than 1/3 the cost of a new mower and trailer. Its half the size of the tractor and cuts the same width making it much easier for me to use. Less than 3 years old and has just over 100 hours on the motor….to good of a deal to pass up!</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-kslF7Nl6nOs/Ud2Iqb2joyI/AAAAAAAAMXo/m1XkUWAbfS8/s1600-h/IMG_2743%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_2743" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_2743" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Xi6JIFLvb4A/Ud2Iq1J5BcI/AAAAAAAAMXw/mtG5Hed96x8/IMG_2743_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="246" height="186"></a></p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center">Mr. Fix-It on Fred….</p> <p align="center">.Ethel was off to the side half loaded with grass clippings</p> <p align="center"> With over 5 acres there is a LOT of grass to mow. A lot of grass to mow = a wonderful base for compost~! Monday evening he mowed the 2 acres in front of the house blowing the clippings in deep rake easy rows. When I finished yesterday afternoon (with help from my SIL Jessie and the kids), I ended up with 8 (1 yard) trailer loads of clippings! That’s not counting all the clippings I used to mulch the pathways in the garden (1-2 more loads) Talk about a work out LOL! </p> <p align="center">We’ve <strong><em>plenty</em></strong> of carbon to blend in with the grass clippings & intend to do this again 2-3 more times this summer. A neighbor on the other end of the field has horses and cattle and are more than happy to let me fill a few buckets of manure to mix in the piles. WOOT! So excited I was doing a happy dance. </p> <p align="center"> 10 years ago If you told me I’d be dancing over compost I would have asked what time you were due for your meds! </p> <p align="center">The garden is going crazy, beans are nearly ready, squash and pumpkin are growing like gang busters…updates later I think I’ve rambled enough for now</p> <p align="center">Ah, I’m a happy girl!</p> <p align="center"><em><font size="5" face="Bradley Hand ITC">Katie</font></em></p> <div id="scid:0767317B-992E-4b12-91E0-4F059A8CECA8:888929f3-4c41-44a3-ade2-fea8b3db7393" class="wlWriterEditableSmartContent" style="float: none; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px">Technorati Tags: <a href="http://technorati.com/tags/Katidids" rel="tag">Katidids</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/gardening+on+the+cheap" rel="tag">gardening on the cheap</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/gardening" rel="tag">gardening</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/Fred+%26+Ethel" rel="tag">Fred & Ethel</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/composting" rel="tag">composting</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/mulching" rel="tag">mulching</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/planning" rel="tag">planning</a></div> Katididshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15568618127371786808noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-785507893078357495.post-11970498570544136462013-07-08T10:51:00.001-05:002013-07-08T10:51:51.414-05:00Water Logged!<p>As a friend of mine recently said…”If it doesn’t quit raining soon I’m going to rust!”</p> <p align="center">We had a semi dry week while Hayden was here but, after that rain. rain. rain. I was able to pop in the garden to weed a bit in the early mornings while he was here but never caught up. Then the heavy rains started and things are out of control. Plants are growing willy nilly and weeds are into full on party mode. I was out over the weekend in ankle deep mud trying to gain some since of control….Since its near 90 today and 70% humidity at 11 am I’m leaving it be for the day!</p> <p align="center">We had a minor emergency here over the 4th.</p> <p align="center"> My coffee pot died.</p> <p align="center"> Yes, you read that correctly. </p> <p align="center">In my house a broken coffee pot constitutes an emergency. </p> <p align="center">The on off switch broke. </p> <p align="center"> If you jiggled it just right it would come on and stay on. Mr. Fix-It (bless his heart) fixed it…..I think he was worried about<em> life as we know it</em> without coffee. Rather <em>his life</em> with me when I <em>don’t</em> have morning coffee. A $5.00 switch replaced and we were good to go for another few years. A simple part to do the repair…made me wonder how many would have simply tossed the pot and bought another. </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-fQCh-OSMJq4/UdrgDGmR88I/AAAAAAAAMWw/4Cdo0651Vcg/s1600-h/IMG_2691%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_2691" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_2691" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-t76HFO_LfY4/UdrgDjk2C2I/AAAAAAAAMW4/OzLfxw9MqwA/IMG_2691_thumb%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="246" height="186"></a>.</p> <p align="center">Erika and I spent part of last weekend working on a few updates at her house. We pulled her shutters, power washed them and the house. We painted and rehung the shutters… Oh my gosh the difference it made..to get the full effect, this is last summer & the condition of the house when we bought it a few months ago</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-EVZ9ORNNk9I/UdrgEK5j8EI/AAAAAAAAMXA/Oeh7vq2cXGc/s1600-h/Lori%252527s%252520001_thumb%25255B1%25255D%25255B2%25255D%25255B14%25255D.jpg"><img title="Lori's 001_thumb[1][2]" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="Lori's 001_thumb[1][2]" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-UNxgQ1UocK8/UdrgEmj1nLI/AAAAAAAAMXI/5-KbtwtmWGI/Lori%252527s%252520001_thumb%25255B1%25255D%25255B2%25255D_thumb%25255B12%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="246" height="187"></a></p> <p align="center">This photo was taken this morning.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-GoKkHaDZc6E/UdrgFCkAP_I/AAAAAAAAMXQ/3V3BIELWIPU/s1600-h/Little%252520house%252520redo%25255B11%25255D.jpg"><img title="Little house redo" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="Little house redo" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/--nBmnnmgfxQ/UdrgFgRSL-I/AAAAAAAAMXY/hMx0uPjvshw/Little%252520house%252520redo_thumb%25255B8%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="246" height="186"></a></p> <p align="center">We’ve all kinds of plants waiting to put in the front flowerbeds. It’s been to wet to get in there to do it. They would have really benefited from all this rain but we wanted to get the shutters finished first. The sun is out so I might get some in today…we’ll see.</p> <p align="center">Sunshine means laundry to hang so, I better take advantage of it while I’m able.</p> <p align="center">Hoping for a dry day</p> <p align="center"><em><font size="5" face="Bradley Hand ITC">Katie</font></em></p> <div id="scid:0767317B-992E-4b12-91E0-4F059A8CECA8:e621bde2-76fe-4513-b6bf-320f587fb010" class="wlWriterEditableSmartContent" style="float: none; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px">Technorati Tags: <a href="http://technorati.com/tags/Katiedids" rel="tag">Katiedids</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/garden" rel="tag">garden</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/little+house" rel="tag">little house</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/updates" rel="tag">updates</a></div> Katididshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15568618127371786808noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-785507893078357495.post-56620466616756481572013-06-27T10:05:00.001-05:002013-06-27T10:05:23.876-05:00We Got The “Big Man” This Week!<p align="center">And we’re storing up as many memories as we can. Hayden is in Indiana having Grandma & Grandpa Time! Last week was spent with Adams parents and this week is ours, then he heads back to SC. </p> <p align="center"> I HATE having him so far away!</p> <p align="center">This is one evening I won’t forget! We went out for ice cream, perfect for a hot humid evening right? </p> <p align="center"> Um, not so much. </p> <p align="center">The ice cream started melting like water dripping from a faucet. It didn’t set up properly. Then a nice breeze started…..I turned around and found a very chocolate covered boy! This photo was taken after he was partially cleaned up. Imbiggin the photo and you’ll see his arms and shirt are covered</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-qSJqmfFjRZU/UcxUmLwoo5I/AAAAAAAAMU4/u0N9xA1KemY/s1600-h/Hayden--Icecream4.jpg"><img title="Hayden & Icecream" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="Hayden & Icecream" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-eAJ2Ylug3K4/UcxUmmR9bJI/AAAAAAAAMVA/BmTAKCZJlkI/Hayden--Icecream_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="186" height="246"></a></p> <p>I laughed so hard….and so did he. Grandpa? Not so much, it was his truck we were riding in. A few squirts of dish soap and his shirt is good as new.</p> <p align="center">It’s been a fun week, I’ve decided 16 mo Grand daughter Alixandria is part monkey. She will climb anything but her all time favorite is a kitchen table. And she’s not picky…any table will do, her mama’s, mine…yours if you let her in the house. We can have the chairs all pushed in, come back less than a minute later and there she is….happy as a clam sitting <em>on</em> the table…talk about blood pressure check!</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-67w-pJ388ZI/UcxUnEdKX7I/AAAAAAAAMVI/VtgNV_FMaQg/s1600-h/IMG_265816.jpg"><img title="IMG_2658" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_2658" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-uD_cDrTMGTw/UcxUnsBNBVI/AAAAAAAAMVQ/iUV-PEud6go/IMG_2658_thumb16.jpg?imgmax=800" width="141" height="259"></a></p> <p align="center">One thing I’ll say about this child is she has her own opinion on fashion</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-mmqFrTkvnYo/UcxUoEFk0CI/AAAAAAAAMVY/xdZ70YXJoag/s1600-h/20130624_0834254.jpg"><img title="20130624_083425" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="20130624_083425" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-b8qs-qVeFhY/UcxUouvX_5I/AAAAAAAAMVg/lm8F3Kll5ww/20130624_083425_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="186" height="246"></a></p> <p align="center">So far this week we’ve built roads,excavated through the rock</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-lMyYZWCt38E/UcxUpHhS9iI/AAAAAAAAMVo/VN82Ngumoeo/s1600-h/buildingroads3.jpg"><img title="buildingroads" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="buildingroads" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-GofIGkMzi0s/UcxUpoNrwVI/AAAAAAAAMVw/XncJzlenzWo/buildingroads_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="246" height="186"></a></p> <p align="center">learned drink from the water hose…</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Vf3dlnHfDS8/UcxUqPt0SNI/AAAAAAAAMV4/oq_O5ZKnHnA/s1600-h/Water-hose3.jpg"><img title="Water hose" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="Water hose" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-GWKiDhOgfPA/UcxUquh8RCI/AAAAAAAAMWA/GKQnrRFHaLI/Water-hose_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="246" height="186"></a></p> <p align="center">and in the afternoons when it’s to hot & humid to play outside we watch a</p> <p align="center">Disney movie….</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-9sYqQvgbKZ4/UcxUrMRkhmI/AAAAAAAAMWI/YwyG0KB5AW4/s1600-h/Evie-Not-Tired8.jpg"><img title="Evie Not Tired" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="Evie Not Tired" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-x9qUCpud03w/UcxUrpLfJGI/AAAAAAAAMWM/8IKp3c0nh2g/Evie-Not-Tired_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="246" height="186"></a></p> <p align="center">Because we are <strong><em>not tired and don’t need a nap…</em></strong></p> <p align="center"><strong><em>The garden?</em></strong></p> <p align="center">I’ve been out a few times</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-rHBoWycGZdY/UcxUsMrvh1I/AAAAAAAAMWY/tARKjzRVL_8/s1600-h/20130624_1244228.jpg"><img title="20130624_124422" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="20130624_124422" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-OwsTfAgNjAI/UcxUsoOZDgI/AAAAAAAAMWg/y_CsMVMDVCE/20130624_124422_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" width="246" height="186"></a></p> <p align="center">But I have more important things to do this week…like sidewalk chalk, more roads, building fairy houses….</p> <p align="center">Have a wonderful week, I know we will.</p> <p align="center">Katie</p> <div id="scid:0767317B-992E-4b12-91E0-4F059A8CECA8:3a64b78e-3df1-4b6a-bda5-95d93bd330e2" class="wlWriterEditableSmartContent" style="float: none; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; width: 202px; margin-right: auto">Technorati Tags: <a href="http://technorati.com/tags/Katidids" rel="tag">Katidids</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/family" rel="tag">family</a></div> Katididshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15568618127371786808noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-785507893078357495.post-10996934880094080322013-06-26T13:27:00.001-05:002013-06-26T13:27:15.952-05:00Playing Catch up<blockquote> <p align="center"><font size="4">We are home from our trip and playing catch-up big time. Apparently it rained like crazy while we were gone because the garden has taken off like crazy! The beans are heavy in bloom and the squash</font><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-vSNrADDLZqQ/UcsyYVkJnAI/AAAAAAAAMTI/pz71rpeVdgE/s1600-h/IMG_2646%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><font size="4"> <u>has just gone crazy!</u></font></a><font size="4"> When we left, this plant was knee high on me…keep in mind I’m 5’9 and have a 33 inseam. Right now it’s hip high!</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-7-5GwkrSbxM/UcsyZV40L1I/AAAAAAAAMTQ/ZfVhEOKikGI/s1600-h/IMG_2647%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><font size="4"><img title="IMG_2647" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_2647" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-UFTyQ0r1SA0/UcsyZ-C7tgI/AAAAAAAAMTY/8wKPFQUL56s/IMG_2647_thumb%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="246" height="186"></font></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="4">Glad I spaced these further than normal because it’s just huge. Now, we’ll see if these blooms fruit. Last year I needed to hand pollinate them all…realllly hoping that’s not needed this time around.</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-vSNrADDLZqQ/UcsyYVkJnAI/AAAAAAAAMTg/emQn37T8ke4/s1600-h/IMG_2646%25255B12%25255D.jpg"><font size="4"><img title="IMG_2646" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_2646" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-fM9XdwBJ8d8/UcsybT5UiBI/AAAAAAAAMTo/vMym7r1esYE/IMG_2646_thumb%25255B13%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="246" height="151"></font></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="4">The raised beds needed some serious work. Most of the lettuce has bolted & I’m letting it go to harvest seed. The asparagus transplants appear to be a success. There were about 6 new shoots popping up….which I munched on while weeding. </font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-jAaLiInfJLo/UcsycCd7vOI/AAAAAAAAMTw/JYWZTAysivY/s1600-h/IMG_2650%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><font size="4"><img title="IMG_2650" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_2650" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-buRKoRQTtIA/UcsycqUJY5I/AAAAAAAAMT4/uVGIdrsK-JI/IMG_2650_thumb%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="186" height="246"></font></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="4">My tomato’s are slugging along…very slow growing this year. At this rate I’ll still have green tomato’s come the first frost</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-wdugzisOdEM/UcsydXqxGLI/AAAAAAAAMUA/UzvQus2N9Sk/s1600-h/IMG_2645%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><font size="4"><img title="IMG_2645" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_2645" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-M2NvnzbY6bw/Ucsyd6ziKMI/AAAAAAAAMUI/5TrZayZHfTY/IMG_2645_thumb%25255B10%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="246" height="140"></font></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="4"></font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4">The potato’s are doing pretty well. I’ve needed to hill them twice this week. I added a layer of straw to help retain the moisture in this 90 degree heat streak. I’m really hoping they do well this year. The second potato bed is starting to show signs of growth as well. It’s my first year with them in the ground & both beds went in late…but it’s looking good so far …really hoping for some spuds this year after the last 2 yrs. fiascos! </font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-qr_-zXGAErM/Ucsyeo9ysuI/AAAAAAAAMUQ/Wl7CYjc5NDg/s1600-h/IMG_2651%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><font size="4"><img title="IMG_2651" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_2651" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-FhmkeX1ocno/UcsyfCWjAeI/AAAAAAAAMUY/_t-VZlI3Zo8/IMG_2651_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="246" height="186"></font></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="4">Hmm, my rows don’t look to straight! I’ll have to run lines next year…lets hope those taters don’t mind LOL!</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4"></font> </p> <p align="center"><font size="4">The strawberry bed…after all the rain & week of absence is a hot mess. Before I left it was weed free. </font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4"> Nice, </font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4">Pretty blooms showing through all those green leaves. </font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4">What we came home to?</font></p></blockquote><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-TJeZxEkMAq8/UcsygDpaiiI/AAAAAAAAMUg/7LjsYOkuvY0/s1600-h/IMG_2649%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><font size="4"><img title="IMG_2649" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_2649" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-hicNzuMqBes/UcsygoKVSpI/AAAAAAAAMUo/dMCcBQRYa6Y/IMG_2649_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="246" height="186"></font></a> <p><font size="4"></font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4">Looks like I have a few hours of work with the hand trowel in front of me. We went through the bed picking what we could salvage and tossed over a gallon of soggy/rotting berries. I’m <em>so</em> thankful the bed it tiered or it would be a rotting mess rather than just needing a serious weeding. Think once I have it cleaned up I’ll add a bit of straw to those bare spots to help slow those weeds down.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4">The heat is up this afternoon so we caved and came inside till it drops under 90. Looks like the laundry and dust are calling my name.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4">Maybe I’ll sew a bit or knit instead!</font></p> <p align="center"><em><font size="5" face="Bradley Hand ITC"><strong>Katie</strong></font></em></p> <div id="scid:0767317B-992E-4b12-91E0-4F059A8CECA8:b9bdb6ea-ea02-4dfc-a633-3020b9e4e15c" class="wlWriterEditableSmartContent" style="float: none; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px">Technorati Tags: <a href="http://technorati.com/tags/Katidids" rel="tag">Katidids</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/gardening" rel="tag">gardening</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/catching+up" rel="tag">catching up</a></div> <p align="center"><strong><em><font size="4" face="Bradley Hand ITC"></font></em></strong> </p> <p align="center"><font size="4"></font></p> Katididshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15568618127371786808noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-785507893078357495.post-40792833134163172182013-06-15T22:03:00.001-05:002013-06-15T22:03:28.503-05:00Day of Mulching<p align="center"><font size="4">Monday morning we’re taking off to Milwaukie for a few days. Business related for hubby and a nice break away from here. He will come home & I’ll stay in northern Indiana visiting friends for a few days. I am so looking forward to it. I’ve never been there so new places are always neat to visit. The Harley museum is close by the hotel so I’m hoping we can get over there.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4">The down side of leaving for a few days….lots of work to be finished up before I go. Isaiah & I were at earth first this morning for another trailer load of compost…we took it to his house and 2 hours later he, Erika & I had it unloaded in their flowerbed. </font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-RYywUtR9Sno/Ub0q_buvZVI/AAAAAAAAMOs/lM9qc5A2aNg/s1600-h/compost%252520going%252520in%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><font size="4"><img title="compost going in" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="compost going in" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-QS1Ti4zwwcc/Ub0q_5QHehI/AAAAAAAAMO0/ADlQxG9KmpY/compost%252520going%252520in_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="246" height="186"></font></a><font size="4"> </font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4">For right now, we’re using it as mulch…the addition (another bedroom) scheduled this fall will tear up the flower beds but my thought is we can start amending the soil some now.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4">We went back for a second load to finish it off & the rest I’ll use in the garden.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4">While they finished “mulching” I was able to get in 3 more rows of potato’s & 3 more roma’s. My BIL had dropped off more rabbit poo the other day so I was able to mix it with the compost when I planted. I’m interested to see how the 2 separate potato beds do. The first bed I put in the main garden (generally used for spinach and lettuces) & it’s shaded for about 3 hours in the afternoon….the second bed is in full sun. I ended up adding another layer of compost over both beds….and then went through the rest of the garden dressing everything with the black gold . It was hot, and I didn’t want to know the temps. About 3pm I turned the hose on myself & by 5 pm when the hubby got home my arms felt a mile long….and the ground was rippling. A loooong cool shower later I felt human again. The rest of it is staying in the trailer till morning but I need to have it emptied and cleaned out by 1pm. </font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4">Because ……(insert drum roll) we get to go to pick up and load Erika’s bedroom set & Isaiah’s bunk-beds from…… her ex’s. </font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4">It’s taken an<em> entire stinkin year and a court order</em> issued yesterday to get them. Erika’s bed set was given to her from Mr. Fix-It’s grandmother right before she died so come hell or high water we’re getting it back!. The old style inlayed bed frame and dressing table. In all honesty were almost afraid to see what condition it will be in. We’ll be taking snacks and water bottles as I know he’ll keep us waiting. ….because he can. </font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4">Crawling off to bed…</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4">Katie</font></p> <div id="scid:0767317B-992E-4b12-91E0-4F059A8CECA8:0b128543-eb86-42ac-9074-aae349bf26c8" class="wlWriterEditableSmartContent" style="float: none; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px">Technorati Tags: <a href="http://technorati.com/tags/Katidids" rel="tag">Katidids</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/composting" rel="tag">composting</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/gardening" rel="tag">gardening</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/garden" rel="tag">garden</a></div> <p align="center"><font size="4"></font> </p> <p align="center"><font size="4"></font></p> Katididshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15568618127371786808noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-785507893078357495.post-24993316218632633012013-06-13T12:24:00.001-05:002013-06-13T12:24:15.402-05:00Rain! Rain Came Today!<p align="center"><font size="4">Wonderful glorious rain!</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4"> Straight rain & sideways rain washing my windows & boy-howdy did they need it! </font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4">We caught the edge of that sever storm covering most of the mid-west. The skies have stayed overcast all morning so, we know there is more sever weather to come. Storm shelter is ready andwaiting.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4"> But right now..</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4">The Garden is happy Happy HAPPY! </font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4">The birds are happy & feasting on worms</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4">The birdbath has been filled…</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-uwnsPv9c9oQ/UboALFanqlI/AAAAAAAAMNQ/zmy61Aiw4sU/s1600-h/IMG_2601%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><font size="4"><img title="IMG_2601" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_2601" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-L1HY69ml6GU/UboAMGagvoI/AAAAAAAAMNY/5idYOQTpOM4/IMG_2601_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="246" height="186"></font></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="4">then nearly emptied due to a morning bird party.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4">I</font><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-7E_k7O0J1y0/UboAMjVvdaI/AAAAAAAAMNg/INJXqKFhjpM/s1600-h/IMG_2584%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><font size="4"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-7E_k7O0J1y0/UboAMjVvdaI/AAAAAAAAMNo/uuRSyltTQNk/s1600-h/IMG_2584%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_2584" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_2584" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-dsAVlS1MeBA/UboAOHyHdXI/AAAAAAAAMNs/gAbto4je6U0/IMG_2584_thumb%25255B10%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="246" height="196"></a></font></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="4">The garden was watered well saving my water bill. Right now I can almost watching it grow</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4">The down side… once it stopped raining the humidity level has shot up to 80%</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4">So I’m inside for the afternoon working on another table runner </font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-O0YvrIPFR5E/UboAOgRvNOI/AAAAAAAAMN0/Xr-o8NfEskw/s1600-h/IMG_2582%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><font size="4"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-O0YvrIPFR5E/UboAOgRvNOI/AAAAAAAAMN8/gCOdBE4dMwo/s1600-h/IMG_2582%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_2582" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_2582" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-V3Wy9u7NmV4/UboAPhob0-I/AAAAAAAAMOA/i2yGa_xOoeE/IMG_2582_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="246" height="186"></a></font></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="4">playing with Christmas color & sewing, thinking cool thoughts. </font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4">What are your plans for the day?</font></p> <p align="center"><em><font size="4">Katie</font></em></p> <p align="center"><font size="4"></font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4"></font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4"></font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4"></font></p> <div id="scid:0767317B-992E-4b12-91E0-4F059A8CECA8:3e16630c-dbfa-4367-83bb-80623808561d" class="wlWriterEditableSmartContent" style="float: none; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px">Technorati Tags: <a href="http://technorati.com/tags/Katidids" rel="tag">Katidids</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/weather" rel="tag">weather</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/sewing" rel="tag">sewing</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/handmade" rel="tag">handmade</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/sever+weather" rel="tag">sever weather</a></div>, Katididshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15568618127371786808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-785507893078357495.post-39482004748953441932013-06-12T23:47:00.001-05:002013-06-12T23:47:35.677-05:00Just Hangin Out<p align="center">For ever so long I’ve wanted a clothes line. </p> <p align="center"> A real honest to goodness clothesline.</p> <p align="center"> Dryers are one of the largest (if not <em>the</em> largest) expense in our electric bill. And lets face it, I’m cheap….I can’t stand watching that power meter spin. </p> <p align="center">SOLAR POWER! I want to let the free sun and wind to do the job.</p> <p align="center">Lately I’ve been using stand up dryer racks which are nice but outside they get blown over outside & I wind up with the racks set up all over the house. </p> <p align="center">My improvised lines that criss crossed all over the back deck were ok for small garments & socks but every thing else hit the ground, & most ended up stained with debris from the trees. </p> <p align="center"> I’ve looked at the collapsible style but they are now all constructed of light weight aluminum & flimsy…not like the heavy ones we grew up with.</p> <p align="center">A few weeks ago we were visiting our SIL/BIL Jessie & Mike. They’ve been working over 12 years building a house themselves. It’s just a beautiful location. Meadow, hill side, fruit…yes I drool.(It’s the family that gave us all the raspberry canes) I would trade in a heartbeat even if it meant starting the gardens over! Anyway, we talking about improvements they were currently working on and future plans, fencing etc. Jokingly I made comment “well, that clothes line will be in your way…I’ll do my part and take it home”</p> <p align="center">The following week we got together at our house & when they left….this was on the patio</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-MUp39_Xa2p8/UblO3pWCNuI/AAAAAAAAMMU/ZhUZxa3gRc0/s1600-h/IMG_2554%25255B13%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_2554" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_2554" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-vdcp9Ws9mRc/UblO36K3rVI/AAAAAAAAMMc/4Sx91M13Km4/IMG_2554_thumb%25255B10%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="246" height="186"></a></p> <p align="center">THE CLOTHES LINE!!</p> <p align="center">Saturday morning I got the washer running and went out side. </p> <p align="center">30 minutes later</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-FcauA7aTo00/UblO4f7qXuI/AAAAAAAAMMk/7KnSrs6B06o/s1600-h/20130608_114343%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img title="20130608_114343" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="20130608_114343" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-VjyfLITRP-M/UblO46Y6FiI/AAAAAAAAMMs/b98EENlt9Qo/20130608_114343_thumb%25255B9%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="203" height="246"></a></p> <p align="center">I had that bad boy setup in the side yard</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-BTIpyCHtEfI/UblO5bZd-LI/AAAAAAAAMM0/UVoaa38SLTc/s1600-h/20130609_133035%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="20130609_133035" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="20130609_133035" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-rrC_2o-FUiA/UblO5nlmoZI/AAAAAAAAMM8/mU7MQr7E1Xk/20130609_133035_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="246" height="186"></a></p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center">By the end of the day I’d hung & dried 4 loads of clothes. I couldn’t wait for the washer to finish and hang the next load. Others who live here think I’m nuts & shake their heads.</p> <p align="center">It’s been used everyday since & I hugged Jessie when I saw her today.</p> <p align="center">It’s the little things that make me happy,</p> <p align="center">Is there anything better than fresh sun dried sheets & towels?!?!</p> <p align="center">So yeah, I’m just hangin out!</p> <p align="center">Have a great evening!</p> <p align="center">Katie </p> <div id="scid:0767317B-992E-4b12-91E0-4F059A8CECA8:a7d98725-907f-4ba7-aee6-ff8f06c4fab0" class="wlWriterEditableSmartContent" style="float: none; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px">Technorati Tags: <a href="http://technorati.com/tags/Katidids" rel="tag">Katidids</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/clothes+line" rel="tag">clothes line</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/solar+dryer" rel="tag">solar dryer</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/free+%26+fun+gifts" rel="tag">free & fun gifts</a></div> Katididshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15568618127371786808noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-785507893078357495.post-52273905013037195322013-06-11T18:36:00.001-05:002013-06-11T18:36:09.686-05:00The Heat Is On..May I Borrow Your Goats?<p align="center"><font size="4">It’s 83 right now and just 9 am. If the predictions of the weather man are correct this will be the coolest morning of the week. The heat wouldn’t be so bad but the humidity is killer.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4">Last season when we took the pool down we had planned to have another up for this summer. Well, life happened and…you know there are other priorities. After much discussion, we’ve decided to put in another pool. We don’t go out much & I figure it’s our entertainment. </font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4"> Working here its been our cool off treat. Last summer I’d set work goals and take a dip in the pool to cool off…then get back to work. I was not looking forward to 90 degree days with 80% humidity this summer. I just can’t take the heat without some relief. </font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4">We’re switching location though. It will go in the large clearing behind the garage…between the 2 houses.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4"> Which means I need to get this mess needs cleaned out. </font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4"> I need goats. </font><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ePGHd-DT5m8/Ube0VjIcvVI/AAAAAAAAMLE/g6T1JShSzLY/s1600-h/IMG_2555%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><font size="4"><img title="IMG_2555" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_2555" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ovn19wwUxy0/Ube0WK2vlrI/AAAAAAAAMLI/LhKH2VnGBVc/IMG_2555_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="246" height="186"></font></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="4">A few years ago we had a nasty </font><a href="http://katididscreations.blogspot.com/2008/09/new-landscaping-extreme-makeover.html"><font size="4">windstorm</font></a><font size="4"> and lost numerous trees. The debris pile (hidden behind stacked wood & rabbit hutch) was a handy wood supply for the fire pit & bonfires.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4">Since we’ve ramped up gardening and fruit vines…and building the addition it’s been neglected & become <em>just a bit</em> out of control…I need goats </font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4"> </font><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-CrYn1vW2vBg/Ube0W4ssmTI/AAAAAAAAMLU/jC5Hi7R1fsQ/s1600-h/IMG_2556%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><font size="4"><img title="IMG_2556" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_2556" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-e7nBqEMpZKs/Ube0XdWB8eI/AAAAAAAAMLY/6QPWhmlTvPY/IMG_2556_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="246" height="186"></font></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="4">Vica, briars and honeysuckle have taken over…also poison ivy. LOTS of poison ivy! </font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4">I need goats</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ACgCBDJITQE/Ube0YBQgdwI/AAAAAAAAMLk/vF5rv5yfqfM/s1600-h/IMG_2557%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><font size="4"><img title="IMG_2557" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_2557" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-74OCR2WrkMs/Ube0YoTzG0I/AAAAAAAAMLs/CwSiiecQ9DY/IMG_2557_thumb%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="246" height="186"></font></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="4">The lyrics “<em>break on through to the other side</em>” run through my mind as I’m cutting limbs and shrubbery</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4">Hard to believe a few short years ago we mowed this & it was my kids path to the creek</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4">For the past few days I’ve been working clearing it out using the… dive in and chop/hack your way out method. Goats would help. Goats would get nice and fat on this mess!</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4"><img title="IMG_2561" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_2561" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-qb3yZfvRzlI/Ube0ZHQQbEI/AAAAAAAAML0/cBI7ZdBfBuU/IMG_2561_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="246" height="186"></font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4">There are trees grown up over 3 inches in diameter already</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4">ironically, <em>somewhere </em>under this mess is a wood chipper</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-lRRnpkhYcwI/Ube0Z3XFXuI/AAAAAAAAML8/PE8F3_yoJS0/s1600-h/IMG_2562%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><font size="4"><img title="IMG_2562" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_2562" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ULpnxULNv40/Ube0aCtgZ7I/AAAAAAAAMMA/1Vqqb8oB42w/IMG_2562_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="246" height="186"></font></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="4">May I borrow your goats? They would be well fed!</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4">Oh and so am I! Erika just called across the yard she has fresh cookies…have I mentioned I love having my daughter and her children as a neighbor?</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4">COOKIES!</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4">Katie</font></p> <div id="scid:0767317B-992E-4b12-91E0-4F059A8CECA8:c6b22e28-979a-4921-b06d-a5f74f53e372" class="wlWriterEditableSmartContent" style="float: none; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px">Technorati Tags: <a href="http://technorati.com/tags/Katidids" rel="tag">Katidids</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/gotta+do" rel="tag">gotta do</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/yardwork" rel="tag">yardwork</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/clearing+brush" rel="tag">clearing brush</a></div> <p align="center"><font size="4"></font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4"></font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4"></font></p> <p><font size="4"></font></p> Katididshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15568618127371786808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-785507893078357495.post-72566495517823388142013-06-09T21:42:00.001-05:002013-06-09T21:42:55.542-05:00Gutter Talk & Nosey Neighbors<p align="center"><font size="4">Ha! I know where your mind went & shame on you! </font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4">Today we got the gutters up on the Little House. </font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4">We knew they needed done soonish but he <em>wasn’t</em> to thrilled to install them today.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4"> It started when Mr.Fix It asked <em><strong>when</strong></em> we were going to get a bit of landscaping done over there..<em>referring to all the plants we’ve collected & have all over in pots.</em> He’d taken a few loads of dirt over to the front so we could get started but without gutters installed, the rain was eroding the soil & would destroy all those (mostly) free plants. After a trip to the hardware store and a phone call on the way back of “come over for breakfast, we cooked to much” invite from the oldest daughter we were set.</font><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-WJeK4SkNYkI/UbU9JtU9sLI/AAAAAAAAMHM/HPazARBpM_0/s1600-h/20130609_125012%25255B10%25255D.jpg"><font size="4"><img title="20130609_125012" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="20130609_125012" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-oB38TEXYX4g/UbU9KEweOtI/AAAAAAAAMHU/uQPzan0du3o/20130609_125012_thumb%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="246" height="186"></font></a><font size="4"> It went pretty smooth and would have been completed an hour or so sooner but, I forgot to grab right <em>and</em> left end caps so there was a bit of down time with another run to the hardware store.</font><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-lYnLPpquaCk/UbU9KV7cxAI/AAAAAAAAMHc/3mX54z7XDAQ/s1600-h/Waiting%252520for%252520parts%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><font size="4"><img title="Waiting for parts" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="Waiting for parts" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-zjIdfwb1pjo/UbU9K7l5k2I/AAAAAAAAMHk/03UUaNsMEqQ/Waiting%252520for%252520parts_thumb%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="246" height="186"></font></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="4"></font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4"></font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4">While the guys were working on the gutters, we pulled up a bunch of ‘Rose of Sharron” bushes and transplanted them on the edge of the driveway in front of the house.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4"> A few days after Erika moved in the neighbor across the field came over to see the house. There wasn’t a “welcome, congrats, are you excited about the move etc”…she made the comment <em>she sat and watched Erika through the windows but wanted better look</em>!!</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-esEhr-Fcj_M/UbU9Ldb4lAI/AAAAAAAAMHs/-8m9uABS26A/s1600-h/20130609_171528%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><font size="4"><img title="20130609_171528" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="20130609_171528" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-iwaPIU7t7_k/UbU9LhuGVOI/AAAAAAAAMH0/ZjGMhvRGY7Q/20130609_171528_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="246" height="186"></font></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="4">So, the other day I walked over to <strong><em>her</em></strong> house to check out exactly what she could see & and figured the landmarks of her “view”…which is exactly where we planted those Rose of Sharron bushes! I mean Really! Who hasn’t looked in windows as you drive by a house with the curtains open, but to say you changed your seating for a better line of sight??!?!?!??! Actually its far enough away (about 4 times the distance of these bushes to the house) you cant see a thing! She must be using binoculars!!! </font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4">I think we fixed that problem!</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4"><em>Katie</em></font></p> <div id="scid:0767317B-992E-4b12-91E0-4F059A8CECA8:7bf83f03-a42c-4469-a226-fdc5c0f53b7d" class="wlWriterEditableSmartContent" style="float: none; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px">Technorati Tags: <a href="http://technorati.com/tags/Katidids" rel="tag">Katidids</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/property+improvements" rel="tag">property improvements</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/projects" rel="tag">projects</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/nosey+neighbors" rel="tag">nosey neighbors</a></div> Katididshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15568618127371786808noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-785507893078357495.post-80537750559297630522013-06-07T22:27:00.001-05:002013-06-07T22:27:17.931-05:00Taters Are In<p align="center">Late for our area but, they are in the <em>ground. </em></p> <p align="center"><em> </em>Yup, this year those spuds are in the garden and the buckets are empty. </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-lGzt4qdeoTw/UbKkg4iYcGI/AAAAAAAAMCc/zrwyuvCYKAU/s1600-h/potatos%25255B10%25255D.jpg"><img title="potatos" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="potatos" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Tv_yZ4-gHNI/UbKkhS3GMQI/AAAAAAAAMCk/YqXD92x2f1s/potatos_thumb%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="186" height="246"></a></p> <p align="center"> I’d not had <strike>much</strike> any success with the potato buckets the past 3 years. I harvested enough last year for a large skillet of fried potato’s. That’s all…. Not worth the time or water doing that again. So late yesterday afternoon I learned to run the tiller. I tried to get it going earlier in the afternoon but my arm strength is <em>not quite enough</em> to pull the cord hard enough, or fast enough. Of course, Mr. Fix-It came home and gave it one flick of his wrist (or so it seemed) & it was started right up dag-nabit! I figure there is no sense having these “tools” and not know how to use them. Besides, the more I learn to do the less work it will be for him fit in after he gets <em>off</em> work…..and I won’t need to wait on him. Anyway, I was able to squeak in 3 20 ft. rows. They will get a few hours of late afternoon shade but it was the last useable space I had. Next year we’ll mark out another section and have it prepped and ready to spud it up.</p> <p align="center">Everything else is growing well so far. </p> <p align="center">The lettuce is thick and filling out great. I do expect the upcoming heat to put an end to that though.</p> <p align="center">Strawberries are still blooming and baring fruit. I think we have 6.5 gallons in the freezer so far. I’m pretty pleased with that as the first official picking season for these plants.</p> <p align="center">Squash…all but one have good growth</p> <p align="center">, <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-RNOf5UV2A48/UbKkh342wrI/AAAAAAAAMCs/Z-hX-2o9AAE/s1600-h/squash%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img title="squash" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="squash" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-CJsuVLKbeCs/UbKkiaOToXI/AAAAAAAAMC0/SHxJ4x6_JTA/squash_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="246" height="186"></a></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-HjlQaW202V8/UbKkiwZb1uI/AAAAAAAAMC8/U9oouuIqDDI/s1600-h/turnips%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="turnips" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="turnips" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-pZMe4xBP-J8/UbKkjYLE98I/AAAAAAAAMDE/luWsPnTtNZs/turnips_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="246" height="186"></a></p> <p align="center">Beets and turnips are both up and need some serious thinning</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-GMcnomurq40/UbKkjzhca6I/AAAAAAAAMDM/sNODEnu4Cgs/s1600-h/beets%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="beets" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="beets" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Y51r8GyASew/UbKkkXQd0dI/AAAAAAAAMDQ/46g0Am_Kl_M/beets_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="186" height="246"></a></p> <p align="center">The beans are putting on a good showing</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-lZk2_6FKJJc/UbKkk6LozmI/AAAAAAAAMDc/6KS6muSXH90/s1600-h/beans%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="beans" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="beans" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-aTqyP4s7nc4/UbKklZR3f7I/AAAAAAAAMDk/QknKuEbWQBo/beans_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="246" height="186"></a></p> <p align="center">Blue Lake and Roma beans..</p> <p align="center">The weeds? </p> <p align="center">Growing like gangbusters!!</p> <p align="center">Have a wonderful weekend!</p> <p align="center"><em>Katie</em></p> <div id="scid:0767317B-992E-4b12-91E0-4F059A8CECA8:5618b328-5cac-42eb-b1e0-e23a37f275e8" class="wlWriterEditableSmartContent" style="float: none; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px">Technorati Tags: <a href="http://technorati.com/tags/Katidids" rel="tag">Katidids</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/sustainable+living" rel="tag">sustainable living</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/garden" rel="tag">garden</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/gardening" rel="tag">gardening</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/green+things" rel="tag">green things</a></div> Katididshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15568618127371786808noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-785507893078357495.post-30205221232990341382013-06-07T13:16:00.001-05:002013-06-07T13:16:11.915-05:00Where Did The Week Go?<p align="center">Its been a super busy week, Kitchen garden is ready to be planted.</p> <p align="center">Isaiah & I ran out to Earth First and got 2 scoops/2 yards of compost nearly killing the poor trailer. After we were loaded and driving home I noticed what I thought was heavy exhaust coming from the van. It’s not been driven in months and figured it needed a serious tune up. Turned out it was the tire smoking!! It was rubbing on the bed of the trailer. Here I thought all those nice folks waving were being super friendly & admiring my towing skillz!</p> <p align="center">Thank goodness it was a old country road & not heavily traveled so I<em> ever so slowly</em> drove to a wide farm driveway and called for reinforcements. </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-J-8IgfDQGuU/UbIjYOmOKyI/AAAAAAAAL_8/DKuTyyeOjZw/s1600-h/tirerub%25255B11%25255D.jpg"><img title="tirerub" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="tirerub" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-nIrVWhxXFYw/UbIjYm6ZEiI/AAAAAAAAMAE/YFjktAUepOg/tirerub_thumb%25255B9%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="186" height="246"></a> Tire melt</p> <p align="center">The guys used some tie down straps a cinched up the trailer sides so I could on without transferring the load (<em>thank goodness</em>!) Unfortunately when we got home I couldn’t get the end board of the trailer off to easily dump and spread bits of it at a time….so Isaiah & I <em>shoveled</em> it out. <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-wfnMtH1N95c/UbIjZc7AT6I/AAAAAAAAMAM/Njq6xplZ16s/s1600-h/trailer%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img title="trailer" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="trailer" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-PKozaKsahfY/UbIjZw4-f6I/AAAAAAAAMAU/pX1K8_cAxlc/trailer_thumb%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="246" height="186"></a> Talk about a work out! It was 87 degrees and felt like 100. We tried to make a a game of, took a few breaks spraying each other with the hose & <strong>got it done</strong></p> <p align="center">.<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-tbKKhcdqHGw/UbIjaVaE4CI/AAAAAAAAMAc/uRQR2qWmBdE/s1600-h/Kitchengarden%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="Kitchengarden" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="Kitchengarden" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-erd8fmcrRNo/UbIjaq5ACjI/AAAAAAAAMAk/12Deyv9U_CU/Kitchengarden_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="246" height="186"></a></p> <p align="center">Kitchen Garden… Done and ready for planting</p> <p align="center">Raspberries are in the ground, I put them in last week but needed to wait for a trip to the lumber store to get posts for the trellis. After Mr. Fix- it cut them to length, Evie & I put them in last weekend. Instead of using the wire fencing I think for this frame we’re going with wire strands. Cheaper…much cheaper. Originally we used wire fencing for sturdiness & thinking long term. The grid on the blackberries is nice for weaving in and controlling the vines but we would loose some berry clusters as the vines grew. Hopefully the standard wires will be different. </p> <p align="center">Laundry’s waiting</p> <p align="center">Have a great weekend! </p> <p align="center">Katie</p> <div id="scid:0767317B-992E-4b12-91E0-4F059A8CECA8:8529c6ab-a5d5-401d-a0dc-493420a4b7eb" class="wlWriterEditableSmartContent" style="float: none; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px">Technorati Tags: <a href="http://technorati.com/tags/Katidids" rel="tag">Katidids</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/kitchen+garden" rel="tag">kitchen garden</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/raspberries" rel="tag">raspberries</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/gardening" rel="tag">gardening</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/composting" rel="tag">composting</a></div> Katididshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15568618127371786808noreply@blogger.com4