Today I took the plunge and bobbed my hair. I am donating the length I cut off for a special cause, it is going to one of the charities that takes in hair for cancer patients who have lost their hair due to chemo. I hope it goes to good use. It was too hot and too long. I was having trouble taking care of it. It is in fantastic shape, hardly any gray in it. It feels like a weight has been lifted off of my shoulders.
Yesterday was go to the niece's house to help her out with her sewing. At first she was so afraid to sew what she is working on and wanted Melinda, my sister to do it for her. Melinda told her to get to it. I was there to show her how to do zippers since I have mastered that art. I do enough of them around here with my zippy pouches. I can whip them out like crazy over here. So easy, if you take the time to really learn the method. I hope Kate will be able to master it like I did. It was common sense after I read about how to do it.
I found a new pattern to try out and what gets me, they want the knitter to use a plant based worsted or dk weight yarn. Excuse me, I think I will use a wool based since I have loads of that. I have yarn sitting on my desk for this project. I found it on Ravelry, in the free patterns section, it is called Summer Flies by Holly and Ella. I guess when I finish the silk and the other one that I have waiting for me, I will do this one. :)
I announced yesterday to Kate that I will no longer be knitting socks for anyone this winter. I am done with that for a while. I will make myself and Gary socks but, no one else. I have had it with not being thanked for all of my hard work. No one appreciates those socks. They love to wear them but, do not tell me thank you. Pfft on that!
I was able to actually crawl into the pool this morning and do 30 minutes of swimming. I worked on my legs and my back muscles. I love swimming on my back, I can cruise. I had to go inside and get my sunglasses so, I could see, the sun was peeking across the coolaroo that covers my pool. I like to swim in shade.
I had to go pull my swimsuit out of the washing machine. It needs time in the dryer. I need to do house work but, I find myself wanting to finish the silk shawl. I want it off of the needles. I am to the point where I need to get it done. I am losing interest in it quickly. It is getting boring for me. I will be ready to block it as soon as it is off of the needles.
I had a really cool experience while I was cleaning out the wall skimmer basket this morning before my swim. I always check it with a stick because I have a fear of water moccasins in my pool, it has happened before so, I have a long stick that I use to open the skimmer cover and I check before I put my hand down there. I saw something moving and I thought it was the usual little bitty toad, he isn't even an inch so, I let it get onto my stick...it was a wolf spider that had gotten in the basket so, I let it hop on the stick and what do I see as soon as I get it onto the coping...little spiderlets just totally swarming off of her back. They were everywhere and moving as fast as their little legs could carry them. She took off in another direction and they did their own thing. I had to run inside to share that with Gary. He wasn't too thrilled from what I could see. I don't mind spiders, they don't bother me. I know several people have problems with them but, they eat insects so, they are quite welcome in my yard.
The pest control people have tried to convince me spiders are bad...uh, what planet are you from? I love them because of their pest control capabilities. Some guy came to the door and told me I had a bunch of spider webs around my home...yes, and your point would be what? He tried to tell me he could get rid of them for me. No, I let him know, they are happy where they are, I am happy with them, so, what is your point? Just because I wasn't freaking out..he was looking at me like I was really weird.
We have cooler weather today after yesterday's showers. I am hoping this is what my tomatoes need to set their fruit. Please let the fruit set, I would love some huge tomatoes this year. We have had heat early this year and so far the only tomatoes setting fruit are the super 100 cherry tomatoes. I guess if I only get cherry tomatoes this year, I will be thankful for that and I will pull out the others and put something else in the garden in their place. I can deal with another veggie in there. Good news on the green bean front, they are blooming. I can't wait for fresh green beans. Yummy. I even bought a pressure canner on sale, it is a small one since our garden isn't all that big. I am going to take up canning. Mom and Dad used to can veggies all of the time so, I decided this would be a great thing because I do not have to deal with BPA and the horrible issues it causes diabetics. I can also control the amount of salt put into the canned veggies.
If the tomatoes would produce, we could also make our own sauce and peeled tomatoes in water, that is a life saver when you need something wonderful for meatloaf or chili, go into your pantry and get out the home grown canned tomatoes. I know what it took to grow the items and what is put into that jar.
My major goal is to get enough cucumbers from my three plants to make my own dill pickles. Oh, I miss the days of pickle making and having a jar around that is perfect on garlic and heat. We love hot dill pickles in my family. Gary doesn't like pickles.
I guess all of those things that Mom and Daddy taught us as kids has stuck. I can snap green beans quickly. I used to have to snap those huge brown paper shopping bags full of green beans. If I remember correctly, we each had to do two bags a piece. The one thing I don't miss, is the the shallots...ooh, those things are painful to the eyes. Also, peeling pears...I don't miss that one at all. I hated pears afer peeling the things and my fingers were cramped because someone beat you to the good peeler and I would always get stuck with the craptastic one. Never failed. I also hated being in the huge garden where only one person had the hoe to make sure no snakes were around and it would be so damn hot out there and my back would hurt from bending over. The mosquitos would be out as well and I would come out of that bean patch all stung up. It truly sucked!
The things I remember from being a kid. The best and most disgusting thing my Daddy thought he would get me to do was to pluck a chicken, I puked on him and he told me to get away from him. He used a few choice words but, we won't go into those right now. That was nasty. I appreciate the lesson on growing our own food and killing it for the table but, trust me when I say...plucking a cold, wet, stinking, dead chicken isn't my cup of tea.
Ah the fond memories of childhood.
I looked at the blackberries and it seems we have little berries out there. I am so happy. I need to go blackberry picking. They are too small right now to use as jelly but, we can snack on them. I have to get Gary to help me put up the stakes and the bird netting across the fig tree, it is loaded with fruit. I don't want to lose any of it since I want to make sugar free preserves. :) The birds seem to think that fruit is theirs to work on...I don't think so.
With the price of our produce going up at the store, I am looking into what I can grow at home. Carrots did really well here. I am hoping my patty pan squash will do well. I noticed the plants are getting bigger. Fried patty pan squash is tasty, that brings back memories of childhood as well. Mom and Daddy had a little garden at home and then my oldest sister had a huge garden on their acre of land and that is where the bean patch from hell was located. Ugh!
I am also big into companion plants for my tomatoes. I have planted two kinds of basil, cilantro, sage, dill, mint, and oregano. The mint plants have been in the garden since day one. They are perfect for keeping the ants out. We have fire ants and we hate the damn things.
Friday, June 1, 2012
Wednesday, May 30, 2012
Researching New Projects
I am on the last bit of the one chart of the silk shawl and then two more charts and I am done with it. So can't wait to finish it.
I am trying to conquer my ADD project addiction. I am only working on one project at a time these days. No more running myself ragged as I try to work on multiple projects at a time. It is called prioritization of knitting or pk for those of you who don't want long words to deal with.
Also, I am bound and determined to introduce lace to my family. I will be knitting lace this year for presents. Christmas present knitting should be starting soon. I won't be knitting socks for people. If you want socks, use the damn looms I gave you. You know who you are. If you didn't get a loom, then learn to knit, it will change your life.
I am not going to rush myself this year, either. I have to make a hat for a dear friend's son. I am still thinking about what to do for this special young man, I keep going back to Fair Isle. I am so thinking it will look awesome on him. I made his sister a necklace and she loves it. I know I have been remiss in knitting that hat. I just have to dye the yarns and go from there. I need to get my kitchen back into shape. It is a disaster area right now since we have been cooking at home and eating here instead of our usual restaurant runs. It is so expensive to eat out all of the time and the price tag at the grocery store is shocking. It is so completely awful when the cheapest cuts of meat are selling for $12 per pound! I nearly fell over when I saw that skirt steak price. It is crap meat as my dad would have said. They used to throw it out when they would butcher a calf. Now it is selling for $12 a pound which tells you how damn screwed up our world has become.
I was trying to grow my hair out so, I could donate it. I fear it isn't going to happen, I am sick of my hair being so long. I am ready to cut it off. It is hard to swim with it, since it likes to go everywhere. I haven't swam in two weeks which is awful on my part but, with a huge infected scratch, that I don't remember getting, it just showed up on me, I have had to stay out of the pool. Being diabetic sucks since I heal very slowly now.
I haven't even wanted to ride my bicycle since it is so damn hot outside right now. It isn't worth the heart attack from the heat stroke. I am trying to get myself into shape slowly. I am still eating right and I have discovered that I love xylitol. Yep, I bought the American made one, Emerald Forest makes it and it isn't Chinese. I have noticed that more and more products are American. I love American products and yes, I will pay that extra bit of cash for them. It keeps our people employed which is what we need.
I have some flavored syrups for my coffee that are sugar free but, the after taste is deplorable. How can anyone stand it? Stevia blows since it has the worst after taste and funkiness about it.
Now, I am going to go sit, knit and try to finish off the silk shawl. Yes, I will post pics when I finish it and when I block it. I hope it turns out really well. I have had several people tell me how much they love the color. It is gorgeous and I have two more cones of that yarn in my stash. I can save it for another special project. The main goal is to use my stash yarn up or come as near as I can to it.
Friday, May 25, 2012
Just Plain Worn Out
I came home yesterday completely worn out. I woke up tired, I had a bad dream all night long. It was misery. This morning, I decided to cheer myself up by making some earrings for myself and a pair of dangly ones for Maribeth, my niece. This will be her first pair of dangly earrings and they have some purple beads in them so, life will be better. Purple is her favorite color.
I want to sit down today and do some much needed sewing but, there is a pattern sale going on that I want to get to. It sucks that I will have to get into my car and head to it. I have done two days of running around with my sister and I wanted today to be different.
Also, I have lost my taste for sugary cupcakes, they no longer thrill me the way they used to. It must be because I love the xylitol cookies that I made. They are tasty and they will not trigger an insulin response the way sugar does. Sugar just triggers that insulin and I get really sleepy. I had a cupcake from the hot local spot and the cake portion was dry, over baked and the frosting was too sweet for me. So, I wasn't happy at all.
I had to buy a cheap pair of shoes yesterday since my shoes were coated in gas when I was filling Stewie up. I hit a sale at Payless. My shoes were 50% off. I told the lady at the swimming lesson place about them. I do believe she was going to be headed that way after work. It is nice to hit a shoe sale.
Yesterday, we headed over to my brother's house to help my niece learn to sew. I had given her Hank, Jr, my old sewing machine. She had the tension screwed up and she had done some other thing to it to where it would not sew. I had to fix it all. Then he would sew. I know she was frustrated and thought she would be able to make a dress after one lesson of sewing from both of us but, it doesn't work that way. It takes a long time to get it right. Practice makes perfect.
I had ordered in a cotton and milk protein yarn and it arrived. I have a special project planned for the yarn and I am so happy with it. It is so incredibly soft. I love it. No, I am not telling what the project is right now. It is going to be a surprise. :)
I want to sit down today and do some much needed sewing but, there is a pattern sale going on that I want to get to. It sucks that I will have to get into my car and head to it. I have done two days of running around with my sister and I wanted today to be different.
Also, I have lost my taste for sugary cupcakes, they no longer thrill me the way they used to. It must be because I love the xylitol cookies that I made. They are tasty and they will not trigger an insulin response the way sugar does. Sugar just triggers that insulin and I get really sleepy. I had a cupcake from the hot local spot and the cake portion was dry, over baked and the frosting was too sweet for me. So, I wasn't happy at all.
I had to buy a cheap pair of shoes yesterday since my shoes were coated in gas when I was filling Stewie up. I hit a sale at Payless. My shoes were 50% off. I told the lady at the swimming lesson place about them. I do believe she was going to be headed that way after work. It is nice to hit a shoe sale.
Yesterday, we headed over to my brother's house to help my niece learn to sew. I had given her Hank, Jr, my old sewing machine. She had the tension screwed up and she had done some other thing to it to where it would not sew. I had to fix it all. Then he would sew. I know she was frustrated and thought she would be able to make a dress after one lesson of sewing from both of us but, it doesn't work that way. It takes a long time to get it right. Practice makes perfect.
I had ordered in a cotton and milk protein yarn and it arrived. I have a special project planned for the yarn and I am so happy with it. It is so incredibly soft. I love it. No, I am not telling what the project is right now. It is going to be a surprise. :)
Friday, May 18, 2012
Beading the Night Away
Tonight or should I say this morning finds me beading. It really relaxes me when things go right but, tonight, I had an issue and so, I will have to start this particular project over. Oh well, it happens.
I just finished reading a book on my kindle about the explosion in New London, Texas in 1937 that killed several hundred children and adults. It is a sad read but, having never heard of it, I was shocked to see it. It is a true story. The book is called, An American Holocaust: The Story of Lataine's Ring by Kerry Barger. When I saw that title, I had to read the description of it. I never learned it in Texas history and I think it should be included.
I finished it tonight and I am moving on to other interesting reads. Something a little less intense I think. I have a bunch of books to choose from right now on my Kindle.
I was going to do some sewing today but, I didn't get around to it. I came home early from shopping with my sister and niece, I wasn't feeling too hot. I ate the wrong things and I paid the price. I came home to cool off since it is freaking hot here already and it isn't even summer. We are going to suffer this year, I can tell you that. We already have 90F temps. Oh joy.
I am worn out from the meeting last night but, we managed to finish early which was impressive. All awards were presented and the new chapter officers were sworn in. I gave the new chapter Regent all of my papers, the rolling bag, and everything in it. A three year long weight has been lifted off of my shoulders. :D
If we can scrounge the cash, tomorrow is blackberry picking at a local place and they only accept cash. So, I called the blackberry update line to see if they were going to be open tomorrow and the answer is yes. I am ready for jelly. Homemade jelly with sugar substitute. No corn syrup at all. I am not a fan of that stuff and it is completely horrible for diabetics. I am thinking xylitol is going to be my sugar substitute. I have the special pectin for it as well.
We are out of carrots from our garden, we definitely need to plant more next year. They were nice and tasty. Gary needs to pull his kohlrabi tomorrow. I let him know about it. If it gets any bigger it will get really woody and nasty. The tomatoes are flowering, I am waiting for them to fruit. I can't wait for those fresh tomatoes. Yummy.
Right now Butterick patterns are on sale at Joann's for a $1.99 each. Next week Simplicity patterns will be on sale for 5 for $5. I am waiting for that one. There are some really cute patterns out these days.
I just finished reading a book on my kindle about the explosion in New London, Texas in 1937 that killed several hundred children and adults. It is a sad read but, having never heard of it, I was shocked to see it. It is a true story. The book is called, An American Holocaust: The Story of Lataine's Ring by Kerry Barger. When I saw that title, I had to read the description of it. I never learned it in Texas history and I think it should be included.
I finished it tonight and I am moving on to other interesting reads. Something a little less intense I think. I have a bunch of books to choose from right now on my Kindle.
I was going to do some sewing today but, I didn't get around to it. I came home early from shopping with my sister and niece, I wasn't feeling too hot. I ate the wrong things and I paid the price. I came home to cool off since it is freaking hot here already and it isn't even summer. We are going to suffer this year, I can tell you that. We already have 90F temps. Oh joy.
I am worn out from the meeting last night but, we managed to finish early which was impressive. All awards were presented and the new chapter officers were sworn in. I gave the new chapter Regent all of my papers, the rolling bag, and everything in it. A three year long weight has been lifted off of my shoulders. :D
If we can scrounge the cash, tomorrow is blackberry picking at a local place and they only accept cash. So, I called the blackberry update line to see if they were going to be open tomorrow and the answer is yes. I am ready for jelly. Homemade jelly with sugar substitute. No corn syrup at all. I am not a fan of that stuff and it is completely horrible for diabetics. I am thinking xylitol is going to be my sugar substitute. I have the special pectin for it as well.
We are out of carrots from our garden, we definitely need to plant more next year. They were nice and tasty. Gary needs to pull his kohlrabi tomorrow. I let him know about it. If it gets any bigger it will get really woody and nasty. The tomatoes are flowering, I am waiting for them to fruit. I can't wait for those fresh tomatoes. Yummy.
Right now Butterick patterns are on sale at Joann's for a $1.99 each. Next week Simplicity patterns will be on sale for 5 for $5. I am waiting for that one. There are some really cute patterns out these days.
Thursday, May 17, 2012
An Experiment
Today I decided to hang out a set of sheets out on the coolaroo lines. It dried in record time. I was shocked at how quickly they dried. I hauled them inside and ran out of steam, I was going to put them on the bed. Not happening now.
I had to find my outfit for tonight and I am wearing clothes that I haven't been able to wear in 3 years. It feels fabulous to wear my old clothes. I did find out that I have a dress in my closet with tags on it that I have never worn. I am thinking I will have to sell that dress. It is a hand beaded silk dress. I had to order it in a bigger size at the time since those dresses run small.
I cleaned out my tote that I drag with me for DAR. I cleaned out all of my personal items out of it since it is being passed on to the next Regent. She gets all of that paper. I am happy to let her deal with it since I am worn out. I will be the next Historian for the chapter which means I will be taking care of the chapter scrapbook. We pass that thing along to the next person who gets elected. I wanted an officer position since I want my officer pin. I knew that I wouldn't be able to get an office after this year. I am taking a vacation for the summer. I am not dealing with anything DAR. I am done. I need the time off from the chapter. I will start work on the scrapbook come September.
I haven't had time to knit. I have been working on getting corsages, buttonaires, and table decorations done for the last meeting. They are going to be going home with the new Regent. I am passing on all of my stuff to her. She can deal with it. I know I will be coming home with one notebook and that is it. The rest goes to her. Yippee! I will be finally able to clean off my dining room table. :) Gary is excited about that.
I need to go get a snack and kick back some before I have to hit the road. I need to put on my war paint, aka makeup and then just get my clothes on and get ready to book it down the road.
I had to find my outfit for tonight and I am wearing clothes that I haven't been able to wear in 3 years. It feels fabulous to wear my old clothes. I did find out that I have a dress in my closet with tags on it that I have never worn. I am thinking I will have to sell that dress. It is a hand beaded silk dress. I had to order it in a bigger size at the time since those dresses run small.
I cleaned out my tote that I drag with me for DAR. I cleaned out all of my personal items out of it since it is being passed on to the next Regent. She gets all of that paper. I am happy to let her deal with it since I am worn out. I will be the next Historian for the chapter which means I will be taking care of the chapter scrapbook. We pass that thing along to the next person who gets elected. I wanted an officer position since I want my officer pin. I knew that I wouldn't be able to get an office after this year. I am taking a vacation for the summer. I am not dealing with anything DAR. I am done. I need the time off from the chapter. I will start work on the scrapbook come September.
I haven't had time to knit. I have been working on getting corsages, buttonaires, and table decorations done for the last meeting. They are going to be going home with the new Regent. I am passing on all of my stuff to her. She can deal with it. I know I will be coming home with one notebook and that is it. The rest goes to her. Yippee! I will be finally able to clean off my dining room table. :) Gary is excited about that.
I need to go get a snack and kick back some before I have to hit the road. I need to put on my war paint, aka makeup and then just get my clothes on and get ready to book it down the road.
Saturday, May 12, 2012
Trying to Play Catch Up
I am trying to play catch up on my knitting. I am on the last repeat of chart 2 on the shawl and I so can't wait to get to the next chart. I am already researching and looking up my next project. Yeah, I am hooked on lace knitting. It is a bad obsession right now. I have a pile of projects that need to be blocked but, getting out the big old blocking board is a pita.
Tonight I had a severe reaction to something, I had hives all over my face and then they attacked my right eye. I was scratching everywhere and I decided I better take an antihistamine to fix the problem. It took care of it for me. I have no idea what did me in. No clue at all.
I was digging in my yarn stash to see what I can find to use next and I came up with two yarns, both of them are mine, I had painted them. One of them is a green paint and the other is a bright paint called Citrus Zing. I love painting yarns. I am going to be starting my Christmas present knitting soon. Yep, I plan to knit them this year. I know what I will be knitting. I have to go do some research on several of them. I also have a pattern in mind of my own. I just have to write it down and knit it. I have no idea if I will offer it up for sale or for free. I guess it will depend on how I feel at the time or if I need extra cash.
I am still not buying yarn, I am trying to be good and I have to use some of this yarn up. I have a massive yarn stash. I want to get it under control. If I use more of it then maybe I can purchase some later. I am always on the lookout for a good bargain where yarn is concerned.
The picture is what was outside in my front yard on Thursday morning. I saw it and had to take a picture of it. We were headed out to San Antonio to deliver my MIL's present. We had a nice trip. Although, I have to say the trip home was pure hell. We were in the middle of a huge thunderstorm with another band behind us. I-10 is black topped and add rain, night and it is next to impossible to see the stripes on the road. It wasn't fun. We made it home before the major weather hit.
Today we worked in the garden. I have been pulling carrots out of the garden for the last three days and I have to say, they are quite tasty. I was going to plant more but, I decided not to and put in the dill I will need when my cucumbers start to produce so, I can go ahead and have dill for pickles. I am so ready. We will have to purchase quart jars but, I don't mind since I know the pickles will be put to good use. I know Melinda has expressed an interest in them. If she comes over to help me can them, then I will give her some. It is only fair to share what comes out of the garden with anyone who helps me out. Mom and Daddy always shared with whomever helped them so, I am carrying on the tradition.
The green bean plants are looking great. The tomatoes are doing well. Gary's one kohlrabi is growing pretty good. I am adding herbs around the tomato plants since it will help the tomatoes out. Companion planting is a great thing. I will be planting the patty pan squash into the garden when the ground dries out. So far, only one of the seeds that I planted has come up. I hope the second one will come up. I need at least two. I have baby okra popping up in the container. I am running out of room. I wish my garden were a little bit bigger so, I could plant more stuff that I love. I came up with an ingenious idea, my strawberries love nitrogen so, I planted green beans in their pot. I am hoping that they will be beneficial to each other. That is the plan.
I had to call my oldest sister to talk to her today. I actually talked to my BIL for a while about tomato cages and canning. They wanted to know where I purchased my tomato cages. They saw them when they were here last weekend. I actually had to purchase more since I needed them for my blackberries. The weirdest thing happened, we took one of the red tomato cages and popped it over one of the three blackberry plants and do you know, it is growing really well? It took off. So, we decided to get three more cages in red to put over the other two to see if they would do the same. We did that today. I will keep everyone posted if it works out for us. Stranger things have happened. Burpee sells the cages in threes. I had tried to get them last year but, they sold out so, I bought them early and when my sister and bil spotted them they really wanted to know where I found them. They are really sturdy and should last a couple of seasons or more. They are powder coated which is a great painting process.
My tomatoes are setting flowers which I am so ready for. I can't wait for garden fresh tomatoes. I love them. I can't eat the hybrids that are sold in the grocery store, they have too much acid for me. I prefer the heirloom tomatoes, they have less acid and taste fantastic. They are wonderful on sandwiches and on salads. My mouth is starting to water thinking about them. I love the Cherokee purple tomatoes..we had a huge one last year that was incredible. I loved it, Gary said it was okay.
I know I sound like a complete home body but, I am happy with my garden. I love having it out there. It is so relaxing for me to go out there and see what is ready. I check on it each day. With all of the rain we have had, I do not have to fertilize it for a bit. Yay!
My strawberries are producing as well. I had one yesterday and it was fantastic. I have more that will be needed to be pulled tomorrow and the day after. I can't wait for more fresh sweet strawberries. My main concern right now is my persimmon tree, she isn't doing too well. I hope the rain will perk her up. She wasn't getting water from the sprinkler and I didn't realize it until she started dropping leaves. Poor thing. I hope that this rain will help her. I even fertilized her so, I am hoping that helps her out.
We finally found a use for the Seville oranges in the tree in the back yard. This is the massive orange tree. Gary was reading and it seems that Seville oranges make fantastic meat marinade. We aren't fans of orange marmalade at all. Ugh! We had made some last year and it didn't gel so, we pitched it. We should have saved it and used it for meat marinade. So, we decided that we are going to juice the next crop and freeze the juice for marinades. Should be interesting. Seville oranges is what Grand Marnier is made from.
The key lime tree is doing okay. It hasn't produced fruit since it froze. Poor thing but, it did come back.
The fig tree is loaded with fruit and we have plans to make preserves out of the fruit. I can't wait. I love fig preserves on whole wheat toast. Yum yum!
Tonight I had a severe reaction to something, I had hives all over my face and then they attacked my right eye. I was scratching everywhere and I decided I better take an antihistamine to fix the problem. It took care of it for me. I have no idea what did me in. No clue at all.
I was digging in my yarn stash to see what I can find to use next and I came up with two yarns, both of them are mine, I had painted them. One of them is a green paint and the other is a bright paint called Citrus Zing. I love painting yarns. I am going to be starting my Christmas present knitting soon. Yep, I plan to knit them this year. I know what I will be knitting. I have to go do some research on several of them. I also have a pattern in mind of my own. I just have to write it down and knit it. I have no idea if I will offer it up for sale or for free. I guess it will depend on how I feel at the time or if I need extra cash.
I am still not buying yarn, I am trying to be good and I have to use some of this yarn up. I have a massive yarn stash. I want to get it under control. If I use more of it then maybe I can purchase some later. I am always on the lookout for a good bargain where yarn is concerned.
Today we worked in the garden. I have been pulling carrots out of the garden for the last three days and I have to say, they are quite tasty. I was going to plant more but, I decided not to and put in the dill I will need when my cucumbers start to produce so, I can go ahead and have dill for pickles. I am so ready. We will have to purchase quart jars but, I don't mind since I know the pickles will be put to good use. I know Melinda has expressed an interest in them. If she comes over to help me can them, then I will give her some. It is only fair to share what comes out of the garden with anyone who helps me out. Mom and Daddy always shared with whomever helped them so, I am carrying on the tradition.
The green bean plants are looking great. The tomatoes are doing well. Gary's one kohlrabi is growing pretty good. I am adding herbs around the tomato plants since it will help the tomatoes out. Companion planting is a great thing. I will be planting the patty pan squash into the garden when the ground dries out. So far, only one of the seeds that I planted has come up. I hope the second one will come up. I need at least two. I have baby okra popping up in the container. I am running out of room. I wish my garden were a little bit bigger so, I could plant more stuff that I love. I came up with an ingenious idea, my strawberries love nitrogen so, I planted green beans in their pot. I am hoping that they will be beneficial to each other. That is the plan.
I had to call my oldest sister to talk to her today. I actually talked to my BIL for a while about tomato cages and canning. They wanted to know where I purchased my tomato cages. They saw them when they were here last weekend. I actually had to purchase more since I needed them for my blackberries. The weirdest thing happened, we took one of the red tomato cages and popped it over one of the three blackberry plants and do you know, it is growing really well? It took off. So, we decided to get three more cages in red to put over the other two to see if they would do the same. We did that today. I will keep everyone posted if it works out for us. Stranger things have happened. Burpee sells the cages in threes. I had tried to get them last year but, they sold out so, I bought them early and when my sister and bil spotted them they really wanted to know where I found them. They are really sturdy and should last a couple of seasons or more. They are powder coated which is a great painting process.
My tomatoes are setting flowers which I am so ready for. I can't wait for garden fresh tomatoes. I love them. I can't eat the hybrids that are sold in the grocery store, they have too much acid for me. I prefer the heirloom tomatoes, they have less acid and taste fantastic. They are wonderful on sandwiches and on salads. My mouth is starting to water thinking about them. I love the Cherokee purple tomatoes..we had a huge one last year that was incredible. I loved it, Gary said it was okay.
I know I sound like a complete home body but, I am happy with my garden. I love having it out there. It is so relaxing for me to go out there and see what is ready. I check on it each day. With all of the rain we have had, I do not have to fertilize it for a bit. Yay!
My strawberries are producing as well. I had one yesterday and it was fantastic. I have more that will be needed to be pulled tomorrow and the day after. I can't wait for more fresh sweet strawberries. My main concern right now is my persimmon tree, she isn't doing too well. I hope the rain will perk her up. She wasn't getting water from the sprinkler and I didn't realize it until she started dropping leaves. Poor thing. I hope that this rain will help her. I even fertilized her so, I am hoping that helps her out.
We finally found a use for the Seville oranges in the tree in the back yard. This is the massive orange tree. Gary was reading and it seems that Seville oranges make fantastic meat marinade. We aren't fans of orange marmalade at all. Ugh! We had made some last year and it didn't gel so, we pitched it. We should have saved it and used it for meat marinade. So, we decided that we are going to juice the next crop and freeze the juice for marinades. Should be interesting. Seville oranges is what Grand Marnier is made from.
The key lime tree is doing okay. It hasn't produced fruit since it froze. Poor thing but, it did come back.
The fig tree is loaded with fruit and we have plans to make preserves out of the fruit. I can't wait. I love fig preserves on whole wheat toast. Yum yum!
Tuesday, May 8, 2012
Damn, But it is Hot!
It seems we are in for a scorcher for a summer this year. Yesterday, I was at the Houston Zoo as a chaperone for Maribeth's class and it was so hot out there that I drank 3 of my coconut waters, a bottle of water, plus some blue powerade mixed with my bottle of water. It works for instant hydration. I shared that concoction with Melinda and one of the kids we were chaperoning.
We also rode the train. We walked and walked in the heat. I forgot my hat and had to purchase one, talk about highway robbery, it wasn't a cheap hat. By the time we made it to the van, I was so tired, sticky, sweaty and just ready to get my booty home to a shower and scrub myself from head to toe.
I woke up this morning and we headed out the door, I had my usual breakfast in the back yard and then we started off my day with a trip to pick up my asthma meds, go run some more errands, head to lunch and then get to Lowe's to purchase some sage plants to help the one tomato that needs a companion plant in the garden, and then go to the movies.
One of my birthday wishes came true today...rain. I asked for rain for my birthday and I received it. Thank you God for such a beautiful rain. I loved it.
Yes, if you haven't guessed, today was my birthday. Another year older and we had a huge party on Saturday for me. Today we went to the movies to see the new Avengers movie and it was really good. We chose to have a special treat and see the 3xd one. It was nice. Then tonight for dinner we hit the local place and I had sugar free German chocolate cake...loved every single bite. Unfortunately, it did some blood sugar raising. I have to get back on my regular diet tomorrow.
I have been sewing lavender sachets and I am running low on my bulk lavender. I need to make more sachets. I love the things, they are so easy and they work wonders for drawers, linen closets, anywhere that moths or you need a bit of freshening up. They smell fabulous. The best part, to refresh, simply squeeze and I don't use oils on my lavender, it is all natural.
I have some really cute fabrics for my sachets so, I don't do boring prints. Some of them are really bright and crazy.
I love my new sewing machine. It is amazing. One thing I did find out is that my niece, is learning to sew. She is teaching herself with my old machine. I love it. I learned to sew on that machine. She thinks it is great. She was eyeing my fabric stash and I put my foot down...no, I am not sharing. I told her that I collected coupons to get that fabric at a reasonable rate.
I have also been beading. I love to bead, it relaxes me. I give my creations as birthday presents. I am so in love with the Czech druk beads.
I am still working on the shawl with the 100% silk yarn. It is coming along slowly. I find myself dealing with other things and not picking up my knitting. I think I might try to get a couple of rows done tonight.
Pictures will follow once I get my camera uploaded.
We also rode the train. We walked and walked in the heat. I forgot my hat and had to purchase one, talk about highway robbery, it wasn't a cheap hat. By the time we made it to the van, I was so tired, sticky, sweaty and just ready to get my booty home to a shower and scrub myself from head to toe.
I woke up this morning and we headed out the door, I had my usual breakfast in the back yard and then we started off my day with a trip to pick up my asthma meds, go run some more errands, head to lunch and then get to Lowe's to purchase some sage plants to help the one tomato that needs a companion plant in the garden, and then go to the movies.
One of my birthday wishes came true today...rain. I asked for rain for my birthday and I received it. Thank you God for such a beautiful rain. I loved it.
Yes, if you haven't guessed, today was my birthday. Another year older and we had a huge party on Saturday for me. Today we went to the movies to see the new Avengers movie and it was really good. We chose to have a special treat and see the 3xd one. It was nice. Then tonight for dinner we hit the local place and I had sugar free German chocolate cake...loved every single bite. Unfortunately, it did some blood sugar raising. I have to get back on my regular diet tomorrow.
I have been sewing lavender sachets and I am running low on my bulk lavender. I need to make more sachets. I love the things, they are so easy and they work wonders for drawers, linen closets, anywhere that moths or you need a bit of freshening up. They smell fabulous. The best part, to refresh, simply squeeze and I don't use oils on my lavender, it is all natural.
I have some really cute fabrics for my sachets so, I don't do boring prints. Some of them are really bright and crazy.
I love my new sewing machine. It is amazing. One thing I did find out is that my niece, is learning to sew. She is teaching herself with my old machine. I love it. I learned to sew on that machine. She thinks it is great. She was eyeing my fabric stash and I put my foot down...no, I am not sharing. I told her that I collected coupons to get that fabric at a reasonable rate.
I have also been beading. I love to bead, it relaxes me. I give my creations as birthday presents. I am so in love with the Czech druk beads.
I am still working on the shawl with the 100% silk yarn. It is coming along slowly. I find myself dealing with other things and not picking up my knitting. I think I might try to get a couple of rows done tonight.
Pictures will follow once I get my camera uploaded.
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