Thursday, June 18, 2009

School To Be or Not To Be...

I've been a little scared to begin school this fall. I don't want to incure debt that will be a burden on my family. On the other hand, I feel that if I don't attend soon I will continue to live a sorrow of not even reaching for my dreams. My many desires and dreams will all be ushered along with a college education.

I want to thank my good friend Holly, my Mom, my Husband, and children for thier support and encouragement to reach for my dreams.

THANK YOU!

Much Love,
Cindy

New Garden Beds

I'm currently building raised garden beds.

BUILDING
supplies;
compost
vermiculite
peat moss
jig saw
2"x6"x8' boards (3 to a box)
1/4"x36" all thread-plated metal rods (1 to a box)

My first bed was made from red garden poles and 20" stakes (18" are recommended). I worried that it just wasn't sturdy enough plus I've a grudge against the poles after they stained the interior of my van. So, I purchased 2"x6"x8' Douglas fir (2"x8" are recommended) and began again. I do wish I would have went with my initial desire for 2"x8"s but I'm optimistic.

They look nice and they should hold up. My son, Nathan, found a source for pre-made raised beds online. They were built tongue and groove with pins in the corners. So, that's what I'm doing. Extra Large nails would be easier but I went for cheap and cut my own metal rods.

I'm happy with how the beds are coming together. I'm even trying the same technique on the leftover red poles. I returned the uncut poles.

This project is fun but is taking a lot of hard labor. It's been a great way of getting my body used to physical labor again before hitting the gym. I think I always will work harder for a project than a machine.

PLANTING
I the bed closest to the shed I planted two varieties of pole beans that can be eaten green, canned, or dried, carrots, and sunflowers.

We're participating in a large community garden so I'm unsure of what to plant at home. I did buy a sweet red bell pepper and some celery. I may plant some lettuce, watermelon, and yellow squash.

Ground level beds;
We'd like to get some asparagus in this year but they're selling for around $8 a plant. I'd also like a rhubarb plant but that's another $10.

HERBS
On the side of my house I built another bed for herbs. I'm afraid anything from the mint family will just take over. I definitely want some German Chamomile. It's hard to find so I will plant it from seed. I was going to plant evening primrose too but it seems that you have to extract the oil from the seed to use it so, I think I'll pass on that one.

Basil is also looking good. I think I'd like to have some sweet basil. Rosemary doesn't winter over here so I would like to grow it in a pot indoors. It's supposed to be invigorating.

I'm trying to decide between lemon balm and lemon basil. Which is better for infusions and herbal teas?

DREAM
I would really like to grow concord grapes, elderberries, blueberries, and raspberries. They're very good for you. I would also like to grow huckleberries but I'm not sure if they've come up with a way to grow them in your garden yet.

I love berries more than vegetables.

Happy Planting!

Wednesday, June 3, 2009

Craigslist Frenzy!

Most of my friends know I've been a little busy with craigslist lately.

I've got some awesome deals, some not so good deals, sold or given things away in a hurry, and met some very nice people!

I dare you to try it too.

You might see some my listings as well.

Cindy

Shoes for Camp!

A couple weeks ago. I stopped by the Idaho Youth Ranch outlet in boise. I was looking for a laundry cabinet and found three pairs of awesome shoes instead.

Two pairs of Nike brand tennis shoes and one other. Perfect for the kids camping trips this summer.

To my surprise the love them so much they've been wearing them everyday.

Not bad for $2.50 a pair!

Check it out!

It's not for the faint of heart, mind you. Some people wear gloves.

Check the archives for links and direction to the Yard.