Happy St Patrick's Day, to all those who celebrate!
Sunday, 17 March 2013
Sunny Sunday
Woke up to a frosty morning today, and it's a nice sunny Sunday out, but I'm feeling bleh. Hopefully I will perk up enough in a bit to head out and work on those darned blackberries, or be able to force myself to do so, but at the moment I think I want to sit down somewhere with a hot drink and just be quietly awake.
Friday, 15 March 2013
Jury Duty
I got an envelope from the Ministry of Justice, Sheriff Services today, and when viewing the yellow paper inside through the envelope window I assumed I'd been mailed a traffic camera ticket, which ticked me off ...
Imagine my dismay when upon opening the envelope I found that there was no ticket (which keeps my driving/parking history lifetime no tickets), I found instead a summons for Jury Duty, to present myself to the court on April 22nd, for a trial which is estimated to last about 5 days.
I've been pretty worried about this, wondering how I would be able to manage to pay my bills when losing half of my paycheque and only receiving $20/day compensation, but I've dug around in my work site and found that as long as I sign over the $20/day stipend to work, instead of this being an unpaid leave (which is what the jury duty information site told me is required by my work place to provide), they will pay for up to two weeks of being off for jury duty.
Wheew! BIG sigh of relief!
Now, if only my brain can stop buzzing trying to figure out how we're going to deal with the garden and fence this spring, to get the one dug up and set up properly and the other replaced, maybe I could actually get some sleep .....
Nighty night!
Imagine my dismay when upon opening the envelope I found that there was no ticket (which keeps my driving/parking history lifetime no tickets), I found instead a summons for Jury Duty, to present myself to the court on April 22nd, for a trial which is estimated to last about 5 days.
I've been pretty worried about this, wondering how I would be able to manage to pay my bills when losing half of my paycheque and only receiving $20/day compensation, but I've dug around in my work site and found that as long as I sign over the $20/day stipend to work, instead of this being an unpaid leave (which is what the jury duty information site told me is required by my work place to provide), they will pay for up to two weeks of being off for jury duty.
Wheew! BIG sigh of relief!
Now, if only my brain can stop buzzing trying to figure out how we're going to deal with the garden and fence this spring, to get the one dug up and set up properly and the other replaced, maybe I could actually get some sleep .....
Nighty night!
Thursday, 14 March 2013
Garden Grind
Too grey and drizzly out today for me to want to go out and work in the garden, but yesterday on my lunch hour Maxx was able to join me out there for a while and we worked more on the "battle of the blackberries". I figure we have the 40'x12' garden patch about 50% cleared of blackberry cane at this time (perhaps a little less), so hopefully on the weekend I'll have decent weather and be able to get most of the rest done.
I'm hoping we'll be able to get some of those railway ties or garden ties, whatever they are called (large rounded wooden beams) that we can lay around the garden area as a marker, with the surface area of the garden covered by black landscaper's plastic, then get a load of gravel (figure about 100 cubic feet would do), to cover in the entire area for a base, to help keep down the intrusive plants like berry cane and morning glory, and form a good base on which to build our raised beds, which can be open-bottomed and then drain through the gravel. We could either build the base of my planned beds one slat or board high all around, to get a start on them and have more surface area, or install the beds to full height in stages possibly, although if we were to make them low to start off with I'd have more planting area to work with right away, and could build up another level in the fall after the growing season is over.
When we work on the garden we then need to get started on the fence right away, as we'll have to replace the fence edging around the garden as we get it set up, then we can work our way out from there. We're hoping we'll be able to extend the fence along the side of the house to go around and enclose the front yard eventually, too, with a nice little gate with an archway overhead for access. Give us a little more privacy, and would look nice ... and in theory be one of those things that would increase the value of our home when it comes time for selling or redoing the mortage (next year)!
I'm hoping we'll be able to get some of those railway ties or garden ties, whatever they are called (large rounded wooden beams) that we can lay around the garden area as a marker, with the surface area of the garden covered by black landscaper's plastic, then get a load of gravel (figure about 100 cubic feet would do), to cover in the entire area for a base, to help keep down the intrusive plants like berry cane and morning glory, and form a good base on which to build our raised beds, which can be open-bottomed and then drain through the gravel. We could either build the base of my planned beds one slat or board high all around, to get a start on them and have more surface area, or install the beds to full height in stages possibly, although if we were to make them low to start off with I'd have more planting area to work with right away, and could build up another level in the fall after the growing season is over.
When we work on the garden we then need to get started on the fence right away, as we'll have to replace the fence edging around the garden as we get it set up, then we can work our way out from there. We're hoping we'll be able to extend the fence along the side of the house to go around and enclose the front yard eventually, too, with a nice little gate with an archway overhead for access. Give us a little more privacy, and would look nice ... and in theory be one of those things that would increase the value of our home when it comes time for selling or redoing the mortage (next year)!
Sunday, 10 March 2013
Lovely Grey Sunday
It's a lovely grey Sunday out, with the air soft, a gentle breeze, and so far no rain.
We just got back from a stroll around Maffeo Sutton Park with the dogs. There weren't as many other dogs at the park today for us to meet, and the parking lot was mostly empty, but we did have a few meetings which on the whole went rather well ... Imp actually met more dogs without yapping today than he met and yapped at!
Actually used my step tracking pedometer to keep track of the intensity of the walk and how long at each intensity, so that I could then use that to record in my diet/exercise app on my phone. Now, I need to have something for breakfast -- or brunch may be more appropriate at this time -- then a while later if it's still not raining get out and work more in the yard trying to clear out some more blackberries.
We did get the mason bee house installed before we went out for our walk, though, so I do also need to remember to tape the box of coccoons to the bottom of the house so when the weather warms up just a wee bit and they hatch, all is good and their home is right there for them. I do hope that I end up with lots of filled coccoons to return to Rose at the end of the summer, and that I have enough in the ground and blooming that not only do the bees have lots of fodder, but I get lots of pollination done!
We just got back from a stroll around Maffeo Sutton Park with the dogs. There weren't as many other dogs at the park today for us to meet, and the parking lot was mostly empty, but we did have a few meetings which on the whole went rather well ... Imp actually met more dogs without yapping today than he met and yapped at!
Actually used my step tracking pedometer to keep track of the intensity of the walk and how long at each intensity, so that I could then use that to record in my diet/exercise app on my phone. Now, I need to have something for breakfast -- or brunch may be more appropriate at this time -- then a while later if it's still not raining get out and work more in the yard trying to clear out some more blackberries.
We did get the mason bee house installed before we went out for our walk, though, so I do also need to remember to tape the box of coccoons to the bottom of the house so when the weather warms up just a wee bit and they hatch, all is good and their home is right there for them. I do hope that I end up with lots of filled coccoons to return to Rose at the end of the summer, and that I have enough in the ground and blooming that not only do the bees have lots of fodder, but I get lots of pollination done!
Saturday, 9 March 2013
Spring is Springing!
And my giant crimson radish starters that have been outside in the greenhouse are starting to sprout ... soon I expect to see more of my starters coming up. I guess I should do another batch of radishes to have more ready to go in the ground soon.
So excited!
Now, need to go change clothes and head out to the back yard to whack down some blackberry ... or at least to put some garden soil in planters and bring some inside for setting up more starters in paper pots.
The garden is getting started!!!!
So excited!
Now, need to go change clothes and head out to the back yard to whack down some blackberry ... or at least to put some garden soil in planters and bring some inside for setting up more starters in paper pots.
The garden is getting started!!!!
Friday, 8 March 2013
Stonkered
Whew, just having something small like an apple and some grapes for dinner tonight, the lunch I made today was awesome, but really filling!
Chopped up 1/4 of an onion and a whole orange pepper, sauteed them with a not-quite 8 oz steak, and cut the steak into strips, did up a bundle of vermicelli noodles (or glass noodles as I call 'em), and some rice paper, to make myself some wraps for lunch, with spicy Thai chili sauce on the side for dipping. Yummy yummy lunch, but I was awfully full by the time I finished it, I can tell you!
Good thing I've got lots of fruit in the house right now so having a fruity kind of dinner, and makes me feel good to be ending the day on such a healthy note!
Maxx remembered to get batteries for the scale the other day, so we're both able to keep track again ... nice to know that since I started up the Lose It! app on my phone a few years back, I've gained a total of 3 pounds. Now I just want to be really good again about recording what I eat and what exercise I get and start reversing that number and getting toned and back into shape. It's a good goal!
Chopped up 1/4 of an onion and a whole orange pepper, sauteed them with a not-quite 8 oz steak, and cut the steak into strips, did up a bundle of vermicelli noodles (or glass noodles as I call 'em), and some rice paper, to make myself some wraps for lunch, with spicy Thai chili sauce on the side for dipping. Yummy yummy lunch, but I was awfully full by the time I finished it, I can tell you!
Good thing I've got lots of fruit in the house right now so having a fruity kind of dinner, and makes me feel good to be ending the day on such a healthy note!
Maxx remembered to get batteries for the scale the other day, so we're both able to keep track again ... nice to know that since I started up the Lose It! app on my phone a few years back, I've gained a total of 3 pounds. Now I just want to be really good again about recording what I eat and what exercise I get and start reversing that number and getting toned and back into shape. It's a good goal!
Thursday, 7 March 2013
Order In!
Received my order from West Coast Seeds in the mail yesterday (of course the delivery took place while I was on a conference call meeting for work, setting off the dogs and interrupting things even though I didn't go to the door!). All the seeds are ordered in my container, as I've tried to arrange them so that they are in the order I would start them indoors or direct sow them outdoors, trying to get things planted at the correct times to actually produce for us this year. The potato bags look cool. With the six I should be able to stagger plantings, with the seed potatoes I have right now waiting to sprout far enough then being placed into two of the bags, then I'll get some more seed potatoes and use those for the second two bags. I'll have to decide if I then want to get a third batch for the last two bags, or if I want to use them for something like my cucumbers or squash ... I think I may go that route as it will give them a container from which to cascade their vines and hopefully produce more. Or possibly I will end up getting some more potato bags!
It's been grey and rainy at lunches, though, so I haven't been out to work on the garden. Maxx's D&D game scheduled for Sunday was called off, so hopefully the two of us can get out that day and get some really good work done. We really need to get a couple of fence posts, and the horizontal bars and slats to fix the gaps in our fence, though, and the sooner the better. We're thinking that in the front we may extend the fence around the front yard, but we'll have to see about that. Fixing the back fence is first priority!
I do need to look into getting a green bin for composting to make material to use in my garden the next year. My makeshift compost heap in the back yard hasn't been touched for a few years now as it's completely blocked off by the rampant blackberry cane. Dad just loves his green bin and would like to get another one, as the other units he's got for composting just don't work as well or as quickly. I guess my other option is to check out the green bin composting/delivery company that exists in town, where they come around and collect your compostable materials (including yard waste, I do believe) on a regular schedule, and deliver the finished product. That would leave more space in the yard for planting ... but I do have to see if I can remember the name of the company or find the contact info.
It's been grey and rainy at lunches, though, so I haven't been out to work on the garden. Maxx's D&D game scheduled for Sunday was called off, so hopefully the two of us can get out that day and get some really good work done. We really need to get a couple of fence posts, and the horizontal bars and slats to fix the gaps in our fence, though, and the sooner the better. We're thinking that in the front we may extend the fence around the front yard, but we'll have to see about that. Fixing the back fence is first priority!
I do need to look into getting a green bin for composting to make material to use in my garden the next year. My makeshift compost heap in the back yard hasn't been touched for a few years now as it's completely blocked off by the rampant blackberry cane. Dad just loves his green bin and would like to get another one, as the other units he's got for composting just don't work as well or as quickly. I guess my other option is to check out the green bin composting/delivery company that exists in town, where they come around and collect your compostable materials (including yard waste, I do believe) on a regular schedule, and deliver the finished product. That would leave more space in the yard for planting ... but I do have to see if I can remember the name of the company or find the contact info.
Monday, 4 March 2013
Spring Almost Sprung
While it's still a few weeks to go to the Spring Equinox, we've had a couple of lovely sunny days, where the wind hasn't been bitter but has held a hint of the spring to come.
Looking forward to soft days where the ground is drier and lets me get out and work in the garden without slogging through mud ... the yard itself is boggy enough, I need it a bit drier before I can get into the garden patch itself and try to pull out the blackberry canes.
I've been tossing around the idea of picking up a few herb pots from one of the local grocery stores, to get started in my big pot with the multiple openings (great for strawberries or herbs) ... but then I wonder why I have gone to the trouble of trying to start herbs from seeds and think I will hold off for at least a week or two. If the seeds don't seem to do anything, then it will be time to get some starter plants to pop into the planter instead.
The portable green house on the front porch (which at this time just has radish seeds under cover) does seem to heat up nicely during the day, but I think the nights are still cold enough that it's taking a while for the sprouting to occur!
Looking forward to soft days where the ground is drier and lets me get out and work in the garden without slogging through mud ... the yard itself is boggy enough, I need it a bit drier before I can get into the garden patch itself and try to pull out the blackberry canes.
I've been tossing around the idea of picking up a few herb pots from one of the local grocery stores, to get started in my big pot with the multiple openings (great for strawberries or herbs) ... but then I wonder why I have gone to the trouble of trying to start herbs from seeds and think I will hold off for at least a week or two. If the seeds don't seem to do anything, then it will be time to get some starter plants to pop into the planter instead.
The portable green house on the front porch (which at this time just has radish seeds under cover) does seem to heat up nicely during the day, but I think the nights are still cold enough that it's taking a while for the sprouting to occur!
Saturday, 2 March 2013
Actually Productive
I've actually had a fairly productive day so far and it's not even noon yet ... got out of the house just after 9am, headed off to the vet's office with Angel in tow, but just to pick up a big bag of their dental dog food, not for an appointment. I just wanted to have her get in a visit that wasn't traumatic before I take her in for her dental check-up on Monday ... I don't want to have her pee on me the same way she did on her Dad when Maxx dropped her off for the dental appointment itself almost two weeks ago!
Angel was straining to get into the office again, though, so she's at least still happy being in the reception area. She met a lovely giant Schnauser named Bailey, beautiful dog. Just need to get Angel a little more aware of being a rude dog and waiting for an invitation to get closer to other dogs to say "hi". Something she and I need to work on, I guess.
After picking up dog food I zipped out to the grocery store, just wanted to pick up some milk, bread, cheese, chicken breasts, and fruits and veggies. You know how you often go to the grocery store and end up coming home with all sorts of things that aren't officially on the list? Well, I did pass through the soda aisle and saw that the pop Maxx drinks was on special, so I made sure to pick up four 2 litre bottles and two of the 710ml six packs. While not officially on the list, we're always on the looking for a cheap price on it so it wasn't really a departure. Other than that, what did I end up coming home with from the grocery store:
-loaf of whole wheat bread
-block of marble cheddar cheese
-almond milk ... going to give it a try as it should stay good longer than dairy milk
-big bag of frozen skinless chicken breasts
-cauliflower
-tomato
-peppers
-potatoes
-grapes
-bananas
-apples
-grapefruit
*primula basket of flowers with lovely colours for the front porch
Not bad, on the whole!
Now that I'm home, I need something to eat, so I'm going to go browse through what we have for cereal and see if I can have a bowl with that almond milk to try it out.
Next up ..... housework!
Angel was straining to get into the office again, though, so she's at least still happy being in the reception area. She met a lovely giant Schnauser named Bailey, beautiful dog. Just need to get Angel a little more aware of being a rude dog and waiting for an invitation to get closer to other dogs to say "hi". Something she and I need to work on, I guess.
After picking up dog food I zipped out to the grocery store, just wanted to pick up some milk, bread, cheese, chicken breasts, and fruits and veggies. You know how you often go to the grocery store and end up coming home with all sorts of things that aren't officially on the list? Well, I did pass through the soda aisle and saw that the pop Maxx drinks was on special, so I made sure to pick up four 2 litre bottles and two of the 710ml six packs. While not officially on the list, we're always on the looking for a cheap price on it so it wasn't really a departure. Other than that, what did I end up coming home with from the grocery store:
-loaf of whole wheat bread
-block of marble cheddar cheese
-almond milk ... going to give it a try as it should stay good longer than dairy milk
-big bag of frozen skinless chicken breasts
-cauliflower
-tomato
-peppers
-potatoes
-grapes
-bananas
-apples
-grapefruit
*primula basket of flowers with lovely colours for the front porch
Not bad, on the whole!
Now that I'm home, I need something to eat, so I'm going to go browse through what we have for cereal and see if I can have a bowl with that almond milk to try it out.
Next up ..... housework!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)