While cleaning the kitchen yesterday, I slipped on my croc's and carried the compost bin out to the garden plot. The compost bin is an old tupperware container from the 70's. It is the largest size of a canister set. I have one in, you guessed it orange and also one in green. Seemed to be the decorating colors for that decade. They make great compost bins, just right to sit on the counter with a lid that easily seals by pushing down on the center of it. The colors work fine with my kitchen, because the wallpaper is decorated with red, orange and green peppers. All of my kitchen scraps, peelings, coffee grounds, veggies past their prime, everything except meat scraps, are added to the bin until it is full. Then either Herb or I take it outside where we return it to the earth.
Other years we have added it to a pile, secured by a wire cage. In the spring we would add it to our large composter. This year we are trying something different and just scattering it on top of the frozen garden spot, where our potatoes patch will go next year. The quail are having a heyday out there scratching and pecking away. I think we have a few garden mice as well. So it will serve a duel purpose, supplement the diets of the local wildlife and add nutrients to our garden soil.
We have a different way of "planting" potatoes. Next spring on this very plot where we are throwing our compost, we will add more layers of clippings, straw, peat moss and Llama manure. Then cover that with a double layer of newspaper. Next we will drop seed potatoes on top of the paper, somewhat in rows and cover them with six to twelve inches of straw. If we don't get a good rain storm in the next two days we will then give it a good soaking, with our irrigation water, that originates from Wallowa Lake. As the straw settles we will add more straw and throw granulated fish fertilizer on top and soak again. Usually we get enough spring rains that irrigating is not necessary. In about a month the potatoes start to poke their first leaves through the straw. We will irrigate and fertilizer during the summer months and in october we will "dig" our potatoes. I love this part. We take ahold of the vine, pulling it slowly out of the straw and uncover a nest of clean, scab free, potatoes. I think the yield is less than if we planted them in dirt but worth it to me to have clean potatoes.
After the potatoes are harvested we rake the straw off into a pile nearby. Underneath the straw we now have a nicely composted layer where will will plant garlic and mulch it with the saved straw. Next spring garlic shoots will appear as soon as the ground has thawed and the last of the snow is melted. We have done all of this without tilling the soil.
We do the same type of preparing a spot for our summer veggies. In late summer as soon as things are harvested we start adding layers to the soil, then let them compost over winter. Of course we rotate crops to a different spot every year.
I got most of these ideas from a book called "Lasagna Gardening". Usually when I say that, someone will ask me, "So you plant basil and garlic together?" Not quite, but maybe that's not a bad idea. OWAV:)
Monday, January 31, 2011
Sunday, January 30, 2011
OWAV:) 01/30/11, 4am, 26° foggy
Promised myself that I would blog, then do scrabble. Okay so I did two scrabble games and was about to start blogging, when my ichat icon started bouncing on the dock. Soon Rusty appears on my screen, asking "What are you doing up at this time of day?" Of course it is 9pm in Shanghai. He was just home from having "hot pots" at a Korean restaurant, he said "One of the better meals for the money." He, Balin and Trevor were BS-ing before retiring for the night. Trevor will leave for the states in two days. Rusty, Ebon, and Balin will go to Vietnam for a couple of weeks, to soak up some sunshine before coming home. They are all very glad to have this China job finished. Another job in China will open up this summer so they might be back there soon, this time working in the heat instead of the cold weather. Will probably go to Brazil before that.
Nothing on the agenda today. After doing the potholders yesterday I think I will cut out several of them while I have everything (rotary cutter, board etc) out on the kitchen table. That way I can sew them at my leisure without the clutter. Also must do some cleaning of the kitchen and bathroom. I have a casserole thawed for dinner today and a stewing hen ready to go into the stew pot for some time next week. Also have a corned beef thawing, so have meals and leftovers planned for the rest of the week.
❝Sylvia and I were settled into our routine and quite comfortable with each other. Job and school took up most of our time so had very little time for social or leisure activities. I remember going to church and mutual (social for teens in Mormon Church) a few times. One Sunday afternoon we packed a lunch, walked quite a distance to the bus stop that would take us to Ann Morrison Park, along the Boise River. It was a nice sunny day, and we had an enjoyable picnic outing. I must have had a Monday off for the 4th of July, because I took the bus on Sunday morning and went to stay overnight at Mona and Jerry's, (sister and brother-in-law). They were living in Middleton, Idaho, only thirty miles away. Jerry was going to college at Boise State. They took me back to Boise on Sunday afternoon.
Some explanation is due: Travel and communication was very different in those days. Where today everyone has their own car or easy access to one, and almost everyone has their own cell phone and a computer. "Back then" telephones were costly to have in your home so they were considered a luxury. Travel was kept to a minimum for school, work and maybe a yearly vacation. One car to a family was the norm. Computers, not even a glimmer.
If we absolutely had to call home, there was a pay phone just a block away from our apartment. I started school in June, saw Mom and Daddy once that summer, when they came to Boise for a Doctor's appointment, again in October when Daddy had surgery. I somehow got home for Thanksgiving and Christmas. Got out of school in March.
I wrote letters to Herb, he was working for the summer, in McCall for the Forest Service, then would be back in College at the University of Idaho, at Moscow in the fall. I also wrote to Mom and Daddy every week and at times, I was very homesick, but tried not to let it show. We couldn't afford to have a telephone. In September Herb came to visit before he went back to college. I remember going to the Idaho State Fair.❞
Enough for today, later. OWAV:)
Nothing on the agenda today. After doing the potholders yesterday I think I will cut out several of them while I have everything (rotary cutter, board etc) out on the kitchen table. That way I can sew them at my leisure without the clutter. Also must do some cleaning of the kitchen and bathroom. I have a casserole thawed for dinner today and a stewing hen ready to go into the stew pot for some time next week. Also have a corned beef thawing, so have meals and leftovers planned for the rest of the week.
❝Sylvia and I were settled into our routine and quite comfortable with each other. Job and school took up most of our time so had very little time for social or leisure activities. I remember going to church and mutual (social for teens in Mormon Church) a few times. One Sunday afternoon we packed a lunch, walked quite a distance to the bus stop that would take us to Ann Morrison Park, along the Boise River. It was a nice sunny day, and we had an enjoyable picnic outing. I must have had a Monday off for the 4th of July, because I took the bus on Sunday morning and went to stay overnight at Mona and Jerry's, (sister and brother-in-law). They were living in Middleton, Idaho, only thirty miles away. Jerry was going to college at Boise State. They took me back to Boise on Sunday afternoon.
Some explanation is due: Travel and communication was very different in those days. Where today everyone has their own car or easy access to one, and almost everyone has their own cell phone and a computer. "Back then" telephones were costly to have in your home so they were considered a luxury. Travel was kept to a minimum for school, work and maybe a yearly vacation. One car to a family was the norm. Computers, not even a glimmer.
If we absolutely had to call home, there was a pay phone just a block away from our apartment. I started school in June, saw Mom and Daddy once that summer, when they came to Boise for a Doctor's appointment, again in October when Daddy had surgery. I somehow got home for Thanksgiving and Christmas. Got out of school in March.
I wrote letters to Herb, he was working for the summer, in McCall for the Forest Service, then would be back in College at the University of Idaho, at Moscow in the fall. I also wrote to Mom and Daddy every week and at times, I was very homesick, but tried not to let it show. We couldn't afford to have a telephone. In September Herb came to visit before he went back to college. I remember going to the Idaho State Fair.❞
Enough for today, later. OWAV:)
Saturday, January 29, 2011
OWAV:) 01/29/11, 4am, 26°, Maybe snow?
Can you believe that I have frittered away the whole morning playing scrabble. Had seven games waiting for me when I got up at 4am. I can waste more time moving letters around, trying different words until I come up with the most points possible. I guess it's not a total waste as it is good for my brain, right?
I've also answered emails, checked out facebook and finished two cups of coffee.
Yesterday Herb and I were real couch potatoes, he reading, me writing, and playing on the computer. He fixed ham and eggs for our breakfast instead of the usual cereal. The rest of the day we fended for ourselves eating leftover spaghetti and apple pie a la mode.
Looks like the fog is rolling in and I better start moving.
I made two potholders today out of flannel fabric with partially felted wool sweaters for the inside. I do a simple pieced top, so they make nice gifts. I seldom buy anything for a gift, either give canned food, pickles, jam or the potholders.
Friend Margaret called today, we are going to lunch on Tuesday. I'll do a short day for write group. I suppose I can miss one scrabble game.
I'm reading a book called "Good-bye Boise... Hello, Alaska" about a family on a sheep, cattle ranch in Unalaska. Haven't figured out what they mean by Unalaska, guess I will have to google it. They live a hard life but seem to love every minute of it. OWAV:)
I've also answered emails, checked out facebook and finished two cups of coffee.
Yesterday Herb and I were real couch potatoes, he reading, me writing, and playing on the computer. He fixed ham and eggs for our breakfast instead of the usual cereal. The rest of the day we fended for ourselves eating leftover spaghetti and apple pie a la mode.
Looks like the fog is rolling in and I better start moving.
I made two potholders today out of flannel fabric with partially felted wool sweaters for the inside. I do a simple pieced top, so they make nice gifts. I seldom buy anything for a gift, either give canned food, pickles, jam or the potholders.
Friend Margaret called today, we are going to lunch on Tuesday. I'll do a short day for write group. I suppose I can miss one scrabble game.
I'm reading a book called "Good-bye Boise... Hello, Alaska" about a family on a sheep, cattle ranch in Unalaska. Haven't figured out what they mean by Unalaska, guess I will have to google it. They live a hard life but seem to love every minute of it. OWAV:)
Friday, January 28, 2011
OWAV:) 01/28/11 4am 24°
 |
| Spring Bouquet |
Herb and I are enjoying our tulips in the living room. I planted a big pot of tulips, daffodils, hyacinths and crocus last fall. I've done this before but, they are blooming more than usual this year. It really is the only way we can have tulips, because outside the deer eat them like candy. These are very pretty and fragrant. Nice little touch of spring. Don't know if anything else will bloom or not.
❈Before I went to the luncheon yesterday I mixed up a batch of pie crust using the recipe I got at last Sunday's pie baking class. Mixed together 2 cups sifted flour, 1/2 tsp salt, added 1 cup cold butter (diced) and mixed by hand until it was "just right". Added 1/4 cup ice water and started working it together. It took some "heavy handed" working and mashing and an extra sprinkle of water but it came together. Divided it into two discs, wrapped it in plastic wrap and refrigerated it. Keeping everything cold is key! In summer I would definitely use the cuisinart, but this time I wanted to feel the dough. When I got home with some granny smith apples, I cored and sliced them, mixed in sugar (1/2 cup) and cinnamon and let them sit while I rolled out the pie crust. It was tough rolling but I persevered, light sprinkle of flour, roll twice, 1/4 turn, repeat until size you want. Only add flour for rolling, if it sticks. It was an easy dough to work with, didn't split and break when I put it in the pie plate. (The edges were very uneven, will have to work on that.) Added the apple mixture, sprinkled on some craisins and raisins for a little different taste and into a 450° oven for 20 minutes then down to 350° for another 20 to 30 minutes. Oh, my gosh! With a scoop of ice cream, I think it was one of the best pies I've ever made. Who said you can't teach old dogs new tricks!❈ (As a side note, friend Janie, who is a wonderful cook, was making a pie when we went to write group on Tuesday. She was smearing sour cream on the top crust, so I ask "What are you doing?" She said, "This makes the pie brown nicely while it bakes." You can also use plain cream. I learned something else.)
❝BS Beauty school or Cosmetology in itself was an education for me. Learning to hold scissors, comb and a perm rod, all in your hands at one time, was a real trick. It took many hours of practice to get this all right. The more advanced students also helped us when they were not working the floor. Thankfully we had very patient teachers. We had two instructors, Jenkins, a jovial, round as she was tall lady, who we all loved immediately. The other, Mrs. McClain, more stern, almost cranky, was harder to love. I found though, that if you paid attention and weren't always goofing off, she was very nice and even had a sense of humor. I was probably her pet.
Something I forgot to mention is that, we were all called by our last names. It was another way the school thought they could instill professionalism into us. We were to be Miss Ashton or Miss Shelby, Mrs Jenkins or Mrs McClain. But commonly, we were called by our last names except, Mrs McClain was alway Mrs. McClain! It also helped when there were many of the same first names among the students.❞ OWAV:)
Thursday, January 27, 2011
OWAV:) 01/27/11 5am, 24°, foggy
I Feel very rested this morning, after about nine hours sleep.
My sorority (Phi Master) has a luncheon meeting today. We have lunch meetings in the dead of winter at a local restaurant, because it is easier for our older members (which we are all getting to be) to attend daytime meetings, in winter, rather than evenings. We will be discussing our upcoming Bunco party two weeks from now on a Sunday afternoon. Also this year, our chapter is in charge of the annual "Founders Day" always held the latter part of April. It seems that "Founders Days" are an important part of older organizations. I remember when my daughter was in Girl Scouts, they had a founders days. It is a way to remember how and why the organization was formed. To some people it is a very important day, to me it is a pain, and my least favorite part of sorority.
I missed both "Big Read" events this week. It is really hard to make myself go out to meetings in winter, so I use the excuse too tired, when probably it is more likely that I'm just TOO LAZY to make the effort. I read about half of the book, "Huckleberry Finn" and gave up, as it really didn't hold my interest. Maybe another time? Pam and I have tickets for the grand finale of the Big Read, so will attend that for sure. It is a potluck dinner and speech about Mark Twain. I have been asked to be on the committee to help pick next years book for the Big Read, haven't given them an answer yet. It would mean more meetings.
Seems I have run out of things to say, so that's it for today, OWAV:) PS Maybe I will do a paragraph on BS later today. My write group liked that story, they said it seemed out of character for me. What ever that means.
My sorority (Phi Master) has a luncheon meeting today. We have lunch meetings in the dead of winter at a local restaurant, because it is easier for our older members (which we are all getting to be) to attend daytime meetings, in winter, rather than evenings. We will be discussing our upcoming Bunco party two weeks from now on a Sunday afternoon. Also this year, our chapter is in charge of the annual "Founders Day" always held the latter part of April. It seems that "Founders Days" are an important part of older organizations. I remember when my daughter was in Girl Scouts, they had a founders days. It is a way to remember how and why the organization was formed. To some people it is a very important day, to me it is a pain, and my least favorite part of sorority.
I missed both "Big Read" events this week. It is really hard to make myself go out to meetings in winter, so I use the excuse too tired, when probably it is more likely that I'm just TOO LAZY to make the effort. I read about half of the book, "Huckleberry Finn" and gave up, as it really didn't hold my interest. Maybe another time? Pam and I have tickets for the grand finale of the Big Read, so will attend that for sure. It is a potluck dinner and speech about Mark Twain. I have been asked to be on the committee to help pick next years book for the Big Read, haven't given them an answer yet. It would mean more meetings.
Seems I have run out of things to say, so that's it for today, OWAV:) PS Maybe I will do a paragraph on BS later today. My write group liked that story, they said it seemed out of character for me. What ever that means.
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
OWAV:) 01/26/11, 5am, 24° Clear
Had a good day yesterday, visited with Gayle and Carol over breakfast. A belated birthday present for her and a treat for us as we seldom go out to eat, even at Community Connection. They served a huge breakfast of scrambled eggs and ham, hash browns and a huge cinnamon roll on the side. Sure blew my no sugar resolve! Oh well, today is a new day so will keep trying.
Joined "The Write Group" at Janie Tippets, where we again played with the puppies. Fat, funny, roly-poly puppies, how I love their smell as they snuggle into my neck and give puppy kisses, with little pink tongues.
Then we got down to the business of writing and reading, what we had written the past week. One of our members thinks we should start meeting in the Library again, where maybe we can be more focused. We definitely do get off the track, but I don't think our group is just about writing. Wrong attitude? Anyway I took taco soup, made from a jar of chili that hadn't sealed, we had lunch, then on to a game of scrabble.
When I got home, Herb had gone to feed John's horses and Dobby the cat. John is gone for three day to Jim Creek. Gets Herb out of the house, which is good.
Today, and for the next three Wednesdays, I am going to volunteer at the library because Pat and Brian are on vacation in Hawaii. They will be home the week we leave for Arizona.
Arizona is coming up fast, I can feel that warm sunshine already, then it will be time for our girls to come for a week. Something to look forward to.
More later maybe. OWAV:)
Joined "The Write Group" at Janie Tippets, where we again played with the puppies. Fat, funny, roly-poly puppies, how I love their smell as they snuggle into my neck and give puppy kisses, with little pink tongues.
Then we got down to the business of writing and reading, what we had written the past week. One of our members thinks we should start meeting in the Library again, where maybe we can be more focused. We definitely do get off the track, but I don't think our group is just about writing. Wrong attitude? Anyway I took taco soup, made from a jar of chili that hadn't sealed, we had lunch, then on to a game of scrabble.
When I got home, Herb had gone to feed John's horses and Dobby the cat. John is gone for three day to Jim Creek. Gets Herb out of the house, which is good.
Today, and for the next three Wednesdays, I am going to volunteer at the library because Pat and Brian are on vacation in Hawaii. They will be home the week we leave for Arizona.
Arizona is coming up fast, I can feel that warm sunshine already, then it will be time for our girls to come for a week. Something to look forward to.
More later maybe. OWAV:)
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
OWAV:) 01/25/11, 5am, 34°, light Rain over Night
Will make this short this morning. I have 58 pints of deer meat on the kitchen table waiting to be wiped off and boxed. Then Herb will haul them downstairs to the cellar. We were able to do all of it in two batches and now have everything put away until the mood strikes to start another canning marathon.
We are meeting friends, Carol and Gayle, this morning for breakfast, then I will go to write group. I have soup ready to simmer on the stove for our dinner.
We are meeting friends, Carol and Gayle, this morning for breakfast, then I will go to write group. I have soup ready to simmer on the stove for our dinner.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)