We had 59* today... after 2* last week, I was tempted to the shirtsleeves, but I knew I would pay a price for that. The cat (Hussie) however, acted like it was full Spring... racing around the deck, off to the far side of the property and racing back again.... it was very enjoyable to watch...
Baking was a hobby of mine before I started my last job. Now that I am semi-retired from that job, I have gone back to some of my baking... though this kitchen doesn't have the room and surfaces of my first kitchen, I'm making do, and DH is enjoying the results.
East Tennessee is just not prepared for 8-10" of snow in 24 hours, much less negative Temps (plus wind chill, or is that minus?). Dug out the steps and sidewalk and to the RAV doors with the dust pan!! No shovel here, the snow was too wet for the broom, so I got it done with that.
Making a...
Coreopsis (Early Sunrise is my favorite), most of the salvias, and coneflowers, of course. Nepeta (Walkers Low) makes for a nice ground cover and the cats love it. It WILL spread as most of the mint family will, but not invasive like some.
And a balmy 3F this morning. Been stuck in Knoxville since Sunday night. Made it to the office Monday morning, but by 9:30 the snow had turned serious. So back to the work flop house I went. Since one can only read and nap so much (sacrilege, I know!) I am determined to make a run for home...
In the past, I'll sometimes start seed in 3" pots... regular plant soil in the bottom, and seed starting soil in the top inch of the pot. I've had fairly good luck with that combination. Regular plant soil seems too heavy to support some seeds/seedlings IMO.
My fine motor skills in...
@Branching Out
Got a soil blocker for Christmas, not the Ladbrook but hoping it will work well. 1.85"x2" blocks. DH wants me to take it for a trial run, he's not understanding how it works.
Cross your fingers I don't make a fool of myself trying to get the right compaction. Only soil...
Now that all the holiday chaos is done, I get to kick into Christmas Part Deux. SIL and family are coming in from CA and KS, to spend a week. Second Christmas and all the wrappings, SIL has been shipping all the gifts to us, I've been wrapping them', for other family members. I've run out of...
Mondays are my day in the office, so acting like I'm doing something of importance. Second cuppa and nibbling on holiday treats in the kitchen, which I really shouldn't be doing.
Planning the week ahead, since baking is high on the list. Swedish Rosettes, and my first go at carrot cake for...
Several people have suggested getting a dog to address the groundhog problem, but it will create the very problem you are suffering... the deer love our space (I wouldn't call it a 'yard', lol) and sometimes sleep a matter of yards away from the deck. It seems I have a choice between having...
I have a number of tongs that might work, I just didn't know if one type was better than another. The spatula sounds like a good idea. I would have thought that the blocks being slightly moist, not wet, would be better for staying together? It applies for removing from cell packs...
@Branching Out I've got the 2" blocker on my Christmas list, but how does one 'move' the blocks? Tongs of some sort? Gardeners supply has a seedling tong, but it seems a bit expensive. Would basic smooth tongs out of WalMart suffice?
You experience, please. :)
I know I've been missing for some time, life has been *interesting*. Full time retirement is 7 days away... I'll still be doing 'part time' and some remote while I handle the boss' personal stuff, but not having to drag my behind into the office 5 days a week will be a relief. Meanwhile, DH...
Personal favorite, is an opening in the top with a plastic bin underneath to catch excess from transplanting or potting things for the deck.
Make sure there are enough cubbies, hooks or drawers for all the common tools of the trade, so they can be found when you need them. Mine get scattered...
I drink a LOT of water all day long, and it gets very boring by the end of the day. I've taken to making hot tea with two or three tea bags (chamomile or mint works well) and then adding some to my water bottles to break the hum-drum of plain water. I can't do those little packets they sell in...