In the Cool of the Day

From my back stoop.


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Bunching Onions Are Coming Up!

I'll be glad when they are ready to harvest.

It irks me to pay $1.50 for a bag of scallions at Wal-Mart (and then use only a few of them), but I think regular onions are too strong to substitute-- and I certainly would't want to omit them from my meals; they're pretty and tasty.

(Because Kroger sells smaller bunches with less packaging, green onions are one item where they have Wal-Mart's price beat; but most of the time, it would be a waste for me to make a trip to two stores. Besides, if I walk in Kroger's door, I'm all too likely to buy more than scallions!)

Best solution? Open the back door of my house and pluck what's needed from the garden! ;-)

They should be ready for use around June 1st.

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Quick Account of the Day

I should be going to bed right now but wanted to post something.

I woke up a trifle late this morning because I couldn't get to sleep last night-- I was starving, having forgotten to eat an evening snack. Oops! too busy recording song snippets to notice hunger. Overfocusing again.

Had a great laugh while drinking my morning tea and facebooking-- all about wascally wabbits in the garden and the Elmer Fudd solution. Sentimental memories of childhood's Saturday mornings to boot. And amazement at the quality of those old cartoons-- great facial expressions and vocal intonations. True art!

Once I was able to get going, I headed out to the garden and put up the second grid. A robin and a male cardinal oversaw the process. I planted 2 squares-- romaine in one and Brussels sprouts in the other. I suspect the weather is going to get too warm too soon to get good results from either plant, but I wanted to try.



I still need to plant some mesclun (but I want a free-standing container for that so I can keep it right by the back door) and some pansies. Also, I should trim the excess weed fabric from the beds and PLANT that blueberry bush-- no time today, but it needs to be outdoors ASAP.

Afterward, I showered off the garden and dressed to do errands. I had to get groceries TODAY since I was out of ALL the staples-- milk, eggs, bread, cheese, fruits & veggies. (I ate some odd meals today, making do.) So happy to have cooking ingredients on hand again. My pantry is usually stocked thanks to my parents, but I can't live on canned foods and dry goods alone!

I also picked up a device that allows me to transfer digital photos directly from the camera's memory card through the USB slot of my laptop. I've been using my printer as a "router", but this device eliminates the printer from the process. For $8, it seemed worth it!

I came home, unpacked groceries, ate, and caught up with my Facebook account, then took a short walk-- I saw at least 3 plant subjects I want to photograph, but I forgot to bring the camera along. Bummer. Hopefully tomorrow.

I'm amazed at how quickly the evening flew by. I had a DVD on, but simultaneously played on my iPod doing who knows what. Solitaire, Facebook, prioritizing for tomorrow, changing my wallpaper, etc. Day is done.

A good day. Not a lot of projects accomplished, but some significant ones. Got to turn in-- my brain is falling asleep. ;-)

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God's Love

I was reading from the book of Revelation tonight-- particularly the worship scene in heaven when the Lamb is found worthy to take and open the sealed scroll. I can't pretend I understand half of what follows. I don't think most Christians understand-- even if they tell themselves and others that they do.

I do know that God's love for His people is clear, and that is my security. That's where there's rest. And so, I am motivated to sing...

Spring Green

In a lull between rain showers yesterday, I squelched my way across the backyard to the far corners to get photos of the bright green leaves emerging on some shrubby plants. Unfortunately, the pictures were blurs-- I keep forgetting to hold the digital camera still long enough for it to capture an image.

So today, I tried again. I don't think we'll get more rain, but it is "butt cold" out there (to use a Pioneer Woman phrase-- she was referring to the rear ends of horses and posted a photo of the ice on their tails). No gardening for me today-- it's supposed to warm up tomorrow.

At least plants are more tolerant of cool temperatures-- God is wise!

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Great Song, Good Video

Some of the images are super, others are so-so at conveying the meaning of the song.

Rainy Palm Sunday

It's likely to rain all day today, and I think I heard small hail (or at least heavy rain) on the windows while I was still in bed this morning.

What's more, we're likely to have rain on Easter too. I don't think we've had a sunny Easter since I've moved here (seven years). That's pretty remarkable since Easter's date varies-- I'd think we could get lucky occasionally. So much for egg hunts and fluffy girls' dresses under those weather conditions-- it dampens my enthusiasm.

I've got the bunnies though; I saw two cottontails in my backyard yesterday evening. They were doing their best not to be noticed by freezing still, but my back yard is a wide open space, and I'd just seen them dashing away. Cute, but not too clever! ;-)

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One SFG Grid Done

I drilled pilot holes then inserted 12 galvanized deck screws so that I could use the heads to string a cotton grid over the top of the raised bed. I used 100% cotton yarn and twisted it into cords; I also "wove" the strands for added stability. It took 1.25 hours.


I also planted 5 of the 16 squares: 8 Early Scarlet Globe radishes & 8 French Breakfast radishes, 9 spinach plants, 4 black-seeded Simpson lettuces, 4 green salad bowl lettuces, and 4 Bibb lettuces. I watered all planted seeds and recovered the bed with the bird netting.

We're due to get a day of rain, then it's dry weather for a stretch of 5 days. The next day that it's suitable to work outdoors, I plan to get the other grid up and a few more seeds planted. Also, I need to get my blueberry bush planted. I have an appropriate container for it, but it likes the same conditions as azaleas and rhododendrons. I'm wondering whether the potting soil I have will do the job.

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Sage Update

My sage is producing true leaves, and they're so cute-- miniature versions of what they'll become. Another sage seedling has also sprouted. ;-)

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Tulips Emerging!

Despite being planted in mid/late winter, my tulips are beginning to force their way up through the clay soil! (I planted two varieties at two different times. The ones that went into the ground second are the most numerous above ground now.)


No sign of the daffodils yet, though I've seen the small variety blooming when Mom and I went to tea.

I'd prefer blooms at different times anyway, so that I'll have bouquets over a longer period.

On the way to another appointment with the TMD specialist, I saw a tulip magnolia tree in bloom and some trees with pink blossoms too. It's getting to look a lot like springtime. ;-)

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Animal-Proofing

Yesterday I did some errands then selected a book to read while eating my lunch; the next thing I knew, it was dinner time! (It was a nonfiction health book, not particularly suspenseful; sometimes I overfocus.)

I took a lovely dusk walk to stretch out the kinks. Someone was barbecuing, and the smell of the sauce was torturously wonderful. Maybe my mom will make some BBQ chicken for us soon. (I can make it, but I think it tastes better when she does it.)

Anyway, my gardening time was a short period just before sunset. All I had the opportunity to do was to cut and secure some bird netting over each bed with the corner stakes assisting; however, I don't think it's going to be effective at animal-proofing. In fact, I may have given the cats a comfy hammock to curl up in.

I woke this morning at 4:30am, scheming about other possibilities: What if I...? Maybe I could try...? Would it work if...? What would be the advantages and disadvantages of using...? Since my brain was definitely awake, I got out of bed shortly after 5am.

It's going to be a rainy day, so I can scheme to my heart's content, but in all likelihood I won't be able to try out any plans today. That's okay though. I need to wash dishes. ;-)

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Reading Health Info

I moved my appointment with the sleep specialist up from June to April; I do not think my insomnia has been sufficiently resolved, and I still need help.

I spent most of the day reading the health information which the patient advocate at my TMD specialist's office provided. Since I have another appointment coming up shortly, I wanted to "prepare" a bit.

Some facts about migraine timing-- they can follow periods of stress, occurring in the "letdown" phase. To counter that, the suggestion was to try to slow down during the stressful period but to pick up the pace a bit afterwards-- the idea being that a more even work/stress load keeps blood vessels in the head from contracting then dilating suddenly and causing a migraine. Helpful maybe, interesting for sure; it encourages me to observe my body's patterns more closely at the very least.

I also read the pamphlets given to me about anxiety disorders. I don't think I have one, but I do believe there are times when hormones cause me to be tense, endlessly indecisive about stupid stuff (like whether to dare to deplete my kitchen pantry of a can of salsa verde by opening and consuming it), and anxious for a few days in a row. I startle easily (at completely unspooky things), have nightmares (usually bugs or intruders, but horrific even if the content seems ordinary), and have serious mental BATTLES not to dwell on life's negatives and lose perspective (depression). Sometimes I lose the battles too despite my best efforts. Win or lose, all I want to do is be by myself, because the battles are fierce and require concentration and reflection to work through.

Those brief periods mimic anxiety disorders and could be taken for one by health practioners looking for buzz words in my help requests-- but I don't believe they are, because the next hormonal shift makes all that nonsense evaporate. Suddenly, no anxiety; I'm just tired instead. And, the 3-day episodes reoccur on a monthly basis-- the details change (what I'm tense or indecisive about), but the essentials remain.

Besides, the meds I take already include one anti-depressant (for hormonal mood swings) and one anti-anxiety drug (to calm my brain for sleep, thus combatting insomnia). Seems to me that if I really had an anxiety disorder or depression that those meds should take care of it. The fact that they don't (during those short episodes) leads me to believe that hormones are the culprits rather than anxiety or depression.

This is a breakthrough for me. I've never been able to state what's happening to me in that phase so clearly before. I fully intend to show this to the health professionals who are trying to help me. And thinking about what I've written, it's no wonder I feel a little crazy or out of control some days-- these ailments do a number on my mind as well as my body. It ain't NO fun, believe me.

Let me just say that here's one female who's longing for menopause. I honestly think heart disease and/or breast cancer (risks of these increase for women after menopause) would be easier to bear than the constant and severe emotional up-and-downs that are the same-old same-old, yet always seem to take me by surprise. I'll take my chances; bring on "the change" even with the risks.

Okay, enough of that rant. Moving on!

****************************************************
I resumed knitting again today. I'd been working on a sock and had almost completed it, but the pattern says to bind off "with double strand"; I don't know what that means and haven't been interested in finding out. I'm sure it's not difficult, but I wanted to knit without practicing new techniques for a while. So I've put that aside and have now resumed a blanket I hadn't worked on since back in October, I guess. I'm ready to finish it (or at least make some progress on it).

Tomorrow I need to do some chores and errands. I've been ailing and "battling" for three days already which is three days too long.

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Garden Photos

Not much to see yet but this photo will be great for comparison later in the season.


This second picture is a bit blurry, I know. It's going to take me a while to get used to the camera. These pots are the ones I was able to fill with leftover soil and are where I've already planted some seeds.


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Children and Faith

Lately I've been browsing through Facebook taking a peek at how some of my former students are doing. Many of them had great parents, and I had no doubt that they would end up happy and successful in life. Others had little support and opportunity; I wanted the best for them, but I was doubtful about how they would fare.

By and large, I think I should have had more faith in God's plans for their lives. He never abandons any of His children, and in the areas of their lives where I saw weakness or difficulties, He has transformed and used those very weaknesses. They have developed into the people God meant them to be all along. Maybe if I had been older and more experienced, I would have known that.

On the other hand, it shouldn't surprise me that I didn't know the end from the beginning; only God has that kind of vision. Our view is mostly limited and earthly no matter how earnestly we seek His wisdom and viewpoint. There will come a day when we know even as we are known, but it is not yet that day. That is one reason why we must walk by faith and not by sight-- we're too blind to want to give our own perceptions that level of credibility.

At the tea shop, I saw a sign that said, "Pray about everything; worry about nothing." I think that is an excellent paraphrase of an important Bible verse. I want to do that more often than I do now. There's no point in worrying since God has it covered-- all of it, everything, whatever it may be.

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Basil Update

Hooray! I'm seeing the first basil sprout this morning! One less plant to buy-- I definitely prefer growing my own from seed.

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Tea with Mom

Yesterday Mom and I headed to Frankfort to have tea at the Candleberry Tea Room. They have a gift shop with lots of girly items-- china, home decor, jewelry and fashion accessories, etc. (A bit pricey.) The dining room is attractive, and our table was cheerfully appointed and by a window, allowing us to enjoy the spring sunshine.

Image source: Mom
The food was good-- their signature herbed tomato soup (just a little spicy-- not bland Campbell's), a blueberry scone with cinnamon-sprinkled whipped cream, a chicken salad sandwich that wasn't overly sweet (a refreshing change), cream cheese-filled baby carrot cakes, lemon bars topped with blueberry sauce, and Derby pie bars were some of the treats.

We talked quite a while with the owners-- an interesting and kind middle-aged couple. They work hard to make the business pay, serving lunch as a cafe, and hosting catered meetings by arrangement in addition to tea sittings.

Mom and I intended to do some shopping afterwards, but we didn't do too much because we managed to get lost in our efforts to find a peddlers' mall. We headed 20 miles out of the way on a windy rural road. At that point we asked an older man at a stop sign for directions. His advice was to turn around and head back over the same 20 miles we'd just covered. I wasn't wild about that idea because of the curves and a tendency toward motion sickness. Would you believe we finally thought to consult the GPS that we'd had with us all along?!? It was funny-- we're obviously not digital natives! The GPS gave us the same directions as the man had, but we had a good time talking and laughing regardless of the detour.

We did stop at a Goodwill-- my mom's compelled to hunt those bargains down. She found some shirts, and I bought a picture for $3.50 that I'll eventually have professionally cut down, matted, and framed to hang in my knitting room.

Image source: Me! with the digital camera Mom gave me!
All in all, a lovely day. ;-)

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Herb Update

The sage sprouted days ago, but I keep forgetting to mention it. The thyme is beginning to get true leaves. The chives stem has unfolded.

Basil and rosemary are still no-shows. I may have drown the basil seeds right from the beginning (oops!), but I'll give them some more time since basil's not cold-hardy anyway. I recently read that rosemary doesn't always come true from seed, but again, we'll see.

I'm hoping to get some mint from my mom; I don't know which cultivar she has, but I've used enough of it in my cooking to know that it will be dandy in a pot in my garden-- got to corral that bully so it doesn't conquer the world!

Also, it's not an herb, but my mom bought me a blueberry bush. Yum! Gradually, I want to develop a whole thicket of blueberry shrubs, but one is a good start until I learn more about their care.

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Aching Knees But...

I couldn't resist planting peas, bunching onions, and Johnny-Jump-Ups in those pots of leftover soil. I'm done for the day-- not just with gardening but all together spent.

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Beds Are Filled!!!

Building the remaining frame, laying weed barrier, and staking the frames took 1 hour. To mix the soil and fill the beds took 2 hours and required a shower afterwards-- very messy. I did have 4 smallish containers of soil remaining; the rest went into the beds.

Image source:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/8853180@N02/3584472940/sizes/l/
I've had some concerns about protecting my garden from deer and rabbits, but it was only today that I realized how the cats are going to view these beds: the perfect litterbox! Naturally, I know about this tendency of felines, but when I've seen garden advice of this type in books, I've always dismissed it-- "I don't have a cat," I've thought. Well, I don't, but the neighborhood does! At least three of them.

I was talking the matter over with "our dog" when she visited. (I love the way dogs "listen" with their whole bodies, so I can't resist "conversing" with them.) I was encouraging her to be a good watchdog and keep the cats out of the beds. Well, she was so enthused about the assignment that she scrambled right across my soil to get to me and tell me so! Yikes! That means I have a boundary-less dog to take into consideration as well.

I've concluded that I'll wait and let the rain settle the soil, create my SFG grid, devise some animal-proofing, and THEN add seeds. It'll be safer for the plants! ;-)

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App Play in the Wee Hours

It's around 5 in the morning, but I've been awake since 4:15. I'm
playing with a new app I've installed that lets you type by sliding
your finger along a keyboard instead of pecking at it. I think it may
be a faster way to type on an iPod though it's hardly necessary if a
full-sized keyboard is available. It allows you to enter personal
names into its dictionary and suggests words you may have meant to
type in a box above the keyboard which can be selected with a touch of
the finger. I think the most limiting feature is punctuation, because
most options are on a second page. Personally, I have a thing for
semicolons and dashes; I get tired of simple sentences and want to
link them for a little variety in looks.

Sent from my iPod

Tomorrow's Garden Plans

Since I goofily bought 2x4's instead of 2x6's for my raised beds, I'm going to stack the square frames double-height using stakes inside (at the four corners) and outside (at the halfpoints) for stability. I'll end up with just 2 beds instead of 3 as I had planned and I'll have some extra "soil". But I can always add another bed next year (or even in the fall if I get a job soon); and it never hurts to have extra potting soil! I think this is the best way (least expensive anyway) to remedy my error.

So, tomorrow, one more frame to build, weed cloth to cut and lay, soil ingredients to mix, and the beds to fill.

As a reward for my labor, I will plant some seeds too: spinach, lettuce, radishes, peas, green onions, and Brussels sprouts.

I may risk transplanting my parsley seedlings, but I'm undecided. If animals eat them or frost kills them, I'll probably cry; I've become attached. I think they'd do fine with cool weather, but I'm not sure they're far enough along yet. One more leaf each? On the other hand, at this point they may grow faster and more vigorously outdoors (given more sunlight than they are currently getting on my windowsill). Can you hear the separation anxiety-- a mother with mixed feelings about parting with her babies? ;-)

I will also risk planting some pansy seeds (including a container of Johnny-Jump-Ups), but if we get particularly harsh weather, I know those seeds may be wasted, and I'll end up replanting. I think I can risk a few seeds-- I don't have much invested in them yet.

Image source:http://www.flickr.com/photos/95994086@N00/2469367746/
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SFG Progress Report

I can't imagine anyone less suited to carpentry than I. My first square frame has been put together, but it took about 1.5 hours and is only approximately square. (It'll do-- especially considering the obstacles.)

I had to gather the supplies from the various stashing places. It turns out that I let the nice men at Lowe's sell me 2x4's instead of 2x6 lumber because my sense of measurement is deficit, and I assumed my request to them was clear. Apparently not. So, I have a supply situation to remedy-- but I have an idea brewing.

I also had to learn how to use a drill (choose a bit, change bits, reverse directions). At one point, I was absolutely stumped, not understanding why I couldn't get the screw to bite into the wood as needed. After sitting on the ground thinking and petting "our dog" (my brother's nickname for the neighbors' friendly Jack Russell), I picked up the drill again-- only to discover that I had the drill operating in the reverse direction. Can you say "clueless"? I've also managed to burn my hand on a screw that got dang hot from the friction of the drill.

Well, I'll take a lunch break, then it's at it again. Hopefully, the next two frames will come together more efficiently. However, I'm not planning to mix the "soil" today-- I think it would be wiser to tackle that tomorrow. We should still have good weather. Besides, if I'm not careful, I'm going to get a sunburn.

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St. Patrick's Day

Had a good day yesterday. Did some errands-- checked in for 6-week unemployment review, paid vehicle tax and registration fee, and bought the last of the compost for the raised beds I plan to build today.

Celebrated St. Patrick's Day by making Martha Stewart's Irish Beef Hand Pies (okay-- not great) and watching The Quiet Man (a family tradition). The movie has some really funny and charming moments. Definitely enjoyed it!

This morning I've had my tea but need some breakfast and have a few things to attend to such as filling out & mailing my census form, loading the dishwasher, folding pajamas, etc. But AS SOON AS POSSIBLE I'm headed out to the back yard to build and fill my raised beds with the potting soil I will mix-- while enjoying the "abundant sunshine" forecast for today!!!

Image source (edited):Backgrounds app
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Sync Me

Today has been another of those times when I can't seem to get my rear in gear. The end of daylight savings doesn't help, and neither do the clouds; I feel like hibernating. I fought off the sluggishness yesterday, but today I caved-- watched movies and played solitaire.

The bite guard still needs work; it's helping my jaw, but it's making my molars hurt. Had to take one dose of Tylenol already today, with probably another in store at bedtime.

Craving SUNLIGHT-- strong, blinding, and hot. A beach sounds ideal, but alas, this is land-locked Kentucky. Got a vacation planned but it's a ways off.

I do have one chive stem making an appearance and my thyme is growing. I'll have to research thyme to learn more about its growth habits, because I'd swear I only planted 3-5 seeds, but I have tons of little leaves popping up. How does that work? Well, it's a good thing anyhow; I like to pet the thyme so that it's fragrance coats my hands.

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Art Exhibit Video

Someone at my brother's church made a video that scrapbooks their art exhibit from start to finish with a few credits at the end. My brother is the first "angel". The band you hear toward the end is The Welcome Wagon and the song is "But for you who fear my name"-- love it!

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Chariots of Fire

I'd never seen this movie though I remember all the attention it drew when it was released. When I watched it last night, I expected it to be fantastic but thought it was only good. I would watch it again at some future time but don't feel the need to own it.

I couldn't identify with either of the main characters much.

I appreciate Eric Liddell's sticking to his principles, but in my view Saturday is the Sabbath and Sunday is the Lord's Day. His heart was to honor the Lord, but I don't share his beliefs about the holiness of a particular day or about not engaging in certain activities on particular days. I think Christians have greater liberty than that. But in his time and from his culture his views were understandable.

With similar intensity Harold Abrahams felt he had something to prove to the world. Personally, I think that is a battle no one can win. Better to stand confident in what you know to be true and be satisfied with that-- the world at large is too stubborn and bent on its own course to convince or turn. (Not that people can't influence each other, just that such a gargantuan battle is futile.)

The character I liked best was Lord Andrew Lindsay's (who is fictional, based quite loosely on an actual person). He advanced his friends' interests without needing or particularly gaining the world's acclaim. He persuaded Abrahams' girlfriend to stand by him, giving her insight into the character of the man she loved. Then he gave his place in the race to Liddell, understanding and supporting him. In the Bible, we have the example of Barnabas whose name means "one who encourages"-- in this movie, Lindsay seems somewhat like that; for him it wasn't so much about what he could achieve, but what he could assist others to achieve. To me that is selfless, and I admire that trait more than dogged determination or the will to win.

I also enjoyed Ian Holm's performance in the movie. He reminds me of a patron at the library in looks and personality-- knowledgable and a bit of a scalawag.


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My TMD Visit

I headed to Louisville around noon yesterday, planning to do some errands before my appointment with the TMD specialist. I dropped off a patient assistance program form to my doctor in Mt. Washington (to get some financial assistance with my expensive medication from the pharmaceutical company that makes it), then connected with the Gene Snyder.

I got caught in a thunderstorm, and it was bad-- sky so dark and rain pounding so heavily and fast-- visibility was dreadful. Meanwhile, people driving just as usual! Insane!

Image source:www.geograph.org.uk/.../ 17/1041712_d419805d.jpg
I opted not to do my errands under such conditions but to head for the doctor's office instead. Then the hail started. The ice wasn't that large, but it was coming down so forcefully-- twice it sounded like my windshield had cracked. Unnerving. By that time, I had pulled into the doctor's parking lot. I had to wait until it was safe to get out. Looking out the car window, I could see deep streams of water rushing toward the drains. That was one violent storm!

My doctor was able to squeeze me into his schedule two hours early (since mine was a 20-minute appointment for a bite guard adjustment).

When I left, it was still raining, but a drizzly ordinary rain. I was able to do my errands after all! I bought 8 cubic feet of vermiculite which the man at Frank Otte nursery was just barely able to fit into my trunk. (I had to move some pieces of lumber inside the car with me.) I dropped off a job application at Barnes & Noble and headed home.

Between hormones, stressful driving, and the manipulation of my jaw during my appointment, I had to take Midrin again. It really seems to be doing the job of ending my migraines. I still can't quite believe it, but I love being free of that misery-- very grateful.

I did have trouble staying asleep last night, waking at 4:30am (then napping later when I shouldn't), but the bite guard adjustment seems to be helping. My jaw was a lot "quieter" than usual when I woke. I go back to the doc again in two weeks to have the adjustment checked but so far so good.

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It's Thyme

I think the thyme seed I planted has germinated already, but the seedlings are so miniscule that I'm not 100% sure. Of course, thyme does have small leaves anyway (at least this variety does). The seeds I planted were last year's, so I'm glad they were still viable.

Image source:http://www.flickr.com/photos/indigonightbird/2495716846/
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Parsley Postscript

It's AMAZING how long it takes parsley to germinate. I've got another seedling coming up today. It's been such a while since I'd planted the seeds that I figured I'd gotten what I was getting out of them; but tada! Here's another sprout at this late date.

I'll let you in on a little secret-- I already thinned out (and ate) two bitsy parsley plants. They barely looked like parsley, but they tasted just as they ought-- like spring green! My first "harvest" from my "garden" I guess. ;-)

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Family Stories

After this morning's resolution, I did try to get some things done. I was able to check off all but 1.5 of the important things on my list before the evening meal (including the task of sprucing up the bathroom). I'll roll the unfinished items over to tomorrow's list.

With the aid of another Martha Stewart recipe, I improvised dinner to use up one remaining pork chop-- at least three adaptations were needed since this was an impromptu meal that I hadn't shopped for. The result was quite edible though-- braised red cabbage and slices of yellow-fleshed red potatoes with a seared then braised pork chop. A one-pot meal but the cooking did take some time. Luckily, I started early-ish.

But today's best activity has been reading three family stories that Ree Drummond shared about her brother Mike on her blog, The Pioneer Woman. She posted them one at a time which built up the anticipation. The first is probably my favorite and is called The Oyster Incident. I do love her writing! ;-)

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Priorities and Persistence

I do plan my days out-- at least a general outline-- usually with the help of my iPod. And it's a reality that plans have to change to accomodate situations that arise unexpectedly. I'm fine with that.

But at home, I tend to let myself get sidetracked from my goals and objectives by more pleasant diversions. Clean the bathroom? Gee, all of a sudden a game of solitaire sounds like a great idea. Do my taxes? That will take all day-- maybe I'll just ___________ instead. And so time goes by and my plans go unrealized. But really, I am sacrificing something greater for something of secondary importance. I wish it weren't so tough to stay motivated and to do the best thing.

What's funny is that I'm not like this at work. I put all my tasks on Outlook, and I do even the unpleasant tasks-- with a sigh or a frown perhaps, but I do them. Maybe it's having others depend on me or judge my performance. I don't know for sure, but I do know that I want to be diligent in the way I spend my life; sometimes that means resisting the temptation to procrastinate. Being a stay-at-home person tends to magnify these habits of thought and behavior.

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Birds

I seem to think about birds a lot. Even when I was very young, my mom recorded some words of mine in my baby book: "Hear the birds sing?"

There's a song by Jon Foreman of Switchfoot with these lyrics: "I look out the window / The birds are composing / Not a note is out of tune or out of place..." Of course, if one considers the raucous sounds of crows and seagulls, that poetic sentiment might be debatable. Still, I believe that creation points to and reflects the glory of God. I too want to join in His daily praise, magnifying Him for all He is and has done and what is yet to come. He deserves worship.

"From the rising of the sun
until the time that it goes down,
I will sing of the mercies of the Lord."

(Song lyrics inspired by Psalm 113:3)

Image sourceAs edited by wallpaper app Backgrounds:http://m.flickr.com/#/photos/tambako/2632386248/
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Grass Seed

Mostly, today was spent doing more errands, but there was progress in a couple of areas: gardening and physical activity.

Since I didn't suffer any severe damage from yesterday's stroll, I repeated the fifteen minute exercise today. With such lovely weather, I didn't even need a jacket! (Echoes of the movie Miss Congeniality in my mind...anyone else pick up on that?)

Secondly, I planted rosemary and sage seeds indoors for transplanting later. That's the last of the herb seeds-- REALLY, I promise! ;-)

I also cast grass seed over the front lawn. I wanted to take advantage of today's wonderful weather to be outdoors-- as well as the next few days' rain showers with warm daytime temperatures for sprouting the grass. But according to the package directions, it's rather early in the season for grass, temperature-wise. If we should slip back into winter (God forbid!)...uh-oh. I just hope I'm doing more than feeding the birds! I have visions of a lush green yard instead of the barren hard-packed clay with dead weeds that I've come into.

Image source:http://www.flickr.com/photos/idletype/356078445/
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A Gardening Note

I did plant the herb seeds and repot my ivy as intended but need to run to Lowe's for more potting soil tomorrow.

My kitchen windowsill is beginning to look like this picture (except not all of my seeds have sprouted yet).

Image source:http://www.modernlivinghawaii.com/2009_08_01_archive.html
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Dinner Divine

Tonight's evening meal tasted better than any cheese fondue I've tried, and with nutritious vegetables incorporated, it's a definite keeper!

Portobello, Broccoli, and Red-Pepper Melts. Umm-umm good (to steal a soup slogan).

The recipe is from Everyday Food and is available on Martha Stewart's website. A garlic-mayo is spread on thick-sliced country bread, topped with broiled veggies and Gouda, then popped into the oven until the cheese is melted and lightly browned.

I broiled extra veggies, so guess what I'm having for lunch tomorrow! Can hardly wait.


Prior to fixing my dinner, I took a fifteen-minute walk. It wasn't a power walk, just an ordinary stroll to enjoy the day and introduce myself to exercise. The terrain was almost entirely flat, but the two (very) slight inclines had my breathing picking up. I also suspect that I'll feel the exertion in my muscles tomorrow.

Bottom line? "You might be out of shape if... a fifteen-minute amble kicks your butt."

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Daffodils

Today I finally got my daffodil bulbs planted. Supposedly there were 15 in the bag. I planted most in the side yard by the persimmon tree so that I can look out at them when I'm washing dishes (until I cut the flowers and bring them indoors anyway); the other five bulbs I planted near the rock in the front yard (which is under a tree too).

Image source:www.doorcountyvacations.com/ enews/images/King...
I bought more packets of seeds: a wildflower mixture for shade and Lemon Drop marigolds. I've never been especially fond of marigolds-- I think of them as gas station flowers. But the package's picture and description seemed appealing-- "double blossoms in a unique shade of soft lemon-yellow." I'll give them a try.

Since the weather's supposed to be sunny and warm tomorrow, I'd like to fill some more containers with potting soil to germinate additional herbs indoors: basil, chives, and thyme. Also, I'd like to repot some houseplants: a parlor palm, some ivy, and one I bought at Lowe's called Song of India which I've never noticed before.

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Catch-Up Account

I need to wash dishes, shower, and do some errands, but I've had insufficient sleep for 3 nights running; all I really want to do is crash.

The TMD specialist I saw yesterday sent me home with the equivalent of a fat book's health reading and an appointment for next week to adjust my bite guard. I read some of the info last night, and already discovered a few new facts.

I also stopped by a branch of the Louisville public library. I borrowed some great books: Deerproofing Your Yard and Garden, Getting Started Knitting Socks by Ann Budd, and a DK sushi book that's downright amazing! Coincidentally, Ree Drummond (who's blog I follow) has posted an account of a sushi night she hosted (which I just discovered this morning). I decline to eat raw seafood, but I think sushi-making is in my future-- a wonderful intersection of art and cooking and eating!

When I got home, the garden supplies I had ordered the previous day were waiting on my front porch. I was astonished and thrilled-- now that's service! I sent an email to Gardens Alive to thank and compliment them.

I did end up with a bad on-and-off tension headache for which I took Tylenol. I also took 2 whole sleeping pills instead of 1.5 as usual but still awoke a couple of hours early-- with a bad tension headache. I took Midrin, and thankfully that seems to have given the headache a kick in the rear. Now if I could just summon some energy.

I did call the unemployment office to get information about financial assistance for medication. I'll have to go to the appropriate office and apply as soon as possible. $165 for a 1-month supply of one medication (no generic available)-- yikes!

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Addendum

Today's moon phase-- 79% illumination (waning).

Plus, another Italian parsley seedling is on its way up. ;-)

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TMD Specialist

Once again, I've been awake since 4:30am. I did consider leaving the lights off, but there was so much moonlight pouring in (even through my closed blinds) that it seemed a moot point. Possibly a full moon? Maybe just a lack of cloud cover for a change. I'll have to look it up.

In any case, I got out of bed and filled out job applications for Barnes & Noble which I hope to deliver today.

I also have a 2.5 hour appointment in Louisville this morning with a dentist who specializes in TMJ disorders. Perhaps I can get some help with the muscle-tension headaches and facial pain that dog me. I already wear a bite guard at night, but my current dentist doesn't make adjustments to it unless I ask-- he's a good dentist but TMD is simply not his specialty. I had a great dentist in California, and I can tell a difference in the quality of treatment. Besides, my jaw won't tolerate staying open for a cleaning AND for a bite guard fitting-- recipe for a headache for sure. So if I'm going to have to schedule separate appointments, I'd just as soon see a TMD expert.

Given my lack of sleep, the flashing glare of light through trees on my drive to Louisville, the stress of finding an unfamiliar location in busy city driving, and the delay of food during this lengthy dental appointment, I fully expect that migraine medication will be necessary today. I will pamper myself to the degree possible but will count myself lucky to get through the appointment, get back home, and not vomit. I hope to God the Midrin works again if I end up needing it-- it's on hand in my purse.

Well, off to get ready. I need to leave the house by 8:15 for sure.

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A Busy Morning

This morning I did order two more types of compost over the Internet. Lucky me, it only cost what I would have paid in a store because I had a $25 coupon that took care of the shipping. Those supplies will arrive in two weeks or so. Now I need vermiculite.

I did a load of dishes then a little cooking/baking. A Facebook friend posted a recipe for Bacon, Cheese & Egg Biscuit Cups. I didn't have sufficient bacon, so I substituted breakfast sausage. They taste good, but since I did it ALL from scratch-- even shredding the cheese-- it was a time-consuming recipe to make. By the end, I was ready to toss 'em in the oven come what may. Of course, this may have had something to do with being awake since o'dark-thirty!

I ended up having to sleep a few hours, doctor's orders not withstanding. I was so tired and so painfully keyed up at the same time.

It's funny, I've got my night stash and my plan to sit quietly in the dark if I awake in the middle of the night. But when I woke up at 3:45am, the plan didn't even occur to me. I flipped on the light switch, ambitions and schemes racing through my head, and started singing. I was revved. I wonder if the author of Restful Insomnia has any ideas for that scenario. I still haven't finished the book; I've been reading my way through it incrementally.

Image source (edited): 

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6-eobVPdeATMlp6JLaCKar8kgMKY9JX2ldUUgCsowbu9mhbkBzTpXiV-dtmJKoOGaiI82cd51ovEDzTwvB2r7HI2Ro21D8ATfNu_JoiMnnNEcIMrzVkTPn-5KICffiF8AKAkgYmKcFBA/s1600-h/P2153559.JPG

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Raised Bed Shopping

I've been awake since 3:45am, so I thought I might as well record what I did yesterday: I used most of my Lowe's Christmas gift card to buy the supplies for the raised beds I intend to build (according to the directions in The All-New Square Foot Gardening book).

I now have landscaping fabric and cut lumber in the trunk of my car, 3.9 cubic feet of compressed peat moss plus bagged compost by my garbage cans, a tarp and deck screws in my laundry room with my drill, etc. (A garage or a garden shed would be lovely, but right now I have to make do where storage is concerned.)

I'm so excited about seeing my visions of backyard produce become reality that I'd like to use today's cold but dry weather to put the frames together.

However, I suppose it makes more sense to gather some remaining supplies first, such as vermiculite and additional bagged compost-- I've only purchased one type so far, but Mel Bartholomew advocates using five kinds to ensure better plant health. That seems wise to me.

I think I will have to do a little shopping online to get what I want. I have a few local places to check too, but I want to be ready to plant some cold weather crops shortly. If I do order online, I'll have to wait for the items to be shipped so I don't want to delay too long.

Incidentally, the men at the local Lowe's were kind and helpful, rounding up the supplies on my shopping list for me (since I'm clueless about identifications and locations in their vast store).

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Brief Parsley Update

This is just to say that my curled parsley seedlings are showing their first true leaves-- millimeter-size, but they're growing! ;-)

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