staving off the rain....

So far we have staved off the rain today. I was hoping for some, for the plants sake, but I was also doing laundry and hanging it outside, and I didn't want to do the clothes grab if it started to rain suddenly.

Today I finished the last of my homework for my degree. It feels good to be done, but it still hasn't totally hit me yet that I have a degree. It'll take some time. I have been enjoying the 'weekend off' of homework, so to speak. I got up early today and rode my bike to yoga class. It helps keep me centered, and it so good for the body. The ride home was good too, as it was overcast and there was just enough breeze to make it easy to ride home, and a pleasure to have the breeze.

The tomatoes are still producing and we have a few for salad for dinner tonight. The heat has taken a toll on most of the rest of the plants, not to mention us and the animals as well. We're all very tired. Tomorrow we sleep in!

Tomorrow is do-nothing-stay-in-my-pajamas-and-don't-leave-the-house-until-I-need-to-take-Scotty-to-the-park day. I'm very much looking forward to it. Of course, I'll check on the vegetables when I get up, as it's still kind of cool then. Tolerable, I should say.

I found this flower on one of our plants, and for the life of me, I can't remember which one. That's what I get for hesitating in storing these photos. All I can say is, it's pretty.

the day after 4th of July

You'd think that after having a long weekend, one wouldn't need an extra day to recover, but we do. So today is catch up day. Time to relax, get some housework, and yardwork, done, spend some quality time with the dog and cats, and work on some homework. Only 2 more weeks and I am a graduate! YES! Which leaves me more time to work on the garden. I am ready to go!

If you are lucky enough to get one, enjoy your extra day off!

here's what we started with...

We started the day after Earth Day this year with just 2 garden boxes. I thought that was all we were going to start with and try, since this is our first time growing a garden. Our local landfill has free compost, so we shoveled a bunch in the back of Nate's truck and used it for garden soil. So far, it has proven to be very good. Nate added some vermiculite to it, which seems to help also. I've used the free compost for years in my yard in starting new plants. Can't beat free! The cats were very curious as to what we were doing, and Scotty helped dig up some of the weeds. Actually, he made himself a nice, soft, cool dirt spot to lay in while were were getting rid of weeds and grass to make room for the boxes. I like to say he helped, as he did dig out some weeds. I just don't think he knew what was going on.

Next to the 2 boxes is our compost bin. We have since moved it to make room for the other boxes. We have another rotating compost bin that we are in the process of putting together. The one we currently have is ok. I guess it's just not composting as fast as I would like it. We do have quite a lot of worms in the current compost box, which I am happy about. They are some pretty big suckers too! Nate says we should grow worms and sell them. That's another idea for another day. We'll get around to it.

orange cat in the garden

This is Moses. He's our special needs child. He has 3 legs. He's missing his back right leg. Oh no, don't feel sorry for him! He is a fast and fierce little guy! He has caught so many lizards and he's been eye balling a lot of squirrels around here. I am waiting for him to bring us one someday. It's only a matter of time. At least I know our yard is lizard free and under critter control with him around. We have yet to have any problems with rodents, thanks to the cats. I know people say that it's dangerous, or can be anyway, to have your cats outside since there are so many other dangers that they can run into, but I don't like it that any animal is inside all the time, even humans. We are not meant to be inside all the time breathing recycled air. We all need to be outside enjoying the outdoors, breathing fresh air, (as fresh as it can be depending upon where you are sorry to say), and moving our bodies and getting exercise. These cats are so busy playing in the yard, exercising their bodies and brains, keeping active, and they are healthy because of it. We are too. And they are earning their keep around here and feeling useful. We all want to feel useful. They are great company too. And we have our own natural critter control. No harmful chemicals, pesticides, or traps.

cat tail in the garden

These are the green peppers. Notice the ever present cat tail in the garden, and I'm not talking the plant kind. These kids are so funny. Fierce jungle cats they are.