i'm a hog

No really, I am! Well, not in the gluttonous sort of way. In the community sponsored agriculture (CSA) way. Yup, joined the H.O.G. (Hamlet Organic Garden).

I am overjoyed! This was the first week and it included head lettuce, arugula, radishes, oregano and thyme. Keeping it simple, I've enjoyed a crisp salad with homemade Italian dressing. Added some store bought organic grape tomatoes and soy chick'n for a delicious meal. Another head of lettuce for a side salad to some pasta with the remaining arugula wilted in with some garlic, sun dried tomato and olive oil is on the menu for this evening.

I love that we are getting new, fresh organic veggies every week. I hope to try new ones that I haven't cooked with before. It's a summer adventure, I tell you. I must admit I have never bought radishes before. I am surprised I had forgotten how tasty they were. Definitely going to include them on my shopping list in the future. Additionally, I like that the whole season is paid for in advance. This guarantees I will be getting my veggies in even on tightly budgeted weeks.

As for home gardening, I've already planted tomato, green beans, cucumber, mint and strawberries, and built two more raised beds for additional planting. Spaghetti squash seems to have planted itself from the compost. I'm excited to see how they do. Luckily, the deer are more attracted to the hastas and the chicken wire is keeping the neighborhood cats out of the garden.

Here's to healthy eating!

bye bye aphid and fly

The ladybugs did their jobs, devoured the devourers. No longer are the aphids sucking the life out of the chrysanthemums and the white flies are no longer flying. Unfortunately, the ladybugs seemed to have moved on with the (now) lack of food. I cannot believe how quickly they did the work. They must not be union labor!

12

This weekend consisted of a sick Groovy and my own doctor appointment. On a positive note, the white flies and aphids will now be a feast, for I picked up a bag of ladybugs and we set them free at dusk!



Groovy is getting over his icky-sickies, but more tests for me. I am feeling positive, though.

as the garden blooms, so do i

I have this amazing sense of joy permeating my life.

I am growing and changing daily, and peace is the reward. Life and work entail a lot of stress, but I have learned to approach it with new eyes. Even though I have experienced a lot of exhaustion the past couple of weeks, I feel wonderful deep down.

This past week, I crossed over the half-year mark on my daily yoga practice. Holy shhh....shanti! This practice is truly integral to my journey. This has become part of me.

A couple of days ago, we added the addition of some lovely pink/salmon impatiens. I find myself drawn to the salmon and green colors in the garden. They are inspiring.

I want to paint.

Joy.

better than coffee

I have decided to water the garden first thing in the morning, even before my first cup o' joe. Going out there in the early morning sun, breathing the fresh air, listening to the squirrels rustle and indulging in the sunrise tunes of the local birds is a wonderful way to start the day. It refreshes my mind and awakens my soul.

This morning ritual is so good, it can almost replace my morning coffee...almost. *sip*

mmmm worms!

Upon returning from a short but enjoyable bike ride, I decided to do some yard and garden preparation.

First there was the remains of a bale of timothy hay. I dove in and spread it on the ground against the fence to inhibit some early spring weed growth and to be turned under when it is closer to planting time.

Next, additional stepping stones were placed to continue the foot path next to the walkway. The walkway is just fine, but when lugging large grocery bags (big blue Idea bags kick serious butt in the get-all-the-groceries-down-the-stairs-in-one-fail-swoop way) or laundry it gets a little tight. The stepping stones are actually re-purposed floor tiles. Hey, they work.

Cleaning out some of the gardens and pots of last growing seasons remnants was next. Not too much to do but it got my hands in the dirt.

Finally, on to tending to the compost. It looks rich and deep and ready for nurturing. Since the ground is still moist from yesterday's rain, I went hunting for some juicy earthworms to see if they want to take up residence in the compost bin. Fifteen or so worms later, I figured that was enough. Good luck little fellas, happy scrap consumption!

It feels wonderful to do such things. Getting my hands dirty and smelling the soil. Simplicity among the chaos that is life!

the harvest has just begun

The first cherry tomato was juicy, sweet and delicious.

Both tomato plants are growing little green buds.

The zucchini is flowering like crazy, as is the big bertha peppers.

The jalapeno plants are finally starting to thrive.

The herbs garden of basil, parsley and chives is taking shape.

The marigolds are blooming, seeding and regrowing.

Onions are sprouting.

The squirrel is digging less.

And the gargoyle is...well, just sitting there.

The summer heat is on.

squirrel jerky, anyone?

Yes, I know, I know. Scowl meanly at me for being a bad vegetarian! But, Houston, we have a problem. I have accepted the fact that my battle with weeds is uphill. I've accepted the fact that we do not have the best amount of sunlight for my tomato plants. I've even accepted the fact that the soil in the side yard is extremely sandy in spots. But the squirrel digging in my herbs has got to stop. After doing some research on humane ways to ward the little diggers off, I think I will just start a squirrel jerky stand next to the neighborhood kids lemonade stand. Mmmmm jerky and a refreshing sugary beverage, what could be better?

Alright, alright, I'll try the hot red pepper flakes first. But if not...... who's up for some jerky?

marigolds

marigolds
Originally uploaded by misslissa13

When I smell marigolds
I travel back
to my parents' backyard
where my mother planted
the yellow-orange-red flowers

the colors drew me in
I lingered in the scent,
clean and sweet

They were planted in the narrow bed
near the swimming pool fence
I remember how I couldn't wait
for the flowers to dry
and go to seed
so I could dislodge the clump of seeds
roll them between my then small fingers
and watch then fall to the soil
one
by
one

better day

Let me quickly evaluate my self care from yesterday.

(1) Rest - I did take it easy. CHECK

(2) Acupuncture - Went to my appointment at 5:15 and it was wonderful. My headache finally went away, joint aches lessened and felt really balanced afterwords. CHECK

(3) Organizing - I did some cleaning, moved some furniture slightly in the living room and did all the dishes. Feels good to have gotten some of it done. CHECK

(4) Gardening - I moved the plants to a sunnier place by the window and I consulted with my gardening expert (my mom) about some of my "babies" that aren't doing so well. After describing the situation, she said it sounds like I need to aerate the soil and move some of them onto the balcony. She couldn't remember the stuff she used to use to aerate dense soil but, of course, remembered as soon as we hung up the phone. That led to a phone answering experience that may have been the first of it's kind ever. The phone rang, I answered with a "hello" and the first word I heard was "vermiculite!". Bet you never answered the phone to hear that word uttered, eh? Gardening. CHECK

So overall, my plan was a success. This morning, I still feel a little off but I am going to head into the office and get some work done, meet with a few clients and then head home to do some more self care. It is still up in the air as to going on a hike in NH on Saturday. I don't know if I can do enough self care and rest to be up for a hike. We'll see. Again, it's about being kind to myself. Vermiculite!