Front yard

Did some work on the front yard this morning. Planted some corn, pumpkin (big max) and flowers, including lots of red marigolds. Then mulched that area fairly well.

I see sprouts! One of the first rows I planted is showing signs of life. Seems to be broccoli peeking out.

The dog already dug up one of the strawberry roots and one or two onions. We had a talk. If she keeps digging things up, she'll be tied up until I can build the fence.

Planted more corn and spinach this morning. Was going to plant carrots there but I have potatoes planted there. List of companion plants says carrots and potatoes don't play well together. That's okay, can plant carrots nearly everywhere else.

Also planted dill next to the cucumbers. It's supposed to deter cucumber and squash beetles. With cucumbers and watermelons being closely related, should help protect both. Also helps repel aphids. Hmm. Maybe I should plant more of it. Mix in a couple of marigold plants and not many bugs will be attracted to that spot.

Out of mind

Something which was out of mind over the weekend was the digging which has been going on in front of the house. The gas company finished laying new pipes, for which they did a lot of horizontal work like pulling new pipe through existing holes where the old pipes had been. But now the public works are following and digging huge trenches to install drainage pipes. Nice that it's happening. Think the street will be repaved and curbs installed after that. All of which increases safety, makes the area more attractive and will increase property value.

However, combined with the winds, it's even more of a problem for my allergies. Been walking around with what I call "the Vincent Price look" for days now. Oh, well. My allergies still aren't as bad as they were many years ago.

Temps dropped down to the 20's last night. One good thing about my garden placement at this time of year is that it catches the last of the sun in the evening and first sun in the morning. That changes along with the sun's angle later. The house blocks early direct sun and trees block direct evening sun for much of the garden. This is all good for the intensity of the sun here. Indirect sun and existing heat are quite enough. In the now formed north side the garden will be further shielded by higher trees to the west and one tree to the east (though I will be taking that one down sometime).

Part of my design for the solarium includes levered shades which can be moved to adjust light and heat for various times of day and year. I've never seen this done or heard mention of it for any other solarium or greenhouse. They'll be light on one side and dark on the other to help reflect, concentrate and retain heat and light in the winter but deflect and shade in the summer. My hope is to someday add servo controls and possibly sensors and/or computer controls.

Lighting can be done with strings of LED lights, alternating strings of red, blue and yellow or white to extend growing into winter months. The prices have continued to come down on them, though bulk purchase during or after Christmas would be best. They consume little enough power that they would combine perfectly with a solar electric system.

All that will take time and the solarium has to be built before any of those plans can take place. And that has to wait for now until after the bankruptcy. Kinda sucks but should still be able to get some of it done this year.

Various thoughts

No work tonight. Seems there was a miscommunication and I'm scheduled for tomorrow night. It's okay, the hospital said they had no staffing needs. Then again, I knew there would be no shift tonight when I found out who the shift supervisor today was.

Spent more time inside today than I have in months without working. Rather sucks but even with the little time I spent outside my allergies have run rampant. Feel like sand is coming out of my tear ducts.

Been thinking about a lot of things. While I've been having a rough time for a while, my eyes are not closed to what happens beyond my own life. Though the only life I have any power over is my own.

I don't have a lot of faith in the current infrastructure or that basic necessities will remain affordable to all Americans in coming years. I think a lot of people are going to wind up in situations similar to what I've been through for some months now.

Even if I'm wrong, I still prefer to learn skills and have preparations to establish more independence from public utilities which have been severely mismanaged for decades and only get worse.

I mentioned the design for a wood burning stove which would be highly efficient. Pellet stoves are good but expensive and will not burn regular wood if pellets are not available. So I plan on building the wood stove. Even if I can't use it while my daughter is here it would be a good thing to have in the house for security. Combine that with modifications to the house to make it more energy efficient and cost effective.

Definitely going to start investing in solar panels sometime this year. One big problem for me is a common one- figuring out the size of the system needed. Because of that and cost, it will have to be built a little at a time.

I want to find a well pump. Preferably one that is optionally electric or manual. If I can't find that then I just may go with a manual pump. Together with a reservoir or couple of rain barrels would be a workable setup. It would be good to learn how to make activated charcoal filter systems and maybe reverse osmosis.

Last few things I can think of are that I want to learn are how to build a still for multiple reasons. Purify vinegar or water. Possibly alcohol for fuel, drinking, medicine. I already know how to ferment basic alcohol, so it would be a good thing to learn. Illegal to use that knowledge right now but good to know how. Also want to learn how to make methane and basic ethanol.

All of this probably makes me sound like a hippie or survivalist. I'm neither one. Just knowledge I find it prudent to have. Possibly even foolish to not learn in our current world.

Wind storm

Went ahead and planted the rest of the strawberry roots this morning. I'll get one more package to plant with my daughter. (If she's actually interested. If not, plant them myself.) That will make two full rows.

Not getting anything else done outside today. Too windy. It was calmer but slightly windy while I was planting but kicked up to a constant 30 mph with gusts over 40. And colder. Possibility of a little snow this morning and rain this afternoon.

Scheduled for work tonight, so I don't mind the weather too much. It increases the odds that I won't be canceled.

Each revision to the weather forecast predicts increasing temperatures and more nights around 40 degrees, less below freezing. So it's safer and safer to plant cold tolerant crops. Only thing planted so far I have doubts about are watermelons and cucumbers but both were planted in the last 2-3 days. I saw last year that seeds planted too early simply lie dormant until conditions are right for them. Makes sense, as that's what all plants do which produce seeds.
Looked up some prices. Should be able to build a basic fence for under $20. That's using wood I have in the yard and possibly plastic poultry netting. I'd rather it be something stronger but can't spend the extra money for a while. Good part is that the netting can be salvaged later for trellises. If I wait too long, the dog will destroy the garden. Even if she doesn't dig, she runs across the tops of the rows, knocking off the mulch and top layers of soil.

I have to admit that my plans for the yard and garden never included a dog. This is a good dog but I'm not that much into pets that require a lot of attention. Rabbits and chickens are more my style.

More wind

Daughter and I didn't go far today. Weather was erratic and windy all day. So we mostly hung around at home except for going out to eat lunch.

This morning she helped me plant flower and watermelon seeds and one package of strawberries. She got bored and asked to plant the other package next weekend. Sure thing.

We watched a movie and played all afternoon.

Both of us are always sad when she has to leave. I really hope I can get more work in the coming weeks so I can get another vehicle and spend more time with her. This sucks.

Translucent plastic

Well, daytime temps are still good in the forecast but now calls for even more nights in the 20's for the next few weeks. No hard freezes and temps have been dropping later and later. Not even 8 AM yet and outside temp is about 40. But supposed to get colder this week. Aarrgh!

Guess my next tactic will have to be covering at least some of the garden with translucent plastic. Not a bad choice, since it will not only retain heat but moisture. I'll try to decrease the work load involved by running what drip hoses are still good before laying the plastic down. Try to capitalize on it by planting more seeds first. The environment under the plastic will be a good greenhouse effect for seeds and small seedlings. The mulch helps by taking most weight off the seedlings and allowing more air to be retained. If I can keep the plastic off the bottom of the rows it will allow for better air circulation.

It's frustrating but try to turn it into as much of a positive as I can. Some people use plastic cups but I can't do that because the dog would just chew them up even if I could anchor them well enough with the mulch. May be a blessing in disguise, since I wouldn't even be thinking of this if temps were just a little higher. Which means I would wait longer to plant many things out.

Looked up how to start your own onion sets last night. Think I'll do that this year for next year. Let a few onions go to seed this year, harvest the seeds and then grow the sets late in the summer. Buy some more seeds to add to them.

Got to bed around 10 last night. Up around 7 this morning. Now I need to clean house a bit before daughter gets here.

On the edge

Mentioned errands in my earlier post. Those errands involved pulling things back from the edge.

Got my tax refund back last night. Minus a good chunk for taxes still owed from last year. Then finally got my pay from working Monday night. Sounds good but I've been so far behind that it only made me less so.

Most of the money went to the mortgage. Still didn't bring it entirely current but hopefully enough to take foreclosure off the table for the bank. Should be enough.

Other parts went to avoiding the water being turned off and default on the ex's vehicle. Paid a bit more to bring the student loan current.

Have about a week to avoid having the (recently massively inflated) gas turned off. I'll make it. In the same period, need to try and pay another $500 toward the mortgage to bring it fully current. Otherwise, just hope I've paid enough to hold them off a short while longer. But the old agency ceasing daily pay doesn't help. And of course I need to get enough together to pay the retaining fee to the lawyer as quickly as I can. Somehwere in there I need to get the scooter running. Then I can think about getting the power back on.

Sounds like a lot but if I keep getting work it can all happen and change for the positive in a few short weeks.

In the meantime, this combination has much to do with my obsession with the garden. Some would say that I spend too much on the garden. Truth is that I spend $10 a week or less on the garden and virtually nothing in the winter. It's more an issue of effort. I do still buy seeds but less and less over time. I look for deals on seeds. I've learned how to harvest many kinds of seeds. Collecting and composting leaves. Making my own vinegar to adjust the soil pH. Unintentionally talking my way into several tons of mulch. Using household ammonia for fertilizer.. In all, I'm not exactly spending a fortune.

It helps relieve stress and gives me goals, things to work on and hope for.

Well, if nothing else, I'll be prepared if society collapses!

Wind, allergies and sleep deprivation

Worked last night, then went shopping this morning and had errands to do.

Walmart once again has racks of seeds for $0.20 this year. Note that the racks are small and not prominently placed. You have to search for them and choices are limited. Mostly flowers but I did find some green bean and watermelon seeds which I bought. They do have seeds for squash, lettuce and other veggies which I didn't want or didn't need. I did pick up about a dozen assorted flower seed packs. Hoping to find more species of flowers which will grow here successfully.

Also got some strawberry roots which were only $3 for 10 roots. Got two packs of everbearing berries but may get more later. Looking to have two full rows if they take. One of the biggest mistakes I've been making has been planting strawberries which only grow one or two crops a year. Chose more carefully this time. Strawberries which produce one or two crops are fine for commercial growers who harvest the whole crop at once. For the home garden, it's more beneficial in general to seek out an everbearing type, so you have a more consistent supply available. Unless you do a lot of canning. I've been worried about frost but apparently that's not such a problem, only hard freeze is an issue.

Got one small package of the red seed potatoes my daughter asked me to plant. We can plant those tomorrow. May get more seed potatoes later. Didn't have the greatest luck with potatoes last year but not sure how much of that had to do with when I planted, soil conditions, weather.. And potatoes tend to be cheap to begin with, so tying up limited garden space isn't the best choice that I know of.

Wind has been pretty strong here lately. Combine that with not getting home and to bed until nearly 1 PM and up again at 4, my allergies are in high gear. Probably has a lot to do with feeling achy and tired.

Think I'll get to bed early and do house cleaning in the morning.

Got the section next to the fence done. Decided against using the bricks, after all. I actually want the garden to have a slightly wild and natural appearance, rather than a manicured one. As things stand, the garden is not completely symmetrical but more so than I'd like for the future. It will stay this way for now but the layout will change in coming years. More mounds than rows and more walkways than trenches. I have found the current layout to be an advantage while bringing the soil into better condition. Once that's fully achieved, this format won't be necessary.

The area next to the fence took longer than planned. Extended the space longer than first thoughts by moving the pile of PVC to the back corner of the yard. Looks better and left more useable soil exposed. There were lots of old leaves under the PVC, partially composted. Raked those in.

For now, decided to plant before mulching. Planted peas and cucumbers. May be early for cucumbers but see how it works out. Then mulched. The space is larger than I thought, so I may extend the mulch out further and plant melons in front of the vines later. But not until slightly warmer weather.

Right now, think it's time for lunch and a nap. Supposed to work tonight. So far. Erratic schedule mixed with couple episodes of gluten "poisoning" have been making me tired too often.

Dead chicks

The chicks were supposed to spend their first night in the coop but never made it through the night. The dog kept messing around the coop but couldn't get in. However, she apparently moved the front enough for a feral cat to get in. No more chicks. Not for possessive reasons but nearly makes me cry.

Obviously the coop needs reinforcing. Along with that, think I will lay some traps for the feral cats in the neighborhood. And build a fence to confine the dog from the garden and hutch and coop area. I don't like dog runs, too confining. This dog likes to run and play. Don't know, she seems to be better about staying out of the garden, so may just fence off the hutch/coop area. Can't afford to build it yet, so have time to decide.

Though forecast predicted below freezing last night it never did freeze. Possibly very light frost which was gone with first light but I didn't see it. Still some cool and windy days ahead but temps continue to increase, so early spring is looking quite promising.

Looked up climbing strawberries last night. There are some which make claims of climbing but reviews say they don't actually climb. Some can be trained or tied up a trellis. That's okay. I'll try a couple of those. Mostly try some ever-bearing varieties in the main garden. For the fence, I'll stick with beans and peas for the most part. Going to get that area done in a few minutes.

More expansion

Got canceled again tonight. Really not happy about it.

But since there was still some daylight left, went out and did a bit outside. Raked the loose rocks from the block wall into a pile. Still wish I could borrow a sledge from someone so I could smash all the broken blocks to rubble. Still, the front yard looks better.

Decided to make a small expansion to the garden. This one shouldn't take all that much work. There's a chain link fence along the north side of the yard. Been mostly ignoring it because of bamboo, weeds and vines which have grown there. Those things have largely been removed now and a 30-40 ft stretch would make a great place to plant climbing vine crops. Most of those crops have fairly shallow root systems, so no deep digging necessary. I do plan on defining the area with some red bricks I have lying around and mulching heavily. Can do all that tomorrow morning. Won't take long. I know some strawberries climb, so going to look into those for that area but peas and beans may be a better choice due to soil condition. Do some reading tonight and then make a decision.

Not so organized

I stated before that the garden would be much more organized this year than last. Hmm. Maybe not a lot more organized but still more organized.

I am and will still be experiemnting with different plants as far as planting times and companion planting. It remains true that most of the information available for these subjects has nothing to do with this environment. There have been a lot of people over some time and even now who experiment with growing in arid conditions. Unfortunately, very few have been published under descriptions which come back under valid search terms. When you do find information, it often refers to xeriscaping (great if you want to eat cactus and yucca), selling some product or are targeted at agricultural researchers and people with PhD's. Very little is accessible or useable information. I'm trying to change that as I learn. And trying to express that information in ways that can be used from the small home garden to massive scale farming.

Like the insecticidal soap. If left in water and allowed to dissolve, it would take 2-3 bars of Ivory soap to fill a sprayer truck with insecticidal soap. The downside is that it must be used 1-2 times a week and after each rain. But that's true with most organic insect controls and most will cost much more.

Commercial farmers already know about ammonia but not many home gardeners do. So they pay lots of money for liquid fertilizer when it's already in their cleaning closet.

There's a lot of conflicting information regarding the use of vinegar to correct soil pH. Yet I had good results last year and up to now have not had problems over the winter correcting soil acidity. It has eliminated weeds which I was having a death match with since moving in. Now not one single weed in most areas of the yard.

In my case, as with most desert soil, Potassium is not an issue. Phosphorous is still a problem. I am still seeking a good source which doesn't cost a fortune. Compost made from kitchen waste is allegedly high in Phos but the issue for me and most gardeners is amount. I don't produce enough kitchen waste to result in all that much Phos content. So far, commercial sources are my best option to compliment the compost. Raising chickens again will help but takes time.

Speaking of which, the chicks are now out in the coop. Other than looking confused, they seem okay.

I planted more spinach and some pumpkin seeds. See how they do.

Paving/ insect soap update

For some time (years, from what I hear) the county has been saying something about repaving my street and installing curbs. Have to say I find it slightly odd, since there's no curb on the more major cross street nearby. However, they did replace the gas meters and seem to have replaced gas pipes under the street while doing that. Now they have dropped off some drainage pipes on the side of the road. So it seems they will add drainage which eliminates Lake Aaron Ct and adjoining Lake Barcelona, which form during any rains.

If they do start paving the street, I'm going to ask if some speed bumps can be installed at the same time. The major speeders have been gone for a while, being non-resident bed or drug buddies of neighbors but new ones can always materialize. I don't want to see my daughter or another child run over by some idiot. Most people that live on this street slow down once they turn on this street.

Called a short while ago and got scheduled by the new agency for tonight. Have to call the older agency and see what can be done about my pay for Mon night.

The insecticidal soap I made appears to be working as well or better than the commercial stuff. And only costs a few pennies a gallon. I have a jar of concentate which I mixed almost two months ago now. Couple of teaspoons to a quart of water and shake it up. One reason for the concentrate was to see how well it stores. So far, no sign of bacterial or fungal growth at all. This summer I'll play with different mixtures and add garlic, tomato leaf and/or marigold to it for different insects.

Been playing around to find best time of day to use it. For the most part, late afternoon appears best. While still warm but beginning to cool down. Once outside, just before twilight would probably work best. Daytime insects will still be active and evening insects just becoming active. That time gives the spray more time to remain wet yet dry or shed before full sunlight. So more insects come in direct contact with it. One thing I've found with whiteflies is that spraying the surface soil is necessary because they burrow in loose soil.

At this concentration, I have had no problems in using the insecticidal soap on a near daily basis. Probably not such a good idea outside. Understand the soap can burn the plants in direct sunlight. Besides, I do have concerns about beneficial insects like bees, ladybugs and butterflies. Not to mention possible effects on hummingbirds. Just not a "kill everything" kind of guy.

It's a fairly warm day. Chicks have feathered out well. Going to move them to the coop.

Restless mind

Mind won't stop moving.

Think one reason I'm not feeling so great is gluten again. Ate a couple of frozen dinners last night and think they must have had gluten and possibly quite a bit. Twice in one week is having an effect on me.

With the agency eliminating daily pay, it has an effect. Though I have been planning to gradually move to a weekly direct deposit, right now I need the daily pay option. I had been hoping to pull enough together to have the scooter repaired later this week. Not sure that will happen now. Probably not. I will keep working for them and taper over to my pay being direct deposit. However, I'll have to decrease my availability with them for a while and increase availability to the new agency. I get $30 less per shift with the new agency but they do still offer daily pay. Glad this came about when I'm already listed with the new agency.

My old agency will probably take something of a hit from this as well as I do. Since the hospital has shown they'll still have me working for them no matter which agency I work for and will ask for me by name it becomes less likely they will stick with the agency over me. They keep asking for me at various times but I haven't been able to work some of the shifts because of transportation.

With the tactic of not having to pay on the loans which were weighing me down so much, I've been catching up slowly on my student loan. Since it's federal, absolutely necessary. Should be able to pay off the ex's vehicle in a few months. Things are coming around but the next couple of weeks are fairly crucial.

Wish I could win the lottery.

Instability

I seem to have a life filled with unstable people and situations. Always on the verge of something but just out of reach.

My agency (at corporate level) decided to end the daily pay option. This morning, that is. Holding my pay for last night. Local office is going to try and pay it out by direct deposit this week.

For another day, the hospital had me scheduled. Then canceled. Then tried to call me in 5 minutes before the bus was due. Agency was trying to see if hospital would pay for a taxi but I decided against it. Not enough sleep, not feeling so great. Had a cough this morning. Probably just allergies but combined with my irritation and each feeding on each other, decided I would stay home. Keep myself the one stable element in my life.

The manipulative drug seeking patient I was assigned last night plus having first admission of the shift and last admission of the shift did rather lend to my decision.

The weather is just as reliable as the people. Nice and warm during the day. By mid-week next week supposed to remain around 40 at night. Then drop back to low 20's.

I'm really tired of instability in general but mostly the preventable kind.

A shrinking pile

The mulch pile now has a really healthy dent in it. There's an area by the back gate, under the trees where I'm hoping to grow a second large flower patch. So I spread some seeds and raked them in, then spread a few inches of rough mulch over there. Seems like a good place to use the larger pieces which are too long for the main garden, mixed with some of the smaller bits.

In the main garden, wind, water and weight have settled the mulch down to a much thinner covering. Not to mention the dog running and digging in spots. She's beginning to learn to stay out of the garden..when I'm watching her. Just natural forces have left some spots bare and shown where more was needed. Plus I wanted to spread more on the sides of the mounds, especially on the southern side, which gets the most sun all year. With temperatures dipping just slightly below freezing at night, good idea to have a thicker layer laid down.

I believe one benefit to mulching should be that seeds planted and then covered with mulch should grow. Maybe I'm wrong on that point, just have to wait and see. If I'm right, I should have an early start on some crops. If wrong, I have well over 100 seedlings started inside right now. Main things I want to direct plant are things like carrots and lettuce. Tiny seeds which you grow lots of individual plants. Hoping to grow hundreds of each this year.

I've read different advice on preventing mulch from decaying. In this case I'm not taking that advice. Still trying to build up the soil. And think that this is just part of an ongoing process. By fall this mulch should be somewhat decayed and it can be turned into the soil, then again in spring. That is, in addition to the continued composting effort. I'll still keep collecting leaves from various places and composting them. Wouldn't bother composting but when you rake up leaves, weeds and seeds often accompany them.

Drawback to spreading the mulch today is, of course, the sprained wrist. Cramped up a few times and now aches up to the shoulder. Still glad to get some of it done.

Today is an in between day. Like everything and everyone is anxious for spring to arrive. The weather is sunny but rather cool. The chicks are antsy and trying to fly out of their box. (Later this week they'll be going out in the coop.) Neighbors are out puttering in their yards. Though I don't know why. I'm the only person who has a yard which grows anything besides weeds and rocks, have the only garden larger than 20 sq ft.

It may sound rude but I tend to reject the claims of some cultures to be in touch or in tune with the earth. When compared with the gardens of Europe and Japan or China, the history and beliefs of the Druids, something rings false. When you have irrigation wells in your yard and/or access to aqueducts adjacent to your land, yet grow nothing but weeds, sand and animal dung, it doesn't seem so in touch to me. Allowing nature to run its' course isn't the case, or native grasses and trees would be allowed to grow, which they rarely are. So the claims just hold no water for me.

Pissed off

It was against my better judgement that I accepted the shift at the rehab today. Took it because the coordinator from my agency asked me to take it as a favor. It was an 8 hour shift which would effectively eliminate me from working 12 hours on Sun or Mon night. Plus I've heard bad things about this rehab. But it was an assured shift, since large numbers of people don't get discharged from rehab on Sun night, right? Not so assured. I got canceled at 5 AM today. And this was after being offered a 12 hour shift for last night. So I won't accept a shift at that rehab in the future.

I feel bad about my daughter not being with me today but if not for the shift scheduled this morning, I would have taken the shift for last night. So results would be about the same.

Had problems with my phone again. Had to delete and reinstall my browser again this morning. Second time this has happened. Only had the phone for about 4 months now.

Woke up with a sprained wrist. Not sure what I did yesterday to manage that. Sucks I can dig outside for days and only get a bit sore but wake with a sprained wrist and not know how it happened. Oh, well. Sprained wrist never stopped me before.

Easy day, early night

Daughter and I had an easy day today. Hung around home and didn't do much. We did walk to the store and got a couple of cake mixes. One gluten free and one regular. She ultiimately confided she doesn't care for the gluten free stuff. We made both cakes and I let her do most of the work making the regular cake. She was happy and enjoyed it. When ex picked her up I let them take the rest of the cake home (minus the one piece she had eaten).

We planted some more spinach, carrots and early pumpkin seeds outside. She's sounding more and more excited about the garden and looking forward to spring and summer.

She doesn't have school tomorrow. I forgot it's a school holiday. She wanted to spend the day with me but I have to be at work at 7 AM. Really sorry I had to tell her no. Even if I wasn't working, the ex is and wouldn't drive her over here before work. Can't say I blame her, it would be quite early. So daughter is going with the ex to work. Hope she has fun.

As said, I have to be at work at 7 AM. Means I have to get to bed early and catch the bus at 5-something AM. Yuck. But it's only an 8 hour shift. At a rehab which I've heard unflattering things about. Still, I'll give it one shot. If it's really bad I just won't go back.

Little cooler

Bit cooler and cloudy today. Forecast has changed to being a few degrees cooler for the next few days. Hope it doesn't have major negative effects in the garden. Last year I had planted some things, then we had a cold spell, including significant snow. Killed off a few things but mostly delayed seeds from sprouting.

May have to just start over with the ornamental corn. Some of the plants have died off. Not because of weather. Because of the dog. If she doesn't dig them up, she tramples the rows. Learned last year for certain that staggering plantings with corn doesn't work well. Grows best if many plants mature at once.

The dog is going to be a definite problem this summer. She's a good dog but runs rampant, playing and sometimes digging. Don't have the materials to build a fence and can't spend the money for that at this time. May have to do so in a few weeks, though. Not sure how else to solve the problem. Putting up trellises will stop some of it but not all. May start on those later this week for that purpose.

The peas I've had inside have been a failure. Some are still alive but just barely. Just going to give up on those, pull them out and salvage the potting soil for other purposes.

Pepper seedlings are coming up slowly. Very slowly. Same with the sweet corn. These were all planted in resident garden soil, which is still a bit dense. Fact that they're growing is promising but the soil seems to still be too dense for small plants. Probably be okay once they've gained strength and developed root structure. Works the same way in nature. Seeds start in the loose surface soil, then expand their roots down into more dense soil beneath. But who knows? Maybe this will result in slower but hardier plants. Have to wait and see.

Zoo day

Took my daughter to the zoo today. We had fun. Bus that runs downtown from behind the house goes a block from the zoo, so we didn't have to walk far or even transfer buses.

Only down side was the wind today. Really blowing hard all day. Luckily, lots of walls and buildings at the zoo to block most of it while we were there.

Walked enough to wear my daughter out, which isn't an easy task. She was laying her head down on the table before her mother picked her up.

One of the things I love about my daughter is her nature. While at the zoo, she was playing on the playground. Another, smaller girl was having some difficulty climbing up at one point. My daughter had just climbed up at that point, turned around and helped the girl up, then continued playing. My daughter did not know this girl, did not know I was watching and never mentioned it to me. No profit, no manipulation, no recognition involved. Just who she is. Makes me proud but also makes me fearful for her because I know people will try to use that nature through her life. As much as I can, I'll be there to protect her and nothing less than destroy anyone that ever hurts her. For now, I just love seeing what a good person she is.

She's going to be back in the morning. I'm going to watch a movie and get to bed.

Slow start

Off to a slow start this morning. Meant to get up early but slept through the alarm. Digestion still feeling a bit tenuous.

Still, get moving in a few moments. Daughter should be here in under an hour. Weather permitting, we'll go to the zoo today. Bit cloudy right now but forecast is for near 70. But if weather stays cloudy and such, maybe a movie instead.

Have the child support money sitting on the table. Forgot to give it to the ex last weekend. Had it in my pocket, forgot to hand it to her and she didn't mention it. Couldn't get to her house to deliver it. Guess she wasn't desperate for it or she wouldn't have forgotten or would have come back for it.

These brandywine tomato plants are a mystery to me. Never seen tomato plants with so many drooping branches or dying leaves. Then they look fine for a while and go through the same cycle again. Maybe they just need lots of sunlight. Their fruit grows very slowly and sparse. If the same problems continue after they're moved outside I think I'll replace them with something else. Give them the same conditions as the other plants which thrive well.

Okay. Time to get moving.

Blah!

Just wrote and lost a long post because of some problem with the network settings on the cell phone. Arrgh! I'll write the main gist again some other time.

Been suffering the effects of gluten ingestion from some tacos I had last night. It sucks being in danger of being poisoned from almost anything you eat. But I'm still better off than people with peanut allergies. I may have health problems but won't die in minutes from it. Count myself lucky.

Temperatures continue to increase and stabilize. One or two more bouts of temps going barely below freezing but the mulch will help the garden get through that. Think I will add more mulch in the next week. What I scattered so far is already settling a lot.

While buying food for dinner, got some spinach seeds at the grocery store. Little more expensive there but don't want to miss a good window for planting. Planted two rows when I got home.

So far, that means several crops are planted. Spinach, broccoli, onions, garlic, three kinds of lettuce, potatoes, some carrots and a little corn. And that only takes up a fraction of the garden capacity. Still lots of garden capacity left.

Like a forest, I'm thinking of the garden as multiple tiers of growth. Every place possible, the garden will be planted with root plants at the lowest level, then low ground crops, maybe intermediate height crops, more hardy tall crops and climbing vines between them all. Tall crops shade shorter crops while shorter crops act as natural living mulch, retaining soil moisture and help stabilize the roots of the tall crops. Overall, I once thought more plants would require more moisture. Now I've learned that denser crop growth decreases moisture loss by limiting the effects of radiation and convection. Conventional farming methods discourage intergrowth of roots but with the right crops, as stated, stabilize each other. I'm sure there will be instances where I overplant and some of the crops suffer. Just have to try and learn as quickly as I can and thin things out as necessary. Though I hate thinning. Sucks to pull out living plants.

Uncertain

Well, the IRS website says I should receive my refund by March 1st. Problem is that foreclosure could be filed by then. Called this morning to see if the dates could be changed and payment scheduled for March 1st. Of course not. A note was placed in the system to say my intent to bring things current on that date, so maybe that will have a positive effect.

The hospitals are rather short of nurses right now. End of winter, travelers are leaving and lots of staff nurses are, also. Hospitals are trying to recruit from far distant locations.

I submitted my resume at the hospital where most of my work takes place. Specifically asked for ER or float pool. I know if I take a staff position they may have to pay my agency money but it's less than moving expenses for an out of state nurse and less than some bonuses. Plus I did the math last night. With what the fee to my agency is, they would save over $15k in one year if they paid me the same amount as the agency does!

Least I got some work this week, including last night. Nice to be making enough to live on. Now, long as I have a place to live in a few weeks...

Need a nap.

Planting (amended)

I'm going to go ahead an start planting a few things today. More onions and some spinach. Also going to plant out corn. Would like it if the corn could reach a decent height in time to use it as trellises for pea plants.

Hoping for no repeats of last year. Last year we had a freak late snowstorm in April which wiped out many things I had planted which had grown to a decent size.

In any case I'm still going to have to build trellises this year. Not to mention some massive tomato cages. I can use some of the left over PVC piping for all of this. Some weeks back I had considered giving the piping away. Now I'm glad I didn't, since transportation is an issue. Can't exactly carry 10' boards on the bus. Plenty of time for that stuff, though and it doesn't have to be done today.

With the new knowledge about weeds and acidity, then the mulch given to me, a correlation came to mind. Much of how mulch protects a garden is actually not known. A theory I have in mind is that fresh wood chips help deter weeds due to the acidity factor. Last year I used bagged commercial wood mulch and it did not help deter weeds very well at all. Since it was dry and not acidic, that element was lost. Of course, it will be weeks or months before this theory is really tested.

One thing I do know- While I have used some weed killer in areas outside the garden, it never lasts for long. Previously, I saw so many weeds in parts of the yard that it remained green all winter. Since I've been using the vinegar enough to alter the soil pH, barely any weeds are growing at all. (So far.) I do know it's not the weather detering the weeds up to now because these weeds are very cold tolerant. For now I'll keep crossing my fingers and watching. And treat the unmulched (is that a word?) areas enough to change the soil pH.

A couple hours later-

Okay, I'm keeping a light workload today. Still a bit sore from yesterday.

Already planted four rows of onions where they'll eventually be coplanted with onions and peppers. Transplanted out the ornamental corn. That was just in time because the roots had become crowded and wrapped around in the containers. I was ready to give up on the sweet corn I have planted inside when I noted one sprout sticking up this morning. Give that a while longer before planting out. I will plant some spinach if I find the seeds. Had them the other day and now can't find them. Trying a different variety than last year, which had a low yield. Going to start more flower seeds inside today. Not nearly enough started yet but staggering planting will make continuous blooms more likely.

Have a shift for tonight. Makes me have even less urge to get too physical right now. But I do need to hang out laundry.

Mulched!

I am officially more sore than I have been in as long as I can remember.

Went to the dollar store for ammonia and a few other odds and ends. On the way back, I began questioning the advice to compost the mulch before using. So I started looking it up.

One big reason for composting chipped wood would be seeds. No seeds in this case. Trees had started to bud but too early for seeds. Another reason would be because wood chips acidify the soil. In some places that would be bad but in this environment not such a concern. Then some people claim fresh wood chips lock up Nitrogen. However, recent scientific research says neither of these issues is a major concern and the benfits outweigh the disadvantages. Decided to put the mulch to immediate use.

So, today the plastic sheeting came off and I mulched the entire garden. All mulch is 4"-6" deep. Before that I spread the rest of the compost which was finished. Some of it wasn't quite finished and went back in the pit. It took the whole afternoon but the rows and even the garlic mounds are completely done. Not finished with the garden, as I still want to spread mulch in the trenches but overall it's finished.

Not even half of the pile of mulch got used. Use much of it later. I did go ahead and pour a gallon of ammonia over the rest of the pile and soak it down with water. Probably give some of it away because there's more than I can use this year. By next year I should be able to buy a wood chipper.

Along the way I also planted lettuce and broccoli seeds. Both grow well in cool weather and have light frost tolerance. I think tomorrow I'll plant more onions and a few other things.

They came and picked up the van today. They tried hooking it up and hauling away fast but it had a flat and the parking brake was on. I saw them and walked outside. They started looking nervous but I had my hands at my side and was walking calmly. The head guy addressed me by name and said the name of the loan company. I told him I knew and had been expecting them for some time. Then handed him the keys, shook his hand and wished him a good day. They left, looking relieved. I'm guessing they don't have many encounters like that. No need to give anyone a hard time. Citi financial has been helpful and more than reasonable with me. I feel really badly for the situation but there's nothing left in my power which I could do about it. Wish it were different.

I need a hot bath. Least the soreness I feel is a good kind. And since I've been expecting the repo guys and I've been riding the bus for several weeks the repo ultimately came as a strange relief.

Mulch!

Well, they dropped off the chipped wood this morning. A medium dump truck full! Of course, considering where it came from, it's a mixture of various tree types, including some evergreen. So the garden will be well mulched this summer and plenty left for the compost pit/pile.

One of the rabbits is dead. Found wounds on his side. Apparently the cute, cuddly rabbits had a fight to the death last night. One of the three is a female, so it must be mating season. I buried the dead one out next to the shed where other animals are buried. What a bummer.

There's an amazing amount of heavy equipment around the house today. They're still trimming trees at the dance studio in back. That takes a large cherry picker, dump truck and wood chipper. While in front, the gas company has reached my house to dig up and replace old pipes and the meter. So the gas is off at least part of the day. Glad I already made coffee! They have a backhoe, trencher and heavy vehicle transport there. Too bad there's no way to capitalize on all the heavy equipment.

Not much to do at the moment. Just hang out and see if I get work tonight.

Short night

Got sent home early tonight. Started the night on one unit as an "extra". Then got assigned as a sitter. Then got floated down to ER East, which closes around midnight. Ultimately, clocked out around 1 AM.

Then came the problem of getting home. I could afford a taxi tonight but did ask if the hospital would pay for it because it would cost nearly half of what I earned. After all, my income was cut in half by the shift being shortened so much. I was told no at first but it changed to yes later when it turned out a nurse manager had pre-approved the taxi. Many thanks to her.

Not too upset at being sent home. Sleep was interrupted so much during the day. So at least I have the chance to get more sleep.

Still sticking with my first agency as primary employer. After getting paid by the new agency, turns out my pay is about $30 less per 12 hour shift. Okay for a second income but they won't be my first choice for work.

Seems the dog has been trying to dig her way out of the house while I'm gone. In the process, she has scraped the surface of the concrete by the back door where my daughter and I placed our hand prints. The prints are largely destroyed. So, one more reason to be happy the weather is changing. Can keep the dog outside at night soon.

No pile of wood chips seen in the yard yet. Though I wasn't clear on when to expect them to be dropped off. Think it should be in the morning. I'll be a bit bummed now if it doesn't happen.

Think I'll get to bed.

Looking up

Things seem to be looking up. I've made that statement before and felt foolish for it not much later. Guess that's normal. We think things are going well until the bottom drops out. Can sometimes cause us to become superstitious or not believe it when things improve, waiting for the next drop.

But as long as I can keep things going in this direction, I will.

Taxes accepted. If all goes well the refund will come in with just enough time to avoid foreclosure on the house. Once it's brought to date I'm going to bring the house payment ahead by 2-3 months as quickly as I can, even if I have to do it $10 at a time. In the meantime, have to get the lawyer paid. The amount I save each month in bbankruptcy will be enough to live on decently. Never taking out another loan in my life after that.

Crew cut the branches over the power lines this morning. Guy I talked with yesterday was the foreman. Today he promised to drop off a whole truck full of chipped wood in the yard for me! Mulch! I will have to compost it enough that nothing sprouts, so need to buy lots of ammonia and couple rolls of black plastic sheeting. But in a few weeks it will be useable. Cool!

Both agencies now seem to be actively trying to get work for me. Plus agency work is picking up. Last night there was not a single staff nurse in the ER, they were all agency. Good news for me! May have to just get used to the idea of less sleep for a while but that's okay.

At least until the cycle is running. Think I'll take the more expensive but faster and easier route of having a professional cycle mechanic fix it. Have it picked up later in the week. Worth the investment because I know it's nothing major. No engine rebuild or anything like that. The increased flexibility and lower gas costs will pay for themselves quickly. Then I need to get some good books on cycle repair.

On the bus and getting near work while phone battery is kinda low. Hope things keep going as they are.

Garden formed

Took a bit of work but I finished forming the garden today. All rows are mounded and cross section walkway dug out. Got things a bit more symmetric than yesterday. Then watered and covered most of it up again.

Something happened which made me feel good. Tree cutter from the electric company came by. They'll be cutting limbs tomorrow morning. Turned out he's been doing organic gardening for about 40 years. Unprompted, he looked at my garden soil and told me it looks really good. Cool! We had a chat. He's the first person who hasn't looked at me oddly when I talked about using ammonia and vinegar or making deals for piles of leaves. Understood rabbit compost well and is against cow or horse manure for the same reasons I am- bacteria and salt. Nice having someone to actually discuss things with. Gave me some advice about countering salt in my soil.

Need to run get some food, then take a shower and a short nap before work tonight.

It's hell being popular

Woke up this morning to multiple voice mails and missed calls I had slept through.

Seems both agencies had scheduled me for the same shift at the same hospital. So I called the hospital to sort out which one was confirmed first and let each on know the result. Of course it wasn't that easy. The house supervisor had spoken verbally with one agency but the other confirmed me faster in the computer. At this point I've spoken with all three and I'll let them sort it out. Just go with the results when I get to work tonight.

Each agency knows about the other now. I'm rather hoping that in the competition between them that one or the other will get me a contract somehwere.

The IRS starts processing submitted returns today. I think mine should be pretty close to the front of the list, so should be processed soon. Have to wait and see.

Tired and sore again

I did work on the scooter today. Believe the problem is the coil or spark capacitor, whatever the name of it is on a bike. Have power up to that point, then the power drops drastically beyond. Not sure what the reading should be but know what I'm getting is insufficient to get a spark. No way to get a new one today, so stopped there.

Went out and manually tilled and raked the rest of the south garden some more after spreading the nearly finished compost. Then started digging and forming rows. Over the last year, erosion and then digging had flattened the rows. Not quite done yet. Mostly because I didn't use stakes and a line, so the rows are crooked. Bummer. Finish most of it tomorrow, at least the parts not still frozen a few inches down. Do that part later.

Worked hard enough today to get several blisters on my hands and then long after they ruptured. It did make me question myself why I do so much work outside, even when I have lots of work needing to be done inside the house. The answer I came up with is stress relief. Hard physical labor elevates endorphin levels. Sustain that activity level and it causes the brain to sustain that level more consistently. That's my theory, any way. In any case, I'm getting lots of exercise, sunlight and getting things done.

Of course, I do hope that all the work will pay off in lower grocery bills, more healthy food in the house and possibly being able to make some money by selling some of the produce. Plus an attractive, relaxing environment and sense of achievement.

Keep hoping.

Weed control

I'm intelligent but never claim to be a genius. The one thing I do have a talent for is applying knowledge. Now, many os my ideas are not original but have been thought of by other before me. Though they can be original for me, having not read the existing knowledge base.

Then there are times I encounter bad advice. So it was when first encountering the concept of adjusting soil pH. Many people do not understand the pH scale. It runs contrary to general thought. The lower the number on the scale, the higher the acidity. Not being a chemist, I read an article about using lime to make soil more acidic. I did exactly that. Turned out I made alkaline soil even more so. This was in the south garden area. Nothing really grew. Except certain weeds.

With all the movement of soil I've done and weeds being weeds, the pattern never really formed in my mind until today, while further treating another area to adjust the pH. That was when it hit me.

The areas where weeds have grown or spread have had very alkaline soil. They spread more in the area where I treated with lime than they had before. Even in the garden they were an issue in certain places much more than others. So I started spraying diluted vinegar in the areas where the most weeds grow more heavily, both in and beyond the garden. May do so once or twice more before spring in the most bare and weed infested spots.

I also began noticing that areas adjoining stucco walls tend to be bare or some plants struggle there. Then it made sense. Stucco and mortar are highly alkaline. The water runoff and dust would make the soil more alkaline. So if you have a stucco or even brick and mortar wall, you have some options. Plant nothing there and keep it bare. Only use plants which thrive in alkaline soil. Or adjust the pH to make it more acidic. Understand that you will have to do the latter repeatedly in the future if that's your choice.

I realized not long ago that many people rave on Epsom Salt for roses. Chemically, Epsom Salt is magnesium sulfate. There's no real proof roses need magnesium. However, they do thrive in slightly acidic soil. The sulphur acidifies the soil over time and in this case it is in a water soluble form. There are many edible plants which need or take up magnesium. Epsom Salt is a highly affordable source of both magnesium and sulphur. So it does have a definite place in the garden. For your body, especially men, magnesium is an extremely important nutrient necessary for muscle and bone health. It also tends to be lacking in many of our modern diets. Produce you buy in the stores have much lower levels of magnesium than they once did. It's not an ingredient in most fertilizers used for overworked soil on farms which have long ago exhausted the natural supply.

Okay. I still have things to do before dark.

Warming again

It had hit a cooler period again for a short while but it's now warming again. Forecast calls for one more cool front next weekend with freezing temps at night. Then warming again with temps nearing 70 before the end of the month.

At least warm enough that any plants placed in the rooms on the south side of the house should do really well. I cleaned the office somewhat and moved the tomatoes back there and they seem to be doing well. Have to keep a closer eye than I did before for the whiteflies.

One concern is that the ornamental corn is getting much taller. Hope they don't outgrow the containers I have them in before they can be transplanted outside.

I went ahead and started using the vinegar yesterday. Daughter was playing with other kids in the back yard, so I sprayed most of the garden while they were playing. It's not acidic enough to be any health concern. Can't wait too long or it would be too late for making pH adjustments before spring.

The dog is now checking out the chicks. I have them in a plastic box on the floor where the dog can see them. However, she kept sticking her nose further in and began licking her mouth. So I put a screen on top of the box. Want her to get used to them and get the idea that they're not food. But between the garden and the chickens I may wind up building a fence this spring. Was hoping not to. It's not the work. I just really don't want a fence in the yard.

Wound up not getting to bed until late last night. Then slept late this morning. Took a long time for the cycle battery to charge but it finally did. Going to work on the cycle today.

No word of any work tonight yet. If I do get called, have to take a taxi at least part way.

Guess I should get moving and do something before the day is gone.

Picking up chicks

Happy to say the ex is taking daughter to the circus tomorrow, so she won't miss it this year. Sorry I couldn't take her.

Down side is that it caused my daughter some pretty strong emotional conflict. She had asked if she could spend the day with me tomorrow but didn't want to miss the circus. The conflict made her cry. Made it clear I understand and am not upset, love her and will miss her but want her to have fun.

She made it clear with her mother that she wants to have more time with me, even if it's alternating one day weekends and two day weekends. This was her own idea with no coaching from anyone. Not bad for 8 years old. I'm happy!

We went on the bus and picked up a couple of chicks from the feed store today. Not much selection yet, so we only got two. Get more later. But these should be old enough to lay eggs at a decent date. Have to keep them inside for a few weeks, until warmer weather and when they can maintain their own body temperature. Then have to keep them cooped until big enough to defend themselves.

Got the charger for the cycle battery. Have it charging. Work on the bike tomorrow. Spent $2 extra for one that was automatic over manual and have more safety to not ruin the battery.

For now think I'll get to bed.

Still working on it

Spent most of the day yesterday on the bus. Managed to get to Harbor Freight to get a multimeter and Walmart for a battery for the scooter and general groceries.

Buying a cycle battery is not like a car battery. In the box you will find the dry battery, a bottle of acid, tubes and attachements. You have to fill the battery with acid, let it sit, charge it and let it sit again.

There is my current problem. Charging it. My charger is too powerful for this battery. It charges at 10 amps. Charging at more than 2 amps will damage the battery. So I have to buy another charger. Looked for a trickle charger with that suspicion in mind at Harbor Freight but they were sold out. They were least expensive. Can get one at Auto Zone for $20. Do that later.

Almost out of money but need to get this thing running. Lack of transportation is costing me a lot. If I get one extra shift it more than pays for the battery and charger. Then hopefully helps me earn enough to catch up, pay the lawyer and get another vehicle.

Waiting for my daughter to get here. Give her her Valentine's Day gifts today. Don't know what else we'll do yet. Circus is this weekend but can't afford it this year. If she doesn't know I won't mention it. Best that way, even though it sucks.

Potatoes

Had a shift for tonight but got canceled. SSDD.

Had decided I would go to the store after work in the morning. That decision was for the sake of my patients. I'd much prefer being tired and not fully alert while shopping than while lives rest on my mental lucidity. Throws a slight wrench in those plans, among others. But I can get up early in the morning and get the shopping done.

Went and bought potatoes tonight at the produce store across the street. Only cost $3 for 20 lbs. Makes me wonder how the hell potato farmers survive. At the price they're not worth dedicating limited garden space alone. But growing potatoes is supposed to be beneficial for some other crops and help condition the soil. Of course, that's all dependent on whether they grow and the dog doesn't dig them up. I may have to place chicken wire on the ground until they take root. Any way, some of the potatoes are small enough to be a bit like large seed potatoes. So I cut some of the small ones in half and have them drying to form calluses. Plant them in a few days.

Lots of sources say store potatoes may have hormones sprayed on them to keep them from sprouting. With the price of such hormones, I find it likely more expensive red or gold potatoes would have that but not so likely for russets at $0.15 a lb. Even if they do the worst that can happen is that they don't grow. Only using a few lbs, I'm out less than $1 to try and still have potatoes to last for some time.

Cold morning

Not much to write. Just waiting for coffee to brew.

Temp in my immediate area last night allegedly dropped to 5 degrees. Still cold out but looks like it should warm up quickly. Weather is supposed to change fairly radically from here on.

Need to go to the library today. Write a couple of letters (out of ink here) and renew some books.

If I get a call to work may head out early to get a multimeter and battery for the bike. Owe everything I've got out right now but can make more and save more if I have transportation. Won't try to talk my daughter into riding. She's already expressed fear of it. So when she's here we'll still be on the bus until I can afford a small truck. Though once my finances are in order I'd like to buy a motorized trike. Think she'd be okay riding on that. And they get over 60 mpg.

Sucks the IRS is delaying acceptance of some returns this year. Including my own. They're not accepting many resturns until 2/14/11. Had to itemize or I would have gotten about $500 less than what I'm getting.

Guess I should get moving.

Still sick

Had phone problems today which cost me a shift tonight. Just as well. Still sick and feel worse tonight than I did this morning. Hope better in the morning. Least I'm not having any problem sleeping. What sucks most is how damn moody I get when sick.

Managed to get some things done around here. Wanted to till and rake the remaining rows today but part of the soil was still too frozen. Turned one small part with the garden fork and could see tiny ice crystals throughout the soil. Got some of it done and things look good. Once the soil thaws I think I'll go ahead and form rows and cover them back up for a while.

Was thinking of many of my ideas which I have yet to be able to fully develop. Honestly, most of my ideas would never make me any money. While they're good ideas, there may be no way to profit from them. Even the idea for generating electricity. It's a system which utilizes existing technology and can be adopted or duplicated. But these ideas still warrant development. Then I started thinking that if anything happened to me, I don't have any of these ideas comprehensively documented. I've even forgotten ideas in the past. I really should document the basic ideas and any progress on them. So if something ever does happen that I cannot develop them more, someone else can. Better than having them totally lost.

Time for bed.

No check

Saw the mailman drive by earlier. Went to get the mail. No paycheck, which should have been mailed from in town yesterday. Called the agency. It hadn't been mailed. Asked for it to be mailed today.

After thinking about it for a while, called back and lodged an informal but detailed complaint. For many months, picking up my check in the office has taken an hour or more each time, even if I wait several days to pick it up. Last week my check wasn't mailed, resulting in 3 hours on the bus for me. When I faxed in my time sheet yesterday, I had written in big letter with a marker, "Please mail my check. Thanks." Today the accountant said he didn't see it until this morning. There was no way for it to be missed if my time sheet was ever viewed. Told them if they do not wish to process daily pay then it should be removed as an option. Since I have patiently tolerated the problems for so long, I'm tired of it. One more problem and the complaint will become formal and go to the corporate office.

Got a little house cleaning done. Need to do much more.

Dug out the compost pit and piled the contents where the leaf pile had been. Looks to be 1 1/2 to 2 cubic yards. Not fantastic but enough for about 2 inches evenly spread over the whole garden. Added to the material already mixed in, should be good.

Vinegar continues getting more acidic even faster than I had hoped. Got a pH of 4.0 now, somewhat acidic. Could actually be used for the garden now but would take a lot more of it. Wait a little longer so it will be more concentrated and go further. Doubt it would be harmful for human consumption directly but I did use only clean, not sterile procedures in making it so won't take the chance. Most vinegar you buy in bottles is distilled. Though I may try making apple cider vinegar in the future.

Still organically naive

Guess I'm still a bit green to the gardening thing. Pun intended, of course.

Moved the weak tomato plant to a larger pot this morning. The extra room will do some good, as roots were getting crowded. However, while doing this, I noticed there were dozens of whitefly eggs (larvae?) along the entire stalk. Somehow I had managed to spray the leaves but not the stalk of this plant. Checked the rest and they don't have this problem. Enough larvae and they suck all the nutrients out of the plant. Grabbed the insecticidal soap sprayer and sprayed well.

With the problem now well noted with whiteflies, I'm wondering how much they have been my major problem with growing tomatoes outside. Having tried garlic and even nicotine spray unsuccessfully inside, it seems likely this has been a major issue. Not so much noticed because the larvae are as much or more a problem than the adults. They retard growth, dehydrate the plant and destroy whole branches. Can even kill of the whole plant. Have to keep a close eye out this year.

Transplanted tomato plants are now shooting up by 1-2 inches a day. At this rate, I'll have to stake them in a week or two. The cutting from the other day doesn't look like it's taking. Oh, well. Then again, how many 8 ft tall grape tomato plants do I really want? My daughter likes them but I don't.

The dog may be digging up the potatoes I planted. Not quite sure. Rows look a little rough from her running all over them. If she is, not sure what to do about that. Planting deeper won't help. She digs holes 2 ft deep. Blah. Saw her chewing on a piece of dried up potato. Just hoping it came from the compost pit. She dug a hole next to the cover to get at the compost. Maybe digging out the pit will keep her busy and away from the garden.

Still not feeling great but better than yesterday. Go get some things done here. No word on work tonight. Wish I had the chance to plan more.

Sick night

No work tonight. Just as well. Not feeling so hot. Not severely ill but general viral type malaise.

Supposed to be cold and possibly snow tonight. Have a fire in the fireplace and will keep it going all night.

Wood pile is getting small. I'm not conserving. Getting rid of it will make the yard look neater. Can't burn it while my daughter is here and for extra measure I don't burn any fires for a couple of days before she comes over.

Even so, I am working on a design for a more efficient wood burning stove. The design is based on the stacked steel barrel design. One thing I don't like about those is the appearance. However, they could be made more attractive in the right configuration. In the same step they would be made considerably more efficient. But that's something to work on more in the future.
The tomato plants which survived the winter were looking yellowish and pale. Thought at first it was just from the temperatures they endured. Then figured they may be lacking Nitrogen, even though I've used liquid fertilizer on them. So this morning I added a couple of tablespoons of ammonia to the water before watering them at the base. This evening, there's a very noticeable differrence. Leaves turning green again. One is still looking rather weak but it's in the smallest planter, so maybe I need to move it into something larger.

Going to do as previously planned and dig out the compost pit. What's in there should be composted enough to have no odor. Still leave it piled up to compost more, maybe covered with plastic. But want to free up the pit to start a new batch.

Some weather forecasts now confirm the idea of an early spring here. Temperature predictions over the rest of February are for daytime temperatures in the 60's nearing 70 at times, with night temps climbing into the 40's and nearing 50 within the next two weeks. So it seems somewhat safe to start planting some root plants fairly deep. Onion seeds, carrots and potatoes, all of which take a long time to mature.

Did get some house cleaning done. Not as much as I would have liked tonight but just not feeling it. Do more in the morning after more sleep.

One big mess

Just a short entry.

My house is currently one huge mess. Rather a pig sty.

However, it was a rough night in the ER and I think I'm getting the sinus infection my daughter had this weekend. Small wonder, since at least half the people in the ER were there for the same thing. The short of it all is that I'm too tired to clean house right now. Not sure if I'll have work tonight, so need to sleep just in case. And nobody has to look at it but me.

Going to hit the hay. If no work tonight, I'll clean house then.

Work tonight

Got a shift for tonight. Hoping not to be canceled.

Tried going out to rake the excess grass from the remaining rows this morning but ground was frozen solid. Now the forecast is for snow tonight. Guess it'll be a few days before that gets done.

Went ahead and transplanted tomatoes to larger pots. For some it was the nick of time. Not going to plant any more tomato seeds. I think a little over 30 is sufficient. In future years, when I have more effective space for it, I may plant lots of extras for selling.

Planted more pepper seeds. Jalapeno, serrano and chile. Have some red and yellow bells ripening and drying to harvest the seeds. Once those seeds are ready they can be planted. Everything I read says peppers and tomatoes are great companion plants.

Started making a tentative plan for the garden. It really is getting complex. Some plants grow well with one crop but not others. Mixed with successive crops and it takes some consideration. Part of the soil being shallow adds to the confusion. Least I'm starting early. Gives me time for research and revision. Some things I've read say that the right companion plants help maintain a higher humidity level. While other companion plants can offer shade to shorter plants. While beans and peas can increase Nitrogen retention in the soil, they don't get along with tomatoes well.

Right now I think a shower and a nap are in order.

Another one bites the dust

Well, another tomato plant died. This one had 5 small tomatoes growing. Bummer. That leaves 4 which have survived the winter. The ones which had been in the unheated room looked shabby before but are recovering.

All the transplants are doing well so far. Not sure of the cutting I took the other day. The oldest cutting has now reached about 3 ft tall. It was 1 ft when planted.

Dill is growing. But I've had dill sprout only to die later. Wonder why I have bad luck with dill? It's a weed!

About six ornamental corn now showing.

The damaged pepper plants look like they're trying to grow new leaves. Maybe they'll survive after all.

No work scheduled yet but it's still early Monday morning. Have to give it a chance.

Still cool outside but sun is shining brightly. Guess I'll get out and do something.

Not much

No work tonight but no surprise. Weekends have been sparse for months now.

Still didn't get a whole lot done today. I did go ahead and finish leveling the dirt pile. Spread it out in various places.

Then finished digging two rows where the pile had been in the way. So the north side seems to be completely formed for the early part of growing season.

Now just need to finish the south side. Checked it today. May not need to till or dig any more but may still go ahead and rake out most of the remaining dead grass. That would make it easier when planting time comes. And less likely to be overgrown with grass and weeds this year. It'll also give me something to do.

Dragging

I'm dragging. Not sure why. Partly stress. Won't bother going into it. Another part raging headache, secondary to the first part.

Been working on leveling out the remaining dirt pile. Made a large mound where the flowers will go. Built up the walkthrough in the center of the garden. Still have a bit left but been moving really slow. Not much motivation today.

Managed to empty out one Sterilite and planted a couple dozen corn. The ornamental corn is beginning to peek through. Ones left that dog didn't destroy, that is.

Transplanted some tomatoes to larger containers. Have to do the rest soon. Roots are to the bottoms of current containers. Ones I moved a few days ago started shooting up quickly. Guess they tend to respond to how much space is available.

Looks like one jalapeno plant has survived. Just barely but still alive. Going to have to plant more for a decent harvest.

Forgot to include melons in my earlier list for the summer. Have to map the garden out to be sure I don't forget something. And to be sure everything is compatible. Companion planting does get complicated.

For now, think I'll lay down for a while and see if this headache goes away.

Much better day

Had a much better day today than yesterday.

The ex wants to keep daughter home more on weekends to make friends in that neighborhood. Schedule makes it difficult during the week. Though it's at least irritating that they've lived there for quite some time and it becomes a priority now. It will change back to the way it has been if daughter is unhappy with it.

This morning, since daughter knew she'd have less time with me, she asked her mother to drop her off early and pick her up late.

She had the sniffles. Think a minor sinus infection. Ex wanted me to keep her inside all day, which isn't possible here. She likes being outside too much. Plus I go by the philosophy that activity most often helps you defeat illness.

We hopped on the bus. Went to eat lunch at a Chinese buffet, then went to a movie she wanted to see. Doesn't sound like a lot but with the bus, took most of the day. We took a book along and read while riding. She still likes riding the bus with me. Gets to sit next to me and have my complete attention. I like it, too. Except for the time and limitations.

She was tired by the time her mother picked her up. She was laying her head on the table after dinner. Maybe just fatigue but she seemed melancholy when she left. Didn't want to let go of me and referred to seeing me tomorrow until reminded she isn't coming here tomorrow.

Hope I get lots of work so I can get a vehicle soon.

Weather is improving again for the moment. Can get some more accomplished tomorrow outside. Maybe play around with arrangements to allow more indoor plants to get enough sunlight until warm enough to move some things outside.

Sugar water finished first stage of fermentation. That was fast. It's calrifying at the top. Don't think I should allow that to happen for long. But seems like the vinegar process may not take long. Happy for that. I'll check the pH of it tomorrow for kicks.

Just watching a movie now, then bed.

Today was not the greatest day.

Left the dog in the house last night but didn't barricade her in the dining room. Just let her roam most of the house. Got home from work this morning and found a mess. She had destroyed a number of plants, among them all of the pepper plants. All of the leaves and peppers chewed off. I doubt they'll recover. She also chewed up several styrofoam cups with seedlings and potting soil and the floor was a mess. Then she chewed up a library book which I will now have to pay for.

My plans for today had been to deposit my paycheck after the mail came, wash clothes, clean house, maybe eat somehwere, get a movie and relax. Didn't happen that way. Got too little sleep, woke up and checked the mail. No check. Called my agency. My check which should have been mailed two days ago was still there, never mailed. If I didn't get my check, I would be overdrawn again. So instead of my original plans, I spent several hours going across town to get the check which should have been here already.

Got back home, went and put both checks in the bank, got gas for the generator and a movie. I did wash clothes by hand but they're still in the tub. Hang them out in the morning. Just have to get up early and clean house.

Taxes done

Finished doing the taxes. Getting a decent refund. By no means will it bring me current by itself but it will help considerably. With enough shifts over the next couple of months I may be able to get a really cheap used truck and have everything back on track.

Right now I'm waiting for the mailman to bring my check for working Tues night. But there's a good chance he already came by. Neighbor has visitors blocking direct access to my mailbox, in which case my mail doesn't get delivered. Think I'll move the box in the near future. Steal the thunder from the ghetto boy next door. Must suck to be in your 70's and still feel the need to prove your manhood by being rude and stupid.

Added more sugar to the vinegar carboy this morning. Have an air lock on it and it's bubbling quite well. Has to ferment into alcohol before it becomes vinegar. Since I used fast acting yeast, hope all that doesn't take long. This yeast wouldn't be good for beer but for simple vinegar it should function well enough. But added more sugar to make the vinegar stronger. More sugar makes the vinegar more acidic and can be watered down as needed once fermented.

No word yet on any work tonight but they've been calling after 4 each day lately. Could well be elective surgeries have all been canceled this week. Guess a nap may be in order, just in case.

Better than expected

Started trimming the plants moved into the living room and kitchen. Lots of dead leaves. Had a couple of smaller plants, probably runners, which pretty much had to be cut down to soil level. Maybe dead but I'll give them a chance to recover. Don't want to put other plants through transplant shock right now, any way.

In the end, things looked much better than expected! Three pepper plants survived. A little droopy but they'll recover. One even has about four small peppers on it. Also four tomato plants with around 15 small tomatoes forming. A number of pea vines, some okay and some look rather weak. Not sure any will ever produce but wait and see. All the sprouting flowers are okay.

Had to spray everything but peas heavily with insecticidal soap due to whitefly larvae. Not many adults but the larvae and pupae were doing lots of harm.

Several of the tomato seedlings which remained in the living room are getting tall enough to need staking soon. Going to have to start moving them to bigger containers or the roots will get overcrowded. Made that mistake before. Moved three into one very large planter where the brandywine previously resided. Have to split some up because I have multiple seedlings in each cup and they'll overcrowd each other. Haven't counted but figure over 60 seedlings now. Also going to have to start doing those cuttings from the 8 ft tall tomato plant. It's got two bunches of flowers now and getting to tall. Some vines are beyond the supports and hanging down.

Have to hop the bus, go do my taxes at the library.

Looking up?

No shift tonight. That's okay, didn't get quite enough sleep today and didn't really want to go out in this weather.

When I woke up the temperature was 8 degrees. One check came in, had to go cash it and get some dinner. That was enough time in the cold for me tonight.

Moved all the plants from the unheated rooms. Only other options were just let them freeze or keep the rooms open and let the cold through the rest of the house. So now I have plants all over the living room and kitchen. Still think some may not survive but can't quite tell yet.

Finally got my W2. Go to the library and do my taxes tomorrow morning. Hope for a decent refund this year.

Also finally got a call back from the new agency. They got everything back and I'm cleared to work. See if I get some work through them. If it's actually possible to get work through both agencies, I will.

That doesn't mean I'm giving up on the electrician apprenticeship program. That does take time for the application process, though. Not to mention that I may need to take some algebra classes before I can even start. Have to make a living until then. For now I have to be content with enough for food and bus fare.

Tonight, happy to be warm and get some more sleep.

Below zero

Temps here last night dropped below zero and wind was wild along with it. Wind chill was as low as -40 at times but generally about -20.

I worked the past two nights. Told the agency I'm taking tonight off unless someone offers a significant bonus to make it worth the effort. Between the temperature and the fact that taking the bus adds as much as 5 hours to a 12 hour shift, it gets tiring after a couple of nights. Besides, if the hospitals have enough staff call off, they'll be offering more money to those who wait to accept shifts.

Think some of the plants in the colder rooms will be a loss. Rooms got too cold. I had to close them off to keep the dog out but that also closed the heat out. Know in a couple of days which will survive.

Exhausted. Need some sleep.