Woke up this morning and started cleaning house a little. Much better than it was. Doesn't show now but I have a history of being a neat freak. Not so much any more.
Swept, mopped, put some things away, cleaned tables and counters.
Thing I need to do most is go through everything, figure out what I need and what I don't. Have a yard sale, then give or toss whatever is left over. And organize the stuff I'm keeping. Which I haven't been able to do since I moved in here. Still not enough shelves and closet space. I can capitalize on what I've got if I put some work into it. Just need to put more work into that now that the garden is up and running.
At this point, the garden needs little more attention than watering and occasional weeding. I've reached max density as far as planting can go. Just waiting to see the results. I may have to replant cucumbers. Only a few survived the cold spell a few nights ago. But replanting will only take minutes and better to wait on that for a couple more weeks. Staggered plantings may be a good thing and gives ground cover crops more chance to come up.
Think I'll go pull weeds until daughter gets here.
Saturday, April 30, 2011
Friday, April 29, 2011
Hamburger salad
I've been wanting a hamburger for some time. But of course can't have an actual burger because of the bread. So I made a hamburger salad tonight. With pickles, mustard, ketchup and chipotle mayo. Wasn't bad!
A really good friend (and daughter's godmother) sent me a gift card for my bd for Walmart. Went and used it today. It allowed me to get a new hose type garden sprayer. Got a Miracle Gro brand sprayer. Of course it came with Miracle Gro soluble fertilizer in it. Not my favorite brand for this soil. Mixture is 24-8-16. May be good for grass, possibly flowers but not the best for many things in my garden. I still used it when I got home and watered according to the N needs of the area being watered. Luckily, many of the items on the north side of the garden need lots of N at this stage of growth. I got another brand with a better proportion for later. The sprayer works well. I like it because it has a trigger which stops spraying when released.
Temps are supposed to drop again on Sunday but not down to freezing. Slight chance of rain. Hoping there's at least some snow in the mountains, which will eventually melt into runoff water. Anything helps.
The rose bush is starting to bud out. The whole bush is looking better than the last two years. Even though I have watered it and fertilizer helped a little, the leaves had unhealthy yellow and brown spots which wouldn't go away. Only a few small spots like that now. Nearly all the leaves are a healthy green. All this is because of treating the soil with vinegar and Epsom Salt in addition to fertilizer and mulch.
Got dishes and laundry done tonight. Place is still a mess, though and my daughter will be here in the morning. Need to get to bed.
A really good friend (and daughter's godmother) sent me a gift card for my bd for Walmart. Went and used it today. It allowed me to get a new hose type garden sprayer. Got a Miracle Gro brand sprayer. Of course it came with Miracle Gro soluble fertilizer in it. Not my favorite brand for this soil. Mixture is 24-8-16. May be good for grass, possibly flowers but not the best for many things in my garden. I still used it when I got home and watered according to the N needs of the area being watered. Luckily, many of the items on the north side of the garden need lots of N at this stage of growth. I got another brand with a better proportion for later. The sprayer works well. I like it because it has a trigger which stops spraying when released.
Temps are supposed to drop again on Sunday but not down to freezing. Slight chance of rain. Hoping there's at least some snow in the mountains, which will eventually melt into runoff water. Anything helps.
The rose bush is starting to bud out. The whole bush is looking better than the last two years. Even though I have watered it and fertilizer helped a little, the leaves had unhealthy yellow and brown spots which wouldn't go away. Only a few small spots like that now. Nearly all the leaves are a healthy green. All this is because of treating the soil with vinegar and Epsom Salt in addition to fertilizer and mulch.
Got dishes and laundry done tonight. Place is still a mess, though and my daughter will be here in the morning. Need to get to bed.
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Exhaustion
For a couple of days, I've been completely exhausted. Think from allergies. Can be sitting and start nodding off. Getting enough sleep, so that's not the problem. All wekk I've had what I refer to as "the Vincent Price look". Hope it's better tomorrow.
Went through a training class for computers at work this afternoon. Figured my access would be activated this afternoon or tomorrow morning. Nope. The guy has to do a training class tomorrow, so probably won't activate my access until at least Monday.
Couple days ago, I trimmed the big tomato plant down an extreme amount. This evening, moved it outside. Placed it under a tree, between the back (west) fence and the chicken coop. Hoping that lets it get sunlight but not too much. In a week or so, I'll move it so it gets more sun. And a week later out to more sun. That had become the problem inside. Not enough direct sunlight.
When the weather is a few degrees warmer, I'll start hardening off the smaller tomato plants, too. With current tomato prices, I really want as many tomato plants as possible to grow.
At the current rate of growth and with as many flowers as I've seen, I think I should be harvesting green beans within 2-3 weeks. Possibly some outer lettuce leaves, too.
Not much else going on.
Went through a training class for computers at work this afternoon. Figured my access would be activated this afternoon or tomorrow morning. Nope. The guy has to do a training class tomorrow, so probably won't activate my access until at least Monday.
Couple days ago, I trimmed the big tomato plant down an extreme amount. This evening, moved it outside. Placed it under a tree, between the back (west) fence and the chicken coop. Hoping that lets it get sunlight but not too much. In a week or so, I'll move it so it gets more sun. And a week later out to more sun. That had become the problem inside. Not enough direct sunlight.
When the weather is a few degrees warmer, I'll start hardening off the smaller tomato plants, too. With current tomato prices, I really want as many tomato plants as possible to grow.
At the current rate of growth and with as many flowers as I've seen, I think I should be harvesting green beans within 2-3 weeks. Possibly some outer lettuce leaves, too.
Not much else going on.
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Not much new
My computer card was activated this morning. At least, enough to log onto the computer. Still not set up to use the programs I need to access. Big surprise there.
Big Lots was sold out of the sprayers I wanted. Bummer. I'll try ReStore again.
Everything in the garden survived. Tomatoes don't appear to have gone into dormancy. Whew!
Hope the continuing cooler weather helps the lettuce germinate. If it gets too hot too soon that doesn't happen. Lettuce only germinates and grows without bolting in a fairly narrow temperature range. Only a little lettuce growing so far. Went ahead and planted more lettuce seed this evening. Can't really have too much because excess will just be more bunny food.
More flowers on the green beans. Looks like the green beans may wind up being good for my self esteem! Lol! Peas, not so much. Cucumber vines have sprouted in numbers but not climbing yet. Pumpkins pretty much the same, sprouted but rather static for now. Since I have more melon seeds started inside, can plant more of those where the peas failed. Maybe more cucumbers, too. Maybe even more green beans?
Big Lots was sold out of the sprayers I wanted. Bummer. I'll try ReStore again.
Everything in the garden survived. Tomatoes don't appear to have gone into dormancy. Whew!
Hope the continuing cooler weather helps the lettuce germinate. If it gets too hot too soon that doesn't happen. Lettuce only germinates and grows without bolting in a fairly narrow temperature range. Only a little lettuce growing so far. Went ahead and planted more lettuce seed this evening. Can't really have too much because excess will just be more bunny food.
More flowers on the green beans. Looks like the green beans may wind up being good for my self esteem! Lol! Peas, not so much. Cucumber vines have sprouted in numbers but not climbing yet. Pumpkins pretty much the same, sprouted but rather static for now. Since I have more melon seeds started inside, can plant more of those where the peas failed. Maybe more cucumbers, too. Maybe even more green beans?
No frost
It didn't freeze last night, though it got rather close. Think the temp is now in low 40's but feels colder because of wind. It did drop in the 30's. A 30+ degree drop from the afternoon. Hope the tomatoes don't go dormant again. Most everything else should be okay because what's growing is pretty cold tolerant. Just not frost tolerant.
Fingers are freezing. Keep this short.
Fingers are freezing. Keep this short.
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Not so bad
The winds today weren't quite as bad as predicted. It was windy, just not gusting to 60 mph locally.
However, now the forecast says it could dip down to freezing in my immediate area tonight. Good grief.
It was a good day in some respects, not so good in others. Lucked out both getting to work and coming home. Caught buses which met up well enough to get to work 20 minutes earlier than usual and home just less than an hour earlier.
I'm getting the routine down better and better. However, today was what I call a "chatty" day. Meaning people were chatting non-stop about banal subjects most of the day. I hate chatty days.
This paycheck was decent but far from enough to catch things up. Hoping to be able to fend things off until next check. By my third check, I should be doing much better. Can't afford to have the scooter fixed yet, which still holds me back from making more money. Not able to pick up short shifts which are available at the moment.
The converted drip lines are working well. I just had to increase the water pressure going through them. Though at that pressure they do tend to act largely as a massive misting system. Still, all the mist remains in the garden, so it works out well. The old drip lines also work well since I started using them separately this evening. Takes a little more time and effort but not too much. Long as it focuses the water right where the plants need it, it's okay.
Planted more pepper seeds directly outside. Though I moved some of the mulch aside to allow sunlight to reach the seeds. Hope it works this time.
However, now the forecast says it could dip down to freezing in my immediate area tonight. Good grief.
It was a good day in some respects, not so good in others. Lucked out both getting to work and coming home. Caught buses which met up well enough to get to work 20 minutes earlier than usual and home just less than an hour earlier.
I'm getting the routine down better and better. However, today was what I call a "chatty" day. Meaning people were chatting non-stop about banal subjects most of the day. I hate chatty days.
This paycheck was decent but far from enough to catch things up. Hoping to be able to fend things off until next check. By my third check, I should be doing much better. Can't afford to have the scooter fixed yet, which still holds me back from making more money. Not able to pick up short shifts which are available at the moment.
The converted drip lines are working well. I just had to increase the water pressure going through them. Though at that pressure they do tend to act largely as a massive misting system. Still, all the mist remains in the garden, so it works out well. The old drip lines also work well since I started using them separately this evening. Takes a little more time and effort but not too much. Long as it focuses the water right where the plants need it, it's okay.
Planted more pepper seeds directly outside. Though I moved some of the mulch aside to allow sunlight to reach the seeds. Hope it works this time.
More wind
More wind today. Forecast is for winds 30-40 mph with gusts up to 60 mph. Hmm. Not sure what the garden will look like by tomorrow morning.
Figures. The sprayer from the Ironite isn't working any more. Can't find anything wrong with it. I'll have to get a new sprayer. Saw where they have one reasonably priced at Big Lots. Couldn't spare the money when I saw it but can get one this week. Tried fertilizing the other day but had to use the tank sprayer..which is also wearing out.
Okay, I'm at work and will have patients soon.
Figures. The sprayer from the Ironite isn't working any more. Can't find anything wrong with it. I'll have to get a new sprayer. Saw where they have one reasonably priced at Big Lots. Couldn't spare the money when I saw it but can get one this week. Tried fertilizing the other day but had to use the tank sprayer..which is also wearing out.
Okay, I'm at work and will have patients soon.
Monday, April 25, 2011
More vines
Have more vines of various kinds showing now. Have several cucumber vines coming up. Funny, I had gotten impatient and bought more cucumber seeds today. That's okay, only spent $0.40 on them.
More pea vines coming up. Still not sure how well they'll do but the weather has cooled slightly, so maybe they still have a chance. An illustration of my concern is that one or two of the spinach plants have already started to bolt. However, they are plants which survived the winter. I picked the seed pods off and have picked outer leaves a few times.
Green beans are picking up speed. Some are now growing several inches a day. Some others have died off. Glad I planted more which are yet to be seen.
No melon vines showing yet. I still may just be impatient but I planted more seeds inside this evening. Much rather have too many than wind up with nothing.
Got tired of waiting and planted more corn. Again, better to be thinning them out than having only 2 or 3 widely spaced stalks. Corn has to grow en masse to pollinate.
I now count 14 tomato plants outside of varying sizes. Not as many as I want but a good start. Ones inside are still gaining size.
Felt like a long day. Getting to bed.
More pea vines coming up. Still not sure how well they'll do but the weather has cooled slightly, so maybe they still have a chance. An illustration of my concern is that one or two of the spinach plants have already started to bolt. However, they are plants which survived the winter. I picked the seed pods off and have picked outer leaves a few times.
Green beans are picking up speed. Some are now growing several inches a day. Some others have died off. Glad I planted more which are yet to be seen.
No melon vines showing yet. I still may just be impatient but I planted more seeds inside this evening. Much rather have too many than wind up with nothing.
Got tired of waiting and planted more corn. Again, better to be thinning them out than having only 2 or 3 widely spaced stalks. Corn has to grow en masse to pollinate.
I now count 14 tomato plants outside of varying sizes. Not as many as I want but a good start. Ones inside are still gaining size.
Felt like a long day. Getting to bed.
Sunday, April 24, 2011
Happy Easter!
I'm really tired but today was a good day.
Daughter woke up before 7 this morning. Saw the easter basket on the dining room table. Started finding eggs and candy the Easter Bunny had hidden in the house. No way either of us were going back to sleep after that! So, the egg hunt proceeded inside and then outside. Finished before 8 AM. We had breakfast and a fairly simple day after that.
She played with her friend from across the street. She's really good about sharing. Doesn't have to be told to do so, it's just her nature. So she shared her candy with him. They played for a while, then he invited her to an egg hunt at his grandmother's house down the street. She wanted to go and I said yes. Then she said she just wanted to hunt for eggs but would give all of them to her friend. They wound up not having the hunt until after her mother picked her up because they hadn't colored the eggs yet. Thing is, she was consciously more interested in the hunt than the items being hunted. Before leaving, she had me hide her eggs again so she could find them one more time.
I think she may have slept better than I did last night. I laid awake, listening to her breathing. After going to sleep, I woke up every time she coughed or if I heard any alteration in her breathing.
She still had some difficulty breathing today. I kept checking and it was all sinus based. Just don't want it to move down into her chest. In that, too, she is unbelievably brave. I made her (yes, made her) use her inhaler once today. While using it, she was dancing in place and making funny faces at me!
As a father, I'm luckier than I could have ever hoped and luckier than any father I have ever known.
Okay, this is a garden blog, so I guess I should write something about gardening.
I realized today that there are now spots of green on every single mound in the garden. Some only have some very small spots but others are developing really well. Whole rows of tomatoes and onions, other rows of green beans, peas, lettuce and spinach, others with corn, potatoes, onions and broccoli. Carrots are beginning to sprout in various places. The best part is that the north side is actually growing ffor the first time. Not as well as the south garden but it's growing.
I still think the mulch isn't helping much on the mounds. Blocking light which some seeds need to germinate. Some plants seem to grow better when I move the mulch away from them. I think it may be best to just remove the mulch from some of the mounds and let it compost or at least dry and save for next year os other purposes. Not sure yet. It does help in the trenches and sides of the mounds, at least a little. And that will compost naturally over time.
Bath and bed time.
Daughter woke up before 7 this morning. Saw the easter basket on the dining room table. Started finding eggs and candy the Easter Bunny had hidden in the house. No way either of us were going back to sleep after that! So, the egg hunt proceeded inside and then outside. Finished before 8 AM. We had breakfast and a fairly simple day after that.
She played with her friend from across the street. She's really good about sharing. Doesn't have to be told to do so, it's just her nature. So she shared her candy with him. They played for a while, then he invited her to an egg hunt at his grandmother's house down the street. She wanted to go and I said yes. Then she said she just wanted to hunt for eggs but would give all of them to her friend. They wound up not having the hunt until after her mother picked her up because they hadn't colored the eggs yet. Thing is, she was consciously more interested in the hunt than the items being hunted. Before leaving, she had me hide her eggs again so she could find them one more time.
I think she may have slept better than I did last night. I laid awake, listening to her breathing. After going to sleep, I woke up every time she coughed or if I heard any alteration in her breathing.
She still had some difficulty breathing today. I kept checking and it was all sinus based. Just don't want it to move down into her chest. In that, too, she is unbelievably brave. I made her (yes, made her) use her inhaler once today. While using it, she was dancing in place and making funny faces at me!
As a father, I'm luckier than I could have ever hoped and luckier than any father I have ever known.
Okay, this is a garden blog, so I guess I should write something about gardening.
I realized today that there are now spots of green on every single mound in the garden. Some only have some very small spots but others are developing really well. Whole rows of tomatoes and onions, other rows of green beans, peas, lettuce and spinach, others with corn, potatoes, onions and broccoli. Carrots are beginning to sprout in various places. The best part is that the north side is actually growing ffor the first time. Not as well as the south garden but it's growing.
I still think the mulch isn't helping much on the mounds. Blocking light which some seeds need to germinate. Some plants seem to grow better when I move the mulch away from them. I think it may be best to just remove the mulch from some of the mounds and let it compost or at least dry and save for next year os other purposes. Not sure yet. It does help in the trenches and sides of the mounds, at least a little. And that will compost naturally over time.
Bath and bed time.
Saturday, April 23, 2011
Daughter's allergies
For a couple of days, my daughter's allergies have been acting up. Probably the combination of wind and cottonwood getting her. Scares me every time it happens. She's already on steroids but it's not enough. Started giving her some sudafed pe today. Still not quite enough. Started using nasalcrom tonight, which has no interactions with any medications. Then gave her some motrin for inflammation. Used her nebulizer, which the ex dropped off with her. If that combination doesn't do it, I'll get some benadryl in her. Don't want to go too far and make her sick from too many medications.
Still, waiting for her to go to sleep so the easter bunny can hide eggs for the morning.
We went on a small spending spree today. Just to dollar tree, the grocery store and family dollar to get some shoes she can wear around here and get dirty. She runs around in the dirt here and trashes her clothing. I'm fine with that but don't want it to be nice clothes getting messed up. She can be well dressed and girly the rest of the week. Well, as much as she's capable of.
I'm not sure this is going to post. Been having non-stop problems with virgin mobile internet connection. Often seems it spends more time down than up. I have complained but no good. Just reduced my service level. If the more expensive level isn't working well enough, I see no reason to pay more for crappy service. Don't need that many monthly minutes now that I'm on contract, any way.
Hoping kiddo gets to sleep soon.
Still, waiting for her to go to sleep so the easter bunny can hide eggs for the morning.
We went on a small spending spree today. Just to dollar tree, the grocery store and family dollar to get some shoes she can wear around here and get dirty. She runs around in the dirt here and trashes her clothing. I'm fine with that but don't want it to be nice clothes getting messed up. She can be well dressed and girly the rest of the week. Well, as much as she's capable of.
I'm not sure this is going to post. Been having non-stop problems with virgin mobile internet connection. Often seems it spends more time down than up. I have complained but no good. Just reduced my service level. If the more expensive level isn't working well enough, I see no reason to pay more for crappy service. Don't need that many monthly minutes now that I'm on contract, any way.
Hoping kiddo gets to sleep soon.
Daughter's allergies
For a couple of days, my daughter's allergies have been acting up. Probably the combination of wind and cottonwood getting her. Scares me every time it happens. She's already on steroids but it's not enough. Started giving her some sudafed pe today. Still not quite enough. Started using nasalcrom tonight, which has no interactions with any medications. Then gave her some motrin for inflammation. Used her nebulizer, which the ex dropped off with her. If that combination doesn't do it, I'll get some benadryl in her. Don't want to go too far and make her sick from too many medications.
Still, waiting for her to go to sleep so the easter bunny can hide eggs for the morning.
We went on a small spending spree today. Just to dollar tree, the grocery store and family dollar to get some shoes she can wear around here and get dirty. She runs around in the dirt here and trashes her clothing. I'm fine with that but don't want it to be nice clothes getting messed up. She can be well dressed and girly the rest of the week. Well, as much as she's capable of.
I'm not sure this is going to post. Been having non-stop problems with virgin mobile internet connection. Often seems it spends more time down than up. I have complained but no good. Just reduced my service level. If the more expensive level isn't working well enough, I see no reason to pay more for crappy service. Don't need that many monthly minutes now that I'm on contract, any way.
Hoping kiddo gets to sleep soon.
Still, waiting for her to go to sleep so the easter bunny can hide eggs for the morning.
We went on a small spending spree today. Just to dollar tree, the grocery store and family dollar to get some shoes she can wear around here and get dirty. She runs around in the dirt here and trashes her clothing. I'm fine with that but don't want it to be nice clothes getting messed up. She can be well dressed and girly the rest of the week. Well, as much as she's capable of.
I'm not sure this is going to post. Been having non-stop problems with virgin mobile internet connection. Often seems it spends more time down than up. I have complained but no good. Just reduced my service level. If the more expensive level isn't working well enough, I see no reason to pay more for crappy service. Don't need that many monthly minutes now that I'm on contract, any way.
Hoping kiddo gets to sleep soon.
Paid early!
My pay went in early! Yay!!! Don't think my bank was supposed to confirm this soon but I was overdrawn and they wanted their money. Because of the bonus arriving so late and the check for the gas bouncing..multiple times.. I wound up with four OD charges taken out. I was able to defer other payments, so that became the only thing causing fees. Still have to catch up on several things but at least there's money for food. Would have made it to Monday but was down to $20 and whatever is in the change jar.
Not too energetic this morning. Wound up taking the stairs a number of times in the last two days and my knee is feeling it. Think I'll put the knee support on today. Hard to be energetic when it hurts to walk. Doesn't stop me but does slow me down a little. Already walked to the store and hung out clothes to dry.
Garden still keeps looking more like a garden. I'm not so obsessive that I'm counting every sprout which comes up. Except for large, slow maturing plants like the tomatoes. And strawberries because I know how many I planted. Still, I find it an amazing thing when I walk out in the morning and see new things growing which weren't there before. Sometimes huge plants growing from near microscopic seeds. Tiny packets of DNA that combine with elements in the soil to transform into an endless variety of flora. And the cycle which goes on and on.
Guess I should get some cleaning done.
Not too energetic this morning. Wound up taking the stairs a number of times in the last two days and my knee is feeling it. Think I'll put the knee support on today. Hard to be energetic when it hurts to walk. Doesn't stop me but does slow me down a little. Already walked to the store and hung out clothes to dry.
Garden still keeps looking more like a garden. I'm not so obsessive that I'm counting every sprout which comes up. Except for large, slow maturing plants like the tomatoes. And strawberries because I know how many I planted. Still, I find it an amazing thing when I walk out in the morning and see new things growing which weren't there before. Sometimes huge plants growing from near microscopic seeds. Tiny packets of DNA that combine with elements in the soil to transform into an endless variety of flora. And the cycle which goes on and on.
Guess I should get some cleaning done.
Friday, April 22, 2011
Climbing!
Some of the green beans have started climbing on their own. Lots of others have gotten tall enough to just start training onto the trellis. A couple already have one flower each! Cool!
The hanging strawberries aren't looking so great. Not sure why. Am I watering them too much?
Lots of things looking good. About 8 potato plants showing. Still hoping for more. Only a couple of corn stalks now visible. Give it until Tue or Wed, then plant more if nothing more coming up.
No sign of watermelon vines yet. Do the same as with the corn. Wait a few more days and then plant some inside if necessary.
Several pumpkin plants, lettuce and spinach are gaining size.
Think I'll dig up a garlic this weekend and see how well it's developed. I did realize that I didn't plant enough of it. Have a little over 30 garlic now. Then I started thinking just how much garlic I really use. Yeah, going to have to at least double that next fall.
Flower plants are looking the best they've looked at any time. Can't wait for them to start blooming!
Okay. Need to finish the laundry and get to bed. Get up early and clean house a little before my daughter gets here.
The hanging strawberries aren't looking so great. Not sure why. Am I watering them too much?
Lots of things looking good. About 8 potato plants showing. Still hoping for more. Only a couple of corn stalks now visible. Give it until Tue or Wed, then plant more if nothing more coming up.
No sign of watermelon vines yet. Do the same as with the corn. Wait a few more days and then plant some inside if necessary.
Several pumpkin plants, lettuce and spinach are gaining size.
Think I'll dig up a garlic this weekend and see how well it's developed. I did realize that I didn't plant enough of it. Have a little over 30 garlic now. Then I started thinking just how much garlic I really use. Yeah, going to have to at least double that next fall.
Flower plants are looking the best they've looked at any time. Can't wait for them to start blooming!
Okay. Need to finish the laundry and get to bed. Get up early and clean house a little before my daughter gets here.
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Dry
Even with all the watering I've been doing, some areas still have problems absorbing any moisture. Checked today after watering and the moisture had only soaked in to a depth of about an inch. Of course, that's also the part which dries fastest. So I soaked those areas really well this evening. I think the problem remains too much clay.
What really sucks is that I am a short distance from a river and closer to an aqueduct while my yard sits mere yards above an aquifer.
Surprisingly, most of the spinach plants which were growing inside are still alive. So I went ahead and planted them out tonight. They're not hardened off, so they may just burn up but soon they would outgrow the peat pots any way.
Transplanted a few more tomato plants to larger pots. Keep doing that as I have anything suitable. The ones in the larger pots have been accelerating. So I still have some backups if needed.
Down side to working this job is that I'm gone from home for over 12 hours a day. Then get home and still have cooking, dishes and laundry to do. Doesn't leave much down time.
Gotta get to bed soon.
What really sucks is that I am a short distance from a river and closer to an aqueduct while my yard sits mere yards above an aquifer.
Surprisingly, most of the spinach plants which were growing inside are still alive. So I went ahead and planted them out tonight. They're not hardened off, so they may just burn up but soon they would outgrow the peat pots any way.
Transplanted a few more tomato plants to larger pots. Keep doing that as I have anything suitable. The ones in the larger pots have been accelerating. So I still have some backups if needed.
Down side to working this job is that I'm gone from home for over 12 hours a day. Then get home and still have cooking, dishes and laundry to do. Doesn't leave much down time.
Gotta get to bed soon.
Creepo
I've mentally nicknamed my harasser at the bus stop "Creepo". Creepo continues to get more invasive and creepier. He has made it an obvious point to sit near me on the bus, even changing seats on one occasion. Then tries to play it off in some way. Tries to walk in front of me and then, once in front of me, slows down. (Nothing abnormal there, as far as Abq goes.) He paces at one stop and has paced closer and closer as time goes on. I stand in places which are unobtrusive and even with obstructions in the way. Yet he finds methods of going around them. Once walking toward a dumpster which he never arrived at..but the dumpster was to the rear of where I was standing, behind the bus stop. He rides all three of the same buses I do each morning and talks with several people. One day, he took a different second bus which arrived a few minutes before the regular bus, hopping on it with someone else he had been talking with. I waited for the regular bus. Somehow, he wound up getting to the third stop later than I did. Then walked past me, very close, looking directly at me as though he were angry I had not followed him. At the third stop is a convenience store. Neither he or I have entered the store a single time since I started this job. Until this morning. I went in to buy something and was there for under a minute. As I headed for the door, who comes walking in the door? Then he comes out, starts pacing and again walks near me, looking directly at me, looking angry.
If there were no other reason, this is motivation enough to get the scooter going. For now, I'm going to start carrying my pocket knife with me.
If there were no other reason, this is motivation enough to get the scooter going. For now, I'm going to start carrying my pocket knife with me.
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Dinner in a bowl
As I wrote yesterday, I have just enough money to get through to Monday, which is payday. Still, I want to conserve and have some money to spend on Easter for my daughter. Got a couple of things today but still need to get eggs, maybe some stickers. So, to save money, I'm going to limit food to mostly rice and potatoes for a few days. Had rice with gravy tonight. Though I do have some hot dogs in the freezer at work and some leftover jambalaya in the fridge there. Not much considering my protein requirements but enough for a few days.
The very situation I outlined to the computer woman at work happened this morning. When I got to work, the secretary had things to do, got there late and then had to go for mandatory training. The sergeant who is deploying had appointments. The med tech had training for a couple of hours as well. Which left the nurse practioner and me. So I was the only one at the front desk and for screening patients. With no computer access and insufficient training. By luck, staff started trickling back in and out. Which made it possible for patients to be seen. Next week? Who knows?
Things continue to look better in the garden. Though mulch isn't helping all that much with some of the weeds. They're growing right through and around the mulch. On the other hand, the soil treatments have adjusted the pH enough to suppress several types of weeds, so I have fewer types of weeds this year. Going to let the vinegar ferment a bit longer, then try using it on the weeds in the trenches but keep pulling them on the mounds. Did some weeding this evening.
Only a few corn plants have recovered since the frost. Going to give it a few more days and then replant if no luck.
Still amazed. Nearly every tomato plant which was growing previously is now showing signs of growth again. I actually did not expect that many to recover.
Some of the green bean vines look like they're springing back with the better irrigation. More and more lettuce and spinach coming up. A few carrots beginning to grow. Even a few pea vines now coming up but as fast as things heat up here, not holding out much hope for them.
No signs of any melons yet. Not sure just how warm it has to be for them. May go ahead and start some inside next week if no signs of growth by then.
Still, the garden is starting to look a little like a garden all the way across. The north side is showing signs it will sustain plant life, though not yet as well as the south. Parts of the south side which were really weak last year are much stronger now.
Time for bed.
The very situation I outlined to the computer woman at work happened this morning. When I got to work, the secretary had things to do, got there late and then had to go for mandatory training. The sergeant who is deploying had appointments. The med tech had training for a couple of hours as well. Which left the nurse practioner and me. So I was the only one at the front desk and for screening patients. With no computer access and insufficient training. By luck, staff started trickling back in and out. Which made it possible for patients to be seen. Next week? Who knows?
Things continue to look better in the garden. Though mulch isn't helping all that much with some of the weeds. They're growing right through and around the mulch. On the other hand, the soil treatments have adjusted the pH enough to suppress several types of weeds, so I have fewer types of weeds this year. Going to let the vinegar ferment a bit longer, then try using it on the weeds in the trenches but keep pulling them on the mounds. Did some weeding this evening.
Only a few corn plants have recovered since the frost. Going to give it a few more days and then replant if no luck.
Still amazed. Nearly every tomato plant which was growing previously is now showing signs of growth again. I actually did not expect that many to recover.
Some of the green bean vines look like they're springing back with the better irrigation. More and more lettuce and spinach coming up. A few carrots beginning to grow. Even a few pea vines now coming up but as fast as things heat up here, not holding out much hope for them.
No signs of any melons yet. Not sure just how warm it has to be for them. May go ahead and start some inside next week if no signs of growth by then.
Still, the garden is starting to look a little like a garden all the way across. The north side is showing signs it will sustain plant life, though not yet as well as the south. Parts of the south side which were really weak last year are much stronger now.
Time for bed.
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Still no access
Still no computer access at work. In two more days, I'll have been there for three weeks. In the same time frame, the coworker who did most of my orientation finishes out-processing in preparation to be deployed to Afghanistan. That leaves me and one female airman in the clinic. If she has a training day, other duty or an appointment which takes her away from the clinic, I have no way to log on and do my job.
Yet I walk in to talk with the woman that is supposed to be setting up my access and find her spending more time texting than working. Not much I can do about it.
Guess the converted drip hose is doing okay. Garden is looking better. Of course, I also pretty well drenched the soil on Sunday. Watered a bit less last evening and this evening.
Even though I was hoping, it's amazing me that at least some of the tomato plants which had gone dormant are now reviving! Most are small and just starting to grow new leaves but some which are taller are beginning to show signs of life again. Good part of this is that the root systems are well developed and they are already larger than the seedlings inside the house. Maybe they'll mature enough in a few weeks to start producing?
The big tomato plant inside needs to be trimmed again. Becoming quite overgrown.
Made one upside down tomato planter this evening. Once it's made, the plant has to grow with the container upside down for at least a week or two. Then the whole thing can be inverted and hung. I planted a beefsteak tomato plant in this one. May make more of them and compare how various vines do.
Strawberries are looking better. That is, all of them. The one inside, the hanging planter and the ones in the garden. None really look better than another as yet, so I'll have to give it time.
Started the giant pumpkin seeds inside tonight. They would probably root if planted directly but..um.. I planted other pumpkin seeds outside a couple weeks back rather randomly. Now I don't recall where. Give those a chance to show before deciding where to plant these. These have to be planted soon because they take as long as six months to grow. But they grow as large as 300 lbs. I would still like to try growing a couple even larger than that.
Looks like I'll make it through to payday next Monday. I was a bit ahead cash-wise, it seemed. But had to get dog food, which made that a bit less. Still need to get things for Easter but will still make it.
Gotta get to bed.
Yet I walk in to talk with the woman that is supposed to be setting up my access and find her spending more time texting than working. Not much I can do about it.
Guess the converted drip hose is doing okay. Garden is looking better. Of course, I also pretty well drenched the soil on Sunday. Watered a bit less last evening and this evening.
Even though I was hoping, it's amazing me that at least some of the tomato plants which had gone dormant are now reviving! Most are small and just starting to grow new leaves but some which are taller are beginning to show signs of life again. Good part of this is that the root systems are well developed and they are already larger than the seedlings inside the house. Maybe they'll mature enough in a few weeks to start producing?
The big tomato plant inside needs to be trimmed again. Becoming quite overgrown.
Made one upside down tomato planter this evening. Once it's made, the plant has to grow with the container upside down for at least a week or two. Then the whole thing can be inverted and hung. I planted a beefsteak tomato plant in this one. May make more of them and compare how various vines do.
Strawberries are looking better. That is, all of them. The one inside, the hanging planter and the ones in the garden. None really look better than another as yet, so I'll have to give it time.
Started the giant pumpkin seeds inside tonight. They would probably root if planted directly but..um.. I planted other pumpkin seeds outside a couple weeks back rather randomly. Now I don't recall where. Give those a chance to show before deciding where to plant these. These have to be planted soon because they take as long as six months to grow. But they grow as large as 300 lbs. I would still like to try growing a couple even larger than that.
Looks like I'll make it through to payday next Monday. I was a bit ahead cash-wise, it seemed. But had to get dog food, which made that a bit less. Still need to get things for Easter but will still make it.
Gotta get to bed.
Upside down
My daughter got a Slither scooter from the ex's fiancee's mother. Nice scooter with two front wheels and one pivoting back wheel. She loves it. Brought it over this weekend, asked me to take her to the skate park down the street. We went there and to the library, which she loved just as much. All weekend she was either on the scooter or we were reading together. How's that for a balanced kid?
When she was younger I tried having a pillow fight with her but she didn't like it. But Sunday she started a pillow fight with me and it turned out to be a long one. She was giggling so hard she almost fell off the king size bed! It was fun.
I asked the ex to pick up some ornamental corn and giant pumpkin seeds for me if she happened to go to a home improvement store. (Hey, her bf is an engineer. They probably live at home improvement stores.) She did. I offered to pay her but she declined. That was nice of her! I'll repay her with some pumpkins later. Much later. Maybe some other produce before then.
I dug up some of the strawberry plants and put them in a hanging "upside down" planter. Going to try it with tomatoes, too. Makes sense. Water and nutrients flow down to the roots instead of the plant reaching for them. If it works out, I'll hang a lot of them. If hung over the main garden, it would help maintain humidity and give some shade. Probably easier to control pests, too.
Had to replant some green beans. Some had gotten frostbitten and died.
Not sure mulch is helping at all. Scraped a lot off to the sides and spread more lettuce and carrot seeds. Going to plant more peppers inside just for safety.
Finally converted the old green hoses to drip lines. May have to enlarge some of the holes but working well overall.
Headed to work. Hard to type on the bus on Abq streets. Too many potholes.
When she was younger I tried having a pillow fight with her but she didn't like it. But Sunday she started a pillow fight with me and it turned out to be a long one. She was giggling so hard she almost fell off the king size bed! It was fun.
I asked the ex to pick up some ornamental corn and giant pumpkin seeds for me if she happened to go to a home improvement store. (Hey, her bf is an engineer. They probably live at home improvement stores.) She did. I offered to pay her but she declined. That was nice of her! I'll repay her with some pumpkins later. Much later. Maybe some other produce before then.
I dug up some of the strawberry plants and put them in a hanging "upside down" planter. Going to try it with tomatoes, too. Makes sense. Water and nutrients flow down to the roots instead of the plant reaching for them. If it works out, I'll hang a lot of them. If hung over the main garden, it would help maintain humidity and give some shade. Probably easier to control pests, too.
Had to replant some green beans. Some had gotten frostbitten and died.
Not sure mulch is helping at all. Scraped a lot off to the sides and spread more lettuce and carrot seeds. Going to plant more peppers inside just for safety.
Finally converted the old green hoses to drip lines. May have to enlarge some of the holes but working well overall.
Headed to work. Hard to type on the bus on Abq streets. Too many potholes.
Saturday, April 16, 2011
Still frustrated
Still frustrated with the way things are developing in the garden because of weather swings. Temps have been making 40 degree swings, from 30's at night to 70's and even near 80 some days. Add in the winds which have been over 30 mph and gusting over 60 mph. It would seem soil temp would remain above 50 but the winds are preventing that. Not to mention ripping moisture from topsoil.
I need to get out the old drip lines and see if any are still good. Most had developed leaks last year. And need to alter some of the cheap green hoses to drip lines.
Of course, it's not just my garden or just this area. All around me everywhere are small patches of green separated by huge patches of brown. No missing the fact that prices on tomatoes are back up this year. Won't be much longer before that becomes reflected in prices of canned tomato goods. And once they go up it takes forever for them to come back down. Most produce prices have risen substantially. No surprise between weather and gas prices.
I remain somewhat suspicious of the seed pods dropped by these Chinese Elm trees. I think they may emit some mild toxins which suppress the growth of other plants. The late freeze killed off a lot of the seed pods before they developed fully but still a lot dropped everywhere. Once they drop, it seems the other plants turn pale and growth slows. I need to go rake the large drifts of them. Random ones got caught in the mulch. Hoping the freeze made them sterile or I'll be pulling small trees out of the soil all summer.
Here's a good thing- I hope. The neighbors across the street moved out just after the 1st of the month. They were the loudest people on the neighborhood. I also suspected they were dealing drugs. Not out of the house or I would have compiled evidence and turned it in to police. Just seemed too strange that multiple adults in the house and none had a regular job. They arrived and left dozens of times each day. There's an 8-9 ft tall fence in front of the house and they had a mean, loud dog. One neighbor said they stole firewood from him. Whatever. They're someone else's problem now. Hoping whoever moves in there next is better. Not really counting on anyone moving in there soon. Not an attractive house and not one easily fixed up.
Guess I should do something constructive here.
I need to get out the old drip lines and see if any are still good. Most had developed leaks last year. And need to alter some of the cheap green hoses to drip lines.
Of course, it's not just my garden or just this area. All around me everywhere are small patches of green separated by huge patches of brown. No missing the fact that prices on tomatoes are back up this year. Won't be much longer before that becomes reflected in prices of canned tomato goods. And once they go up it takes forever for them to come back down. Most produce prices have risen substantially. No surprise between weather and gas prices.
I remain somewhat suspicious of the seed pods dropped by these Chinese Elm trees. I think they may emit some mild toxins which suppress the growth of other plants. The late freeze killed off a lot of the seed pods before they developed fully but still a lot dropped everywhere. Once they drop, it seems the other plants turn pale and growth slows. I need to go rake the large drifts of them. Random ones got caught in the mulch. Hoping the freeze made them sterile or I'll be pulling small trees out of the soil all summer.
Here's a good thing- I hope. The neighbors across the street moved out just after the 1st of the month. They were the loudest people on the neighborhood. I also suspected they were dealing drugs. Not out of the house or I would have compiled evidence and turned it in to police. Just seemed too strange that multiple adults in the house and none had a regular job. They arrived and left dozens of times each day. There's an 8-9 ft tall fence in front of the house and they had a mean, loud dog. One neighbor said they stole firewood from him. Whatever. They're someone else's problem now. Hoping whoever moves in there next is better. Not really counting on anyone moving in there soon. Not an attractive house and not one easily fixed up.
Guess I should do something constructive here.
Friday, April 15, 2011
Recovered phone
Yesterday morning, my phone fell out of my pocket on the way to work. A bus driver found it. He said it was in the middle of the street. I find that unlikely but I did get the phone back today.
Things moving at work, if slowly. The Major made some calls today to speed things along. I have all the mandatory computer courses completed which I am able to access. Waiting for other people to get a move on so I can complete the rest. Cannot believe it has taken two weeks already. Maybe Monday.
Knee is much better. I'll try going without the support tomorrow.
Looks like some of the corn recovered from the cold snap. Strawberries aren't looking so hot. Not sure if that's from weather, soil, fertilizer or insects. Dug one up yesterday, planted it in some straight compost. Hope it's not too hot. Give it a few days and see what happens.
Funny. Thing I rather least expected to be doing best is what seems to be growing most effectively. Potatoes. No worries. They'll help keep the soil moist and the tops will eventually offer shade to some smaller plants as they grow.
Broccoli, peas and lettuce are finally growing.
The dog has had access to the garden for a few days now but has not been digging. Give it a few more days and if she behaves, I'll take the fence down.
No extra work this week but at least I have a night I can relax. Don't have to be up at 5 AM. Have enough to live on until I get paid. Of course, not extravagantly and I'll be paying a large amount of money in overdraft fees by then. Really sucks. But I'll survive.
Things moving at work, if slowly. The Major made some calls today to speed things along. I have all the mandatory computer courses completed which I am able to access. Waiting for other people to get a move on so I can complete the rest. Cannot believe it has taken two weeks already. Maybe Monday.
Knee is much better. I'll try going without the support tomorrow.
Looks like some of the corn recovered from the cold snap. Strawberries aren't looking so hot. Not sure if that's from weather, soil, fertilizer or insects. Dug one up yesterday, planted it in some straight compost. Hope it's not too hot. Give it a few days and see what happens.
Funny. Thing I rather least expected to be doing best is what seems to be growing most effectively. Potatoes. No worries. They'll help keep the soil moist and the tops will eventually offer shade to some smaller plants as they grow.
Broccoli, peas and lettuce are finally growing.
The dog has had access to the garden for a few days now but has not been digging. Give it a few more days and if she behaves, I'll take the fence down.
No extra work this week but at least I have a night I can relax. Don't have to be up at 5 AM. Have enough to live on until I get paid. Of course, not extravagantly and I'll be paying a large amount of money in overdraft fees by then. Really sucks. But I'll survive.
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Slightly different day
Had a slightly different day today. Phase of the moon or something?
My morning bus normally comes at least 5 minutes late. Which means I just barely miss the connecting bus and that causes me to wait for a later 3rd bus. Today the first bus arrived about 2 minutes late. I still missed the second bus by mere moments, so close I watched it pull away from the curb. That was because the people walking in front of me were walking very slowly and would not move to one side. In short, walking like New Mexicans. It's okay. For once, I didn't have to deal with one guy, about 60 years old, who paces slowly back and forth in front of me like he's waiting for me to ask him on a date or something like that. Every morning. Has never spoken to me. Creeps me out. (For the record, it would creep me out if a female was exhibiting the same behavior.)
Finally got the word that I can go get my computer access card tomorrow. Only problem is getting a military person give me a ride. Have to go on post and can't go without a military sponsor.
Still learning the job. Getting better at it. Quite a different world from what I'm used to.
Managed to catch an earlier bus home than usual. I've already watered the garden, fed the rabbits, washed and hung out laundry which I had soaking since this morning. Nice to get home at a decent time.
Knee is feeling better. Not pushing it yet. No urge to take steps backward in my recovery. (Pun intended.) For a couple of days that I'm aware of, I've been walking with my left foot a full 90 degree angle from the right foot. Really puts stress on muscles you don't normally use. The knee support from Dollar Tree really helps.
Even if I could afford a check valve right now, which I can't, it's still hard to get to a hardware store. Finally figured out the basics of how to make one using PVC piping and a rubber ball. I don't have a spring but may figure out a substitute. If not, it will still work with back pressure from the water. BTW, it's sometimes called a backcheck valve. Now that I know the basics of how to make one, it really amazes me how much commercial check valves cost! Rather ridiculous!
People have told me my perception is not accurate regarding local manners being poor. I have questioned myself as to how accurate my observations are. In the past, I have spoken with people from other places who affirm them. Still not enough. Now, working on the Air Force base, I have much stronger comparison. Most of the people on the base are from other places. Nearly every one has better manners than local natives or naturalized locals. The difference is so apparent that you can discern the difference just walking from the active duty section and through the VA hospital. The attitude, gait and manners deteriorate in the space of a few hundred yards. By the time you reach the front of the VA, it's apparent you're in Albuquerque. Truly amazing.
Want to call my daughter and still have to do dishes, so I'm done writing for the night.
My morning bus normally comes at least 5 minutes late. Which means I just barely miss the connecting bus and that causes me to wait for a later 3rd bus. Today the first bus arrived about 2 minutes late. I still missed the second bus by mere moments, so close I watched it pull away from the curb. That was because the people walking in front of me were walking very slowly and would not move to one side. In short, walking like New Mexicans. It's okay. For once, I didn't have to deal with one guy, about 60 years old, who paces slowly back and forth in front of me like he's waiting for me to ask him on a date or something like that. Every morning. Has never spoken to me. Creeps me out. (For the record, it would creep me out if a female was exhibiting the same behavior.)
Finally got the word that I can go get my computer access card tomorrow. Only problem is getting a military person give me a ride. Have to go on post and can't go without a military sponsor.
Still learning the job. Getting better at it. Quite a different world from what I'm used to.
Managed to catch an earlier bus home than usual. I've already watered the garden, fed the rabbits, washed and hung out laundry which I had soaking since this morning. Nice to get home at a decent time.
Knee is feeling better. Not pushing it yet. No urge to take steps backward in my recovery. (Pun intended.) For a couple of days that I'm aware of, I've been walking with my left foot a full 90 degree angle from the right foot. Really puts stress on muscles you don't normally use. The knee support from Dollar Tree really helps.
Even if I could afford a check valve right now, which I can't, it's still hard to get to a hardware store. Finally figured out the basics of how to make one using PVC piping and a rubber ball. I don't have a spring but may figure out a substitute. If not, it will still work with back pressure from the water. BTW, it's sometimes called a backcheck valve. Now that I know the basics of how to make one, it really amazes me how much commercial check valves cost! Rather ridiculous!
People have told me my perception is not accurate regarding local manners being poor. I have questioned myself as to how accurate my observations are. In the past, I have spoken with people from other places who affirm them. Still not enough. Now, working on the Air Force base, I have much stronger comparison. Most of the people on the base are from other places. Nearly every one has better manners than local natives or naturalized locals. The difference is so apparent that you can discern the difference just walking from the active duty section and through the VA hospital. The attitude, gait and manners deteriorate in the space of a few hundred yards. By the time you reach the front of the VA, it's apparent you're in Albuquerque. Truly amazing.
Want to call my daughter and still have to do dishes, so I'm done writing for the night.
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Wiped
I'm wiped. Was tired last night and went to bed early, got a little extra sleep. Still, worn out today. Had to force myself to go grocery shopping after work.
Think the biggest problem is still my knee. Left knee hurting has made me change my gait, putting more stress on both feet, the other leg and my left hip. Been wearing an ace wrap most of the day. Stopped at the dollar store and they had a soft knee support for $1. Got one and it seems to be helping a little.
However, I am still adjusting to being on the day shift and working five days a week again. Haven't really been eating or sleeping enough. Trying to change all that.
Finally got my fingerprints done this morning. Hope to get my computer card tomorrow.
Most of the garden is looking good. Except, surprisingly, the corn! Think the cold night on Sunday did a lot of the corn in. I may have to completely replant the corn. But going to wait a couple of weeks. See if the existing corn recovers plus see if weather warms up a bit more. Potatoes are looking surprisingly good, both red and russet. Some of the tomato plants appear to be recovering. Green bean vines keep growing and peas are coming up one at a time. Lettuce is still growing. Several pumpkin plants are looking hopeful. Think I'll plant a bunch of mini pumpkins in a few weeks. They last a really long time after harvesting.
Think I'll get to bed soon.
Think the biggest problem is still my knee. Left knee hurting has made me change my gait, putting more stress on both feet, the other leg and my left hip. Been wearing an ace wrap most of the day. Stopped at the dollar store and they had a soft knee support for $1. Got one and it seems to be helping a little.
However, I am still adjusting to being on the day shift and working five days a week again. Haven't really been eating or sleeping enough. Trying to change all that.
Finally got my fingerprints done this morning. Hope to get my computer card tomorrow.
Most of the garden is looking good. Except, surprisingly, the corn! Think the cold night on Sunday did a lot of the corn in. I may have to completely replant the corn. But going to wait a couple of weeks. See if the existing corn recovers plus see if weather warms up a bit more. Potatoes are looking surprisingly good, both red and russet. Some of the tomato plants appear to be recovering. Green bean vines keep growing and peas are coming up one at a time. Lettuce is still growing. Several pumpkin plants are looking hopeful. Think I'll plant a bunch of mini pumpkins in a few weeks. They last a really long time after harvesting.
Think I'll get to bed soon.
Monday, April 11, 2011
Survived
So, looks like the garden survived the night last night.
Still battling with the acidity issue. Tested the soil this evening when I got home and found it's still somewhat alkaline. Not as bad as before but too much so for very effective growth.
Good side is that the vinegar continues to get slowly stronger. So, used a few cups of vinegar mixed with the solution from the other day, put it in the hose sprayer and watered heavily. The original solution did some good, so I'm hoping the modified mixture does more good.
Soon as I can afford it, I want to get some seeds for ornamental corn and giant pumpkins. Daughter wants the ornamental corn when holidays come around. For me, after growing a 40 pound pumpkin last year, I'd like to try growing a couple of larger pumpkins. Funny, advice on growing giants advise using as much as 2500 sq ft for one plant! Um, no. I'll just see how big the largest one I can grow is.
Supposed to finally get my fingerprints done tomorrow. It took going all the way to the colonel to get it done. Ridiculous.
The other day, sent a scathing email to the new agency. I also wound up hanging up on one of the office people when they had lied to me once again. Today, got a call from the COO. Of course, he offered no apology but tried to exert his authority. I played along. I'm professional and will honor my contract. That is, as long as they do.
However, partway through this contract, I am going to talk to my first agency and see if it would be able to renew the contract through them. Of course, assuming they offer such.
Still battling with the acidity issue. Tested the soil this evening when I got home and found it's still somewhat alkaline. Not as bad as before but too much so for very effective growth.
Good side is that the vinegar continues to get slowly stronger. So, used a few cups of vinegar mixed with the solution from the other day, put it in the hose sprayer and watered heavily. The original solution did some good, so I'm hoping the modified mixture does more good.
Soon as I can afford it, I want to get some seeds for ornamental corn and giant pumpkins. Daughter wants the ornamental corn when holidays come around. For me, after growing a 40 pound pumpkin last year, I'd like to try growing a couple of larger pumpkins. Funny, advice on growing giants advise using as much as 2500 sq ft for one plant! Um, no. I'll just see how big the largest one I can grow is.
Supposed to finally get my fingerprints done tomorrow. It took going all the way to the colonel to get it done. Ridiculous.
The other day, sent a scathing email to the new agency. I also wound up hanging up on one of the office people when they had lied to me once again. Today, got a call from the COO. Of course, he offered no apology but tried to exert his authority. I played along. I'm professional and will honor my contract. That is, as long as they do.
However, partway through this contract, I am going to talk to my first agency and see if it would be able to renew the contract through them. Of course, assuming they offer such.
Possible frost
Well, it's possible there was frost last night. Cold this morning. Forecast for my immediate area was for below 30 last night. My thermometer read 26 this morning, though two weather stations say it's about 40. Not sure my thermometer is remotely correct and saw no signs of ice in the dog or rabbit water.
If it did drop below freezing then I can only hope the mulch insulated low crops enough to save them. Otherwise, I'll be replanting most of the garden soon.
I hate New Mexico.
Happy the budget was worked out enough to keep my civilian coworkers from being furloughed. For their benefit most of all. For my own after that. Haven't learned enough of procedures to be independent. Don't have my own access to computers yet. Things would get done but be difficult.
Almost to the bus station.
If it did drop below freezing then I can only hope the mulch insulated low crops enough to save them. Otherwise, I'll be replanting most of the garden soon.
I hate New Mexico.
Happy the budget was worked out enough to keep my civilian coworkers from being furloughed. For their benefit most of all. For my own after that. Haven't learned enough of procedures to be independent. Don't have my own access to computers yet. Things would get done but be difficult.
Almost to the bus station.
Sunday, April 10, 2011
Knee news and air dance
Had to do some refresher reading on knee structure but figured out what the problem is. Not one but two partially torn ligaments. LCL and PCL. Not good but happy they're only partially torn. Tried a soft knee brace but it didn't do much good. So went old school and started wrapping it with an ace wrap. That's doing the trick, compressing the ligaments and giving them a chance to reattach. A lot less pain. When not walking around, wrapping it with a heat wrap to increase circulation. I've had lots of torn ligaments and tendons in my life and rarely did much about it. In this case it was getting worse and had potential to become disabling. Had to do something.
Daughter loved the air dance performance last night. It was very artfully done. True to form, she started making friends as soon as she walked in the building. Met another girl around her age there. They sat on the floor front and center. I really think the people around them enjoyed the show more for the enthused reactions from those two.
Before the show, during intermission and after the show, she had a blast feeding the two donkeys which hung their heads over the back fence of the parking lot. We went back twice today so she could visit the donkeys again.
Recent temps have been rather cool. Barely rose above 50 today. Forecast says it could go down to frost level tonight. Hoping all the seedlings growing survive. I think most of the tomato plants have just died off. Glad I started more seeds a few weeks ago. Now have about 30 seedlings growing. Should be a good size to transplant out by the time the weather is more hospitable for tomatoes.
With present finances, I have a budget of about $10 a day to live on for the next two weeks. However, I'm overdrawn at the bank and running the risk of the check for the gas bill being returned. Don't care for the idea of gas being turned off. And the longer I'm overdrawn, the more expensive it becomes. Still hoping to pick up a few hours with local agency. It will mean going with very little sleep for a day or two but just have to suck it up.
For tonight, want to get to bed fairly early. Just in case.
Daughter loved the air dance performance last night. It was very artfully done. True to form, she started making friends as soon as she walked in the building. Met another girl around her age there. They sat on the floor front and center. I really think the people around them enjoyed the show more for the enthused reactions from those two.
Before the show, during intermission and after the show, she had a blast feeding the two donkeys which hung their heads over the back fence of the parking lot. We went back twice today so she could visit the donkeys again.
Recent temps have been rather cool. Barely rose above 50 today. Forecast says it could go down to frost level tonight. Hoping all the seedlings growing survive. I think most of the tomato plants have just died off. Glad I started more seeds a few weeks ago. Now have about 30 seedlings growing. Should be a good size to transplant out by the time the weather is more hospitable for tomatoes.
With present finances, I have a budget of about $10 a day to live on for the next two weeks. However, I'm overdrawn at the bank and running the risk of the check for the gas bill being returned. Don't care for the idea of gas being turned off. And the longer I'm overdrawn, the more expensive it becomes. Still hoping to pick up a few hours with local agency. It will mean going with very little sleep for a day or two but just have to suck it up.
For tonight, want to get to bed fairly early. Just in case.
Friday, April 8, 2011
Chaos
Chaos all around.
One week after starting to work with the AF, the government is shutting down. I will still be employed but some others will be furloughed as of Monday morning. Military members have half their pay for the month frozen. People on training will be called back to their units and scheduled training is canceled. Routine medical appointments not yet scheduled will be denied and only acute problems treated.
Meanwhile, one coworker being sent to Afghanistan has had to give up time off with her family.
I still don't have my fingerprints done or military time sheets. Person who could do time sheets wasn't there today. Not sure if she's being furloughed. Fingerprints? Not sure if and when at all. Which means no computer access.
I let fly on the agency this morning. More lies. The prepaid debit card has turned into a check. On Wed I was told it was mailed on Tue. Today I was told it was mailed on Wed.
It's now after 8 PM. Directed traffic at the dance studio for an hour, until the show started. Then the owner said he didn't need me to stay longer.
Just as well. My knee is killing me. Wrapped it with an ace before directing parking.
Bonus check finally got here. A bit late but at least I have something to survive on until the 25th. Going to tell the 2nd agency I'm available for short evening shifts all next week.
Garden is picking up speed. Not sure how much that will last with the winds forecast for the next couple of days. Tomorrow supposed to be gusting as high as 60 mph.
Going to get a decent amount of sleep tonight and clean house in the morning.
One week after starting to work with the AF, the government is shutting down. I will still be employed but some others will be furloughed as of Monday morning. Military members have half their pay for the month frozen. People on training will be called back to their units and scheduled training is canceled. Routine medical appointments not yet scheduled will be denied and only acute problems treated.
Meanwhile, one coworker being sent to Afghanistan has had to give up time off with her family.
I still don't have my fingerprints done or military time sheets. Person who could do time sheets wasn't there today. Not sure if she's being furloughed. Fingerprints? Not sure if and when at all. Which means no computer access.
I let fly on the agency this morning. More lies. The prepaid debit card has turned into a check. On Wed I was told it was mailed on Tue. Today I was told it was mailed on Wed.
It's now after 8 PM. Directed traffic at the dance studio for an hour, until the show started. Then the owner said he didn't need me to stay longer.
Just as well. My knee is killing me. Wrapped it with an ace before directing parking.
Bonus check finally got here. A bit late but at least I have something to survive on until the 25th. Going to tell the 2nd agency I'm available for short evening shifts all next week.
Garden is picking up speed. Not sure how much that will last with the winds forecast for the next couple of days. Tomorrow supposed to be gusting as high as 60 mph.
Going to get a decent amount of sleep tonight and clean house in the morning.
Thursday, April 7, 2011
Forward movement
Saw some advances today. Finally got my key which allows me to get into my own office. That's been an interesting situation, having my own office but having to rely on other people to unlock it.
Was told this morning that my background check is done. Hospital commander has to sign something. This afternoon, was told they will do my fingerprints, after all.
Rained a small amount here today. Not much here. Seems it rained much more close to the mountains.
Seeing more growth now. Some lettuce which is becoming identifiable as such. Lots of other things getting taller. Few green bean vines getting just long enough to start trying to climb the trellises.
Went to direct traffic at the dance studio for the show tonight. Then they started having plumbing problems backstage. Helped check the outdoor pipes. They were okay. Then I watched the parking lot while the owner and the other guy directing traffic (also the handyman) were trying to figure the problem out inside. Feel bad for the people doing the show. First night of the first show the building was designed for and plumbing problems occur.
Still no bonus in today's mail. I emailed the recruiter to tell him if it's not in the mail tomorrow, I won't be at work on Monday.
On reflection, I'm sure if that happens, this agency loses their contract. Chances are that means not just the contract for this clinic, not just this hospital but the whole Air Force. That's how the military works. Too bad for them. They've lied to me, tried to hide information, failed to fix problems they know exist and refused to listen to multiple people. If something negative happens, it has been within their control.
I need to get to bed.
Was told this morning that my background check is done. Hospital commander has to sign something. This afternoon, was told they will do my fingerprints, after all.
Rained a small amount here today. Not much here. Seems it rained much more close to the mountains.
Seeing more growth now. Some lettuce which is becoming identifiable as such. Lots of other things getting taller. Few green bean vines getting just long enough to start trying to climb the trellises.
Went to direct traffic at the dance studio for the show tonight. Then they started having plumbing problems backstage. Helped check the outdoor pipes. They were okay. Then I watched the parking lot while the owner and the other guy directing traffic (also the handyman) were trying to figure the problem out inside. Feel bad for the people doing the show. First night of the first show the building was designed for and plumbing problems occur.
Still no bonus in today's mail. I emailed the recruiter to tell him if it's not in the mail tomorrow, I won't be at work on Monday.
On reflection, I'm sure if that happens, this agency loses their contract. Chances are that means not just the contract for this clinic, not just this hospital but the whole Air Force. That's how the military works. Too bad for them. They've lied to me, tried to hide information, failed to fix problems they know exist and refused to listen to multiple people. If something negative happens, it has been within their control.
I need to get to bed.
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Unfulfilled promises
Seems like a day for unfulfilled promises all around.
Still no answer about the fingerprints. Waiting for an answer from one person. Agency is just dropping the ball completely.
Haven't received the bonus yet. Called this morning and now told they didn't send it until I worked two complete shifts. So they didn't mail it until Tue morning. Allegedly. I've reached the point where I don't trust this agency. I'm making the decision that if the bonus doesn't arrive in the mail tomorrow, I just won't work again until it does arrive.
This afternoon, the weather has been cloudy and looking like it would rain. So far, saw a few sprinkles on the windows of the bus but nothing more. More wind, of course.
Deep watering yesterday had a little effect but not a lot. Still surface watered this evening. May be having a problem with whiteflies or aphids attacking small plants. Mixed up some insecticidal soap, garlic water, fertilizer, liquid calcium and dissolved iron tablets. Not a strong solution. Put them in the hose mounted sprayer before watering.
Legs are feeling much better. I'm back to taking stairs 2 at a time. At least for one flight. Office is on the second floor and I have to go up and down them numerous times a day. Less and less pain. Hoping to have none soon.
Also hope some of those promises get fulfilled tomorrow.
Not too much going on tonight. Have to do dishes.
Still no answer about the fingerprints. Waiting for an answer from one person. Agency is just dropping the ball completely.
Haven't received the bonus yet. Called this morning and now told they didn't send it until I worked two complete shifts. So they didn't mail it until Tue morning. Allegedly. I've reached the point where I don't trust this agency. I'm making the decision that if the bonus doesn't arrive in the mail tomorrow, I just won't work again until it does arrive.
This afternoon, the weather has been cloudy and looking like it would rain. So far, saw a few sprinkles on the windows of the bus but nothing more. More wind, of course.
Deep watering yesterday had a little effect but not a lot. Still surface watered this evening. May be having a problem with whiteflies or aphids attacking small plants. Mixed up some insecticidal soap, garlic water, fertilizer, liquid calcium and dissolved iron tablets. Not a strong solution. Put them in the hose mounted sprayer before watering.
Legs are feeling much better. I'm back to taking stairs 2 at a time. At least for one flight. Office is on the second floor and I have to go up and down them numerous times a day. Less and less pain. Hoping to have none soon.
Also hope some of those promises get fulfilled tomorrow.
Not too much going on tonight. Have to do dishes.
Unfulfilled promises
Seems like a day for unfulfilled promises all around.
Still no answer about the fingerprints. Waiting for an answer from one person. Agency is just dropping the ball completely.
Haven't received the bonus yet. Called this morning and now told they didn't send it until I worked two complete shifts. So they didn't mail it until Tue morning. Allegedly. I've reached the point where I don't trust this agency. I'm making the decision that if the bonus doesn't arrive in the mail tomorrow, I just won't work again until it does arrive.
This afternoon, the weather has been cloudy and looking like it would rain. So far, saw a few sprinkles on the windows of the bus but nothing more. More wind, of course.
Deep watering yesterday had a little effect but not a lot. Still surface watered this evening. May be having a problem with whiteflies or aphids attacking small plants. Mixed up some insecticidal soap, garlic water, fertilizer, liquid calcium and dissolved iron tablets. Not a strong solution. Put them in the hose mounted sprayer before watering.
Legs are feeling much better. I'm back to taking stairs 2 at a time. At least for one flight. Office is on the second floor and I have to go up and down them numerous times a day. Less and less pain. Hoping to have none soon.
Also hope some of those promises get fulfilled tomorrow.
Not too much going on tonight. Have to do dishes.
Still no answer about the fingerprints. Waiting for an answer from one person. Agency is just dropping the ball completely.
Haven't received the bonus yet. Called this morning and now told they didn't send it until I worked two complete shifts. So they didn't mail it until Tue morning. Allegedly. I've reached the point where I don't trust this agency. I'm making the decision that if the bonus doesn't arrive in the mail tomorrow, I just won't work again until it does arrive.
This afternoon, the weather has been cloudy and looking like it would rain. So far, saw a few sprinkles on the windows of the bus but nothing more. More wind, of course.
Deep watering yesterday had a little effect but not a lot. Still surface watered this evening. May be having a problem with whiteflies or aphids attacking small plants. Mixed up some insecticidal soap, garlic water, fertilizer, liquid calcium and dissolved iron tablets. Not a strong solution. Put them in the hose mounted sprayer before watering.
Legs are feeling much better. I'm back to taking stairs 2 at a time. At least for one flight. Office is on the second floor and I have to go up and down them numerous times a day. Less and less pain. Hoping to have none soon.
Also hope some of those promises get fulfilled tomorrow.
Not too much going on tonight. Have to do dishes.
Unfulfilled promises
Seems like a day for unfulfilled promises all around.
Still no answer about the fingerprints. Waiting for an answer from one person. Agency is just dropping the ball completely.
Haven't received the bonus yet. Called this morning and now told they didn't send it until I worked two complete shifts. So they didn't mail it until Tue morning. Allegedly. I've reached the point where I don't trust this agency. I'm making the decision that if the bonus doesn't arrive in the mail tomorrow, I just won't work again until it does arrive.
This afternoon, the weather has been cloudy and looking like it would rain. So far, saw a few sprinkles on the windows of the bus but nothing more. More wind, of course.
Deep watering yesterday had a little effect but not a lot. Still surface watered this evening. May be having a problem with whiteflies or aphids attacking small plants. Mixed up some insecticidal soap, garlic water, fertilizer, liquid calcium and dissolved iron tablets. Not a strong solution. Put them in the hose mounted sprayer before watering.
Legs are feeling much better. I'm back to taking stairs 2 at a time. At least for one flight. Office is on the second floor and I have to go up and down them numerous times a day. Less and less pain. Hoping to have none soon.
Also hope some of those promises get fulfilled tomorrow.
Not too much going on tonight. Have to do dishes.
Still no answer about the fingerprints. Waiting for an answer from one person. Agency is just dropping the ball completely.
Haven't received the bonus yet. Called this morning and now told they didn't send it until I worked two complete shifts. So they didn't mail it until Tue morning. Allegedly. I've reached the point where I don't trust this agency. I'm making the decision that if the bonus doesn't arrive in the mail tomorrow, I just won't work again until it does arrive.
This afternoon, the weather has been cloudy and looking like it would rain. So far, saw a few sprinkles on the windows of the bus but nothing more. More wind, of course.
Deep watering yesterday had a little effect but not a lot. Still surface watered this evening. May be having a problem with whiteflies or aphids attacking small plants. Mixed up some insecticidal soap, garlic water, fertilizer, liquid calcium and dissolved iron tablets. Not a strong solution. Put them in the hose mounted sprayer before watering.
Legs are feeling much better. I'm back to taking stairs 2 at a time. At least for one flight. Office is on the second floor and I have to go up and down them numerous times a day. Less and less pain. Hoping to have none soon.
Also hope some of those promises get fulfilled tomorrow.
Not too much going on tonight. Have to do dishes.
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
Saturation
While the soil has warmed up enough for things to grow, the lack of moisture is still a problem. The soil in the north garden still has a high concentration of clay in spite of all the compost and mulch. It does have enough organic material that it remains loose. However, it's difficult to get water to penetrate down below the surface. The deep soil is moist and I've been watering the surface. In between that is a dry area. So tonight I watered very heavily, until the first few inches of soil were saturated. That does also help drive the minute particles of mulch further down into the soil.
Didn't get all the spinach planted as planned but some of it. I was tired.
Also went ahead and planted about 10 pumpkin plants. The roots grow really fast. Even though the leaves had just shown above the surface, the roots had coiled around the bottom of the cups. So planted and covered them well with mulch. Gives them a chance to harden off naturally.
Still haven't gotten my fingerprints done. Now they say they don't do contractor prints on base any more. They want the agency to pay for it. Called the agency but they're dense. Hope to get things straight tomorrow.
Didn't get all the spinach planted as planned but some of it. I was tired.
Also went ahead and planted about 10 pumpkin plants. The roots grow really fast. Even though the leaves had just shown above the surface, the roots had coiled around the bottom of the cups. So planted and covered them well with mulch. Gives them a chance to harden off naturally.
Still haven't gotten my fingerprints done. Now they say they don't do contractor prints on base any more. They want the agency to pay for it. Called the agency but they're dense. Hope to get things straight tomorrow.
Monday, April 4, 2011
Bit more done
Got a bit more of my in-processing done today. The one thing blocking me is getting my fingerprints done. Which has to be done on the main AF base. The sergeant over me drove me there this afternoon after being unable to get an answer on the phone all morning. When we got there, one of the people who work there was just walking back into work from lunch at about 1:30. He told us the guy (singular) who does fingerprints wasn't there today.
There are several other parts of the in-processing which I can't finish until I get that done and get a security card which follows. I think they must run prints through the FBI database or something. No biggie. I won't have access to any secure information and don't want to. However, I will be treating people who have high security positions. So just my access to people with access means I have to have security clearance.
Looks like I'll probably be overdrawn at the bank. Haven't received the bonus I was supposed to get. Not sure if the agency hasn't sent it or if the mailman didn't deliver it. For a while, I had the mailbox sitting on top of stacked loose cinder blocks. The mailman told me it had to be a certain height but said nothing else. After I set it in concrete and mortared it together, he left a note saying it needs to be moved forward 2 feet. This is the same one who didn't deliver my mail when neighbors parked in front of the box, prompting me to move the box. It really looks like he's just looking for excuses to not deliver mail. But then the agency sounded buggy about paying the bonus. I haven't even received time sheets from them yet.
Any way, check to the gas company will probably bounce now. And to have money to survive on, I need to withdraw the rest of what's in the bank. No way to know when the bonus will arrive and can't do without food and bus fare.
People at work told me they haven't been happy with this agency. No problem with the nurses, just the agency.
Got home to find the dog had gotten through the fence and dug in the garden in several places.
On the other hand, things are still growing in spite of winds and a cold night followed by a cold day today. Green beans are looking hopeful. Flower plants keep getting taller and more showing through.
All the spinach seeds have sprouted. So have several pumpkin seeds. Have to plant them out this week but had to do laundry tonight. I'll try planting some in shady areas and mulching others directly over the plants. Less urgent for pumpkin plants because they're in larger containers. Spinach are in tiny peat containers.
Have to get to bed early because I have to get up around 5 AM or earlier.
There are several other parts of the in-processing which I can't finish until I get that done and get a security card which follows. I think they must run prints through the FBI database or something. No biggie. I won't have access to any secure information and don't want to. However, I will be treating people who have high security positions. So just my access to people with access means I have to have security clearance.
Looks like I'll probably be overdrawn at the bank. Haven't received the bonus I was supposed to get. Not sure if the agency hasn't sent it or if the mailman didn't deliver it. For a while, I had the mailbox sitting on top of stacked loose cinder blocks. The mailman told me it had to be a certain height but said nothing else. After I set it in concrete and mortared it together, he left a note saying it needs to be moved forward 2 feet. This is the same one who didn't deliver my mail when neighbors parked in front of the box, prompting me to move the box. It really looks like he's just looking for excuses to not deliver mail. But then the agency sounded buggy about paying the bonus. I haven't even received time sheets from them yet.
Any way, check to the gas company will probably bounce now. And to have money to survive on, I need to withdraw the rest of what's in the bank. No way to know when the bonus will arrive and can't do without food and bus fare.
People at work told me they haven't been happy with this agency. No problem with the nurses, just the agency.
Got home to find the dog had gotten through the fence and dug in the garden in several places.
On the other hand, things are still growing in spite of winds and a cold night followed by a cold day today. Green beans are looking hopeful. Flower plants keep getting taller and more showing through.
All the spinach seeds have sprouted. So have several pumpkin seeds. Have to plant them out this week but had to do laundry tonight. I'll try planting some in shady areas and mulching others directly over the plants. Less urgent for pumpkin plants because they're in larger containers. Spinach are in tiny peat containers.
Have to get to bed early because I have to get up around 5 AM or earlier.
Sunday, April 3, 2011
Sandstorm
There was a little wind this morning, not too bad. Daughter and I did some stuff outside. Went for a short walk. While I was filtering compost, she made a "pond" and played with dinosaurs in and around it. Wind slowly picked up. It was nearly time for lunch and I decided wind was getting too strong. Only 2-3 minutes after we came in, we heard gusting winds hitting the house, actually shaking the cinder block. Looked out and saw the air had become hazy, trees bending, leaves being ripped off the limbs. We came in at just the right moment!
Been like that ever since. We did walk over to the grocery store. She wanted a donut and had been asking for eggs all weekend. (Eggs I had had turned.) So I made her wear a dust mask to protect against an asthma attack. She was okay with that.
She was really cute when we walked this morning. Took a pair of play binoculars and some paper stapled together and was bird watching and drawing birds. I took some flower seeds and spread them. Happily, some people were using the aqueducts to irrigate, so the seeds spread on the edges of irrigation trenches have a good chance of growing.
Daughter has been drawing and building all weekend. Cutting, hammering, creating. Most often turning down my help. She seems to be seeking my pride and approval. Something she always has and I do not fail to tell her this. She keeps telling me how much she wants to be like me in many ways. Wants to cook like me, build like me..
I'm kind of wondering what's going on here. Seems like something less than completely obvious and she's not expressing it. I'll have to keep asking questions and listening between the lines.
Ex picked her up a short while ago. Now I have a ton of paperwork to do. Actually have to study and do an open book test. And fill out a job and address history for the security section of the clinic. Dang government. Do the best I can with it. I can't even remember all my past employers and addresses.
I used a banged up shopping cart to filter the compost today. Came out with several buckets of very good quality potting soil. Had run out of commercial potting soil but this is as high or higher quality. Should work really well for planting.
Been like that ever since. We did walk over to the grocery store. She wanted a donut and had been asking for eggs all weekend. (Eggs I had had turned.) So I made her wear a dust mask to protect against an asthma attack. She was okay with that.
She was really cute when we walked this morning. Took a pair of play binoculars and some paper stapled together and was bird watching and drawing birds. I took some flower seeds and spread them. Happily, some people were using the aqueducts to irrigate, so the seeds spread on the edges of irrigation trenches have a good chance of growing.
Daughter has been drawing and building all weekend. Cutting, hammering, creating. Most often turning down my help. She seems to be seeking my pride and approval. Something she always has and I do not fail to tell her this. She keeps telling me how much she wants to be like me in many ways. Wants to cook like me, build like me..
I'm kind of wondering what's going on here. Seems like something less than completely obvious and she's not expressing it. I'll have to keep asking questions and listening between the lines.
Ex picked her up a short while ago. Now I have a ton of paperwork to do. Actually have to study and do an open book test. And fill out a job and address history for the security section of the clinic. Dang government. Do the best I can with it. I can't even remember all my past employers and addresses.
I used a banged up shopping cart to filter the compost today. Came out with several buckets of very good quality potting soil. Had run out of commercial potting soil but this is as high or higher quality. Should work really well for planting.
Saturday, April 2, 2011
Heat wave
So the weather went straight to a heat wave. Temp today exceeded 80. Supposed to do so again tomorrow, with lots of wind. Kind of breezy today, so it didn't feel too hot.
My daughter was in a good mood today. Kind of goofy but happy! She had fun playing around here and being with me. Didn't want to go anywhere except to go eat. Didn't want to go play with her friends. I think the long days she's been having since her mother started working have had an effect where she needs some time with less activity and external stimuli. I'm glad because she has the drive to remain balanced. Still such an awesome kid! She's been doing more artwork and creative acttivities lately. Seems like that's her release. I'm all for it.
She's in bed now. I have to wait for her to fall asleep so I can turn the radio off or I can't get to sleep.
Told the ex about the new job and when I get paid. I didn't ask but she let me keep part of the child support, which was really nice of her. I told her I may not be able to replace it before the 25th but she still let me keep it. If I can manage some extra money on the side I will give it back.
Gotta get to bed.
My daughter was in a good mood today. Kind of goofy but happy! She had fun playing around here and being with me. Didn't want to go anywhere except to go eat. Didn't want to go play with her friends. I think the long days she's been having since her mother started working have had an effect where she needs some time with less activity and external stimuli. I'm glad because she has the drive to remain balanced. Still such an awesome kid! She's been doing more artwork and creative acttivities lately. Seems like that's her release. I'm all for it.
She's in bed now. I have to wait for her to fall asleep so I can turn the radio off or I can't get to sleep.
Told the ex about the new job and when I get paid. I didn't ask but she let me keep part of the child support, which was really nice of her. I told her I may not be able to replace it before the 25th but she still let me keep it. If I can manage some extra money on the side I will give it back.
Gotta get to bed.
Friday, April 1, 2011
Chicken chili
Home before the sun went down. No shift tonight. That's okay, my legs still hurt. Nearly 3 weeks now.
I really enjoyed the day today and look forward to working there. The people were nice, polite and showed respect for each other. I got lost a couple of times looking for offices and each time someone helped me, often officers. Though I was mistaken for a doctor numerous times. That's okay, if it gets more respect and cooperation! I did correct the assumptions but got no less help or respect. Nice! Of course, the behavior was returned with lots of enthusiasm on my part.
Tired and hungry. Making a pot of chicken chili and white rice. First time trying the chicken chili thing.
Dog was happy to see me come home. Though that seems mostly because she wanted inside the house. The dog doesn't like being outside very much, even on a warm day like today.
Not much going on tonight. Just watching TV, take a bath, go to bed.
I really enjoyed the day today and look forward to working there. The people were nice, polite and showed respect for each other. I got lost a couple of times looking for offices and each time someone helped me, often officers. Though I was mistaken for a doctor numerous times. That's okay, if it gets more respect and cooperation! I did correct the assumptions but got no less help or respect. Nice! Of course, the behavior was returned with lots of enthusiasm on my part.
Tired and hungry. Making a pot of chicken chili and white rice. First time trying the chicken chili thing.
Dog was happy to see me come home. Though that seems mostly because she wanted inside the house. The dog doesn't like being outside very much, even on a warm day like today.
Not much going on tonight. Just watching TV, take a bath, go to bed.
Orienting
So, got to the new job this morning. All morning, been going from office to office, getting signed off on in-processing as only the military can do it. But half the people who need to sign me off aren't here. Some of it will have to be done on Monday.
Looks like this should be pretty cool. I have my own office! From the looks of things, no small part of my job will be mostly autonomous. I answer directly to a Major. Now I just have to finish getting through the beaureaucracy so I can get to work.
On the other side of things, my pay was nearly $100 lower than I expected. Leaves me even shorter than before. May wind up with only $200 to live on for 3 weeks. I can do it but it really sucks. Hoping to pick up a partial shift tonight. Going to direct traffic for the dance studio parking lot next weekend. Make some money, cash under the table. Less than $100 but it will help me survive.
Going to get back in and fill out more paperwork, get this stage over with.
Looks like this should be pretty cool. I have my own office! From the looks of things, no small part of my job will be mostly autonomous. I answer directly to a Major. Now I just have to finish getting through the beaureaucracy so I can get to work.
On the other side of things, my pay was nearly $100 lower than I expected. Leaves me even shorter than before. May wind up with only $200 to live on for 3 weeks. I can do it but it really sucks. Hoping to pick up a partial shift tonight. Going to direct traffic for the dance studio parking lot next weekend. Make some money, cash under the table. Less than $100 but it will help me survive.
Going to get back in and fill out more paperwork, get this stage over with.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
