Went to orientation at the new job today. The part in house didn't take long, just a couple of hours. Part will take place on paper or cd-rom but we still get paid for it, so we get a total of 8 hours for orientation.
Tomorrow, have to go back for 8 hours of wound care training.
Got back home by 1 PM.
Decided to use tarps for the rest of the awnings. Easier, inexpensive, go up quickly and safer should the winds get too strong. I had used tarps last year but attached them directly to the house and stakes. They got torn apart by the winds. This time, decided to basically suspend the tarps on ropes and tie the ropes between the roof and stakes in the ground. That removes most of the direct tension on the tarps. Leaving a space at the top, between the house and the tarp allows heat to escape, even if the solar chimney effect doesn't work well.
Got a number of them hung up today. Still need to hang a couple more. Maybe Fri. As it is, the tarps provide shade to much of the outer walls of the house in addition to the windows. Made some difference today. Maybe not as much as it will in the future because it was late in the day before I got done, so the house had already heated up. Still, the difference could be felt. Makes an even bigger difference since I have the awnings outside and curtains inside.
I focused on the most used and open parts of the house. The office and my daughter's room can be closed off most of the time.
In a few weeks, going to install at least one wind turbine on the roof. Turbine itself isn't expensive, less than $40. However, other parts and equipment are necessary for the installation.
Need a bath. Being on the roof was really hot.
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Okay, so I came up with some plans for a shade structure. Right now, my biggest concern is the weight. I have nothing resembling a crane or lift and no place in the right area where I can hang a pulley. I can't hold up the pallets and support the structure while bolting it together. Once part of it is constructed, I can use the structure itself to help support the weight as I extend it. For now, I'm working on a method to build one upward section at a time, then bolt them together. Each section will help support the other sections.
Still, I have to go buy some deck screws or 4" nails.
Once it's up, I'm considering stapling sections of tarp near the top. Probably try that on one section before doing the whole thing. With the dark color of the tarp, my hope is to achieve a solar chimney effect. Leaving the top open will help decrease wind resistance, as well.
If the whole thing is sound enough, it can be painted later and maybe cover it with other material for winter and help insulate the house. If the idea works well enough, I'll add large bolts to stabilize it more in coming months.
I also figure I may hang misting water lines from the underside of the structure. With natural ventilation, it would result in a huge swamp cooler effect. Coupled with a solar chimney effect at the top, I'm hoping it will cool the house. I'll have to add one element at a time and assess before going to the next step.
Have to catch a bus in a few minutes. Unfortunately, no place in easy walking distance to buy nails and screws.Okay, so I came up with some plans for a shade structure. Right now, my biggest concern is the weight. I have nothing resembling a crane or lift and no place in the right area where I can hang a pulley. I can't hold up the pallets and support the structure while bolting it together. Once part of it is constructed, I can use the structure itself to help support the weight as I extend it. For now, I'm working on a method to build one upward section at a time, then bolt them together. Each section will help support the other sections.
Still, I have to go buy some deck screws or 4" nails.
Once it's up, I'm considering stapling sections of tarp near the top. Probably try that on one section before doing the whole thing. With the dark color of the tarp, my hope is to achieve a solar chimney effect. Leaving the top open will help decrease wind resistance, as well.
If the whole thing is sound enough, it can be painted later and maybe cover it with other material for winter and help insulate the house. If the idea works well enough, I'll add large bolts to stabilize it more in coming months.
I also figure I may hang misting water lines from the underside of the structure. With natural ventilation, it would result in a huge swamp cooler effect. Coupled with a solar chimney effect at the top, I'm hoping it will cool the house. I'll have to add one element at a time and assess before going to the next step.
Have to catch a bus in a few minutes. Unfortunately, no place in easy walking distance to buy nails and screws.
Still, I have to go buy some deck screws or 4" nails.
Once it's up, I'm considering stapling sections of tarp near the top. Probably try that on one section before doing the whole thing. With the dark color of the tarp, my hope is to achieve a solar chimney effect. Leaving the top open will help decrease wind resistance, as well.
If the whole thing is sound enough, it can be painted later and maybe cover it with other material for winter and help insulate the house. If the idea works well enough, I'll add large bolts to stabilize it more in coming months.
I also figure I may hang misting water lines from the underside of the structure. With natural ventilation, it would result in a huge swamp cooler effect. Coupled with a solar chimney effect at the top, I'm hoping it will cool the house. I'll have to add one element at a time and assess before going to the next step.
Have to catch a bus in a few minutes. Unfortunately, no place in easy walking distance to buy nails and screws.Okay, so I came up with some plans for a shade structure. Right now, my biggest concern is the weight. I have nothing resembling a crane or lift and no place in the right area where I can hang a pulley. I can't hold up the pallets and support the structure while bolting it together. Once part of it is constructed, I can use the structure itself to help support the weight as I extend it. For now, I'm working on a method to build one upward section at a time, then bolt them together. Each section will help support the other sections.
Still, I have to go buy some deck screws or 4" nails.
Once it's up, I'm considering stapling sections of tarp near the top. Probably try that on one section before doing the whole thing. With the dark color of the tarp, my hope is to achieve a solar chimney effect. Leaving the top open will help decrease wind resistance, as well.
If the whole thing is sound enough, it can be painted later and maybe cover it with other material for winter and help insulate the house. If the idea works well enough, I'll add large bolts to stabilize it more in coming months.
I also figure I may hang misting water lines from the underside of the structure. With natural ventilation, it would result in a huge swamp cooler effect. Coupled with a solar chimney effect at the top, I'm hoping it will cool the house. I'll have to add one element at a time and assess before going to the next step.
Have to catch a bus in a few minutes. Unfortunately, no place in easy walking distance to buy nails and screws.
Monday, June 27, 2011
Went to fill out paperwork this morning. Up til this morning, the job offer hadn't been formalized but it was today. Then they wrote down and showed me what my pay will be. Suffice it to say I will be back at the top 1% of the pay scale for LPN/LVN's nationwide. And that's before doing any agency work on the side!
So I'm getting excited. Means I'll be fully back on my feet financially in only a few weeks. At last! Some big priorities will be to sock money into savings, get a vehicle and get solar and wind power installed. By sometime in Sept, the ex's vehicle will be paid off. Then I can divert the money to paying my student loans off completely as fast as is practical.
The ex has been reasonable about the child support for a long time. Told her today I'll be increasing the child support once I start getting paid. Then go up a little more after the SUV is paid off.
Started doing some calculating. It will take a bit to have enough solar panels to operate things effectively. Even the small dorm fridge needs 130 watts of power. The panels at Harbor Freight are 45 watt panels. Which means it will take 3 sets to run the fridge alone. Bummer. More than that to run the large fridge. Looks like the generator is going to be around a bit longer.
Went and had fingerprints done for the third time in 14 months. Funny, they didn't ask for a urine drug screen.
Went to the plasma center, presumably for the last time.
Picked up some fireworks for the 4th for daughter and me. Not a whole lot but a decent amount.
Then, while at the bus station, wound up with a heavy duty case of heat exhaustion. One of the scariest moments of my life. First I got nauseated and threw up most of the Dr Pepper I had drank after the plasma center. Then got dizzy. Thoughts became fuzzy. I became extraordinarily weak. Sat down, then laid down across my groceries. I actually feared it was possible I was having a heart attack or stroke. I slid my cell phone to a man I've seen a number of times where I smoke while waiting for the bus. Asked him to call 911. Meanwhile I unbuttoned my shirt and began to sweat. That was when I began to come around. Told him to cancel the ambulance. Few minutes later I could function. Thanked the guy profusely and hurried to catch my bus. Once on board, covered with sweat, I cooled down and got some strength back. Still feeling rather weak, though.
Needless to say, no work got done on the shade structure today. Get up in the morning and get started on it.
Start orientation on Wed and Thur. Can't work Mon or Tue. No bus service on Tue. And no bus on Sun. Unless I can get the scooter running this week. Gonna give that a shot.Went to fill out paperwork this morning. Up til this morning, the job offer hadn't been formalized but it was today. Then they wrote down and showed me what my pay will be. Suffice it to say I will be back at the top 1% of the pay scale for LPN/LVN's nationwide. And that's before doing any agency work on the side!
So I'm getting excited. Means I'll be fully back on my feet financially in only a few weeks. At last! Some big priorities will be to sock money into savings, get a vehicle and get solar and wind power installed. By sometime in Sept, the ex's vehicle will be paid off. Then I can divert the money to paying my student loans off completely as fast as is practical.
The ex has been reasonable about the child support for a long time. Told her today I'll be increasing the child support once I start getting paid. Then go up a little more after the SUV is paid off.
Started doing some calculating. It will take a bit to have enough solar panels to operate things effectively. Even the small dorm fridge needs 130 watts of power. The panels at Harbor Freight are 45 watt panels. Which means it will take 3 sets to run the fridge alone. Bummer. More than that to run the large fridge. Looks like the generator is going to be around a bit longer.
Went and had fingerprints done for the third time in 14 months. Funny, they didn't ask for a urine drug screen.
Went to the plasma center, presumably for the last time.
Picked up some fireworks for the 4th for daughter and me. Not a whole lot but a decent amount.
Then, while at the bus station, wound up with a heavy duty case of heat exhaustion. One of the scariest moments of my life. First I got nauseated and threw up most of the Dr Pepper I had drank after the plasma center. Then got dizzy. Thoughts became fuzzy. I became extraordinarily weak. Sat down, then laid down across my groceries. I actually feared it was possible I was having a heart attack or stroke. I slid my cell phone to a man I've seen a number of times where I smoke while waiting for the bus. Asked him to call 911. Meanwhile I unbuttoned my shirt and began to sweat. That was when I began to come around. Told him to cancel the ambulance. Few minutes later I could function. Thanked the guy profusely and hurried to catch my bus. Once on board, covered with sweat, I cooled down and got some strength back. Still feeling rather weak, though.
Needless to say, no work got done on the shade structure today. Get up in the morning and get started on it.
Start orientation on Wed and Thur. Can't work Mon or Tue. No bus service on Tue. And no bus on Sun. Unless I can get the scooter running this week. Gonna give that a shot.
So I'm getting excited. Means I'll be fully back on my feet financially in only a few weeks. At last! Some big priorities will be to sock money into savings, get a vehicle and get solar and wind power installed. By sometime in Sept, the ex's vehicle will be paid off. Then I can divert the money to paying my student loans off completely as fast as is practical.
The ex has been reasonable about the child support for a long time. Told her today I'll be increasing the child support once I start getting paid. Then go up a little more after the SUV is paid off.
Started doing some calculating. It will take a bit to have enough solar panels to operate things effectively. Even the small dorm fridge needs 130 watts of power. The panels at Harbor Freight are 45 watt panels. Which means it will take 3 sets to run the fridge alone. Bummer. More than that to run the large fridge. Looks like the generator is going to be around a bit longer.
Went and had fingerprints done for the third time in 14 months. Funny, they didn't ask for a urine drug screen.
Went to the plasma center, presumably for the last time.
Picked up some fireworks for the 4th for daughter and me. Not a whole lot but a decent amount.
Then, while at the bus station, wound up with a heavy duty case of heat exhaustion. One of the scariest moments of my life. First I got nauseated and threw up most of the Dr Pepper I had drank after the plasma center. Then got dizzy. Thoughts became fuzzy. I became extraordinarily weak. Sat down, then laid down across my groceries. I actually feared it was possible I was having a heart attack or stroke. I slid my cell phone to a man I've seen a number of times where I smoke while waiting for the bus. Asked him to call 911. Meanwhile I unbuttoned my shirt and began to sweat. That was when I began to come around. Told him to cancel the ambulance. Few minutes later I could function. Thanked the guy profusely and hurried to catch my bus. Once on board, covered with sweat, I cooled down and got some strength back. Still feeling rather weak, though.
Needless to say, no work got done on the shade structure today. Get up in the morning and get started on it.
Start orientation on Wed and Thur. Can't work Mon or Tue. No bus service on Tue. And no bus on Sun. Unless I can get the scooter running this week. Gonna give that a shot.Went to fill out paperwork this morning. Up til this morning, the job offer hadn't been formalized but it was today. Then they wrote down and showed me what my pay will be. Suffice it to say I will be back at the top 1% of the pay scale for LPN/LVN's nationwide. And that's before doing any agency work on the side!
So I'm getting excited. Means I'll be fully back on my feet financially in only a few weeks. At last! Some big priorities will be to sock money into savings, get a vehicle and get solar and wind power installed. By sometime in Sept, the ex's vehicle will be paid off. Then I can divert the money to paying my student loans off completely as fast as is practical.
The ex has been reasonable about the child support for a long time. Told her today I'll be increasing the child support once I start getting paid. Then go up a little more after the SUV is paid off.
Started doing some calculating. It will take a bit to have enough solar panels to operate things effectively. Even the small dorm fridge needs 130 watts of power. The panels at Harbor Freight are 45 watt panels. Which means it will take 3 sets to run the fridge alone. Bummer. More than that to run the large fridge. Looks like the generator is going to be around a bit longer.
Went and had fingerprints done for the third time in 14 months. Funny, they didn't ask for a urine drug screen.
Went to the plasma center, presumably for the last time.
Picked up some fireworks for the 4th for daughter and me. Not a whole lot but a decent amount.
Then, while at the bus station, wound up with a heavy duty case of heat exhaustion. One of the scariest moments of my life. First I got nauseated and threw up most of the Dr Pepper I had drank after the plasma center. Then got dizzy. Thoughts became fuzzy. I became extraordinarily weak. Sat down, then laid down across my groceries. I actually feared it was possible I was having a heart attack or stroke. I slid my cell phone to a man I've seen a number of times where I smoke while waiting for the bus. Asked him to call 911. Meanwhile I unbuttoned my shirt and began to sweat. That was when I began to come around. Told him to cancel the ambulance. Few minutes later I could function. Thanked the guy profusely and hurried to catch my bus. Once on board, covered with sweat, I cooled down and got some strength back. Still feeling rather weak, though.
Needless to say, no work got done on the shade structure today. Get up in the morning and get started on it.
Start orientation on Wed and Thur. Can't work Mon or Tue. No bus service on Tue. And no bus on Sun. Unless I can get the scooter running this week. Gonna give that a shot.
Sunday, June 26, 2011
Heat wave
My daughter has had stomach problems for a few days. Seems to be from the heat. We went to the zoo yesterday and she didn't have much appetite. Ex had told me she was having frequent stomach cramps but thought it related mostly to junk food. We got home and ate dinner. Later, she threw up. Fine otherwise.
I don't want her to get sick by any means. Next few weeks we'll be sticking with cooler activities and put the zoo off until cooler weather. Though I do not want to teach her to be inactive and have no tolerance for being outside. Otherwise it will mean staying inside due to cold in winter, heat in summer, wind and pollen in spring and rain in fall.
Lack of cooling in my house hasn't helped. Need to do something about that this week. Temp isn't bad most of the day, until afternoon and the sun heats the entire west side of the house. The awnings I put up last year helped but were made from tarps. Winds eventually shredded them. So I need something sturdier. Trying to devise something stable utilizing the pallets on hand. The structure will have to be large to shade most of the west side of the house. But need to get started this week before she comes back on the weekend. Biggest trouble is how to bind them together and support them securely.
First paycheck from the new job I'll get a window or portable swamp cooler. One advantage with either of those is that I can change the water out easily or even throw ice in it when it's really hot.
Meanwhile, I have to be at the new hospital at 10 tomorrow morning. Go pee in a cup and get fingerprints taken (again)! And be there Wed for a couple of hours for something. Most of the day on Thur for wound care training. Not sure aside from that. Discuss scheduling tomorrow. And try to pick up at least one agency shift this week. Going to be interesting.
I don't want her to get sick by any means. Next few weeks we'll be sticking with cooler activities and put the zoo off until cooler weather. Though I do not want to teach her to be inactive and have no tolerance for being outside. Otherwise it will mean staying inside due to cold in winter, heat in summer, wind and pollen in spring and rain in fall.
Lack of cooling in my house hasn't helped. Need to do something about that this week. Temp isn't bad most of the day, until afternoon and the sun heats the entire west side of the house. The awnings I put up last year helped but were made from tarps. Winds eventually shredded them. So I need something sturdier. Trying to devise something stable utilizing the pallets on hand. The structure will have to be large to shade most of the west side of the house. But need to get started this week before she comes back on the weekend. Biggest trouble is how to bind them together and support them securely.
First paycheck from the new job I'll get a window or portable swamp cooler. One advantage with either of those is that I can change the water out easily or even throw ice in it when it's really hot.
Meanwhile, I have to be at the new hospital at 10 tomorrow morning. Go pee in a cup and get fingerprints taken (again)! And be there Wed for a couple of hours for something. Most of the day on Thur for wound care training. Not sure aside from that. Discuss scheduling tomorrow. And try to pick up at least one agency shift this week. Going to be interesting.
Friday, June 24, 2011
Counting chickens early?
Guess it's natural. My financial outlook is improving. I'm figuring on the new job that my take-home pay will leave me with over $1400 a month to live on. That's after regular bills but before electric, transportation or food. If I keep my general expenses at around $100 a week, I'll be doing well. If I can pick up occasional shifts with the agencies, I'll be doing great.
I have priorities, of course. Getting sufficient electricity back on. I've certainly had time to debate the issue of whether to have grid power turned back on or gradually go straight to solar and wind. I'm opting for the latter. I've lived this long without grid power, so going straight for that would be a matter of impatience. Right now, Harbor Freight has 45 watt panels on special for $160 until 8/22/11. I still have a little catching up to do but figure I can buy two of those sets by that time. In time, I can get marine batteries at a rate of two per month. They cost less than $70 each at Walmart. Hopes are that by the time I have 10-12 batteries, that should be enough to provide basic power 24/7. I will have to add more for A/C and refrigeration. I'll need at least one wind generator for cloudy periods.
Have to make transportation a priority. Going to save up money and get something driveable and pay cash for it. Take a couple of months to save up enough for something. When I can, I also want to get a motor trike as backup. They're not fast but get up to 80 mpg and can be bought for less than $4000 new.
Sounds like I'm being selfish and wanting to go on a shopping spree. Really, I'm thinking in long and practical terms. Solar and wind power cost up front but save money in the long term. A motor trike is safer than a bike or scooter and my daughter would be likely to ride it without great fear. Not good for winter but okay for much of the year.
Didn't get as much done as planned today. Just too hot. Had to go pay some bills this morning. Missed the return bus by about 2 minutes, so wound up waiting 45 minutes in the heat for the next one. Wiped out, took a nap when I got home. Going to get up early and do more in the morning.
Had to paint back over the vines I painted the other day. After the paint dried, it turned much darker and looked creepy at night. Mixed white paint with green and it looks much better now.
Harvested the rest of the onions today. Some came out a fairly decent size for the type I planted. Most were small and none will keep too long because they all wound up seeding. Of course, the advantage is that I have hundreds, maybe thousands of seeds. And the onion tops added a full bucket of material to the compost pit. That was after saving enough to use as bug repellant in the garden.
Price on rice flour is coming down slowly. Bought some this week and made brownies today. Came out good! Can't tell they're gluten free. And okay, yes, I was baking on the hottest day this year. But I was outside In the shade while they were baking. i needed the sugar.
Now I need sleep to get up in the morning.
I have priorities, of course. Getting sufficient electricity back on. I've certainly had time to debate the issue of whether to have grid power turned back on or gradually go straight to solar and wind. I'm opting for the latter. I've lived this long without grid power, so going straight for that would be a matter of impatience. Right now, Harbor Freight has 45 watt panels on special for $160 until 8/22/11. I still have a little catching up to do but figure I can buy two of those sets by that time. In time, I can get marine batteries at a rate of two per month. They cost less than $70 each at Walmart. Hopes are that by the time I have 10-12 batteries, that should be enough to provide basic power 24/7. I will have to add more for A/C and refrigeration. I'll need at least one wind generator for cloudy periods.
Have to make transportation a priority. Going to save up money and get something driveable and pay cash for it. Take a couple of months to save up enough for something. When I can, I also want to get a motor trike as backup. They're not fast but get up to 80 mpg and can be bought for less than $4000 new.
Sounds like I'm being selfish and wanting to go on a shopping spree. Really, I'm thinking in long and practical terms. Solar and wind power cost up front but save money in the long term. A motor trike is safer than a bike or scooter and my daughter would be likely to ride it without great fear. Not good for winter but okay for much of the year.
Didn't get as much done as planned today. Just too hot. Had to go pay some bills this morning. Missed the return bus by about 2 minutes, so wound up waiting 45 minutes in the heat for the next one. Wiped out, took a nap when I got home. Going to get up early and do more in the morning.
Had to paint back over the vines I painted the other day. After the paint dried, it turned much darker and looked creepy at night. Mixed white paint with green and it looks much better now.
Harvested the rest of the onions today. Some came out a fairly decent size for the type I planted. Most were small and none will keep too long because they all wound up seeding. Of course, the advantage is that I have hundreds, maybe thousands of seeds. And the onion tops added a full bucket of material to the compost pit. That was after saving enough to use as bug repellant in the garden.
Price on rice flour is coming down slowly. Bought some this week and made brownies today. Came out good! Can't tell they're gluten free. And okay, yes, I was baking on the hottest day this year. But I was outside In the shade while they were baking. i needed the sugar.
Now I need sleep to get up in the morning.
Do No Harm
I've run across a few key concepts in my life which I carry with me and act on constantly, usually without thinking. They're part of me and will remain so.
One of these is the Golden Rule. Do to others as you would have them do to you. Want respect? Give respect. Want honesty? Be honest. Etc. Though many times I do not receive as I give, when I get down and think these things no longer exist, I look in the mirror.
Another is the miltary concept on use of deadly force. Basically says use only the force necessary for the current threat. The concept holds true throughout life.
But most importantly is the nursing concept of "First, do no harm". If you cannot do good, at least do not cause injury. Again, it holds true through life in all aspects.
Do no harm holds with gardening, too. Like many things, it can be a difficult balance which may not be obvious. I try to reach a balance with fertilizing which will feed plants but not result in runoff or eventually cause the soil to be sterile. Far as runoff, since there has been no rain, that's no issue. With placement of my land, my house would float away before I had runoff. As far as sterile soil, some of my soil is already nearly sterile.
So I upped the ante and will continue to do so. The ammonia treatment seems to have done some good. South garden is picking up. The area by the fence still has little or nothing and the grass has turned pale again. So yesterday I filled the garden sprayer about 1/4 full of ammonia and sprayed the fence area and some of the grass where it's sparse. This morning, that grass looks greener than the rest. Give it til this evening and if it looks good then, I'll expand that treatment.
I'm still determined to have a productive garden this year. Whatever that takes.
Haven't planted the front yard yet. Haven't gotten the pump going properly. Going to try again today. If this one doesn't work, I'll go upward when I can afford it and get a bigger pump. Bigger pumps put out more than I really need but if the small one just won't work.. I will go with an electric pump, after all. Hooked up to solar power when I can. Then I can add a timer at some point. I never know what my schedule will be like.
Have a list of things to do today. Gotta get to them!
One of these is the Golden Rule. Do to others as you would have them do to you. Want respect? Give respect. Want honesty? Be honest. Etc. Though many times I do not receive as I give, when I get down and think these things no longer exist, I look in the mirror.
Another is the miltary concept on use of deadly force. Basically says use only the force necessary for the current threat. The concept holds true throughout life.
But most importantly is the nursing concept of "First, do no harm". If you cannot do good, at least do not cause injury. Again, it holds true through life in all aspects.
Do no harm holds with gardening, too. Like many things, it can be a difficult balance which may not be obvious. I try to reach a balance with fertilizing which will feed plants but not result in runoff or eventually cause the soil to be sterile. Far as runoff, since there has been no rain, that's no issue. With placement of my land, my house would float away before I had runoff. As far as sterile soil, some of my soil is already nearly sterile.
So I upped the ante and will continue to do so. The ammonia treatment seems to have done some good. South garden is picking up. The area by the fence still has little or nothing and the grass has turned pale again. So yesterday I filled the garden sprayer about 1/4 full of ammonia and sprayed the fence area and some of the grass where it's sparse. This morning, that grass looks greener than the rest. Give it til this evening and if it looks good then, I'll expand that treatment.
I'm still determined to have a productive garden this year. Whatever that takes.
Haven't planted the front yard yet. Haven't gotten the pump going properly. Going to try again today. If this one doesn't work, I'll go upward when I can afford it and get a bigger pump. Bigger pumps put out more than I really need but if the small one just won't work.. I will go with an electric pump, after all. Hooked up to solar power when I can. Then I can add a timer at some point. I never know what my schedule will be like.
Have a list of things to do today. Gotta get to them!
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Blood loss and heat
Made it to the plasma center today. Still a long wait. Seems they have a number of new employees that are in training, so things are at a crawl.
Nothing to do with that but the machine I was hooked up to malfunctioned. When you give plasma, the machine draws blood out of you, spins it down to separate plasma from red blood cells, then pumps the red blood cells back into you. This is done in multiple cycles. Well, apparently it didn't give me back all my red cells back. Luckily, it was at the end of the first cycle. Could have been worse if it had been later. Wound up slightly dizzy until I drank a lot of fluid. Know I got most back.
Then went out in the heat. Remember I'm from Texas. For it to be hot enough for me to sweat just from the heat means it's hot! This afternoon, I was sweating just from being outside. It was a couple hours later and didn't have anything to do with the blood loss.
I have a couple of tomatoes growing! Only a couple but more flowers growing here and there.
Been thinking and really thankful to the powers that be for the new job. It's been a long road with only the agency work. Happy for the agency work and will still be doing some of that. But having something stable sounds nice.
Nothing to do with that but the machine I was hooked up to malfunctioned. When you give plasma, the machine draws blood out of you, spins it down to separate plasma from red blood cells, then pumps the red blood cells back into you. This is done in multiple cycles. Well, apparently it didn't give me back all my red cells back. Luckily, it was at the end of the first cycle. Could have been worse if it had been later. Wound up slightly dizzy until I drank a lot of fluid. Know I got most back.
Then went out in the heat. Remember I'm from Texas. For it to be hot enough for me to sweat just from the heat means it's hot! This afternoon, I was sweating just from being outside. It was a couple hours later and didn't have anything to do with the blood loss.
I have a couple of tomatoes growing! Only a couple but more flowers growing here and there.
Been thinking and really thankful to the powers that be for the new job. It's been a long road with only the agency work. Happy for the agency work and will still be doing some of that. But having something stable sounds nice.
Got it!!
Got the job! Permanent, full time, at wages I can live on! Yay!!
First thing in the door, turned out I was being interviewed by two people, one of whom has worked with me in ER several times. She recalled I was one of very few LPN's in the city allowed to work ER.
I'm always honest about what some people see as flaws in me. Like being seen as gruff or aggressive when it's really being adult, focused and straightforward. Neither of them are from New Mexico, so that came off as a point strongly in my favor. Whew!
It's long term care but they're increasing acuity levels and adding a low level ICU. I'm already slated for that unit and it's not even built yet. Nice!! Until that unit is built, they're adding tele and forming relationships with doctors suited to the higher level of care.
The offer has to be formalized but it was made clear the decision is made. Have to be there Monday morning for paperwork, get fingerprints done and plan for orientation Wed and Thur.
Pay will be stated later (just told them to let me know next week) but will range from $22.50 to $29 after shift diff. If I work weekends, that adds another $2 an hour. They said I'll be on the high end of the scale. And they have no problem with me working extra with the agencies.
I do still need to pick up some extra work in the next two weeks for short term needs. Bridge the gap. But this interview came at exactly the right time. I'm excited!
First thing in the door, turned out I was being interviewed by two people, one of whom has worked with me in ER several times. She recalled I was one of very few LPN's in the city allowed to work ER.
I'm always honest about what some people see as flaws in me. Like being seen as gruff or aggressive when it's really being adult, focused and straightforward. Neither of them are from New Mexico, so that came off as a point strongly in my favor. Whew!
It's long term care but they're increasing acuity levels and adding a low level ICU. I'm already slated for that unit and it's not even built yet. Nice!! Until that unit is built, they're adding tele and forming relationships with doctors suited to the higher level of care.
The offer has to be formalized but it was made clear the decision is made. Have to be there Monday morning for paperwork, get fingerprints done and plan for orientation Wed and Thur.
Pay will be stated later (just told them to let me know next week) but will range from $22.50 to $29 after shift diff. If I work weekends, that adds another $2 an hour. They said I'll be on the high end of the scale. And they have no problem with me working extra with the agencies.
I do still need to pick up some extra work in the next two weeks for short term needs. Bridge the gap. But this interview came at exactly the right time. I'm excited!
Big difference
Looks like the ammonia/fertilizer injection was the right thing for the north garden. This morning, things look much different. Plants which had curled leaves have opened back up and looking greener again. Could be my imagination but it even seems like there are more than before.
I do recall I had much the same problem last year. Hoped for the corn to shade other plants but it grew so slowly that that only occurred very late in the season. But that was in the south garden and I was still trying to get that area in condition then.
Since I'm not working, asked the ex if she wanted to drop daughter off tonight or tomorrow. Seems daughter has had some behavior issues this week. Spending time with me is like a reward to my daughter, so the answer was no. Could change. Behavior wasn't terrible but could develop into something much worse. When I talked to her on the phone, she cried. She always cries when I correct her. She relies on me to be in her corner, which I am and never let her doubt I love her. All the more reason to correct her and teach her.
Have to catch the bus soon. Get to the interview and then plasma center. Hoping to get this job. It would be only a short commute, I know and like one of the nurses, I've worked there before and liked it and it would be stable employment. Nothing exciting but would give me the chance to go on toward RN.
I'd still like to study electrical work but can do that on the side, less formally.
Have lots of house cleaning and chores to do today and tomorrow. Coming schedule for now is less secure but much more flexible. With The sun being up so late, should be able to get a lot done around here which needs doing.
I do recall I had much the same problem last year. Hoped for the corn to shade other plants but it grew so slowly that that only occurred very late in the season. But that was in the south garden and I was still trying to get that area in condition then.
Since I'm not working, asked the ex if she wanted to drop daughter off tonight or tomorrow. Seems daughter has had some behavior issues this week. Spending time with me is like a reward to my daughter, so the answer was no. Could change. Behavior wasn't terrible but could develop into something much worse. When I talked to her on the phone, she cried. She always cries when I correct her. She relies on me to be in her corner, which I am and never let her doubt I love her. All the more reason to correct her and teach her.
Have to catch the bus soon. Get to the interview and then plasma center. Hoping to get this job. It would be only a short commute, I know and like one of the nurses, I've worked there before and liked it and it would be stable employment. Nothing exciting but would give me the chance to go on toward RN.
I'd still like to study electrical work but can do that on the side, less formally.
Have lots of house cleaning and chores to do today and tomorrow. Coming schedule for now is less secure but much more flexible. With The sun being up so late, should be able to get a lot done around here which needs doing.
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Today was the final day of my contract. It was a truly slow day. One patient in the clinic for the whole day. Only had to turn in my card and key in the basemen, which took less than two minutes. Other than that, sat by the phone which rarely rang.
The Major said she thought I was there for at least another week. I thought about it and realized I had never counted the weeks. This turned out to be about 11 weeks instead of 13. But I didn't come up with these dates. Maybe someone miscalculated. If so, too late now. My computer access is expired and my access card no longer valid.
At the end, the med techs said they enjoyed working with me and would miss me. I told them I enjoyed working with them and would miss them as well. But not the NP's. They understood.
Job interview tomorrow and another next week. Still, my situation is stressful for now. Strong potential for improvement.. Or complete failure.
North side of the garden is looking terrible. Corn is dying off and not much else growing. Part of it is still the soil not holding moisture. That section sees more sun than anywhere else. But it could also be lack of fertilizer. Tonight, went back to injecting ammonia deep in the soil. Mixed it with liquid fertilizer. If I don't see improvement by Friday, going to take the rows down, mix with compost and mulch and start that side over for the most part.
South side is improving but still weaker and slower than I'd like. Sprayed with fertilizer tonight. Know I may be impatient but only 3 months left to growing season and I'd like to get this land turned around this season.
Stopped at the plasma center but didn't stay. Line was too long. No urge to wind up wasting the money on a taxi. Can go during the day tomorrow after the interview.
The Major said she thought I was there for at least another week. I thought about it and realized I had never counted the weeks. This turned out to be about 11 weeks instead of 13. But I didn't come up with these dates. Maybe someone miscalculated. If so, too late now. My computer access is expired and my access card no longer valid.
At the end, the med techs said they enjoyed working with me and would miss me. I told them I enjoyed working with them and would miss them as well. But not the NP's. They understood.
Job interview tomorrow and another next week. Still, my situation is stressful for now. Strong potential for improvement.. Or complete failure.
North side of the garden is looking terrible. Corn is dying off and not much else growing. Part of it is still the soil not holding moisture. That section sees more sun than anywhere else. But it could also be lack of fertilizer. Tonight, went back to injecting ammonia deep in the soil. Mixed it with liquid fertilizer. If I don't see improvement by Friday, going to take the rows down, mix with compost and mulch and start that side over for the most part.
South side is improving but still weaker and slower than I'd like. Sprayed with fertilizer tonight. Know I may be impatient but only 3 months left to growing season and I'd like to get this land turned around this season.
Stopped at the plasma center but didn't stay. Line was too long. No urge to wind up wasting the money on a taxi. Can go during the day tomorrow after the interview.
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Fitness
Once in a while I check my vital signs just for kicks. Few years back, while still eating gluten, my blood pressure had gone as high as 142/92. Technically high but the time when I took it wasn't the best then. More alarming was that my heart rate was always above 90 and frequently over 100.
Changing my diet and getting exercise has done wonders. The other day I checked my vitals. Blood pressure 107/75, heart rate 85. And this was less than 2 minutes after smoking a cigarette and climbing one set of stairs. Not bad for 49 years old and smoking since I was 11!
Today is my last day of formal work. Tomorrow I have to turn in keys and cards.
Think I'll get a card for the people I've worked with. Especially the med techs. In any case, going to the dollar store and plasma center today or tomorrow. Try to stay one step ahead of things. Can make it to payday without going but would prefer having a bit extra on hand.
Changing my diet and getting exercise has done wonders. The other day I checked my vitals. Blood pressure 107/75, heart rate 85. And this was less than 2 minutes after smoking a cigarette and climbing one set of stairs. Not bad for 49 years old and smoking since I was 11!
Today is my last day of formal work. Tomorrow I have to turn in keys and cards.
Think I'll get a card for the people I've worked with. Especially the med techs. In any case, going to the dollar store and plasma center today or tomorrow. Try to stay one step ahead of things. Can make it to payday without going but would prefer having a bit extra on hand.
Monday, June 20, 2011
Garlic and onions
Got home rather early. Discovered last week there is a bus which can get me home at a decent time. It does mean bypassing many stores I shop at like Dollar Tree. And it's imperative I get off work on time or 5 minutes early. (I usually get there at least 10 minutes early.)
Any way, I dug out the recognizable garlic when I got home. It's small but fragrant. I may have planted it too deep for good results.
Pulled out more onions. Again, small. However, lots of them and they taste really good. Tops can be chopped up as bug repellent/surface compost/mulch.
Garden isn't looking so great right now. Partly because the cold weather crops are dying off. Though it's been hot and dry enough that even the summer crops seem to be suffering a little. Still, some things are growing. Few degrees cooler today than the last few days, so I'm hoping to see some recovery.
Looks like I will save the house from foreclosure. It will be rather close but I can do it. If I can get only one shift with one of the agencies it will be much more comfortable. Then I will be current on the mortgage and have up to a month to get the next regular payment together. In about three months, the ex's vehicle will be paid off. Somewhere in there I need to pay off the lawyer so I can avoid being sued. Then try to get a month or two ahead on the mortagage so I don't wind up in such a position again.
After beginning the day irritable, I later wound up rather relaxed. Should be able to sleep well tonight.
Any way, I dug out the recognizable garlic when I got home. It's small but fragrant. I may have planted it too deep for good results.
Pulled out more onions. Again, small. However, lots of them and they taste really good. Tops can be chopped up as bug repellent/surface compost/mulch.
Garden isn't looking so great right now. Partly because the cold weather crops are dying off. Though it's been hot and dry enough that even the summer crops seem to be suffering a little. Still, some things are growing. Few degrees cooler today than the last few days, so I'm hoping to see some recovery.
Looks like I will save the house from foreclosure. It will be rather close but I can do it. If I can get only one shift with one of the agencies it will be much more comfortable. Then I will be current on the mortgage and have up to a month to get the next regular payment together. In about three months, the ex's vehicle will be paid off. Somewhere in there I need to pay off the lawyer so I can avoid being sued. Then try to get a month or two ahead on the mortagage so I don't wind up in such a position again.
After beginning the day irritable, I later wound up rather relaxed. Should be able to sleep well tonight.
Decorating walls
Been meaning to paint some decorations on the walls for quite some time. Started on it last night while watching Stargate SG1. Starting with painting a vine around the large archway from the entry room to the living room. Just got the beginnings done so far. Leaves and flowers will come later. Got some inexpensive paint of different colors on Sat for smaller sections. Daughter is going to help me and paint some flowers. Of course, when I let her choose some paint, she chose neon pink for her flowers.
It's fairly difficult painting pictures clearly because of the deep texturing of the wall. Future plans are to paint a skyscape on the ceiling of her room and a moon and various other things in the living room. Those will be deferred until I can get a small air compressor and paint gun. Off to a good start, though.
Fairly irritable this morning. Couldn't get to sleep last night and wound up with around three hours after hitting the snooze several times. However, I am happy in the realization that I only have to see Creepo for two more days of my life.
Only two actual work days left. On Wed I have to out-process, turning in keys and cards. Computer access ends that day, so unlikely I'll be able to get anything done, work-wise. And catching people in their offices is sure to be a challenge. Hope I don't have to go to the main post to turn in one card. Probably will have to.
Feels like a Monday.
It's fairly difficult painting pictures clearly because of the deep texturing of the wall. Future plans are to paint a skyscape on the ceiling of her room and a moon and various other things in the living room. Those will be deferred until I can get a small air compressor and paint gun. Off to a good start, though.
Fairly irritable this morning. Couldn't get to sleep last night and wound up with around three hours after hitting the snooze several times. However, I am happy in the realization that I only have to see Creepo for two more days of my life.
Only two actual work days left. On Wed I have to out-process, turning in keys and cards. Computer access ends that day, so unlikely I'll be able to get anything done, work-wise. And catching people in their offices is sure to be a challenge. Hope I don't have to go to the main post to turn in one card. Probably will have to.
Feels like a Monday.
Decorating walls
Been meaning to paint some decorations on the walls for quite some time. Started on it last night while watching Stargate SG1. Starting with painting a vine around the large archway from the entry room to the living room. Just got the beginnings done so far. Leaves and flowers will come later. Got some inexpensive paint of different colors on Sat for smaller sections. Daughter is going to help me and paint some flowers. Of course, when I let her choose some paint, she chose neon pink for her flowers.
It's fairly difficult painting pictures clearly because of the deep texturing of the wall. Future plans are to paint a skyscape on the ceiling of her room and a moon and various other things in the living room. Those will be deferred until I can get a small air compressor and paint gun. Off to a good start, though.
Fairly irritable this morning. Couldn't get to sleep last night and wound up with around three hours after hitting the snooze several times. However, I am happy in the realization that I only have to see Creepo for two more days of my life.
Only two actual work days left. On Wed I have to out-process, turning in keys and cards. Computer access ends that day, so unlikely I'll be able to get anything done, work-wise. And catching people in their offices is sure to be a challenge. Hope I don't have to go to the main post to turn in one card. Probably will have to.
Feels like a Monday.
It's fairly difficult painting pictures clearly because of the deep texturing of the wall. Future plans are to paint a skyscape on the ceiling of her room and a moon and various other things in the living room. Those will be deferred until I can get a small air compressor and paint gun. Off to a good start, though.
Fairly irritable this morning. Couldn't get to sleep last night and wound up with around three hours after hitting the snooze several times. However, I am happy in the realization that I only have to see Creepo for two more days of my life.
Only two actual work days left. On Wed I have to out-process, turning in keys and cards. Computer access ends that day, so unlikely I'll be able to get anything done, work-wise. And catching people in their offices is sure to be a challenge. Hope I don't have to go to the main post to turn in one card. Probably will have to.
Feels like a Monday.
Sunday, June 19, 2011
What a weekend
Aside from being with my daughter, it's been a rather cruddy weekend.
Daughter had some stomach problems much of the weekend. Ate very little. Seems okay now but still less appetite than normal.
We went to a movie yesterday after doing some shopping. Movie was scheduled late and was on the edge of being able to catch the bus home. Movie malfunctioned (was loaded upside down) and resulted in severe delay in starting. So we missed the bus home. From the theater, it would cost nearly $40 to take a taxi home. So we took the bus to Walmart nearest the house. Had dinner at McDonald's and called for a taxi. It took well over an hour and calling two taxi companies to get a ride.
Got home and the generator wouldn't start. Was able to get about an hour of lights and fan out of the battery. I was able to fix the generator this morning. Just a general tuneup and adjustments. Running fine now.
The feral cat running around here managed to get to the baby bunny. Found it this morning with guts torn out and face completely gone. Later in the day, the cat came back and tried to get at the adults. Didn't manage it but scared one so badly it seems to have died of a heart attack. So both bunnies are buried next to each other by the shed.
Few days ago I found the remains of a chicken by the back gate. Cat killed a neighbor's chicken. Couple months ago, the cat killed three of my own chicks.
I've tried catching the cat and driving the cat away. Fired slingshots at it. The dog just made friends with it. So now I have a bowl of chicken skin mixed with poison near the rabbit hutch waiting for it. Something has to be done with this cat killing so many animals.
Had an invasion of large roaches this week. They seemed to come from nowhere. Had to spray the house inside and out. Now I've been finding dead ones in various places. But obviously in places and numbers showing they just entered the house. I think they're coming from the house across the street which is being renovated lately. While renovating, they probably disturbed a colony. They've torn down walls and replaced windows. Least I have enough spray to last for months and is still effective.
Only three days left to the contract. See what comes after that.
Daughter had some stomach problems much of the weekend. Ate very little. Seems okay now but still less appetite than normal.
We went to a movie yesterday after doing some shopping. Movie was scheduled late and was on the edge of being able to catch the bus home. Movie malfunctioned (was loaded upside down) and resulted in severe delay in starting. So we missed the bus home. From the theater, it would cost nearly $40 to take a taxi home. So we took the bus to Walmart nearest the house. Had dinner at McDonald's and called for a taxi. It took well over an hour and calling two taxi companies to get a ride.
Got home and the generator wouldn't start. Was able to get about an hour of lights and fan out of the battery. I was able to fix the generator this morning. Just a general tuneup and adjustments. Running fine now.
The feral cat running around here managed to get to the baby bunny. Found it this morning with guts torn out and face completely gone. Later in the day, the cat came back and tried to get at the adults. Didn't manage it but scared one so badly it seems to have died of a heart attack. So both bunnies are buried next to each other by the shed.
Few days ago I found the remains of a chicken by the back gate. Cat killed a neighbor's chicken. Couple months ago, the cat killed three of my own chicks.
I've tried catching the cat and driving the cat away. Fired slingshots at it. The dog just made friends with it. So now I have a bowl of chicken skin mixed with poison near the rabbit hutch waiting for it. Something has to be done with this cat killing so many animals.
Had an invasion of large roaches this week. They seemed to come from nowhere. Had to spray the house inside and out. Now I've been finding dead ones in various places. But obviously in places and numbers showing they just entered the house. I think they're coming from the house across the street which is being renovated lately. While renovating, they probably disturbed a colony. They've torn down walls and replaced windows. Least I have enough spray to last for months and is still effective.
Only three days left to the contract. See what comes after that.
Friday, June 17, 2011
Aching for cake
One of the worst parts of being gluten intolerant is not being able to have a piece of cake when you want it. (Or brownies, cookies, muffins. Can't even have an ice cream cone or ice cream sandwich.) Having something like that is a true luxury which takes forethought, planning, research, effort and higher than average thought. Even then, quality or quantity is still commonly lacking. There are some premade items available but the prices are rather high. Too high for me to have risked for the amount of product. So the only other choice is to make things for yourself. I'm still searching for mixes which are worth buying.
Betty Crocker markets a gluten free cake mix which is decent quality. However, it's rather expensive and only makes a single layer! The picture on the box is intentionally deceptive. It does show a single layer cake but at an angle which makes it appear like two layers. To make a two layer cake would cost over $10.
Today, I had a great urge for cake. So I bought a Hodgson Mill cake mix. It does make two layers. Already made it but haven't tried it yet. Texture seems good. Down side is the ingredients you must add. It requires eggs, butter, buttermilk, vanilla extract and almond extract. Since I had most of the ingredients, it was worth the price, which was under $4 for the mix. And luckily I like buttermilk, so the remainder didn't go to waste. If you don't like straight buttermilk, you could make salad dressing or biscuits with the rest.
Just tried it and here's the verdict- Flavor is good. No bean or rice flavor like some products. It tastes like cake! Texture is smooth but a little dry. Like most gluten free products, it didn't rise much but did rise enough to be light and have proper texture. I will buy this brand again but replace about 1/3 cup of buttermilk with vegetable oil. That should cure the dryness issue. For now, it shouuld go well with milk. At least Hodgson Mill has the idea right concept and understanding. Gluten intolerance does not equate to a weight loss diet. Those of us with true gluten intolerance do not need all of our food to be reduced calorie and low fat. We want something that tastes decent. Real food.
They're not producing anything yet but I have lots of cucumber plants coming up and maturing now. On looking closely, I found a few green bean plants starting to form small first leaves. Still, I planted more tonight.
Planted bush beans and more pumpkins in the area near the fence. Watered heavily and hope some portion of them grow. Like each other section of the garden before this, there's a breaking point. If I can get a few things to grow, later more will grow and so on. Rest of the garden isn't ragingly fertile yet but keeps improving.
Going to get to bed soon. Been a surprisingly long week.
Betty Crocker markets a gluten free cake mix which is decent quality. However, it's rather expensive and only makes a single layer! The picture on the box is intentionally deceptive. It does show a single layer cake but at an angle which makes it appear like two layers. To make a two layer cake would cost over $10.
Today, I had a great urge for cake. So I bought a Hodgson Mill cake mix. It does make two layers. Already made it but haven't tried it yet. Texture seems good. Down side is the ingredients you must add. It requires eggs, butter, buttermilk, vanilla extract and almond extract. Since I had most of the ingredients, it was worth the price, which was under $4 for the mix. And luckily I like buttermilk, so the remainder didn't go to waste. If you don't like straight buttermilk, you could make salad dressing or biscuits with the rest.
Just tried it and here's the verdict- Flavor is good. No bean or rice flavor like some products. It tastes like cake! Texture is smooth but a little dry. Like most gluten free products, it didn't rise much but did rise enough to be light and have proper texture. I will buy this brand again but replace about 1/3 cup of buttermilk with vegetable oil. That should cure the dryness issue. For now, it shouuld go well with milk. At least Hodgson Mill has the idea right concept and understanding. Gluten intolerance does not equate to a weight loss diet. Those of us with true gluten intolerance do not need all of our food to be reduced calorie and low fat. We want something that tastes decent. Real food.
They're not producing anything yet but I have lots of cucumber plants coming up and maturing now. On looking closely, I found a few green bean plants starting to form small first leaves. Still, I planted more tonight.
Planted bush beans and more pumpkins in the area near the fence. Watered heavily and hope some portion of them grow. Like each other section of the garden before this, there's a breaking point. If I can get a few things to grow, later more will grow and so on. Rest of the garden isn't ragingly fertile yet but keeps improving.
Going to get to bed soon. Been a surprisingly long week.
Thursday, June 16, 2011
Last time
Today is the last chance the dog had to be loose. She blew it big time. Not only did she dig on all sides of the rabbit hutch but more. She intentionally dug in multiple spots in the garden. Destroyed at least one tomato plant, one of the largest. Several onions and corn plants. This was not accidental running over the rows. So she's tied up and staying that way.
Stopped for groceries on the way home. Found some remaining pole bean, pickling cucumber and various carrot seeds for 20c at Walmart. Picked some up.
Seems it just may be too hot for the carrots. If the ones I've planted don't grow, I'll wait until weather cools down before planting again.
Stopped for groceries on the way home. Found some remaining pole bean, pickling cucumber and various carrot seeds for 20c at Walmart. Picked some up.
Seems it just may be too hot for the carrots. If the ones I've planted don't grow, I'll wait until weather cools down before planting again.
More pumpkins
Since things haven't grown well in a couple of areas, decided to try planting more pumpkins in those spots. Pumpkins grow best in good soil but will grow in tough soil and help condition that soil. The two plants my daughter and I found growing from seeds we scattered were both in hard, packed soil. The seeds had actually probably been stamped into the ground by horse hooves.
A great thing about pumpkins- you can plant your entire seed stock and not have to save back. Just one or two pumpkins harvested will provide all you need for the following year!
It's possible that growing pumpkins will help other things grow in those areas. I won't count on it but it would be cool if that happened. And I'll go ahead and plant bush green beans to help the pumpkins along. That will also help the soil in those areas. I'll loosen the soil down to about a foot and dig in some mulch and compost where I plant each pumpkin seed. Use lots of rabbit pellets.
Think I'll go ahead and plant pumpkins in the front yard, also. Did that last year but too late. Now would be a good time for it and should have pumpkins in front for the holidays. A small pumpkin patch for the neighborhood kids. Around Halloween, if I have pumpkins growing, can give one to each child. And may decorate the patch.
Been hot here even at night lately. Down side is that I've had to leave the generator on to power the fan or I can't sleep well. Up side is that the heat has prevented an air inversion, so smoke from the wildfires remains higher in the atmosphere, not sinking to ground level.
Today is traininng day at work. No patients in the clinic. Counting today, 7 calendar days and 5 working days left to the contract. Of those 5 days, patients will be seen in the clinic only 2 days. A clinic seeing patients 2 days out of 7. My,my. Aren't we productive?
Won't have much chance to take time off but will take a day or two to myself. Work around the house. Have an interview the morning after the contract ends. Be good if I can find a stable regular job and supplement with agency. Can only hope.
A great thing about pumpkins- you can plant your entire seed stock and not have to save back. Just one or two pumpkins harvested will provide all you need for the following year!
It's possible that growing pumpkins will help other things grow in those areas. I won't count on it but it would be cool if that happened. And I'll go ahead and plant bush green beans to help the pumpkins along. That will also help the soil in those areas. I'll loosen the soil down to about a foot and dig in some mulch and compost where I plant each pumpkin seed. Use lots of rabbit pellets.
Think I'll go ahead and plant pumpkins in the front yard, also. Did that last year but too late. Now would be a good time for it and should have pumpkins in front for the holidays. A small pumpkin patch for the neighborhood kids. Around Halloween, if I have pumpkins growing, can give one to each child. And may decorate the patch.
Been hot here even at night lately. Down side is that I've had to leave the generator on to power the fan or I can't sleep well. Up side is that the heat has prevented an air inversion, so smoke from the wildfires remains higher in the atmosphere, not sinking to ground level.
Today is traininng day at work. No patients in the clinic. Counting today, 7 calendar days and 5 working days left to the contract. Of those 5 days, patients will be seen in the clinic only 2 days. A clinic seeing patients 2 days out of 7. My,my. Aren't we productive?
Won't have much chance to take time off but will take a day or two to myself. Work around the house. Have an interview the morning after the contract ends. Be good if I can find a stable regular job and supplement with agency. Can only hope.
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Greener
Happy to say things are getting a bit greener in the garden now. Couple of pumpkin plants have even formed small flowers. Some cucumbers are doing the same. Going to wind up thinning corn in some places because much of what I planted is now coming up..doubled. Tomato plants are growing larger and I staked more this evening. Not any of impressive size but still growing.
What is rather impressive is the size of some of the flower stalks. One is now as tall as I am. Should be some huge flowers once they bloom.
Some of the marigold bushes are reaching an impressive size, as well. Much larger than last year. No blooms or even buds yet but hopefully soon. Just the plants are helping deter aphids. Some have grown up in unexpected but not inconvenient places, so I'm just letting them grow there.
Though some of the peas have started browning and lettuce and spinach bolted, I'm leaving them in place for now. Help act as natural living mulch.
Aside from the companion plants, it's helping to spray the garden with insecticidal soap. I often mix it with other things. This evening, I mixed it with ammonia and iron.
So things are looking up! Of course, still hoping for more. Who wouldn't?
The whole stretch along the north fence remains bare, except for marigolds. At least that tells me the soil is weak, not poisoned. I didn't do very much work on that area, so fertilizing and composting to condition it will do some good.
Keep trying!
What is rather impressive is the size of some of the flower stalks. One is now as tall as I am. Should be some huge flowers once they bloom.
Some of the marigold bushes are reaching an impressive size, as well. Much larger than last year. No blooms or even buds yet but hopefully soon. Just the plants are helping deter aphids. Some have grown up in unexpected but not inconvenient places, so I'm just letting them grow there.
Though some of the peas have started browning and lettuce and spinach bolted, I'm leaving them in place for now. Help act as natural living mulch.
Aside from the companion plants, it's helping to spray the garden with insecticidal soap. I often mix it with other things. This evening, I mixed it with ammonia and iron.
So things are looking up! Of course, still hoping for more. Who wouldn't?
The whole stretch along the north fence remains bare, except for marigolds. At least that tells me the soil is weak, not poisoned. I didn't do very much work on that area, so fertilizing and composting to condition it will do some good.
Keep trying!
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Late evening
Made the mistake of going to the plasma center this afternoon after work. Mistake because it took too long. Didn't get out until after 7. Took the bus and ttransferred to another to the Walmart nearest my house. Didn't get home until just before 10. At least I picked up a big bag of rabbit food! Took a taxi home, which cost $11 after a tip this time.
However, seems the amount they pay drops drastically after the first five donations. If too low, I won't be doing it after those five times.
No report on the garden tonight. It was too dark to see anything out there when I got home.
Not getting as much sleep tonight, of course. Enough, though.
Got home to find the dog had managed to get behind the propane bbq grill, wrap the tie-out line around it and knock the whole thing over. Scattered the lava rocks and dragged the grill about 15 feet. She also knocked over a garbage can. Luckily, I emptied that a few days ago. I know she's bored and frustrated being tied up but she wouldn't be tied up if she'd leave the rabbits alone. I keep giving her chances and she keeps failing.
Okay, off to bed.
However, seems the amount they pay drops drastically after the first five donations. If too low, I won't be doing it after those five times.
No report on the garden tonight. It was too dark to see anything out there when I got home.
Not getting as much sleep tonight, of course. Enough, though.
Got home to find the dog had managed to get behind the propane bbq grill, wrap the tie-out line around it and knock the whole thing over. Scattered the lava rocks and dragged the grill about 15 feet. She also knocked over a garbage can. Luckily, I emptied that a few days ago. I know she's bored and frustrated being tied up but she wouldn't be tied up if she'd leave the rabbits alone. I keep giving her chances and she keeps failing.
Okay, off to bed.
Sunday, June 12, 2011
One sunburned girl
Thought I mentioned it but I don't see it.
I got my daughter a new bike on Friday. I couldn't fix the old one and it's old, heavy and rather ugly. The one I got her is not expensive but is lighter, attractive.. And new. She has been excited about it. Really excited. The ex dropped her off on Fri evening, so kiddo has been trying to ride pretty much all weekend. She mastered it yesterday! Been hard to keep her off it.
Had to make her come inside now and then. We had attempted shopping yesterday. Then went swimming. Add riding her bike and she has been out in the sun most of the weekend. So she has a bit of a sunburn, even though I've put sun screen on her multiple times a day. Fell a few times and has a couple of bruises and scrapes but nothing stops her. Or depletes her enthusiasm. In short, she is ecstatic! Very proud, able to do impressive circles and curves already. I'm very proud of her, too! I let her take the bike with her when the ex picked her up tonight.
Well, it's worth it, even if I have to conserve and eat rice, salad or potatoes for a number of meals in the next few weeks.
One good thing. The generator needs a tuneup. But it seems to run longer on one tank now. I let it run all night last night to keep the fan going. It ran at least ten hours on one tank, which is one gallon. Had the TV, DVD player and lights on part of that time. So, when I replace the spark plug, I'll gap it wider than specs. Means less power but more time to one tank.
Harvested onions today. They were small, as expected. Hope the seeds I planted grow new onions. If they start growing now, they may grow to a greater size in fall or winter.
Definitely seeing good effects from companion planting things which deter aphids. Onions, marigolds and celantro seem to help most. I planted more celantro this week. Didn't expect the marigolds to help before flowering but they are. And those are coming up everywhere.
Regular Sun night routine. Try to get to bed early tonight.
I got my daughter a new bike on Friday. I couldn't fix the old one and it's old, heavy and rather ugly. The one I got her is not expensive but is lighter, attractive.. And new. She has been excited about it. Really excited. The ex dropped her off on Fri evening, so kiddo has been trying to ride pretty much all weekend. She mastered it yesterday! Been hard to keep her off it.
Had to make her come inside now and then. We had attempted shopping yesterday. Then went swimming. Add riding her bike and she has been out in the sun most of the weekend. So she has a bit of a sunburn, even though I've put sun screen on her multiple times a day. Fell a few times and has a couple of bruises and scrapes but nothing stops her. Or depletes her enthusiasm. In short, she is ecstatic! Very proud, able to do impressive circles and curves already. I'm very proud of her, too! I let her take the bike with her when the ex picked her up tonight.
Well, it's worth it, even if I have to conserve and eat rice, salad or potatoes for a number of meals in the next few weeks.
One good thing. The generator needs a tuneup. But it seems to run longer on one tank now. I let it run all night last night to keep the fan going. It ran at least ten hours on one tank, which is one gallon. Had the TV, DVD player and lights on part of that time. So, when I replace the spark plug, I'll gap it wider than specs. Means less power but more time to one tank.
Harvested onions today. They were small, as expected. Hope the seeds I planted grow new onions. If they start growing now, they may grow to a greater size in fall or winter.
Definitely seeing good effects from companion planting things which deter aphids. Onions, marigolds and celantro seem to help most. I planted more celantro this week. Didn't expect the marigolds to help before flowering but they are. And those are coming up everywhere.
Regular Sun night routine. Try to get to bed early tonight.
Forgetfulness
Been rather forgetful for a few days. Probably a combination of smoke in the air and having so much to remember.
Last night, I left the sprinklers running in the garden for several hours. Not once but twice. First in one area and then in another. Of course, with 7% humidity today, doubt that major consequences will result.. Except on the water bill.
In the long run, it may not matter much. Bank is threatening me again. Same old tactics. If you're $20 behind, they add the $700 due next month and claim you're $720 behind. Right now, they have basically added several months of payments together to lay claim that I am nearly four months behind when the truth is that I am less than one month behind. They're trying to either force several thousand dollars out of me or cause foreclosure. So I may not be here to see a full harvest from the garden. I'll try and raise what they say will avoid it but if they force foreclosure I'll just take it and walk away. Not going to keep dealing with this for the next 28 years.
This leaves me in limbo for now. No use trying to make further improvements. Solar is on hold. No way I can pay a lawyer and save the house at the same time. Whole issue will be settled in one month, so I'll hold off on solar and the pond for that time. Happily, I do have enough to live on, far as food and such are concerned. Few more trips to the plasma center may make the difference. One more month with the generator as primary power can be done, just sucks.
But even if only $20 at a time, I need to get my daughter some more clothes. She's outgrowing most of her clothes and others are ragged. Tried to go yesterday but busses were diverted (without prior warning) for most of the day due to the Gay Pride parade. I'm all for equal rights but some notice was in order here.
On a lighter note, corn and melons are now growing. Some pumpkins are beginning to vine now. Haven't counted but have lots of pumpkin plants growing. Peas are dying off from heat but green beans are gaining height. Lettuce is bushing out but much is bolting.
Think I'll forget peas next year (assuming I'm still here) unless it's just snap peas. Too much work for too little return here. But hope they've done their job for the soil. I went ahead and planted bush green beans between the corn plants. Again, lots of work but hope they help the soil. Still no luck with strawberries.
Think I'll dig out some onions today. Many are ready but will likely be small. I've eaten a couple and they taste good, though.
Have to do some cleaning.
Last night, I left the sprinklers running in the garden for several hours. Not once but twice. First in one area and then in another. Of course, with 7% humidity today, doubt that major consequences will result.. Except on the water bill.
In the long run, it may not matter much. Bank is threatening me again. Same old tactics. If you're $20 behind, they add the $700 due next month and claim you're $720 behind. Right now, they have basically added several months of payments together to lay claim that I am nearly four months behind when the truth is that I am less than one month behind. They're trying to either force several thousand dollars out of me or cause foreclosure. So I may not be here to see a full harvest from the garden. I'll try and raise what they say will avoid it but if they force foreclosure I'll just take it and walk away. Not going to keep dealing with this for the next 28 years.
This leaves me in limbo for now. No use trying to make further improvements. Solar is on hold. No way I can pay a lawyer and save the house at the same time. Whole issue will be settled in one month, so I'll hold off on solar and the pond for that time. Happily, I do have enough to live on, far as food and such are concerned. Few more trips to the plasma center may make the difference. One more month with the generator as primary power can be done, just sucks.
But even if only $20 at a time, I need to get my daughter some more clothes. She's outgrowing most of her clothes and others are ragged. Tried to go yesterday but busses were diverted (without prior warning) for most of the day due to the Gay Pride parade. I'm all for equal rights but some notice was in order here.
On a lighter note, corn and melons are now growing. Some pumpkins are beginning to vine now. Haven't counted but have lots of pumpkin plants growing. Peas are dying off from heat but green beans are gaining height. Lettuce is bushing out but much is bolting.
Think I'll forget peas next year (assuming I'm still here) unless it's just snap peas. Too much work for too little return here. But hope they've done their job for the soil. I went ahead and planted bush green beans between the corn plants. Again, lots of work but hope they help the soil. Still no luck with strawberries.
Think I'll dig out some onions today. Many are ready but will likely be small. I've eaten a couple and they taste good, though.
Have to do some cleaning.
Thursday, June 9, 2011
12 days
It rather sucks sometimes to feel like you've made a major accomplishment to survive until payday. Right now I'm happy payday is only 5 hours off. But along the way I've had food in the house and kept my promise to my daughter.
Only 12 more days left to my contract. Looks like my coworkers eventually came to accept me, if not even like me to some degree. They are female and considerably younger than I am. Think I had to prove I'm not lazy or an arrogant bastard. And that I wasn't going to try chasing skirts. I think they also have some sympathy because they've seen some of the problems dealt me which I did not cause. After getting to know them a bit, I'll miss working with some of them. On the other hand, I will not miss this clinic and will definitely not miss the nurse practitioners.
Of course, I'm anxious about the future. Hopeful something stable will come up. Still going to try and spend more time with my daughter during the summer, though.
Keeping it a short night. May still go to the plasma center tomorrow. I'd like to use the money and buy my daughter a new bike. If I'm going there, should get some rest.
Only 12 more days left to my contract. Looks like my coworkers eventually came to accept me, if not even like me to some degree. They are female and considerably younger than I am. Think I had to prove I'm not lazy or an arrogant bastard. And that I wasn't going to try chasing skirts. I think they also have some sympathy because they've seen some of the problems dealt me which I did not cause. After getting to know them a bit, I'll miss working with some of them. On the other hand, I will not miss this clinic and will definitely not miss the nurse practitioners.
Of course, I'm anxious about the future. Hopeful something stable will come up. Still going to try and spend more time with my daughter during the summer, though.
Keeping it a short night. May still go to the plasma center tomorrow. I'd like to use the money and buy my daughter a new bike. If I'm going there, should get some rest.
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Doggy downers
The dog remains way too hyper and with warm weather actually seems to be getting worse. It's difficult to even walk around her. No commands and keeping her tied up don't do any good to teach her. Let her off the line and she keeps trying to dig into the rabbit hutch. Can no longer allow her in the house. She urinates on the floor when she's petted. Worse than that, she wags her tail against objects and the ground with such force that she has abrased the skin off many times and slings blood all over people, walls, furniture, etc.
I have to do something to calm her down. So I'm trying some herbal stuff. St John's, Valerian and Meltonin. Tried Melatonin alone to no effect. I don't want to drug her out, just calm her down. Have to play around and see what works best.
Of course, dealing with this isn't great for my own anxiety level. But my combination seems to be doing a lot of good. Mixture of meditation, melatonin, magnesium, money (lol!) and benadryl. Doesn't hurt that my knee is almost completely well and I've cut back on coffee. Been taking creatine and arginine to improve my hydration. Each bit helps.
So does sleep.
I have to do something to calm her down. So I'm trying some herbal stuff. St John's, Valerian and Meltonin. Tried Melatonin alone to no effect. I don't want to drug her out, just calm her down. Have to play around and see what works best.
Of course, dealing with this isn't great for my own anxiety level. But my combination seems to be doing a lot of good. Mixture of meditation, melatonin, magnesium, money (lol!) and benadryl. Doesn't hurt that my knee is almost completely well and I've cut back on coffee. Been taking creatine and arginine to improve my hydration. Each bit helps.
So does sleep.
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
I still hate the desert
Been in the desert for about six years now and I still hate it.
My biggest goal with my garden is transforming my own little patch of desert into something much more. I get frustrated with lack of success at times. Makes it worse when I see some other yards with flowers blooming or farms covered with green. Walking through the botanical gardens the other day was, in a sense, depressing.
Then I think about it some more and realize a few things. In some cases, I know thousands or even millions of pounds of chemicals have been used to achieve those effects. In other cases, the areas with growth and blooms are far more limited than what I hope to achieve. The majority of the same property is all rocks, sand and clay. And nobody is usually walking or sitting outside to enjoy the tiny patches of green, appreciate the beauty of the flowers. Even less rarely are the owners harvesting anything to eat. Those little patches are a sign of ownership. They are not part of their environment and their environment is not part of them. Also, in many if not most cases, the areas have been tended by people with years or decades of schooling and experience which I do not have. In some cases, the land itself has been worked for decades, generations. (Sometimes that's good and other times not so good.)
However, I still have the same goal. If it were easy, much more of the desert would already be converted by others and there would be no challenge. Maybe I would enjoy it less and learn less along the way. While it frustrates me for improvement to take so long, each little advance is a victory. By the time my yard and garden reach the point I want them to be, I'll appreciate it much more for all the time and work invested.
I just have to remind myself of this sometimes.
My biggest goal with my garden is transforming my own little patch of desert into something much more. I get frustrated with lack of success at times. Makes it worse when I see some other yards with flowers blooming or farms covered with green. Walking through the botanical gardens the other day was, in a sense, depressing.
Then I think about it some more and realize a few things. In some cases, I know thousands or even millions of pounds of chemicals have been used to achieve those effects. In other cases, the areas with growth and blooms are far more limited than what I hope to achieve. The majority of the same property is all rocks, sand and clay. And nobody is usually walking or sitting outside to enjoy the tiny patches of green, appreciate the beauty of the flowers. Even less rarely are the owners harvesting anything to eat. Those little patches are a sign of ownership. They are not part of their environment and their environment is not part of them. Also, in many if not most cases, the areas have been tended by people with years or decades of schooling and experience which I do not have. In some cases, the land itself has been worked for decades, generations. (Sometimes that's good and other times not so good.)
However, I still have the same goal. If it were easy, much more of the desert would already be converted by others and there would be no challenge. Maybe I would enjoy it less and learn less along the way. While it frustrates me for improvement to take so long, each little advance is a victory. By the time my yard and garden reach the point I want them to be, I'll appreciate it much more for all the time and work invested.
I just have to remind myself of this sometimes.
Monday, June 6, 2011
Under a blood red sky
Smoke from the fires in AZ blew in again this evening, turning the sun and whole sky blood red. There are even ashes falling in small amounts. Stings the eyes and makes it hard to breathe. Really hard to believe this is blowing in from 400 miles away.
Went to the plasma center again this evening. Went much faster and I was able to get out with time to catch the bus home. I can go back again on Thur and probably will. If the line isn't too long. Only down side is that it leaves me really thirsty afterward. Biggest benefit to me directly is reducing stress. It also seems to relax me a bit. Is it possible stress hormones can be filtered out with plasma? I know worrying less about money helps.
Of course I've been cutting back on coffee a little. My attitude has changed about my current job. I refuse to be beaten down or intimidated. Not an issue at all of not caring. I care very much. I just want to work with other people that also care.
So far, the smoke hasn't had a negative effect on the garden which is visible. Hope it stays that way.
Went to the plasma center again this evening. Went much faster and I was able to get out with time to catch the bus home. I can go back again on Thur and probably will. If the line isn't too long. Only down side is that it leaves me really thirsty afterward. Biggest benefit to me directly is reducing stress. It also seems to relax me a bit. Is it possible stress hormones can be filtered out with plasma? I know worrying less about money helps.
Of course I've been cutting back on coffee a little. My attitude has changed about my current job. I refuse to be beaten down or intimidated. Not an issue at all of not caring. I care very much. I just want to work with other people that also care.
So far, the smoke hasn't had a negative effect on the garden which is visible. Hope it stays that way.
Sunday, June 5, 2011
Picnic and creative dinner
Turns out they recently built a covered picnic area at the park a few hundred yards down the street. So my daughter and I had a picnic there today and took a walk along the aqueduct for a ways. It was hot and we kept the walk short.
Along the way, we found that two of the pumpkin seeds we planted last year have grown! Unfortunately, without enough water, they only formed small gourds. Still, those small gourds produce more seeds which may produce more plants. Some of them rolled down a hill, increasing the odds of them spreading further. It would be awesome if there were one day whole fields of wild pumpkins through this area.
Now hoping to see some of the flowers we planted along the trails start blooming.
Having an odd dinner but good. Lettuce, peas and onions from the garden. Tomatoes, corn and dressing from the store. Okay, I guess not odd but a little odd for me. Especially corn in the salad.
The dog managed to knock down and damage the hanging tomato plant. Won't go into how she did it. Looks like it will recover with time but I'm not sure. Made another hanging plant today. Thinking of making one more before bed tonight. Unlikely the dog can repeat her feat.
Along the way, we found that two of the pumpkin seeds we planted last year have grown! Unfortunately, without enough water, they only formed small gourds. Still, those small gourds produce more seeds which may produce more plants. Some of them rolled down a hill, increasing the odds of them spreading further. It would be awesome if there were one day whole fields of wild pumpkins through this area.
Now hoping to see some of the flowers we planted along the trails start blooming.
Having an odd dinner but good. Lettuce, peas and onions from the garden. Tomatoes, corn and dressing from the store. Okay, I guess not odd but a little odd for me. Especially corn in the salad.
The dog managed to knock down and damage the hanging tomato plant. Won't go into how she did it. Looks like it will recover with time but I'm not sure. Made another hanging plant today. Thinking of making one more before bed tonight. Unlikely the dog can repeat her feat.
Saturday, June 4, 2011
Aquarium and butterflies
Daughter and I went to the botanical gardens, the butterfly exhibit and the aqauarium today. It was a good day.
The ex was nice. Dropped us off and even used her season pass to get daughter in for free. Took her out of her way to do so. I appreciate it.
Daughter enjoyed the botanical gardens much more than I thought she would. My gardening has really rubbed off. She wanted to collect seeds from a lot of plants to bring home. Really enjoyed all the flowers. Bees made her a little nervous but neither of us got stung.
Both of us were amazed by the butterflies. We had gone to the exhibit once when she was small but she doesn't recall and I do recall there were many more butterflies this time around. Hundreds of them, various species. Beautiful!
We stopped and heard a band playing at the farmhouse exhibit in the gardens. They were playing some celtic and some zydeco. Odd combination but they were good. Daughter laid with her head on my shoulder and enjoyed the music a lot.
Went to the aquarium as the weather got hotter. Spent a while there. She still gets disappointed at how small it is.
Walked a couple blocks and had lunch at McDonald's. I was happy to see that one has added a play place.
Stopped at the dollar store on the way home. Spent time outside this evening. Wind had picked up and cooled things down. No smoke from the fire in Arizona which has blown in and choked the city past two nights.
Was happy to find one baby bunny survived. It got brave enough to start hopping out of the hutch again today. We picked it up and petted it this evening.
Daughter surprised me and picked lettuce to munch on from the garden today. Loved it all by itself.
Zinnias look like they should flower this week. Talked to some master gardeners today and they're right on track. Few more weeks for marigolds. Other flower plants are growing larger, so I guess most of what I planted must be summer or even fall blooming.
Still only a few carrots, so I planted more today. Don't recall when they grew last year but sure it was around this time they showed up. Just as the lettuce all bolted.
Going to dismantle some of the raised beds and extend the rows they meet with this week. Harvest the garlic which has survived. Plant some more corn.
From a distance, the garden is now looking good. Rows all have green on them. Too bad much of that is vining clover. But crops are growing. I'm just impatient, I guess.
The ex was nice. Dropped us off and even used her season pass to get daughter in for free. Took her out of her way to do so. I appreciate it.
Daughter enjoyed the botanical gardens much more than I thought she would. My gardening has really rubbed off. She wanted to collect seeds from a lot of plants to bring home. Really enjoyed all the flowers. Bees made her a little nervous but neither of us got stung.
Both of us were amazed by the butterflies. We had gone to the exhibit once when she was small but she doesn't recall and I do recall there were many more butterflies this time around. Hundreds of them, various species. Beautiful!
We stopped and heard a band playing at the farmhouse exhibit in the gardens. They were playing some celtic and some zydeco. Odd combination but they were good. Daughter laid with her head on my shoulder and enjoyed the music a lot.
Went to the aquarium as the weather got hotter. Spent a while there. She still gets disappointed at how small it is.
Walked a couple blocks and had lunch at McDonald's. I was happy to see that one has added a play place.
Stopped at the dollar store on the way home. Spent time outside this evening. Wind had picked up and cooled things down. No smoke from the fire in Arizona which has blown in and choked the city past two nights.
Was happy to find one baby bunny survived. It got brave enough to start hopping out of the hutch again today. We picked it up and petted it this evening.
Daughter surprised me and picked lettuce to munch on from the garden today. Loved it all by itself.
Zinnias look like they should flower this week. Talked to some master gardeners today and they're right on track. Few more weeks for marigolds. Other flower plants are growing larger, so I guess most of what I planted must be summer or even fall blooming.
Still only a few carrots, so I planted more today. Don't recall when they grew last year but sure it was around this time they showed up. Just as the lettuce all bolted.
Going to dismantle some of the raised beds and extend the rows they meet with this week. Harvest the garlic which has survived. Plant some more corn.
From a distance, the garden is now looking good. Rows all have green on them. Too bad much of that is vining clover. But crops are growing. I'm just impatient, I guess.
Friday, June 3, 2011
Partially wasted effort
I did go to the plasma center after work today. Since it was my first time there, it took a long time. Got paid $50. However, wound up having to go the route of taking the bus to Pro's market and taking a taxi from there. That cost nearly $20. Going to have to check on taking the bus to somewhere on Bridge, instead. However, I did get some groceries.
I probably would make it until payday without doing this but would not be able to take daughter to the aquarium tomorrow. I've already pushed it back twice now, so I don't want to disappoint her again. So, yes, I will sell my blood to avoid hurting my daughter's feelings.
If needed, I can go back to the plasma center on Monday or Tuesday. Probably will. Few trips will pay to get the scooter running.
Glad it's Friday. Been a short week but in the end it felt really long.
I probably would make it until payday without doing this but would not be able to take daughter to the aquarium tomorrow. I've already pushed it back twice now, so I don't want to disappoint her again. So, yes, I will sell my blood to avoid hurting my daughter's feelings.
If needed, I can go back to the plasma center on Monday or Tuesday. Probably will. Few trips will pay to get the scooter running.
Glad it's Friday. Been a short week but in the end it felt really long.
Thursday, June 2, 2011
Maybe tomorrow
Went into the plasma center after work but left quickly. Line was way too long. May be shorter tomorrow. I'm betting a lot of people won't be hanging out there on Fri afternoon.
One of my biggest apprehensions about the plasma idea is getting home. If it takes too long, I could miss the last bus to my house. If that happens, I could ride down to Pro's market, do a little grocery shopping and call a taxi from there but it would still take a bite out of any benefit derived from the plasma idea.
Haven't been able to quit smoking yet. I am afraid of myself at this point. At work. Seems like I don't have to do anything wrong for these people to make it seem like I have. Got accused of saying something I didn't say yesterday. When I defended myself it had to be quite firmly. Never got an apology.
That and other events led to some revelations. One is that these people are very unhappy. They do not enjoy their jobs and seek any reason they can to avoid it as much as they can. They have no concern for their patients or each other. They look for someone to blame for their misery, not even understanding they create their own dungeon. Before me, they blamed someone else. After me, they will find someone else to blame. And never attempt to solve the problems so evident and easy to repair.
That's okay. Only 19 calendar days left. They cannot destroy me in that time. And since I have already notified my agency of a hostile working environment, if they make any negative statements about me it will be too late to hold water.
I find the whole situation just sad. If I had any feeling they wanted to fix the problems, I would exhaust myself helping them do so. No teamwork. No dedication to each other. Really sad. Glad I don't live that way.
One of my biggest apprehensions about the plasma idea is getting home. If it takes too long, I could miss the last bus to my house. If that happens, I could ride down to Pro's market, do a little grocery shopping and call a taxi from there but it would still take a bite out of any benefit derived from the plasma idea.
Haven't been able to quit smoking yet. I am afraid of myself at this point. At work. Seems like I don't have to do anything wrong for these people to make it seem like I have. Got accused of saying something I didn't say yesterday. When I defended myself it had to be quite firmly. Never got an apology.
That and other events led to some revelations. One is that these people are very unhappy. They do not enjoy their jobs and seek any reason they can to avoid it as much as they can. They have no concern for their patients or each other. They look for someone to blame for their misery, not even understanding they create their own dungeon. Before me, they blamed someone else. After me, they will find someone else to blame. And never attempt to solve the problems so evident and easy to repair.
That's okay. Only 19 calendar days left. They cannot destroy me in that time. And since I have already notified my agency of a hostile working environment, if they make any negative statements about me it will be too late to hold water.
I find the whole situation just sad. If I had any feeling they wanted to fix the problems, I would exhaust myself helping them do so. No teamwork. No dedication to each other. Really sad. Glad I don't live that way.
Small comforts
I've settled into a routine now which allows some minor comforts under current circumstances.
With no AC or swamp cooler working, whether home or away, I keep certain windows open and others closed to allow air flow, while keeping drapes and curtains closed. Helps prevent the house from heating up too much during the day.
Watering the garden in the evening helps cool the wind coming from that direction which blows against that side of the house.
Been waking up fairly early, so to ease into the day gradually. Starting with low lighting and listening to the birds outside. Far cry from waiting til the last second to get up and run, as I did in years past. Of course, in those years I often lacked sleep, any way. Multiple jobs, college and so forth.
The house cooling has me thinking of solutions which involve shades and baffles. Problems involve aesthetics, materials and practicality. Has to be done on a large scale to truly measure results but I believe such thing would help retain warmth in winter by reducing convection. If placed well, of course.
I'm going to see about donating (selling) plasma this afternoon, after work. If I can do that on a regular basis, it would mean additional money, up to $300 a month. Which would mean every few weeks I could buy one solar panel and one deep cell battery. It would also free up money to get another car.
With solar power, calculating use is handy if installing a whole system at once. In my case, installing gradually, best to just keep adding until supply exceeds demand by a good margin. Add a wind generator or two for cloudy days at some point. And keep the generator around for security.
With no AC or swamp cooler working, whether home or away, I keep certain windows open and others closed to allow air flow, while keeping drapes and curtains closed. Helps prevent the house from heating up too much during the day.
Watering the garden in the evening helps cool the wind coming from that direction which blows against that side of the house.
Been waking up fairly early, so to ease into the day gradually. Starting with low lighting and listening to the birds outside. Far cry from waiting til the last second to get up and run, as I did in years past. Of course, in those years I often lacked sleep, any way. Multiple jobs, college and so forth.
The house cooling has me thinking of solutions which involve shades and baffles. Problems involve aesthetics, materials and practicality. Has to be done on a large scale to truly measure results but I believe such thing would help retain warmth in winter by reducing convection. If placed well, of course.
I'm going to see about donating (selling) plasma this afternoon, after work. If I can do that on a regular basis, it would mean additional money, up to $300 a month. Which would mean every few weeks I could buy one solar panel and one deep cell battery. It would also free up money to get another car.
With solar power, calculating use is handy if installing a whole system at once. In my case, installing gradually, best to just keep adding until supply exceeds demand by a good margin. Add a wind generator or two for cloudy days at some point. And keep the generator around for security.
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Sounds good
Called back about another job prospect today. They had called yesterday and I called back but the agency is in Illinois and had called before I could call. This one is a contract for 13 weeks but pays $4 more per hour than my current contract. But that's not what got my attention. What got my interest is that the position is basically a form of forensic nursing, which I have an interest in. Also something I think I'd be good at. Now the biggest question will be the work hours and if there would be any chance for contract extensions. Hope to hear more about the position soon.
I do want to keep doing direct care but I could keep my hand in that by doing agency work on the side, if the hours allow.
The ammonia treatment appears to be having a positive effect already. Have a lot more green and visibly more growth in only two days. Picked more peas today and lots more ripening on the vines. More lettuce gaining size, surprisingly. One tomato plant, not too tall but forming flowers. Onions are almost ready to harvest. Pumpkin plants beginning to creep. Corn plants are rising. Not that many carrots yet but they surprised me last year. Had begun thinking they wouldn't grow at all and then I had dozens of them. This year I'm hoping for hundreds.
So, I'll keep using the ammonia and vinegar. At the strength I've been using, it doesn't seem to be doing any damage. With the soil composition and increased worm population, it's not causing the soil to be sterile. I won't be overdoing it until that happens. I really only use a few tablespoons at a time, well diluted. Combined with compost and mulch, should help in short and long term.
Going to get to bed really early tonight. Started stretching my knee out because the ligament seems to be healed but drawing up tight. More sleep will help it along.
I do want to keep doing direct care but I could keep my hand in that by doing agency work on the side, if the hours allow.
The ammonia treatment appears to be having a positive effect already. Have a lot more green and visibly more growth in only two days. Picked more peas today and lots more ripening on the vines. More lettuce gaining size, surprisingly. One tomato plant, not too tall but forming flowers. Onions are almost ready to harvest. Pumpkin plants beginning to creep. Corn plants are rising. Not that many carrots yet but they surprised me last year. Had begun thinking they wouldn't grow at all and then I had dozens of them. This year I'm hoping for hundreds.
So, I'll keep using the ammonia and vinegar. At the strength I've been using, it doesn't seem to be doing any damage. With the soil composition and increased worm population, it's not causing the soil to be sterile. I won't be overdoing it until that happens. I really only use a few tablespoons at a time, well diluted. Combined with compost and mulch, should help in short and long term.
Going to get to bed really early tonight. Started stretching my knee out because the ligament seems to be healed but drawing up tight. More sleep will help it along.
Sounds good
Called back about another job prospect today. They had called yesterday and I called back but the agency is in Illinois and had called before I could call. This one is a contract for 13 weeks but pays $4 more per hour than my current contract. But that's not what got my attention. What got my interest is that the position is basically a form of forensic nursing, which I have an interest in. Also something I think I'd be good at. Now the biggest question will be the work hours and if there would be any chance for contract extensions. Hope to hear more about the position soon.
I do want to keep doing direct care but I could keep my hand in that by doing agency work on the side, if the hours allow.
The ammonia treatment appears to be having a positive effect already. Have a lot more green and visibly more growth in only two days. Picked more peas today and lots more ripening on the vines. More lettuce gaining size, surprisingly. One tomato plant, not too tall but forming flowers. Onions are almost ready to harvest. Pumpkin plants beginning to creep. Corn plants are rising. Not that many carrots yet but they surprised me last year. Had begun thinking they wouldn't grow at all and then I had dozens of them. This year I'm hoping for hundreds.
So, I'll keep using the ammonia and vinegar. At the strength I've been using, it doesn't seem to be doing any damage. With the soil composition and increased worm population, it's not causing the soil to be sterile. I won't be overdoing it until that happens. I really only use a few tablespoons at a time, well diluted. Combined with compost and mulch, should help in short and long term.
Going to get to bed really early tonight. Started stretching my knee out because the ligament seems to be healed but drawing up tight. More sleep will help it along.
I do want to keep doing direct care but I could keep my hand in that by doing agency work on the side, if the hours allow.
The ammonia treatment appears to be having a positive effect already. Have a lot more green and visibly more growth in only two days. Picked more peas today and lots more ripening on the vines. More lettuce gaining size, surprisingly. One tomato plant, not too tall but forming flowers. Onions are almost ready to harvest. Pumpkin plants beginning to creep. Corn plants are rising. Not that many carrots yet but they surprised me last year. Had begun thinking they wouldn't grow at all and then I had dozens of them. This year I'm hoping for hundreds.
So, I'll keep using the ammonia and vinegar. At the strength I've been using, it doesn't seem to be doing any damage. With the soil composition and increased worm population, it's not causing the soil to be sterile. I won't be overdoing it until that happens. I really only use a few tablespoons at a time, well diluted. Combined with compost and mulch, should help in short and long term.
Going to get to bed really early tonight. Started stretching my knee out because the ligament seems to be healed but drawing up tight. More sleep will help it along.
Rotten Tuesday
Should have known yesterday was not going to be a great day. First day back after a long weekend. Not an issue for me (aside from waking up so early after sleeping until 9 for four days) but for most people..
Nothing seemed to be working properly yesterday. Computers at work. Internet on my phone was down all night. Bank phone system. But mostly people. Resentful they had to actually do their jobs, no matter how slow it was.
Three weeks until this contract ends and I'm really looking forward to finding something else. Actively looking and the phone is ringing at least daily. Have an interview on the 23rd, day after contract ends. Have to call another employer back today.
Got home to find the dog not only dug under the hutch but tore up two of the largest container tomatoes. She's remaining on the tie out line. (Which still runs the width of the yard and 15 ft each side of the line. Much more than most dog runs allow.)
Hope today is better. Shouldn't have to have a CYA feeling every day at a job. That's what I hate about politics. People who play politics on the job are much more concerned with politics than medicine or anything else. I won't sink to that level.
Nothing seemed to be working properly yesterday. Computers at work. Internet on my phone was down all night. Bank phone system. But mostly people. Resentful they had to actually do their jobs, no matter how slow it was.
Three weeks until this contract ends and I'm really looking forward to finding something else. Actively looking and the phone is ringing at least daily. Have an interview on the 23rd, day after contract ends. Have to call another employer back today.
Got home to find the dog not only dug under the hutch but tore up two of the largest container tomatoes. She's remaining on the tie out line. (Which still runs the width of the yard and 15 ft each side of the line. Much more than most dog runs allow.)
Hope today is better. Shouldn't have to have a CYA feeling every day at a job. That's what I hate about politics. People who play politics on the job are much more concerned with politics than medicine or anything else. I won't sink to that level.
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