A Garden Update

I know that my garden can only be so interesting to read about, but I am really amazed at the growth that has occurred in only a few short weeks. I mean.. just look at it!


First off, do you remember Tommy? The tomato? Tiny little guy? Well, not any more, folks! This boy is growing up fast! (They always do)


And there are some new kids in the neighborhood! Twins! Reddy and Toeatme!


My green beans are taking over. I don't think I fully realized their dominance in the garden. They're kind of over shadowing my bell peppers and I'm a little worried! But check it out! My FIRST green bean!

Max

My cat Max is very special. About a year ago our good friend found him digging around in the garbage behind his house when he was only about 5 weeks old. Little bugger was way too young to be on his own. So Andy and I brought him in. And boy was he wily.


Well, a few nights ago I noticed a sore spot on Max's paw. A closer look and it was kind of scary, I didn't know what it could be. The vet isn't really sure either. She thinks it could be a burn or maybe just nervous licking/biting. Either way, he can't lick it until it heals, so cone town it is.


I know I shouldn't find some much amusement in his misfortunes, but he doesn't make it easy! He's so darn cute and I can't help but think that he is doing some of it just so that I will laugh. Here he is trying to look up, up, and up until he falls backwards


It's been a good 24 hours now, and he has finally come to accept his fate of the cone. He lays around and looks so pitiful. I have been giving him neck rubs though, and he is very appreciative of those. I think he'll make it.

Salad Days - A photo shoot

My garden is growing so well. I thought that you could use an introduction of cast and characters. Up close! The insider's edition!

I thought my cucumbers were not going to sprout. It had been forever. I had even found a few seeds become exposed! And they had not changed one bit. But this morning, what did I see– not one, but THREE little sprouts! (These little guys were camera shy, and wouldn't let me take a clear photo) I'm really so glad that these guys pulled through. I had given them a death sentence, but apparently they just needed a little faith.


My tomatoes are budding, and I have the first little guy coming in! Look! I have been showing him to every one that comes near my garden. I've even named him. Tommy. Tommy Tomato.


I think I have about a dozen tomato plants in three separate stages, so hopefully I will have tomatoes-a-plenty all summer long.


For the longest time, I was conviced that the jalapeños were not growing. They sprouted, and then that was it. No mas. But I think they were just jerking my chain now.


I love bell peppers. I cook with them almost as much as tomatoes. Maybe even more. They're so good in everything. Raw, sautéed, grilled. These guys need to hurry up. I'm hungry.


Lettuce is not supposed to do so well in my hot and humid region, but so far it is so lush! I think it may have a few weeks left before the heat really kicks in though, so I will enjoy it while I can!


And here are my beans. That is all the seed packet said. Beans. I'm hoping for green beans? Who knows, I love beans of all kinds (they're the musical fruit!), so I'm sure I won't be disappointed

Gardening and Stitching

Last weekend Andy built a box for my raised garden. I had done lots of planning and laid out a chart as to how I was going to carefully organize my tomatoes and bell peppers, while making sure that I kept the jalapenos far far away, lest they contaminate anything else. When it came time, I can't say that I really stuck to the plan. I guess I should have called it more of an "idea." Either way, everything looks great, I can't wait for all of my vegetables so I can enjoy veggie wraps and pasta salad. And stir-fry. And salsa. And fresh spaghetti sauce. And I think I should have planted a bigger garden.
The morning after I worked so hard to get everything in the ground, I heard news of a coming frost! In April! Everyone said that I should just put a sheet over the garden and it would be fine, but I stuck it in the dryer first just to make sure.



The Emmeline apron pattern that I purchase from Montessori by Hand is almost finished. I just have to cut out the bias strips and attached them to make the neck strap. If that makes any sense, because I'm still kind of confused on that part. I hear knowledge of quilting helps, but I haven't made it there yet. I'm so excited, this is my first item to make with a pattern and it is finally all most done. It already isn't perfect and has some flaws, but that's the charm of something hand made by me!



I was really happy with my choice of fabrics. I was initially very overwhelmed with choices and the store, and even had to call my dear Amelia for assurance that I was making the right decision. Andy helped me narrow it down to three great fabrics, and I am tempted to go back and get more for another project.