Friday's Quote: Don Herold

"It takes a lot of things to prove you are smart, but only one thing to prove you are ignorant."---Don Herold

For most of my life, I've been called or characterized as "smart."  I will say that I prefer to be called "smart" as compared to being called "sexy" or "beautiful."  However, I will admit that I work hard at being "smart."  For example, I read a lot, I'm curious about things around me, I try to find answers to things that intrigue me, and I try to dialogue with people.  Yet, this doesn't mean that I'm not ignorant.  I feel as if there is still so much to learn and I'm sometimes embarrassed at my lack of knowledge of simple things.  So I try to be as humble as possible, accept my ignorance (rather than deflect it or feign knowledge), and try to learn more with the hope of being less ignorant.

How have you been characterized or how would you characterize yourself?  Would you prefer to be characterized as something else?

Structure

Teva Tirra

[Picture Source:  www.zappos.com]

I purchased myself a pair of new sandals in preparation of spring and summer.  More specifically, I purchased a pair of Teva Tirra in the same style and color as shown in the picture above. 

As many of my close family and friends know, I love to walk.  It is likely that I will wear these sandals from the beginning of spring until the year's first snow fall.  I also prefer comfort over appearance.  So I will wear these with and without socks, with dress clothes, with jeans and comfy skirts, and pretty much almost anything.  Of course, many of the color options aren't exactly  neutral and muted, but I chose a color that would most match my existing outfits. 

So far, these sandals have been pretty comfortable.  In the past, I've purchased several high quality sandals from this brand and from Keen that have lasted me for several years.  Last spring I purchased a lesser quality sandal that only lasted three months.  I decided this year that I would put all of my money towards a higher quality sandal, with the hope that the sandal would last at least three years.  I guess only time will tell, but I am pretty impressed with these shoes so far.

No Potato Regrets (I Hope)

Today started out foggy and misty, but turned into a beautiful day.  Since I finally conceded that it is spring, I went outside and prepared my gardens.  I cleaned up the area where I gardened last year, and I prepared another bed (with the hope of planting many of my tomatoes and hot peppers in that area).  Since it was so nice out, I also decided to start planting some of my potatoes.

As you know from my postings from last year, I saved a couple of little potatoes to plant this spring.  I saved some fingerling, some purple, and some yellow round potatoes.  During the winter, I put these little potatoes in a bowl and set it away from direct light, which helps to slow the growth of tubers on the potatoes.  By this time, little tubers would have grown on the potatoes.  If not, then you'll need to force the tubers to grow (also known as "chit" or "chitting").

My little potatoes already had lots of tubers growing out of each potato, so I thought that I might as well try and plant the potatoes now.  (I put a stick next to each potato to help me remember where I planted the potato.)   I'm hoping I won't regret this decision.  I've also saved one or two potatoes on the side, just in case a late frost hits and wipes out what I've put into the ground.  I'm actually quite excited.  Last year was the first time I grew my own potatoes (and I don't know why I waited so long either).  Although, only two of the four potatoes actually grew last year, I really remember being so excited at harvest time.  It really was like a grown-up version of an Easter egg hunt.

I hope you try growing potatoes in your own garden.  If you want to find out more about chitting potatoes, you can go to the following website:  http://www.telegraph.co.uk/gardening/howtogrow/fruitandvegetables/7053223/How-to-grow-chitting-and-forcing-potatoes.html

Friday's Quote: Ethel Waters

"Today or any day that phone may ring and bring good news."---Ethel Waters

This is such a positive quote.  It reminds me that one never knows what's going to happen, even when times are at its bleakest.  Thus, it takes a lot to believe that good news will happen and to take each day one at a time.

Have you had any good news lately in your life?  Or have you gotten any good news via phone?

Peeping Garlic

It's early by a month, but spring is here despite the possibility of a late frost.  I am hoping that all of my fruit trees will blossom without fail (except for my Morello cherry tree) and put forth fruit this year.  I am especially looking forward to an apple or two from my Honeycrisp apple tree.  I've been waiting for the last two to three years, but no Honeycrisp apple yet.

 Anyhow, what I really wanted to share (and the main reason I'm hoping there won't be a late frost this spring) is the progress of my garlic.  As I posted on October 16th, I planted some garlic in one of my raised beds.  This is actually my first time growing garlic and I was a bit nervous that the animals around my 'hood might dig up the garlic bulbs during the fall and winter.  I saw in the fall at least one garlic bulb was dug up and chewed on (although, whatever animal that chewed on it only took one bite and left the garlic alone).  Then earlier in the month, I saw another garlic on top of the soil that may have been heaved out of the ground due to the freezing and thawing weather.  Unfortunately, it was not likely going to sprout.

Today, I saw that so many of the garlic bulbs were sending out little green shoots.  I'm actually quite excited and can't believe that so many bulbs survived the winter, even if it was a very mild one.  I feel as if I've done something right.  I'm anticipating some yummy garlic scapes this spring (which is another post for another day).

So far, how has your spring been?

Bridal Bouquet

[Taken March 10, 2012.]

The Sprouting Has Begun

Over the weekend, I noticed that my little seeds have started sprouting.  As you can see (and I do apologize for the lousy photos), little green shoots are making their way out of the dirt.

The first leaves that appear are known as cotyledons.  Thereafter, the plant will then put forth the plant's first "true leaves."  At this point, or at a later point, I will have to thin out the pots so that only one seedling is in each pot.  

Of course, I always have such a hard time killing off a potential plant, so I try to separate the seedlings as gently as  possible (with minimal damage to the tiny roots) with the intent of preserving many of the seedlings for a repotting.  I will then repot many of these seedlings into bigger pots.  I hope to only repot my plants once before I put my plants into the ground.  Personally, I don't like to repot my plants more than once.  I notice that the repotting process stresses out my plants.  With the short growing season that I live in, I don't have a lot of time for my plants to recover and properly grow; thus, when possible, I try to time it so that I don't have to repot for a second time and just put my plants into the ground.

I wish you all a happy spring.  Hope your garden (if you have one) is coming along well.

Friday's Quote

"Endure the present, and watch for better things."---Virgil

I know there have been moments in my life (e.g. the last two winters), in which I was going through some really tough times.  Especially in matters relating to the heart, I remember how hard it was to endure the present because I recall everything around me seemed so dismal and how it was so hard to get beyond the emotional darkness that surrounded me.  

Yet, I endured.  Of course, I couldn't have endured without good friends and family to listen to me and just provide perspective.  At the same time, these friends also helped watch out for better things for me.  Sometimes, I may have been so wrapped up in just trying to endure that it was hard to recognize that some things may actually be good for me (e.g. just watching a movie, having a "girls' night out").  Thank goodness for family and friends.

Do you have your own story about enduring the present and watching for better things?

Just a Bridge

Starting my Seedlings

I finally started some of my indoor seedlings today.  This year, I told myself I was going to be more prepared, I would try and start my seedlings at an appropriate time, and I will try my best to ensure that my seedlings are not going to die.  I'm starting my hot pepper and tomato seedlings early due to the short growing season in my neck of the woods.  If you want to try your hand at starting your own seedlings, you'll need the following:  seedling pots, potting medium, labels, seeds, and a tray with a clear lid.

I made my own little seedling pots out of newspaper (of course you can buy the peat pots from the store or make your own out of eggshells, old tubes of towel paper or toilet paper rolls).  To better fit my own needs, I modified the method that comes from this website (http://www.gardenbetty.com/2011/03/how-to-make-recycled-newspaper-pots-for-seed-starting/).  I also purchased labels and labeled each pot.  I cannot emphasize how important to is to label your seedling pots.  Take my word for it, you will eventually forget which plant is which, no matter how wonderful you think your memory is.

Next, fill up each of the seedling pots with planting medium.  It's been recommended that potting soil not be used to start indoor seedlings because the soil may be a bit too heavy and may suffocate the seeds or the seed's tiny roots.  You can purchase soil less potting medium at the store or you can make your own.  Since I already have the necessary items to make my own planting medium, I made my own.  I use a 1:1:1 ratio of peat moss, vermiculite, and compost (of course you can do without the compost if you don't have any).  You can moisten the planting medium at this point or you can moisten it after you've planted the seeds.

I fill the pot two-thirds from the top.  I then put a seed or two into each pot and then cover the seeds with a little more potting medium.  I moisten the top of the soil with water.  Then I put the pots into the container with a lid.  There are more "professional" looking containers with lids, but I'm finding that large foil lasagna pans with plastic lids work just as fine.  I love the large head room offered by the lasagna pan and the tapered sides allow the pots to fit in better without falling over.  Put the pan in a sunny area of your house. 

So, why use a pan with a fitted lid?  Well, the pan with the fitted lid will create a little mini-greenhouse, trapping in the moisture and heat needed for the seeds' germination.  Just remember to check on your seedlings and don't forget to moisten your plants on an as-needed-basis.

  

Friday's Quote: Virgil Thomson

[A couple of postings ago, I thought that I would use a my quote of the day as a starting piece for a blog posting for a day out of the week.  I figured that I could attempt to do this on Fridays, starting today.  I hope I can do this on a consistent basis.  I can't seem to come up with a catchy phrase, so I guess it will just be "Friday's Quote" for now.]

"I don't go around regretting things that don't happen.---Virgil Thomson

I very much would like to say that I don't go around regretting about things that didn't happen, but I can't.  At the same time, if I do regret, it isn't too often.  I've also realized that as I get older, it's easier for me to accept the decisions I've made, focus on the present and not think about the things that didn't happen, and regret less.  

At the same time, another way to interpret Virgil Thomson's quote is that he may go around regretting the things that did happen.  I admit that I do regret about things that did happen, but I am learning to accept things and live with the consequences of my decisions/actions.

How about you, which camp are you in?  Do you regret about things that don't happen or things that did happen?  Or are you also in both?

Donuts, Doughnuts, Dough Knots

 [If you want to learn more about the history of doughnuts, check out the following blog: http://davesdonutblog.blogspot.com/2010/01/spelling-donut-vs-doughnut.html]

It's a Bit Deceiving

There were little clouds in the brilliant blue sky.  The sun was out and shining bright.  So, I thought to myself that I could run outside for a little bit.  Despite it being twenty-four degrees outside with a slight breeze, I thought that I once I picked up my pace and started sweating (which I did for a little bit), I would be able to keep myself warm.

The nice blue sky and the sly bright sun were deceiving.  The breeze was actually a light wind and even though I attempted to keep a constant pace, I just couldn't warm myself up.  Approximately almost half way into my run, I got quite cold.  I even had to place my mittens underneath my running skull cap to create "ear warmers" because my ears were beginning to hurt from the wind.  I jogged and walked the rest of the way home, making myself to a hot cup of tea once I got right inside my home.

Maybe I'll save my outdoor running for this Wednesday, where it's predicted to hit at least fifty degrees.  I also think I'll save any more outdoor running for April or May.

Seeds

 Despite the recent snowstorm, I am excited about spring.  I cannot wait to start gardening.  This year, like every year, I have good intentions to start things on the right path and will try to follow through this year.  I have plans to start my seedlings this year and not kill it off due to my forgetfulness.  Hopefully, when I implement my new plan, I will also blog about it too. 

This year, I purchased some seeds because I wanted to plant different varieties of hot peppers in my garden.  Some of these peppers, I am trying for the sake of trying a different kind of hot pepper.  Yet, I am also going to try grow two peppers specifically for pickling.  If any of this works out, I will keep you updated.  Once more, I need to germinate the seeds and keep the little seedlings alive.

I also hope to germinate some strawberry seeds too.  I wanted to add some strawberry plants to the borders around my yard to as a way to replace some of my grass and just to add interest.  I tried starting some late last summer, but the seeds never germinated.  I will try again this spring.  Hopefully, I will be successful.  

Are you already thinking about your garden?  Are you intending to plant anything new in your garden?