Garden Planning

Spring is coming, right?  I have to be thankful that we haven't been pummeled by the storms like New England.  Sorry, my New England friends - Chin Up - spring is coming.

Local stores are putting out their spring and summer supplies and it makes me want to get my garden started.  Or at least planned.

Last years stuff

Pallet gardening last year

So I have been making plans for what I want to plant this year.  I also have added to my Pots and am planning to plant some asparagus  in one of the new pots.  It will be some time before I get any crop from it but will be worth it in the long run.  And since they will be in the pot, if I move it will be easy to take them with me.

So, I'm drooling over seeds for beans, peas, lettuce, spinach, tomatoes and peppers.  YUM!  OH!  Butternut Squash!  Maybe I'll do something different and start some onions in a pot as well.

I can't wait for spring and summer to come so I can have yummy veggies.

Catching Up

I've been away from my blog but for a good reason.  I was on vacation with the family.  It was a lovely time!  We went to Ocean City, MD which is where Daddy spent a lot of his teenage summers.  He loves it there and so do I.  I think I prefer OCMD beach to any of the ones in NJ that I've visited.

I will share pictures with you this week of our activities.  So many good things!

I have one more vacation scheduled for the summer.  I don't have any big plans yet.  We'll see if anything good comes up.

Daddy has one or two more chemo sessions and they will then do another scan to see where things stand.  The Drs and nurses are excited over the huge drop in his cancer count numbers.  They have dropped from over 1900 to 393 at the last count!  I don't know exactly how they get this number but they are counting the cancer cells in his blood.  At 393 there is considerably less to count.


Dating. Or trying to date.  I've gotten several responses to my online profile but it hasn't materialized into anything.  One guy I chatted with for about 5 minutes, then he hung up on me.  I thought maybe my cell had cut off so I called back and left him a message.  About an hour later, I got a message from him through the dating site "good luck".  Nice.  You can tell about a person in less than 5 minutes.  Well, good for you.

The most recent one contacted me while I was on vacation.   I told him I was away and I would email him when I got back late Sunday.  About 6:30 Sunday, there was a message from him saying he figured something must have come up for me and that I wasn't interested.  Well, so sorry I have a life and you don't have any patience.

Moving onto the next one!


Jakes starts his sophomore year in high school on Thursday!  When did I get a sophomore? I'm not old enough to have a kid that old!  Hopefully this school year will be as uneventful as last year was.


Time to head out and give the garden some TLC.  I'll be around to catch up on your blogs shortly!

Tidbit Tuesday

Jakes and I had a great weekend.  Lots of fun stuff happened. Swimming, playing with friends, visiting with the Gparents and the dogs.

Jakes went for a job interview last week. Of course, just an entry level job at a local fast food place but HE decided to go there and get the application without letting anyone know he was going.  Good initiative!  He hasn't heard from the manager to know if he's been hired yet but I hope he gets it.  It might mean less time at my house but he's growing up and more independent.  He has to learn to fly.

Dad is doing everything he can to stay healthy enough to get chemo this week.  Fingers crossed that his blood work shows good results today!

We are going to start packing the RV for the 4th of July weekend.  Jakes is excited to help so we can go.  He loves the campground we are going to.  And there will be fireworks!

The garden is about to kick into high gear.  Tomatoes are changing colors, daily harvests of green beans and peas, zucchini's getting longer.  YUM!

There is nothing "new" in my life.  Just day by day.  Evenings are spent playing with the animals, making dinner, watering plants and reading on the deck until the mosquitoes chase me inside. 

I'm thinking I ready to plunge back into the dating world.  I have a friend who says I need to start my "stable".  :) but what to say on the profile?  "Single female seeks Cowboy?"  "Looking for someone to ride off into the sunset with." It'll come to me eventually, when the time is right.

That's about all that's going on in my life.  What's going on it yours?

The Garden

The Garden is growing nicely.  I've gotten a couple of nice handfuls of green beans and peas so far.  With the warm weather this week, I have one tomato that's blushed.  Hopefully we'll have a feast on it this weekend.  Its a little cherry tomato and hopefully I will be able to convince Jakes to cut it in half and share with me.

Here's my tomatoes and Peppers

This little pepper will be ready this weekend too.

Here's what I look down on each morning. My Lovely Pallet Garden

I have peas and green beans.

Wednesdays Harvest.  Just enough for me! YUM!

Here is the Squash pallet. There are Zucchini, Yellow Squash and Spaghetti Squash in there.
The Spaghetti Squash is taking over!

Here is my pallet of Herbs.  There is Cilantro, basil and oregano there.
Next to be planted will be some rosemary and thyme.

So there's the update of the garden.  Jaxon and I have been watering it each night that we don't have rain.  Pulling the weeds and harvesting make for a relaxing end to the day.

Friday Fragments

Hi there.  Is there anyone still reading my blog?  I totally understand if you've moved on.  Hit and miss posts are frustrating.  For me just as they must be for you.

SOOOO.... onto some good news.  Dad's cancer is under control.  There was no new growth on the latest scans and they seem to have found a regime that will keep him healthy enough to get chemo at least every other week.  He has also gained some weight and is looking more like himself.  YAY!  We are all so happy!  Fingers crossed and prayers said that the next few months go just as well.

My garden is coming along nicely.  Lots of blooms and veggies are growing. Last night, I had the first pod of peas.  They were so yummy!  And there was only ONE pod.  Bummer!  But there will be more in a few days.  I can't wait!

Jakes last day of school is today.  I know he will have fun at the field day that is planned.  I also know that he's had a pretty good year so far.  I am proud of his grades and the progress he's made.  I can't believe that he will be a Sophomore in August!  When did my baby grow up?

So.  While I sit here thinking of things to write about, I realize I don't have anything new for myself to report.  Work is the same.  The animals are the same.  There is nothing new or different in my life. The things that make you go hmmmmmmmm......Maybe its time to change that... Got any suggestions?  cheap ones!

I'm coming back.  More later!  Thanks for your patience with me.

The Garden Update

I spent Mothers Day weekend working on my finishing my garden.  A couple of weekends ago I got three pallets and started filling them with dirt.

The pallets were free. Score!

I found a place in the township with free mulch and dirt to fill in the pallets and the bed around them.

The view from above.
All mulched and filled with dirt.
The one on the right has different squashes

I had started Green Beans and Peas in pots on my deck.  I transplanted them into the pallet on the left.

The pallet in the middle is going to be for herbs. I  have to decide what herbs and if they will be seeds or plants.

Here is my current herb garden.  All of the plants in here are volunteers left over from last year.  I'm going to be harvesting the oregano in a week or so!  YUM!

I planted tomatoes and peppers in pots that will stay on my deck.

Come on summer!  I can't wait for fresh veggies with dinner!

Its Monday

Its Monday and it was a good weekend.  I am definitely feeling more like myself.  Yes, I still have things in my life that are stressors and depressors, but with the help of medication, I am able to put it to the middle of my mind and function as a person.

I had a pretty good weekend.  I'm slowly getting caught up on the housework that I've been ignoring in favor of my couch.  Jakes came over for the weekend and we got along pretty well.

I went to a Girls Night Out that benefited the local Autism Center.  It was fun!  I wandered around with ESM and Janet.  We had some girl talk and a couple of drinks.  ESM got to vent about living with Dad a little bit.

Saturday, I took Jakes to the Farm and then caught up with ESM for some yard sale-ing fun.  I bought a grill!  Ok, you don't usually buy grills at yard sales but this one is in good shape.  All it needs is the propane tank.  I cleaned it up and am ready for summer grilling!  Dad went with us and we all had a pretty good time.

Sunday, Jakes and I spent the day with the GParents again.  This time we were helping Dad to open up the RV.  They are going away next weekend.  Dad was able to do a lot of the stuff, not just give directions. I know that made him feel good that he was able to help, not just stand there and be helpless.  I'm also sure he went home and took a nice long nap after we were done.  I know I wanted to!  lol

I'm slowly working on my Pallet Garden.  Its taking some time because I am digging the dirt on my own instead of buying it.  I will have to buy the plants instead of seeds because its such a late start.  Next year, I will get seeds and get started earlier.  But I am still looking forward to fresh veggies on the grill this summer!

What's going on in your world? I hope you're enjoying the spring weather that's finally come to us!

The Garden

I've started a garden!  Of course, I had to move the garden into the kitchen the past couple of nights, thanks to Mother Nature.  Can someone get her a Prozac or something, please?

So I have planted Peas, Green Beans, Cilantro, Basil, and Oregano.  When the time is right, I will be getting some tomatoes and peppers.  All of these are going to be in pots on my deck.

My herb Garden from last year.  I'm getting a lot of "volunteers" this year

My peas, green beans, and new herbs freshly planted

the peas are growing nicely

The green beans and herbs sitting on my washer because Mother Nature
insists on keeping us COLD and SNOWY.

Have you seen pallet gardening?

I am going to get me some pallets and plant more stuff!  I have a perfect place for two pallets at the bottom of the steps leading to my apartment.  Fresh spinach, lettuce and other yummy stuff!

Tuesday Tidbits

I had a wonderful weekend!  Babysat Oscar while the parents went away for Valentine's Day.  Oscar and Jaxon had a wonderful time playing together and chewing on soup bones.

Sunday after Oscar went home, I went bowling with friends.  Had a lovely time and lots of laughs.  Can't wait to do it again!

Monday, Niecy and I went shopping!  She put her car in the shop for maintenance so we had all day to run all over the place looking for fun things to spend tax money on.

I have plans to buy a washer and dryer but have a friend who thinks she might be able to get me a free set that's in good condition.  Waiting to see what happens there.  Fingers crossed!

Jakes and I finally settled on a name for the new kitty.  He's Jethro Gibbs.  yes, I love the show NCIS and I love "J" names.  Jaxon is named after Jackson Gibbs, who is Jethro's father on the show.  He was played by Ralph Waite who just passed away.

So my boys are Jakes, Jaxon and Jethro.

The kitty is settling in nicely.  He doesn't seem comfortable with Jaxon yet.  But Jaxon is just so full of energy and is jumpy and just wants to play with Jethro.  It will take some time for the boys to be comfortable with each other to play.


I've had ENOUGH snow.  When is spring?  Not only do I have to shovel myself out, but I usually have to check the parents out too. So sick of shoveling.


I want a job where I can be WRONG 98% of the time and still keep my job! What job is that you ask?  Weatherman.


Since I KNOW spring is coming, I need to figure out what herbs and veggies I'm going to grow.  I know I want basil, oregano, cilantro, peppers and tomatoes.  I'm also thinking I'd like scallions  What are some of your favorite herbs and veggies?

Busy Weekend

Oh my! What a busy weekend!  I was so busy I almost wished I was at work so I could relax. 

The quickie:  There was two trips to the bike repair store.  Two trips to the local college for singing in my concert.  A trip to the parents for a visit.  Grocery shopping and a little work on reclaiming my flower bed.

Details:  The concert was fun, as always.  We sang a selection from Rogers's and Hammerstein's Carousel, Braums and some other spiritual songs.  Our Director sang a solo and it was the first time many of us had heard him sing.  He has a wonderful voice!

The trips to the bike repair shop was unfortunate because some people have to borrow my bike and break it.  But of course, its never their fault and they are never made to make good on it.  But the bike is now locked up and I am the only one with the key to it.  I did make a stop at Starbucks which was almost on the way to the repair shop.  Love my Frappichinos!

Dad and ESM were having issues with some spam from their email account so I stopped over to help out with that.  Of course, it became more involved than I anticipated.

I am working on reclaiming a flower bed.  Its all grass so I have to cultivate it, scoop out the grass and roots, then cultivate it again for anything I can't get out by hand.  BUT I did find Tulips and daffodils in there which I think I will transplant.   I will work some more on that tonight after work.

Grocery shopping needs no details.  I still can't figure out why it takes 2 hours to get through the store.....  But if you are trailing a teenager that might explain some of it.

At least the sun was shining and it was warm!  Overall, a good weekend!  Tell me about yours!

Tidbit Tuesday

Saying lots of prayers for everyone in and around Boston who has been affected by the horrific bombings there.  I"m also praying that the law enforcement agencies there are able to find the sicko(s) who did this.

Last week we found out that our Autism Center is closed. There was a simple email asking us for patience while they analyzed things to see where they could go with the new lack of funding.  Then Jill at the Farm heard that the Center wouldn't be paying for any services going forward.  This is not a good thing for the kids who need help with transitions!  To have their services (there were many in addition to the Equine Therapy) yanked from them with no notice.  I know there are many parents who have been doing a mad scramble to get things in place to keep their kids moving forward.

Jill and her group of wonderful parents are working together to find funding to continue the Equine Therapy for the Autism Kids.  They are planning a Chinese Auction and I am keeping my eyes pealed for grants that would work for the Farm.

Jakes and I had another blow out this weekend.  He's not speaking to me and has said that he won't be coming to see me EVER.  giggle.  And until he apologizes for his mouth and his other behaviors from this past weekend, I don't want to hear from him either.

For now, Jakes and I are not talking and he says he won't be coming back to my house ever.  We'll see how long that lasts, probably until his dad annoys him and he needs to get away from his father.  But he'd better be ready to apologize to me before he's allowed in my house again.

Things between AZ and I are going really well.  He has been awake and sober and we are both participating in the relationship.  I have hope again!  We are planning a camping trip for Mothers Day weekend.  We're going to stay local, its cheaper!  Dad and ESM are going to meet us at the campground where they will have their own site just down the road.

JR and his friends have made the camper their "man cave" over the winter and AZ has already told them they will be cleaning it before we leave.  I said I'm not touching it, its all their responsibility.

AZ and I are planning to put in a garden.  I can't wait to get the ground tilled and get some plants in there!  Fresh veggies over the summer!  Oh YUM!

My Spring Concert is coming up soon.  The choir is working hard to get the right notes and words in place.  I love working with my voice!  I'll miss this over the summer.

Well, that's about all that's going on my little corner of the world.  How's things where you are?

Tuesday Tidbits

I'm traveling today so I have just a few minutes to catch up with you.  I have to go to two different offices today to conduct meetings.  With my bosses there.  Should be interesting.


I need to find the new prescription for glasses that the eye dr gave me.  He said I didn't need the new script yet but he filled it out with the new measurements anyway.  I think I need it now.  sigh...... Just another reminder that my birthday is next week.



Jakes and I had a wonderful weekend!  It started out rough, with him getting upset over anything I would say to him.  He would have his temper tantrums in his bedroom or outside and I let him.  Finally, when he was a little calmer, I mentioned to him that he seemed super sensitive to me and my words.  He thought about it and seemed to get a new attitude (a better one!).  We had some silliness and snuggled to watch a movie and spent time with the gparents.  It was a great weekend!



AZ and I are working on things.  He's trying to be more affectionate and involved in "us".  I am finding that I have a lack of trust in him and his use of his medications.  I have been quick to accuse him of things that weren't him.  Getting that Trust back will take time.  All of this will take time.



I have started a wonderful project in the kitchen!  I will share it with you when its done.  I'm tapping into my inner-Martha!



AZ and I are looking to put in a little garden for the summer.  We need to borrow a tiller to break the ground.  We were talking this morning about how my mom and his dad had wonderful huge gardens while we were growing up.  Good memories.



Time to wrap this up and read through the meeting minutes from the last meeting with the staff.  Gotta be prepared!  Have a wonderful Tuesday.