tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-76148939203897829162011-10-20T06:51:07.697-06:00An inexperienced gardner, baker, cook, photographer, and many other things attempts to try it all in Montana.Daisyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03657241461465217108noreply@blogger.comBlogger1401100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7614893920389782916.post-79207761112110686202010-07-13T17:02:00.003-06:002010-07-13T17:07:39.459-06:00

There are perks to dating a handyman. Especially one who welds.I was pretty excited to have peas this year, and even more excited that the Handyman made me a scrap tower for the peas to climb. With all the cool weather we've been having in Missoula, my peas are going crazy!

Daisyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03657241461465217108noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7614893920389782916.post-59638206358570792692009-05-19T07:21:00.000-06:002009-05-19T07:21:55.083-06:00

Zinnias aren't safe around me.Last year it was aphids.This year, there was one hot day in the greenhouse after spending two weeks longing for sun in my mudroom - these guys were toast.I'll start a few more from seed and see if I can coax them into blooming before winter... but I think in a past life, I wronged someone who had something to do with zinnias.(The tomatoes and nasturtiums and sweet

Daisyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03657241461465217108noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7614893920389782916.post-46662391076407847942009-05-18T15:09:00.004-06:002009-05-18T15:32:47.272-06:00

I hate to disappoint you, but I really don't have an answer.The Handyman and I were discussing the possibilities after we noticed a very sad roma hanging from the upside-down bucket on the right.He's got a few crispy edges and doesn't seem to want to make that full turn towards the sun.  The other two sweet 100's look great, so if the roma doesn't perk up soon, he may be transferred to the raised

Daisyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03657241461465217108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7614893920389782916.post-5324054741635359932009-05-16T10:39:00.001-06:002009-05-16T10:40:58.421-06:00

It's not really a question.Despite other pressing needs... we're heading to the garden plots right now!

Daisyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03657241461465217108noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7614893920389782916.post-30447191542004834802009-05-04T15:52:00.004-06:002009-05-04T16:23:09.489-06:00

Remember Martha from last year?She's got her same plot again this year.  And it needs some love. Supposedly there's some garlic in there.Luckily, the Handyman bought a tiller off Craigslist (thank you to two retired gardeners in Helena!).   After having such a good time blazing through our plots, he's decided to post a few flyers advertising his rototilling services for $15 per plot - not so much

Daisyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03657241461465217108noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7614893920389782916.post-78506690242471154572009-05-03T10:30:00.003-06:002009-05-03T10:44:29.490-06:00

Not only are we extremely late with the starts this year, I'm extremely late posting about the starts. I'm glad we didn't just to skip it all together this year.  There's something about planting seeds and watching for those first little leaves that makes me feel like spring has arrived.  It's become the apple cider smell of fall or the bright lights of Christmas. I decided not to start any

Daisyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03657241461465217108noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7614893920389782916.post-15008761969160657172009-04-19T20:36:00.009-06:002009-04-20T00:08:17.098-06:00

Last summer, the Handyman and I gathered a bunch of flagstone, and that flagstone sat through the winter, untouched... Until today!I have two beds by my backdoor that have dandelions anchored all over.  I've weeded and weeded and weeded and weeded and my mom's even come to visit and weeded and weeded.  There's been quite a lot of weeding. It took me much longer than I'd like to admit, but no more

Daisyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03657241461465217108noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7614893920389782916.post-33049506874139935652009-04-16T19:58:00.004-06:002009-04-16T20:27:24.468-06:00

I would love to have a pergola in my backyard. I think I've said as much to the Handyman on a number of occasions.Apparently, Handyman, Sr. has been hearing similar requests regarding the hot tub at the Handyman Ranch in California.  Somewhere along the way, there was a request for some extra hands.We jumped at the chance to go help (and the chance to thaw our Montana-cold bones in some

Daisyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03657241461465217108noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7614893920389782916.post-35749017661970277852009-04-10T13:05:00.004-06:002009-04-10T13:11:38.389-06:00

When did I ever have time to write a blog?  I have no clue how I managed it last year, but I'm committed to trying again.  As with everything that seems overwhelming, I'll start small... baby steps.Kind of like this tiny shoot from what I hope is garlic (and not grass or some other random plant that exists, instead, where my garlic should be).I made a small tactical error last October - I thought

Daisyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03657241461465217108noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7614893920389782916.post-37552304919217471522009-03-17T14:07:00.002-06:002009-03-17T14:19:19.601-06:00

I'm back!  Needed a little hiatus from the blog, but today's snow has already melted, and there's a new set of grow lights in the basement for starts (pictures later.)But today, I have to share this movie.  You might learn something about cold frames if you've never thought about building one before. Whatever you do, don't let this guy teach your kids math.  Maybe I just liked it because Emma

Daisyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03657241461465217108noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7614893920389782916.post-47722671138193491192008-10-15T10:11:00.002-06:002008-10-15T10:12:22.026-06:00

I was just skimming Gardenaut, and I found a post I wrote on salsa.  I hate that I've gotten so behind on blogging, but I'm struggling to stay on top of things these days.  I'll leave a note when I feel I can write with some predictability, but in the meantime, enjoy a salsa recipe!

Daisyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03657241461465217108noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7614893920389782916.post-38324059955003185432008-10-04T21:11:00.004-06:002008-10-04T21:16:08.964-06:00

Daisyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03657241461465217108noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7614893920389782916.post-72657508071127551282008-09-01T17:38:00.002-06:002008-09-01T17:45:45.337-06:00

There's a new look around here, and I'm still pondering whether it works for me.I'll leave it up, and see if it grows on me. Or maybe I'll get crazy with that lasso tool and put something else up. If it makes you dizzy, do share. I don't want to be responsible for the odd headache or seizure just cause you're trying to figure out whether that's a giant purple Christmas ornament or an eggplant

Daisyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03657241461465217108noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7614893920389782916.post-51143063241988847052008-08-28T21:50:00.005-06:002008-08-29T09:55:37.802-06:00

I've nicknamed the Handyman's giant pumpkin plant Gertrude. It's not a common name. I like it. And the giant pumpkin is not a common pumpkin.Or maybe it is. But what I look at in the middle of the handyman's yard seems anything but common. It's giant. It's graceful. And it looks like it will eat me if I fall asleep in the yard on an especially sunny afternoon. On a cloudy one she might

Daisyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03657241461465217108noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7614893920389782916.post-86419594952017031142008-08-26T14:01:00.002-06:002008-08-26T14:12:34.763-06:00

After I wrote that post on the Front Yard Idea Book, I had one of those rare moments when I remembered something I'd forgotten long ago...While reading through gardening blogs, I found a review someone had written on a garden plan book.  The blogger gave the book rave reviews, and I made a mental note to go back and check out the book.  I put the blog on my iGoogle waited until I was heading to

Daisyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03657241461465217108noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7614893920389782916.post-28094000085486926402008-08-26T12:47:00.003-06:002008-08-26T13:33:39.851-06:00

I've been hanging at the public library these days.  And at the Barnes and Noble.  And at the Book Exchange.  (The last two have great coffee shops so I spend more time there.  The public library's coffee shop never seems to be open when I'm there, but once I get their schedule figured out... well, they'll move up in the world.)So, at all of these fine establishments, I've sat and drank coffee

Daisyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03657241461465217108noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7614893920389782916.post-66729115801588898752008-08-22T22:08:00.009-06:002008-08-23T07:22:43.566-06:00

I looked EVERYWHERE for a zucchini bread recipe that included streusel.  I'm sure I'll get several comments after I post this, and those comments will point me in all the directions I failed to look - but I say BRING IT ON!!!  Because, as it turns out, zucchini bread goes great with streusel. We could always use more recipes with zucchini and streusel.After coming up empty-handed on the

Daisyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03657241461465217108noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7614893920389782916.post-63333012571841919952008-08-20T22:34:00.005-06:002008-08-20T23:01:32.255-06:00

I feel like it's been ages since I've tackled any projects in the garden or recipes in the kitchen.I've been occupied trying to navigate SketchUp and trying to emulate Scott Kelby.  Neither are going exceptionally well, but I won't be easily deterred.   I might, however, lose a bit of hair and sanity.  I hear both are overrated.Oh yeah, and then there's that pesky job thing that also takes up

Daisyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03657241461465217108noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7614893920389782916.post-66050544996728275802008-08-20T09:26:00.006-06:002008-08-20T09:49:34.203-06:00

Or, "the bag that my totally cool mom made for me."Or, "the bag that I found on African Kelli's blog that I absolutely adored." (and another...)Or, "Emma's pillow."I set the bag on the couch after ogling it for the longest time.  I went back to work, and Emma-Lou must have thought, "Hey, that looks comfy!"   Judging by all the places I've found her sleeping, I might just have to take that back.  

Daisyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03657241461465217108noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7614893920389782916.post-81788931155866143742008-08-19T07:31:00.005-06:002008-08-19T08:45:46.578-06:00

In less than a week, I've gone from clinging to the hope that I still have some kind of dietary ideals to a pack of tasty snausages to 70 pounds of meat on my kitchen counter.  That was some slippery slope. (It's totally childish and inappropriate, but I love to say, "snausages" instead of "sausages."  It gives you the opportunity to put some serious emphasis on the first syllable.  Because

Daisyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03657241461465217108noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7614893920389782916.post-12671415211039910912008-08-17T21:49:00.004-06:002008-08-17T21:58:22.354-06:00

Just a quick note with part of today's harvest.  The zukes are doing well.  The summer squash is absolutely fantastic.  Tomatoes could use a little more heat.  But these guys.... man, they make my heart swell.  I'm so excited.  Picked three today, and there are several more that seemed to pop up overnight (we camped out at a wedding on the river last night - I think those eggplant wanted to

Daisyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03657241461465217108noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7614893920389782916.post-3396738322140279532008-08-15T22:34:00.006-06:002008-08-15T23:00:46.088-06:00

These ladies are quite impressive.There's not much foliage on those plants, at least compared to the Handyman's pepper plants.  And yet, my belles get bigger and bigger.Everytime I leave the house, I pass by the raised beds.  Everytime I leave the house, I see those belles, and I attempt to will more leaves into existence.Because in my mind, more leaves means a stronger plant.  Which is silly.

Daisyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03657241461465217108noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7614893920389782916.post-4369842927561585032008-08-14T22:54:00.009-06:002008-09-01T17:51:25.371-06:00

Well, since you asked...There are several reasons.For starters, there are no weeds.    At this point in the sales pitch from the Handyman, I was sold.  No weeds sounds fantastic, doesn't it? The downside to that is that you're going to have to hang your buckets somewhere, and somewhere needs to be sturdy enough to hold a bucket of dirt, water, and some big, juicy, tomatoes.  Somewhere will need

Daisyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03657241461465217108noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7614893920389782916.post-73114533022961230372008-08-13T17:36:00.007-06:002008-08-13T22:41:37.614-06:00

Kassidy, you've gone and kicked me off the wagon.   The meat wagon.  Or the no-meat wagon.  I'm not good with common expressions.  Whatever wagon it was, I've probably fallen off it now.Probably?Yes, the world of Daisy's eating habits is quite complex.  It started a long, long time ago in a far-away place called college.  There was a boy.  He was cute.  And he was a vegetarian. For the first time

Daisyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03657241461465217108noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7614893920389782916.post-76448511436861106172008-08-12T15:00:00.004-06:002008-09-01T17:51:25.371-06:00

Have I mentioned I'm not a science person? Or even really a gardening person?I'm more of a learn-as-I-go type person. And today, I learned about boy flowers and girl flowers.Yes, most of you covered this in middle school science classes, but I have blocked anything relating to chemistry, physics, or biology completely out of my mind.I needed that memory space for things far more important than

Daisyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03657241461465217108noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7614893920389782916.post-75240725873781054142008-08-11T22:31:00.004-06:002008-08-11T23:01:30.644-06:00

This is just a temporary post to inform you that I'm tinkering with the template.  This is dangerous territory for me as I know just enough about coding and programming to get myself in real trouble.  Meaning, my blog might disappear indefinitely. If you've ended up here while doing your late-night roaming around on the internet, you may feel free to say your goodbye's now.So, I'm off to tackle

Daisyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03657241461465217108noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7614893920389782916.post-4095052098149213632008-08-11T16:54:00.004-06:002008-08-11T17:12:58.903-06:00

Oh, to be nimble with the thimble.Most of the time I'm lamenting my lack of sewing skills because I'm drooling over some tote bag that I'd love to have.  When the girls came over last week for dinner, I was wishing I could sew because the little ribbonosauras that Leigh made was just too cute!Cooper likes ribbons.  Leigh can sew ribbons.Oh, to be nimble with the thimble.If only I could sew, I

Daisyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03657241461465217108noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7614893920389782916.post-20325004464482835822008-08-10T20:20:00.007-06:002008-08-10T23:14:18.796-06:00

"We're the government, and we're here to help."Apparently that's a common phrase. Apparently it's been around for a while. Apparently, it's sarcastic.I heard this a lot on my last project at work. The context doesn't really matter. I deal with public processes, and I enjoy my job because I get to listen to what people really think - and then I get to try to do something about it.Guess what.

Daisyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03657241461465217108noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7614893920389782916.post-60216295977919545862008-08-08T21:46:00.005-06:002008-08-08T22:11:04.280-06:00

That corn needs to get on up out of the ground.Seriously.  It's August.  And I'm looking forward to popcorn.  (Yep, it's the poppin' kind.)

Daisyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03657241461465217108noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7614893920389782916.post-90041188782108539242008-08-07T22:25:00.006-06:002008-08-07T23:02:30.231-06:00

It's stormy outside. Really, crashing-loud, wind-pounding stormy.     It hasn't started raining, but I know it's going to come.  Those clouds were too full not to drop something tonight.  Happiness is a little bit of rain in the summer to cool things off.   Late tonight, after sweating profusely throughout the day thinking I was way, way too young to be having hot flashes, I realized I'd left

Daisyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03657241461465217108noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7614893920389782916.post-32956329523239175862008-08-07T17:54:00.004-06:002008-08-07T18:31:22.014-06:00

I put my first batch of zucchini away this week.This year, I have four times the number of zuke plants than last year, but harvesting's been a lot slower without last year's 100-degree July.  This year we had snow in June and the most pleasant July a Montanan could hope for.  Considering that there's sweat pooling in my armpits right now, I'd say we're well on our way to catching up...  Or maybe

Daisyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03657241461465217108noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7614893920389782916.post-11654142681641896332008-08-06T12:39:00.006-06:002008-08-06T13:44:50.775-06:00

Yes, another recipe emailed from Mom.  I called and asked for Strawberry Bread, and her response was, "Let me find the envelope.""Envelope?""Yes.  I wrote it down years ago on an envelope, and I've got to go find it."This from the woman who was a home economics teacher.  This from the woman who made strawberry bread for me at least fourteen times a year.  This from the woman who has an

Daisyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03657241461465217108noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7614893920389782916.post-30282153761156423352008-08-05T13:09:00.006-06:002008-08-05T13:27:23.985-06:00

Are there any gardeners out there who have used Sketch Up to plan a garden?  I just downloaded it because I need to do something dramatic to my snooze-worthy front yard, but I want to take on so much that my vision gets muddled.  I need some planning tool that keeps me organized.  And focused.   Are there other programs out there anyone has heard of and liked?  Am I on the right track?And,

Daisyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03657241461465217108noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7614893920389782916.post-62903516585196784642008-08-04T17:23:00.005-06:002008-08-04T23:11:30.325-06:00

 Yes, I know my steps need to be painted.  My mother says it's "shabby chic."  (meaning, I won't get nagged about stair neglect like I'm nagged about the broken blinds in my dining room.)  And, hey, I live in Montana so "rustic" is always in...

Daisyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03657241461465217108noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7614893920389782916.post-38695023064985395712008-08-04T17:01:00.008-06:002008-08-04T23:19:10.100-06:00

Does anyone else feel like it's a particularly Monday-ish Monday? I do. I would much rather be outside.   Maybe doing something like this... I think my pumpkins would rather me be doing something like this, too. The sprinklers at the community gardens come so so very close, but they do not actually hit three of my pumpkin plants next to the fence. They don't look as though they struggle -

Daisyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03657241461465217108noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7614893920389782916.post-84039447860552428292008-08-03T22:51:00.011-06:002008-08-04T13:06:09.737-06:00

Last night Lynda and I got all gussied up for the Raspberry Jam - which meant, we found our sneakers, some long pants, extra water bottles, some canvas chairs... and, most importantly, our raspberry picking devices (aka large juice bottles wrapped in fiber tape with a carabiner to hook to our belt loops).   We drove up to Arlee, Montana to the Common Ground U-Pick Raspberry Farm only to find out

Daisyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03657241461465217108noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7614893920389782916.post-52380104357407971862008-08-02T23:15:00.006-06:002008-08-03T00:09:30.070-06:00

Take a deep breath. This post might be long. Okay, it's going to be really long. Really really long.I can't help it. I love the market. And I can't remember the last time I took my parents there, so they are getting some pictures tonight.Missoula has three Saturday markets: the Clark Fork Market, the People's Market, and the Downtown Farmer's Market (I actually have no idea what that one is

Daisyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03657241461465217108noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7614893920389782916.post-26116530219060888142008-08-01T23:12:00.006-06:002008-08-01T23:41:49.662-06:00

When Kerry and Sarah dropped Kit off last night before pesto-making, Kit was fast asleep. Bad sign for someone about to watch the little guy for the next few hours. Kerry promptly said, "He's fast asleep. Just as (the Handyman) requested." Hmpf. That Handyman.Well, the next four and one-half minutes were the most fantastic of my life. I pulled the baby from that car seat, nestled him into

Daisyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03657241461465217108noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7614893920389782916.post-23134388548057186342008-08-01T13:26:00.008-06:002008-08-01T23:01:46.364-06:00

We put off the pesto making several nights in a row, only to finish babysitting an unhappy 8-month old and decide that "now's the time to make pesto." I was pretty pooped (after losing the poop - story to come later), but the Handyman was upbeat and energetic. He gets credit for that. Lots.Anyway, here's where we started:There are some who say that the only authentic way to make pesto is to

Daisyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03657241461465217108noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7614893920389782916.post-760053472863712582008-07-30T19:23:00.002-06:002008-08-01T23:01:46.364-06:00

Nope.  It's my mom's squash casserole.  Or as close as I could get it.  No matter how hard I try, nothing tastes like it does when Mom makes it.  I guess it's obvious - if I make it, Mom's not making it.  Strawberry bread, macaroni and cheese, pumpkin bread: all favorites I've tried unsuccessfully to recreate.  Nevertheless, I took all this (okay, not all that... several zukes were unharmed in

Daisyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03657241461465217108noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7614893920389782916.post-36394713493864999332008-07-28T22:56:00.003-06:002008-09-01T17:34:55.704-06:00

Apparently there was one zinnia that didn't die from the aphid attack - this zinnia snuck out of the greenhouse and into the Handyman's yard in a basil tray (so says the Handyman). Go on and pick your basil - we're making pesto tomorrow. The reason we're making pesto tomorrow night is because I had every intention of making pesto tonight, yet it just didn't happen. I made a big dinner instead.  

Daisyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03657241461465217108noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7614893920389782916.post-76544464293300678522008-07-27T22:12:00.002-06:002008-08-01T23:02:18.267-06:00

Tragically, most of this zinnia's sister seeds died off in the Aphid Outbreak of 2008. But everytime I glance over at these babies, I'm SO excited that there were 6 out of thirty that survived! Those hearty little suckers...A little less than half of my sweet peas have already bloomed and gone to seed - but just tonight, I was over at Leigh's house, and hers were ABSOLUTELY still beautifully

Daisyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03657241461465217108noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7614893920389782916.post-77620931009645156932008-07-26T23:11:00.003-06:002008-08-01T23:02:18.268-06:00

I have one cucumber, and that one cucumber has become Myosotis' favorite pee spot. It's a dangling green fire hydrant right in the backyard, and Myosotis is quite happy to do his duty. It's okay. He's a boy dog. It's what boy dogs do.These guys are going nuts.  I'm going to have to research some tasty squash dishes to sneak them into the Handyman's dinner.  'Cause there are a lot of them...

Daisyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03657241461465217108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7614893920389782916.post-37715060208657499292008-07-25T21:26:00.006-06:002008-08-01T23:02:18.268-06:00

It's terrible to be sick in the middle of summer. I've been sick for a few days now, and with a heavy workload this week, I've hardly given hardly a thought to my garden... or my kitchen and cooking for that matter. It's just been so much easier to have someone else cook for me. (like the nice people at the Iron Horse and Biga's!)I'm using my cold as my excuse for no new photos. I was looking

Daisyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03657241461465217108noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7614893920389782916.post-19292793571637732092008-07-22T23:09:00.007-06:002008-07-22T23:20:35.600-06:00

explanations will come later...

Daisyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03657241461465217108noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7614893920389782916.post-36214334584525704942008-07-20T22:24:00.007-06:002008-08-01T23:01:46.365-06:00

Ever been to a u-pick berry farm?   Today my first.  Less than an hour north of Missoula is a berry farm that has raspberries and strawberries, and I absolutely loved it.  At $3 a pound, it's questionable just how much money I saved, but I did end up picking exactly 10 pounds of fruit.   Yes, ten pounds.   I couldn't believe it when I lifted the fruit onto the scale.  And I really couldn't

Daisyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03657241461465217108noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7614893920389782916.post-11767121096207624392008-07-17T18:36:00.006-06:002008-07-19T15:26:48.344-06:00

I have a bit of a dilemma.  I've had to put the gas challenge on hold.  I took a picture of where my gas tank indicator was on Monday because at exactly thirty-one days, I released my car into the capable hands of my good friends from North Carolina.  After paying for plane tickets to come all the way out to see ME, I couldn't let them rent a car - especially when this challenge has slimmed down

Daisyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03657241461465217108noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7614893920389782916.post-69745185477667569142008-07-17T15:31:00.005-06:002008-08-01T23:02:18.268-06:00

Before I get to the bee's breakfast, I want to say "thank you" to my wonderful guests who have been with me since Saturday.  Rebecca is one of my closest friends from college, and during this visit, her computer-programming husband has "Kipped out" all of my computers.   We did so much "maintenance" that I had no energy left to blog, but I'll be sharing some of the fun technology tips I've

Daisyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03657241461465217108noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7614893920389782916.post-22224678134225388482008-07-10T22:30:00.007-06:002008-09-01T17:32:56.655-06:00

Quick fire update: Everything looks good.  There's still smoldering in the trees, and the helicopters were running all day long.  But, I think it looks good.  There's lots of wind tonight, and I'm hoping that doesn't cause the evening fire behavior to be really active.... I suppose I can step outside in the morning and see just what the wind has brought.In the meantime, I thought I'd post

Daisyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03657241461465217108noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7614893920389782916.post-647828925285278632008-07-10T15:24:00.000-06:002008-07-10T15:26:39.379-06:00

I've been very aware (and a little apologetic) that I haven't posted on gardening lately. But I hadn't really put two-and-two together to realize that was because I hadn't been doing much gardening lately.The community garden plots were evidence of that.

Daisyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03657241461465217108noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7614893920389782916.post-81765981517223453392008-07-09T23:06:00.009-06:002008-07-10T00:11:06.293-06:00

I used to have a roommate.  She moved in one November, and we were fairly good friends, meaning we had lots of conversations and socialized together.  It was nothing to spend an hour or two chatting about issues in the news or what environmental organizations we might like to work for or the latest health problem she was sure she was afflicted with.  We talked a fair amount, and I would say it

Daisyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03657241461465217108noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7614893920389782916.post-28958396105046158662008-07-07T22:46:00.003-06:002008-07-07T23:16:28.376-06:00

The Handyman and I hiked through a rain storm that turned into a hail storm. I told him I was going to "hooch up" under a doug fir if it turned into a delouge - it did, but for some reason, I just didn't want to stop. I kept thinking that Johnson Lake just HAD to be around the corner... Soon, (or actually much later), it was. So we got to camp, tired and sore and soaking wet. I was also a bit

Daisyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03657241461465217108noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7614893920389782916.post-21358166176974709122008-07-05T21:49:00.003-06:002008-07-05T22:28:08.421-06:00

I have so many photos I want to share, but I'm on the laptop. It's too much trouble to get on the big, powerful, yet-to-be-corrupted desktop, and I'm ready to be done for the night. But, there will be pictures of teenage hooligans, roughing it in the woods... wait... not just the woods...the wilderness. Tomorrow.For tonight, I want to share some photos of this little fox we saw before meeting up

Daisyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03657241461465217108noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7614893920389782916.post-26911523656798028842008-07-05T13:27:00.003-06:002008-07-05T13:34:05.919-06:00

Smells like smoke in here. Better open that window and see if I can get out of here. Good thing this window is regulation distance from the floor. Um... Coast is clear. Gotta...keep...going... Whew. In case of actual fire, never forget your furry friends.

Daisyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03657241461465217108noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7614893920389782916.post-8314458581711595072008-07-03T12:01:00.003-06:002008-07-03T12:34:30.322-06:00

Sadly, Bjorn left this morning for the motherland. I did, however, learn some new interesting things about Norway while he was here:1. I already knew that everything is much more expensive in Norway. Bjorn's shopping habits when he visits definitely make that obvious. And taxes? Whoa. If you buy stuff from the States and have it shipped, you're gonna pay big time. If you buy a guitar and

Daisyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03657241461465217108noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7614893920389782916.post-72196475143417387962008-06-30T21:30:00.010-06:002008-06-30T22:15:04.615-06:00

It's hot in Missoula.  I mean really hot.  It's over 85 degrees at nine-thirty in the evening, and that's just almost unbearable.  Then again, if that's the case, I'll be moving before July's over, so I'll back it up a bit.  It's not unbearable, I just think it's unbearable.  Maybe I just need to get acclimated.  Maybe if I close my eyes and remember Alabama in August with just the attic fan and

Daisyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03657241461465217108noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7614893920389782916.post-85229020656550469982008-06-29T12:44:00.000-06:002008-06-29T12:44:11.484-06:00

The wells went in, and now the windows are officially done. Dirt will officially stay on the outside of the well, and sunlight will officially shine inside the well and into the new basement bedroom. I just haven't walked outside to take official final pictures, but how can I take final pictures if I'm sitting here at the computer? Soon. I will go outside and not get distracted and not pick

Daisyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03657241461465217108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7614893920389782916.post-35775127412630217642008-06-28T18:29:00.005-06:002008-08-01T23:01:46.365-06:00

So I perused the pics from dinner the other night and found a few...Getting ready for the cake.Correct usage of the MagiCup.  (Though that pie crust tasted so much better than my other attempts that I may just turn the cup upside down when it comes to shortening in the crust-making.)And a cake.  I do believe it was a happy birthday for the Handyman.  His actual birthday dinner was in a restaurant

Daisyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03657241461465217108noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7614893920389782916.post-55347186745983821192008-06-27T07:55:00.004-06:002008-06-27T13:57:44.179-06:00

Last night, my dining room table finally got broken in.  I think I'm going to toot my own horn here because I was SO pleased with how dinner turned out - and even though I felt like I was so busy my head would explode, it wasn't that hard to make a lot of it from scratch.  Most of these sites have pictures (and I admit, there were some high-priority guests that I didn't want to flutter around

Daisyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03657241461465217108noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7614893920389782916.post-33419262083487250752008-06-24T23:51:00.011-06:002008-06-25T05:55:37.206-06:00

Bjorn has arrived!  Yes, "Bjorn" has a little bit of an international flair about it, doesn't it? Well, that's cause he's Norwegian.Guess what? So is the Handyman. Half-Norwegian.  Half-Iowan.  Half-crazy most days, but I can explain all those half's later.Every year since I've been smooching the Handyman, Bjorn comes over for several weeks - sometimes twice a year - for vacation. We're

Daisyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03657241461465217108noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7614893920389782916.post-59594538810210567032008-06-23T23:30:00.013-06:002008-06-24T00:55:44.366-06:00

Progress is fast now...There's my contractor, Matt. That really big saw didn't cut all the way through. The other guy that gave a bid said the saw would leave marks where it has to over-cut (there's a long explanation, and I'm too pooped to elaborate. Just trust me. I was prepared to deal with a little extra cutting on my bare-as-bones concrete wall.) Matt made it happen without the

Daisyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03657241461465217108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7614893920389782916.post-24481921613659785152008-06-22T12:55:00.006-06:002008-06-22T20:48:21.912-06:00

First to Leigh, who let me have full range of her cilantro and rhubarb gardens while she's out of town.  (Watering her chickens was a much too easy trade for gorgeous rhubarb.)Second, to my fabulous family who sent me a Food Saver a few years ago.  It makes it SO easy to freeze produce without the burn.  Yesterday, I had to go into baking overdrive, and it was nice to dash to the freezer and grab

Daisyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03657241461465217108noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7614893920389782916.post-80908788973767296432008-06-22T00:00:00.004-06:002008-06-22T00:15:34.824-06:00

When I got home from the farmers' market on Saturday, I heard a rumbling outside with a high pitched squeal.  I scurried outside to find someone in the hole outside my basement window.And someone was holding a very, very big saw.It was loud and dusty, and I decided, despite running the oven for three hours straight baking pies and pie crusts for a party and sweatin' my behind off, it was much

Daisyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03657241461465217108noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7614893920389782916.post-74811372748341468892008-06-21T23:48:00.005-06:002008-06-22T00:13:13.544-06:00

From Thursday: babies and greenhouses and ice cream cones.I just can't get enough baby time with this little guy.  There are times when he cries so hard that I'm sure he'll hate me forever.  Then, for no reason at all (except maybe that he exhausted himself) he snuggles in and gives me truckloads of warm fuzzies...Alas, this baby can't get enough of daddy time...  He's only got eyes for his

Daisyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03657241461465217108noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7614893920389782916.post-41981247634335095382008-06-19T22:39:00.009-06:002008-06-22T00:15:54.699-06:00

Today was a full day. There were babies and ice cream cones and greenhouses and bike rides and running by the river - and tons of picture taking. But, I took a benedryl to keep from tearing into my eyeballs with my short nails (I think I'm a pollen magnet), so before I fall fast asleep I'll just mention that the most exciting part of my day included meeting Mike, the hole digger. He's the guy on

Daisyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03657241461465217108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7614893920389782916.post-81176981312623509122008-06-19T09:32:00.008-06:002008-06-22T20:48:31.266-06:00

Yesterday I was happy to nestle myself in the kitchen and get cozy with some pumpkin puree. Lots of pumpkin puree. I was headed to Jamie's for the evening, and since she and I used to live together, I know just how much she likes pumpkin. I missed her birthday while I was on the Grand Canyon, so a little ice cream and pie surprise sounded like a good belated birthday present.I have found the

Daisyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03657241461465217108noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7614893920389782916.post-59142946684405444342008-06-16T21:51:00.004-06:002008-09-01T17:37:08.407-06:00

Due to resourceful dirt-gathering round his house and the neighborhood as well as some questionable estimations of what a cubic yard is (by the friendly dozer drivers at ekocompost), the handyman is almost done with his prized raised bed. You can't tell in the photo, but the side of the bed closest to his neighbor's garage needs a little more dirt. No matter though. There are tomatoes and

Daisyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03657241461465217108noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7614893920389782916.post-20150795404400413952008-06-15T09:33:00.006-06:002008-06-22T20:48:42.791-06:00

There's a jungle by my house. The fact that they sit in shade most of the day has not deterred those hundreds of weeds from lacing their leaves and stalks together to form a jungle in the side garden. And the lengths that those suckers have put down roots! I don't know why... it's so moist over there that I would think everything could have the most shallow root system ever. They must have

Daisyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03657241461465217108noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7614893920389782916.post-72392025911193493112008-06-14T23:13:00.004-06:002008-06-14T23:30:00.222-06:00

I’ve been pondering my dependence on petroleum lately – more specifically, gasoline. When I think of plastics and how many of them are essential to daily life, I get a little woozy. When I think of gasoline, I immediately think two thoughts: I am American; I use way too much gasoline. The two seem almost synonymous in the headlines these days. Everyone else seems to do a better job of

Daisyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03657241461465217108noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7614893920389782916.post-80797413733729040102008-06-14T11:03:00.003-06:002008-06-14T11:31:06.897-06:00

Since I don't eat much meat, a grill has never made a whole lotta sense... But, in his daily perusing of Craigslist last weekend, the handyman found a little Weber grill that he just had to have. For $10, this never-used grill was quite the steal. Came with two full fuel bottles, too!The handyman dared me to take pictures of the delivery of my other dining-related purchase. I chickened out...

Daisyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03657241461465217108noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7614893920389782916.post-51147986629672385932008-06-12T23:12:00.004-06:002008-06-22T20:48:42.791-06:00

Picked a peck of petunias and they've lasted all week. Peter should have skipped the pickled peppers.

Daisyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03657241461465217108noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7614893920389782916.post-21437627874672528372008-06-11T16:29:00.004-06:002008-06-11T16:55:52.626-06:00

I actually got this in the mail several days ago, but I kept forgetting to get someone to take a picture of me.I finally did the "arm-extended-holding-a-camera" shot, and now I want to say a big THANK YOU to Victoria for this beautiful amethyst necklace! It totally brightened my day to find a beautiful surprise in my mailbox. Well, it wasn't a total surprise, I responded to her Pay It Forward

Daisyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03657241461465217108noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7614893920389782916.post-81753337204873345662008-06-11T12:06:00.003-06:002008-06-22T20:48:47.760-06:00

Underneath those pots with little haystack hair-do's dusted in snow are spaghetti squash and zukes and pumpkins and yellow summer squash. I wonder what the survival rate will be.Photo credit goes to the handyman.  At 6 a.m., hot yoga sounded a heck-of-a-lot better than going out to the greenhouse to water and check the plots in the snow.  It's June and I'm from Alabama.  So there.

Daisyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03657241461465217108noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7614893920389782916.post-41947606201588235292008-06-08T15:41:00.003-06:002008-06-08T16:12:40.477-06:00

While we watched the political commentary on the Montana primaries last Tuesday, the Handyman and I decided to enjoy mojitos made from the mint in our community garden. The mint's taken over it's own corner, so there was plenty for steeping in the syrup and for crushing in the glass.I have absolutely no opinion about light rum versus gold, and I have no advice on "muddling" the flavors and mint

Daisyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03657241461465217108noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7614893920389782916.post-83227226743594033912008-06-08T14:05:00.002-06:002008-06-08T14:20:12.853-06:00

It looks like Lynda's kissing that tree, doesn't it? She's not.She's smelling it. Yep, smelling that tree. Yesterday, Lynda and I hiked up Mount Sentinel. I actually think Lynda ran, but I was breathing so hard that I couldn't focus that far ahead of me (and I pride myself on being quite the hiker). We got to the top, and after I finally caught my breath, I looked over to see Lynda, "kissing"

Daisyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03657241461465217108noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7614893920389782916.post-50587011465293380142008-06-08T09:30:00.004-06:002008-06-08T09:35:54.656-06:00

Last year I planted morning glories in pots that I put at the base of the fence posts. I was able to use the weed eater around them, but I was hoping for something different this year. The answer? Those window boxes from Lowe's. As an aside, the handyman and I just figured out how much it costs to drive around town these days. My car uses $.13/mile. His uses $.14, and - holy moly - that van

Daisyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03657241461465217108noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7614893920389782916.post-48019634192976789522008-06-03T23:49:00.005-06:002008-06-14T23:50:51.249-06:00

You would think these buckets grew dollar bills since I post about them so much, but I promise, until there's fruit, I'm not blogging about them anymore... after I show you these pictures.The Handyman is taking off supports now that the concrete has set. (and in case you're curious, those are cucumbers in the pot between the tomatos posts. I've never grown cucumbers before, but I'm hoping I can

Daisyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03657241461465217108noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7614893920389782916.post-17612144884575136432008-05-31T20:32:00.003-06:002008-05-31T20:46:19.553-06:00

My hanging baskets are done. Each time I go to the farmers' market, I marvel at why anyone would pay $50 for a hanging basket... and then I get home and I look at my puny baskets. Next year, I will start seeds in December, but for now, I will have patience and be proud of my baskets that I started completely from seed. (Though I still covet those beautiful overflowing baskets at the market.)

Daisyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03657241461465217108noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7614893920389782916.post-4109013883826585132008-05-30T18:42:00.002-06:002008-06-14T23:50:51.249-06:00

When I went to take this picture, the handyman exclaimed, "Don't take a picture yet. They're not even plumbed!" While I have the good sense to know "plumbed" has nothing to do with running water in this case, I decided plumbed or not, I was taking the picture.Emma-roo has never been a nickname for Emma. She's been Emma-bean, Emma-lou, Emma-honey, Emma-remma - the list goes on a long ways but

Daisyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03657241461465217108noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7614893920389782916.post-79353960384464229162008-05-29T14:22:00.006-06:002008-05-30T09:00:30.248-06:00

I haven't been doing much cooking lately. I'm settled. I'm rested. I'm not traveling or dealing with super-stressful situations. There are no excuses (even with the other day's bread knife debacle.)But, I just haven't felt like cooking. Lucky for me, there are some fantastic places to get dinner in Missoula. First, my absolutely favorite: the Iron Horse. Some day, I will post on all of the

Daisyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03657241461465217108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7614893920389782916.post-91237292472158680902008-05-28T21:52:00.007-06:002008-05-28T22:09:02.859-06:00

I have a long history with bread knives. It should be no surprise that I had a run in just yesterday. I know my long lost bread knife has been plotting his revenge ever since that fateful day several years ago.My dad and I took a trip to Missoula a little less than a year after 9/11. It was a short trip, and I took a shoulder bag so I wouldn’t have to check anything. We flew, uneventfully,

Daisyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03657241461465217108noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7614893920389782916.post-90427972178938647112008-05-27T18:34:00.004-06:002008-09-01T17:37:08.407-06:00

Here's a picture of what the raised bed looked like this weekend:Here's a picture of what it looks like now:And in case you can't see what's posted on the wall at the back edge and in the middle:Power and water.

Daisyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03657241461465217108noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7614893920389782916.post-20311255007063257782008-05-26T21:42:00.006-06:002008-05-26T21:56:57.041-06:00

It's a holiday. And this is pretty much how I've felt all day. It's an old pic. Rarely does the handyman get dolled up in anything besides carharts and t-shirts, but occasionally, with the frequency that you could catch a pileated woodpecker pecking out a new habitat or grizzly nursing her young, the handyman can be found in attire that doesn't resemble that of a construction worker. (and do you

Daisyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03657241461465217108noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7614893920389782916.post-91386310275210666812008-05-23T00:23:00.006-06:002008-05-23T00:50:02.983-06:00

She really doesn't. I remember dropping her off for the first time to be boarded while I had to travel, and I knew the tail-wag was just because she didn't know any better.When I had another two week travel assignment and needed to board her again, I waited until the last possible minute, drove ten miles under the speed limit, and talked to her the whole way: "Emma-Bean, it'll be okay. I'm coming

Daisyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03657241461465217108noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7614893920389782916.post-8353167526686191232008-05-21T22:07:00.011-06:002008-06-14T23:50:51.250-06:00

So, to get started, you need your buckets, your tomato plants, some dirt, some osmocote (or if you'd prefer no fertilizer, that works, too), some wire mesh screen, and some landscaping cloth. Scissors and wire cutters also required.First, you cut the wire cloth in a circle that is smaller than the bottom of your bucket. Next, you cut two holes in the middle that have paths from the edge of the

Daisyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03657241461465217108noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7614893920389782916.post-81793622545228828842008-05-20T23:54:00.005-06:002008-05-30T09:00:58.224-06:00

Remember the grape experiment?Everytime I go in the greenhouse I have to resist the urge to yank one of those suckers out of the pot to see what kind of roots they've made.

Daisyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03657241461465217108noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7614893920389782916.post-10380014094471788302008-05-20T23:37:00.003-06:002008-05-20T23:43:01.521-06:00

Daisyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03657241461465217108noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7614893920389782916.post-39705846643011917862008-05-19T21:54:00.007-06:002008-09-01T17:37:55.075-06:00

Despite the fact that my helpful hands are in Tuscon, there's actually been lots of progress on the raised bed - the handyman sent me photos to prove it. Okay, okay. My hands really aren't that helpful when it comes to swinging hammers, but I want to point out that even the handyman didn't have to swing a hammer with that fancy-pants nail gun/air compressor he borrowed.Speaking of helpful hands (

Daisyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03657241461465217108noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7614893920389782916.post-87446527742508366182008-05-18T23:18:00.004-06:002008-09-01T17:38:42.612-06:00

There isn't much progress to report, but Emma was sweet enough to pose for this one so I'm putting it up anyway.

Daisyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03657241461465217108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7614893920389782916.post-37518761799363694372008-05-16T16:35:00.004-06:002008-05-30T09:00:58.226-06:00

I know you were on the edge of your seat... Here you go. The last few days have been tough - everything seems to be growing so slowly after seeing a before-and-after like this.Before:After:And, remember how ages ago I mentioned the mud room would be a greenhouse? Well it happened, and I must say, it wasn't quite as Martha as I had hoped. It was more jungle-icious. A bit cramped. A bit dark

Daisyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03657241461465217108noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7614893920389782916.post-55391312165172900722008-05-14T23:35:00.007-06:002008-05-30T09:00:58.227-06:00

Before we left for the canyon, the handyman and I had a dilemma: how do we get the house sitter (who has a self-proclaimed black thumb) to water all the starts without making her go to the greenhouse everyday? The handyman gets all the credit for this one... He already owned the trailer...The lumber was scrap...I have no idea where the plastic came from...And that's a five-dollar bathroom heater

Daisyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03657241461465217108noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7614893920389782916.post-89503931806400079282008-05-14T22:53:00.010-06:002008-09-01T17:37:55.075-06:00

"Where is part one?" you might ask.... hmmm... well, I've accepted the chaos, folks, and pictures are getting lost. That's just that.Follow me anyway. (And, Mom, if you ask for one of these for your birthday, don't tell Dad where you got the idea.)Part one has pictures of sod coming up... use your imagination here.Next, there's some dirt... and some holes.  Aren't I helpful?The handyman is

Daisyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03657241461465217108noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7614893920389782916.post-51860362858495371512008-05-14T21:59:00.004-06:002008-05-14T22:15:10.820-06:00

My parents are in town right now, and there's no way to thank them for everything they've done to help me around the house. Part of my blogging absence is due to the fact that I started this blog to let my mother "peek" into my life, and now she's here! I feel like I was a terrible daughter this mother's day - my cooking a Mother's Day dinner can not compare to my parents' generosity with their

Daisyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03657241461465217108noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7614893920389782916.post-69321578024572817142008-05-07T00:08:00.006-06:002008-05-07T05:58:25.188-06:00

Recent agenda. Off river on Sunday. Walked ALL over Flagstaff, rented car, drove to Phoenix, flew home on Monday. Defended masters portfolio on Tuesday. Traveled and worked workshop Tuesday night and must sleep in a bed that is not mine yet again.Sounds like a pitiful ploy for sympathy coming from a girl who had a three-and-a-half week vacation, doesn't it? Yes, I've been busy, but the truth

Daisyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03657241461465217108noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7614893920389782916.post-91218560583257179192008-04-12T16:55:00.005-06:002008-04-12T17:03:37.191-06:00

It's kind of fuzzy, but I promise that's me... Four years ago on my first trip to the Grand Canyon.I'll be back in a few weeks. As my mama would say, "Lord willin' and the creek don't rise." Seriously, if the creek rises and washes out the road, our trip could be unexpectedly extended...Hopefully I've have some fun adventures in canyon-camp cooking to report when I get back. Bye now!

Daisyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03657241461465217108noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7614893920389782916.post-34140076823946280812008-04-09T22:37:00.005-06:002008-04-09T22:45:46.497-06:00

Have I mentioned I'm headed to the Grand Canyon for three weeks?  Yep, bring on the kegs and steal the silverware - I'm leavin' town.  (I have a house sitter so I feel marginally comfortable sharing that with whole, wide world of internet.)I finally turned in that pesky graduate school portfolio.  My advisor seemed to care nothing about my tardiness - I had a hunch that was the case which is why

Daisyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03657241461465217108noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7614893920389782916.post-62879021125200508302008-04-07T13:01:00.021-06:002008-04-07T22:04:28.331-06:00

There are TONS of blogs for cooking, and I've been scanning a few of them lately. Judging by the last however-many posts, my world has been mostly about gardening these days. Since I haven't had time to be creative, I've been drooling over these blogs... waiting for my break so I can get back into the food swing-of-things.The Noble Pig is kind of a hodge-podge of cooking and wine stuff. She's 

Daisyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03657241461465217108noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7614893920389782916.post-38578931818733619902008-04-06T15:51:00.006-06:002008-04-07T20:20:46.672-06:00

Things are still exciting round here because there's almost always something new popping up each time I head to the greenhouse. I still fawn over my dahlia's and petunias and lobelias, but there are lots of new things coming in. Also, there are only a few aphids - one here... one there... Definitely not in my hair, so that urge to scratch my scalp has thankfully subsided.I'm pretty excited about

Daisyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03657241461465217108noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7614893920389782916.post-19045218815748815422008-04-05T19:10:00.007-06:002008-04-07T20:21:00.293-06:00

Has it really been this long since I've posted? I'm a bad, bad blogger. If I'm feeling especially guilty, I'll get around to posting pics of the new starts later tonight, but before I get ahead of myself, I should share today's exciting adventure: sign-up for community garden plots!The whole day was overcast and cold. Most folks showed up, signed up, and saddled up pretty quickly - we were two of

Daisyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03657241461465217108noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7614893920389782916.post-10962518457787169872008-04-02T22:54:00.004-06:002008-04-07T20:21:06.158-06:00

It's still unclear who has the higher number of attacks. My zinnias keep dropping, but I think that's from prior girdling - those teensy weensy little bugs like to hang out under the leaves and snack on the stems. There have been fewer of them since we started spraying with soap, but there was a bit of a plateau until... someone checked under the benches.I'm already itching just thinking about it

Daisyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03657241461465217108noreply@blogger.com2