snowapalooza

This post is a little slow but I was busy shoveling and then forgot.  We ended up with 14 inches in 10 hours.  The best part was my kids knew there would be no school so they stayed at grandmas.  It was like a mini vacation in the middle of the week.

My poor dog wanted to go out but could not figure out how.


Next I need to feed my rabbits.  First I have to find them.  They were covered extra well and had extra straw for a nest but I still wasn't sure what I would find.  Of course Jordan thought he would help so I am glad they were all alive.

Next I needed some walkways.  To the rabbits, for the dog, and to the neighbors.

When I was done it looked like hamster trail but for people.

I found the whole event entertaining.  I did hire someone, or I should say my parents did, to come and plow our driveways because the snow was taller than my snowblower.  I am forever grateful but I still got a really good workout.

birthday time

Easiest cake ever.  I did this one for their joint party.

He will make me a carpenter yet!

My brother is helping me redo my house in his spare time.  I have weird and crazy ideas stuck in my brain and somehow he turns them into reality.

Since I am getting away from anything in a bag or a box I store in glass jars.  I believe the contents are pretty so I wanted them on display for aesthetics and convenience.

This is what I started with.  An empty corner in my kitchen.

This is what I ended up with

It is beautiful isn't it.  I spend most of my time in this room and I am so happy to be able to have something more modern than my 60's kitchen cabinets.

We started with a sheet of plywood and designed from there.  On one wall we made it deeper because I wanted to put 1/2 gallon jars. That cabinet holds 16 1/2 gal and 4 quarts

I love the look of the dowel rods.

Now to figure out how to do the big shelf.  I got a little sidetracked by a fly.  Where has he been hiding all winter.

We used a little child labor for muscle.  See I knew you kids would come in handy.

Jordan had the camera so see if you can find Wall-e

  I am so happy with how this turned out.  I still need to stain it.  Now TIM onto the next project!!!!

Where have I been?

I wondered where I have been lately.  I am so behind on posts.  I will be updating my blog in the next couple of weeks.

back yard garden

Ok last time was my front yard here is my backyard.

raspberry bushes originally planted to keep Jordan from escaping over the fence

ok this bed really doesn't look that great everything is falling over

anyways LtoR:

garlic, cilantro/coriander, thyme, rosemary, sorrel, tarragon, parsley, lemon balm

L to R:

oregano. dill, daffodil, parsley

aloe plant, cherry tomato

strawberry bed with asparagus and echinacea

blueberry bushes (kinda it is really a squirrel buffet)

apple trees  (more squirrel food)

rabbits

momma rabbit under the lilac tree

my actual garden space

this year I only planted tomatoes in this space I have 33 plants

they are much taller now and it looks like a good crop

especially exciting since last year the blight and cold weather took all toms.

compost barrels are hidden under the lilac bushes

now you have seen the edges now lets see what is in the middle

ok that is it for now.  I have another garden space at my neighbors that is full of green beans

and another plot at a farm 12 minutes away

Front yard gardening

I have several gardens this year.  Here are the ones in my front yard.


This is the salad garden:  chiogga beets, european spicy mesclun, salad burnet, arugula, salad bowl(green and red), romaine(cos) and assorted flowers.
                              

Here is my bird bath.  It is surrounded by Yarrow(makes great tea), kale (flowering and regular), red cabbage, borage, and a blue flower.

Next is my strawberry tower.  This was in my brain and my brother helped me build it.  This would work better but the squirrels seem to enjoy sitting in it and digging.

Next is my 2 planters on either side of the garage.  They each hold a sweet potato plant and a habanero plant.

Next is what the neighbors probably call a mess but it is one of my 3 herb gardens.

Left to right

chives, red cabbage, catnip, borage, lovage(6+ feet tall), sweet woodruff, chocolate mint, hyssop, sage

There is another mint bed squeezed in front of the garage this one holds orange mint and clematis

I have some planters one each step and several lining the driveway but no pictures yet.  I only wish my neighbors would cut down their huge annoying and ugly pine tree so that I could use more of my front yard.  I have a full front yard and almost everything is edible but it doesn't look like it would be.

I am one PROUD mama!!!!

Today my little boy graduated primary school.  He is going on to 5th grade and a new school next year. 
The school had an award ceremony today.  My sons (notice plural) both received Eagle pride awards which is for a student who excels in a variety of skills.  They do their best academically, socially, and are kind and compassionate.  I am so proud out of approx 30 winners from the entire school both my boys were winners.

Jeffrey also was a top reader.  He ranked #5 out of all 4th graders.  He read an amazing 234 books in 4 years.  Four of the books were Harry Potter.  Are you impressed ......well..you should be.

They both came home with more awards from their teacher .  Jordan received an extra effort award and perfect attendence for 4th quarter.  He would have got one for the year but we went on a cruise.  Jeffrey also received one for honor roll., one for perfect attendence 4th quarter, and one for citizenship.

I LOVE MY BOYS AND I AM ONE PROUD MOM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!