2015_Day 71: Sprinkler system figured out

Not only did we see some sunshine and 70-degree temperatures today, I also figured out where the sprinkler system heads are and how much soil I’ll need for my raised beds. Continue reading

2015_Day 70: Zinnias, cosmos, daisies and more

My seed packets this year

My seed packets this year

There aren’t any real surprises in my seed choices this year, although there are far fewer, given I won’t have a 30-foot-by-40-foot space in which to plant them. Veggie seed mainstays peas, beans and cucumbers will complement the tomato plants in my vegetable bed, along with a few onion bulbs. It’s possible I may add a bit more lettuce, too, depending how my current containers of lettuce do. Oh, and I can’t forget the chives and basil plants I bought. Aside from dill, I’ve never really grown herbs, unless you count lavender (salvia), which to me is more of a flower.

Speaking of which, my flower seed packets this year are my tried and true faves zinnias and cosmos, along with aubrieta, gazania, California poppies and daisies. I’m thinking I’m going to devote one fairly big raised bed to veggies and herbs and another big one – or maybe two smaller ones – to flowers. I have yet to figure out exactly where the underground sprinkler system’s pipes and heads are in the backyard in order to place the container beds, not to mention my crape myrtle tree. Tomorrow night, I think I’m going to run the sprinklers so I can get that settled once and for all. Not that we need any more rain, but that seems to be the easiest way to figure it out.

I’ve already bought one raised bed, so I’d like to get that together, too, so I can get an idea of its size. Then I can go buy a few more, depending on what I want/need. I’m so glad it’s going to be in the 60s tomorrow and 70s through the weekend. Should be perfect gardening weather. And I’ve got a lot on my to-do list. Don’t you just love Spring!

2015_Day 69: Tomatoes waiting for weekend


Can’t wait for the weekend and the chance to plant my garden – at least the tomatoes. I’m staying with my favorites, two Early Girls, one Better Boy and two Sweet 100s. Actually, there may be two Sweet 100s in each of the two containers I bought. So totally, I’d have seven tomato plants. Continue reading

2015_Day 68: Lettuce can’t catch a break

After what must have been a lot of rain today.

After what must have been a lot of rain today.

I’m starting to think someone doesn’t want me to be able to grow fresh lettuce. Finally through with freezing rain and ice cold temperatures, I thought the lettuce was over the hardest part. Then I came home from work today. Continue reading

2015_Day 67: One week into #fitat50 challenge

imageSo, I’m one week into my personal challenge to get back into shape by my 50th birthday, and I can honestly say there was a day toward the end of the week where I thought about quitting. After just a couple days working out to the “Cardio Sculpt” program at dailyburn.com, I was sore. Continue reading

2015_Day 66: No one needs to text while driving

imageThere’s an important debate going on in the Texas Capitol these days, one that has taken place in many states during the past few years. The bill would ban texting and driving; drivers caught doing so could face at a fine between $99-$200. Continue reading

2015_Day 65: No freezing temps in forecast – yay!

Lettuce on left after a good old-fashioned thinning Feb. 14; on right , the lettuce today, after some cold days and nights.

Lettuce on left after a good old-fashioned thinning Feb. 14; on right , the lettuce today, after some cold days and nights.

I think my lettuce might have turned the corner. After what seems like an eternity of freezing cold temps, not to mention ice, the forecast for the next week doesn’t include any freezing temperatures. Continue reading

Evening Rush Hour

2015_Day 64: I’ll find my own slice of heaven…

Some day, when daughter is out of the house, I’ll find my own little slice of outdoor heaven, where I can watch the birds every night in my backyard and listen to the trickle of a creek.

Until then, I’ll have to live it through the words of DirtNKids. I invite you to, too. Listen closely and I bet you’ll even hear the Belted Kingfisher or Red-shouldered Hawk!

Shannon's avatarDirtNKids Blog

“It is nice finding that place where you can just go and relax.” ~ Moises Arias

Sitting out by the creek watching the birds come home to roost for the night is a daily pleasure. On this particular evening, through the steady din of motor vehicles themselves fighting to get their pilots safely back home, I completely get how life can be so simple as a favorite roosting tree. And I am thankful that I work and relax in the same wonderful space — no transportation save my feet to get there every day.

The Black-bellied Whistling Ducks are a regular for evening fly-by’s, leading the way with their noisy ‘whistles’ to other small groupings like them that it’s time to move on. The White Ibis may be a quieter bunch, but they are most beautiful contrasted against the rosy sky.

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2015_Day 63: They don’t mess around with bad weather forecasts, school closings

The message on the school district's website.

The message on the school district’s website.

With a winter storm warning in effect from midnight to noon Thursday, schools already are canceling classes and all other activities for said day. Daughter, of course, is ecstatic, as I’m sure are thousands other kids tonight. Continue reading

2015_Day 62: Tree starting to get a few buds

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The one tree in our front yard that didn’t keep leaves on it all winter now has a few buds. Not a lot, but it’s starting. I have seen other trees in the area that are already blossming, but I’m kind of glad ours isn’t. Continue reading