Due at least in part to my move to a semi-rural area I think I’m beginning to go native. I drive a giant tractor and run deliveries in a small dump truck. I subscribed to Mother Earth Magazine. I finally own a sweet touring kayak and if it would ever stop freaking raining the put-in is only five minutes from my house.
I have bold intentions for four raised garden beds in my front yard. Given that I have access to a tractor I thought, hey, why not regrade the front yard and start from scratch with a nice flat surface? This is more difficult to do than I expected. I really only managed to smash the big clumps of grass flat and scrape a big pile of crap onto the driveway.
“I like what you’ve done with the yard,” says Matt.
It may not be pretty, but those garden beds are happening. Fennel, basil, wax beans, pole beans, red currant tomatoes, chives, kale, cucumbers, and maybe if I’m very, very lucky even a hybrid watermelon or two. I have a huge deck that is begging for extra plants and herbs in planter boxes. That’s my planned stage two. And then there’s this awesome outdoor grill/oven/griddle that I have the schematics for but probably won’t build until I have a little more permanency, or a lot of time and building materials on my hands.
Which brings me to my chicken envy. Julia, I covet your chickens. Even though stock is a huge time and care commitment. And I can just buy eggs at the grocery store. And I’m not sure I could ever bring myself to personally off a chicken in the name of dinner. I’ve no plans on turning chicken thief in the night, but I thought I’d own up to something I feel secretly competitive about. Not that it’s a race or anything…
Soon (hopefully) the cold rain will be on it’s way out to make room for some serious springtime. What mischief are you up to this weekend?
Posted by Julia on April 29, 2010 at 3:04 pm
Come visit us any time! Chicken TV is great. If you feel like you are getting close to the chicken-thieving point, I will even let you clean out the coop!
Posted by Hillory on April 29, 2010 at 3:40 pm
When you put it that way, it cools my crush a little bit. I shovel enough poop as it is.
Posted by Sandy on April 30, 2010 at 7:53 am
Hill, I’m so impressed with your enthusiasm and determination! I’m sure it’ll be a beautiful garden when you’re finished.
The mischief we’re up to this weekend is working on our new house. It needs much love and tenderness, but we’re making headway already. It feels good, as I know it will when you see the ‘fruit’ of your labors.
Nice to see you posting again! hahaha…like I have a lot of room to talk.
Posted by kj wuest on May 2, 2010 at 6:07 pm
It is soooo good to hear from you–Mother Earth. Sounds like you are having an interesting life–love the gardening plans. You are in my heart. More along the way.