I'll make a trip later to the big box store for organic soil, etc. This morning I cleaned out two large beds and now have cleaned out the smaller of two ponds. Now it's time to make some decisions on what will be planted later this year.
Traditionally I don't plant anything new until after May 1...there is just too much risk with the crazy Oklahoma weather. I've seen snow on Easter Sunday and 101 degrees in October, so for now, I'll stick to sprucing up some container gardening, readying them for their year of decking patio and pergola. I will post some pics later that will serve as a way to track the garden's growth this year.
My big dilemma is on whether I want to try some vegetables or stick to what I usually have more luck with -- perennials and roses. I enjoy more of a higgly piggly look to my garden, which is a lot like enjoying a more casual look with color and it is harder to obtain that look. It takes a lot of planning to get that "unplanned" natural look. I think the most successful gardens are those that use roses and vegetables in a way that is both creative and functional. Very challenging to do well, though, at least for me.
The work in the raised beds, with leftovers from last year's herb garden present an opportunity to inhale rosemary which is heavenly.
The biggest mistake that I've made in past years -- and the one that I see a lot of others doing is rushing the season. Even though garden centers are stocking a lot of growing plants, it is really not the time to plant anything...but it is the time to invest in any hardscape or cleaning out of beds. Putting expensive plants in untreated and unreadied soil is like bringing a new baby home and putting them in the dusty old basement. It's important to take the time to prepare the soil, allow the soil to warm and make good decisions on what can be planted successfully.
Saturday, March 05, 2005
Friday, March 04, 2005
It's almost here -- GARDENING TIME!
I took a trip to the garden store looking for pre-emergent for the lawn, when I caught the whiff of what is unmistakenably the most sensual sign of spring -- the scent of hycinth. WOW! She was a beauty, bold and blue and the scent was heavenly.
This weekend is the big start...I'll begin with having my hefty 16 year old and my very athletic 14 year old with cleaning out the winter "brush" in the gardens and then we'll add organic material to the beds. Redefining the lines of the garden, making notes of what didn't make it through the cold winter and what needs to be removed or replaced.
It's all about perennials for me and I've selected several key points in our back to focus upon this year. One of my gardening friends warned me when I started that I'd soon be addicted to the beauty and simplicity of gardening. The prophecy proved true. I relish the smell, the feel, the senses of gardening...nothing nourishes my soul or brings me closer to God than those moments in the garden.
This year, the pool is already a part of the plan, with execavation scheduled to begin in the next two weeks. We are doing it "ourselves" meaning we're just serving as our our contractors.
When I look at the gardening books I have to remember that some of those gardens have been "in the works" for 20 years or more...gardening is about patience if it is about nothing else. And you must allow the time for a garden to mature and grow into itself.
I'll be posting a lot more about gardening as it inspires me in many ways. I believe that a lot of life can be better understood when one spends time in the garden. Life for me, begins in the garden. I'll post some of pics from my garden, too. It is a work in process.
This weekend is the big start...I'll begin with having my hefty 16 year old and my very athletic 14 year old with cleaning out the winter "brush" in the gardens and then we'll add organic material to the beds. Redefining the lines of the garden, making notes of what didn't make it through the cold winter and what needs to be removed or replaced.
It's all about perennials for me and I've selected several key points in our back to focus upon this year. One of my gardening friends warned me when I started that I'd soon be addicted to the beauty and simplicity of gardening. The prophecy proved true. I relish the smell, the feel, the senses of gardening...nothing nourishes my soul or brings me closer to God than those moments in the garden.
This year, the pool is already a part of the plan, with execavation scheduled to begin in the next two weeks. We are doing it "ourselves" meaning we're just serving as our our contractors.
When I look at the gardening books I have to remember that some of those gardens have been "in the works" for 20 years or more...gardening is about patience if it is about nothing else. And you must allow the time for a garden to mature and grow into itself.
I'll be posting a lot more about gardening as it inspires me in many ways. I believe that a lot of life can be better understood when one spends time in the garden. Life for me, begins in the garden. I'll post some of pics from my garden, too. It is a work in process.
Thursday, March 03, 2005
Tax time
The news is in...I've been held up again, this time for over $7,000. So, it's back to the drawing board, figuring out how to better plan for next year's tax season, so that maybe -- just maybe -- I can avoid a heavy hit at this time next year.
For those that are not self employed, who don't work every day for their income, who cry and moan and wail that we need this government program and that...I say, fork over 30% of YOUR income and see how you feel about BIG GOVERNMENT then. I don't mind paying for my fair share of taxes, I just don't want to pay for everyone else's.
I have a new definition of liberal: someone who makes their paycheck from the income of those who work for themselves. This might include teachers, government workers, city and municipal employees...anybody that relies on tax dollars to support their livlihood.
A lot of democrats are just communists in disguise -- and not very good ones, either.
For those that are not self employed, who don't work every day for their income, who cry and moan and wail that we need this government program and that...I say, fork over 30% of YOUR income and see how you feel about BIG GOVERNMENT then. I don't mind paying for my fair share of taxes, I just don't want to pay for everyone else's.
I have a new definition of liberal: someone who makes their paycheck from the income of those who work for themselves. This might include teachers, government workers, city and municipal employees...anybody that relies on tax dollars to support their livlihood.
A lot of democrats are just communists in disguise -- and not very good ones, either.
Tuesday, March 01, 2005
Oscar discovery, AD 4032
I wonder what some future society will discover when they "unearth" the memories of the Oscar's? Maybe something like this...???
AP NEWS REPORTS...
Archeologists today reported discoveries in what use to be known as "Hollywood", which has been under water for the last 600 years.
The remains of this ancient city were discovered when scientists were drilling for metroil off the coast of what use to be called the state of California.
"We're very excited about the potential of such a discovery", says Ronald Elwood, Professor of Historic Cities at Citadel University. "This may unlock the mysteries of many of the ancient cities of the late 21st century."
Scientists are still identifying many of the artificats that littered the prestigious temple that was once called the "Kodak Theater". Scientists have believed for many years that complex worship services were conducted here yearly when many of the Gods and Goddesses of the Theater would enter the court wearing their finest robes and jewels. Peasants lined up to take what is sometimes referred to as "photographs" of these royals to be seen across many parts of the then known world.
"These were some of the most beautiful people of our time, sometimes undergoing hours and hours of bodily surgery to get their forms thin. This was of course before we fully understood the dangers of this primitive art form, " says Dr. Elwood.
"We know that this society was very religious about these dieties, but we're not really sure why." he continued. "We are searching for reasons that would help us understand their adulation towards these beings."
Included in the discovery were communication devices, what scientists think are primitive forms of the tele-laser, which allowed members of this society to communicate through speaking into the small device. Mind reading and telepathy had not yet become the force that it is today in these societies. "These were state of the art at the time" Dr. Elwood reports, "even though they were by our standards quite difficult to use."
Scientists hope that this bounty of information wil help them better understand the end of what was once considered the world's greatest society.
AP NEWS REPORTS...
Archeologists today reported discoveries in what use to be known as "Hollywood", which has been under water for the last 600 years.
The remains of this ancient city were discovered when scientists were drilling for metroil off the coast of what use to be called the state of California.
"We're very excited about the potential of such a discovery", says Ronald Elwood, Professor of Historic Cities at Citadel University. "This may unlock the mysteries of many of the ancient cities of the late 21st century."
Scientists are still identifying many of the artificats that littered the prestigious temple that was once called the "Kodak Theater". Scientists have believed for many years that complex worship services were conducted here yearly when many of the Gods and Goddesses of the Theater would enter the court wearing their finest robes and jewels. Peasants lined up to take what is sometimes referred to as "photographs" of these royals to be seen across many parts of the then known world.
"These were some of the most beautiful people of our time, sometimes undergoing hours and hours of bodily surgery to get their forms thin. This was of course before we fully understood the dangers of this primitive art form, " says Dr. Elwood.
"We know that this society was very religious about these dieties, but we're not really sure why." he continued. "We are searching for reasons that would help us understand their adulation towards these beings."
Included in the discovery were communication devices, what scientists think are primitive forms of the tele-laser, which allowed members of this society to communicate through speaking into the small device. Mind reading and telepathy had not yet become the force that it is today in these societies. "These were state of the art at the time" Dr. Elwood reports, "even though they were by our standards quite difficult to use."
Scientists hope that this bounty of information wil help them better understand the end of what was once considered the world's greatest society.
Monday, February 28, 2005
Village Idiot Times Reports
Local Officials Announce New Position Open
T-TOWN, USA. Local officials noted that a new position would be opening up for Associate Highness later this month.
"We're really excited about this, " says one official, who asked to not be identified, since he had heard nothing about it until this interview.
"Our leadership style is simple, " he continued. "We pretty much lead by benign neglect."
The Reigning Arch Highness, who commented from an undisclosed location, says he will be leading the interviews. "No one knows as much as me, " he said, while taking a break from his Mike Myers Movie Marathon (MMMM).
The organization has fallen on hard times over the last few years, but that doesn't seem to bother those in leadership. "We really don't know what to do with the people that live here, anyway, so the fewer there are, the better for us." says one leader, who also asked to not be identified.
Funds for the new position may not be available, since the organization is in a spiral downturn with its funding. "The idea is simple economics...we will just ask those who have money to give all they have, while those of us in leadership will just live off its bounty."
When asked if this wasn't indeed communism, RAH says, "I'm not really sure what that will look like, but I can't rule that out." He pondered that for a moment, rubbing his chin, then went back to his movie marathon.
Still there are some that are doubtful that this experiment will work. "We don't listen much to them" says one leader.
AP PHOTOS
Oscar Review
Here's my top winnings from Oscar night
For best dress: Kate Winslet - thanks for being original and wearing something besides gold, white or black.
For weirdest presenter -- Sean Penn. Dude, lighten up. Chris Rock got paid for being funny at the Oscar, did you get extra $$ for being just plain wierd?
For sexiest man -- sorry, gotta go with my man Clint Eastwood on this. And he had the sense to bring his 96 year old mama to the awards with him...what a guy. Clint, you made my day.
For most beautiful woman - Hilary Swank. Ok, the "girl from the trailer park" speech was a bit hokey, but she deserved her oscar and her overall "look" was amazing. Thanks for wearing lipstick. (See below).
For most difficult trend to pull off in real life -- the long hair thing looks great when you have packs of professionals helping you with extensions, etc. And the "nude" lipstick trend...oh my gosh, have we come back to THAT? Beauty trendsetters take note: most women aren't going to balance their color enough drama on their eyes to make up for the lack of color on their lips. Please don't do this to us -- AGAIN!
Best looking tux -- Jamie Foxx, thanks for "keeping it real"..a suit even a 16 year old kid could love (and he did).
Best speech -- again, Jamie Foxx, for dedicating his oscar to his "first acting coach" his grandmother. Loved it.
Best quick come back -- when Chris Rock made fun of the Oscars trying to keep the awards simpler..."the drive in Oscars" bit was hilarious. Rock makes it clear that NOTHING is sacred...if only we'd had more time with him.
Best agent-- Beyonce must have some kind of "people" working for her to land her the "starring" role in all those music numbers. But she did show her amazing versatilty in singing and her ability for "eye candy".
Worst agent -- What'd he say? Someone get Antonion Banderas and Penelope Cruz a speech coach! It was cute at first, but I felt like I was at the Latino Academy Awards. No one is more glad than I am that spanish culture and art is now a force in our lives, but I guess I still would like to watch the Academy Awards without a spanish-english dictionary.
Overall a good evening....check out people.com for all the dirt.
Sunday, February 27, 2005
Not going to take that bullet
I'm trying to calm down from a very emotional church service. The music was first was moved me because I feel that I am in need of such hope in my life right now. I think it is just the usual "stuff" that I use to hear my g'mother talk about...taxes, kids going to college, etc.
Not the best day to hear a sermon about how I should sell everything and give to the poor.
Good admonition and certainly I can do more towards helping others. I'm sure that I can do more. Yet my first response to this is what my usual response to church preachers who get up and start yammering about giving money away.
Questions come to my mind...like, "Mister private university graduate, did you ever work 3 jobs to get yourself through college?"
Or maybe, "have you ever stood in line and paid for your groceries with your mom on food stamps?"
Or how about, "did you ever "get" to wear some of that "given away clothing" in the benevolence room to church, and have others say to you, 'I use to have a dress like that...' knowing full well that it was indeed that same piece of clothing that they had cast off. Last year's fashions, with tears and stains on them?
It seems to me that there is a part of scripture that never gets discussed in these "discussion" (like can we really talk back to the preacher while he yammers on...)...like the fact that Christ also said, "the poor will always be with us.." and "if a man doesn't work, neither should he eat.." and countless other things that to me say our saviour was all about "helping" others take responsibility for their lives, not just giving them handouts...
Not to mention the fact that there are other resources that are certainly abused...things like time and talents...how many sermons do I get to sit through where the admonition is to use our talents more wisely, giving our time and energy to those with less in these areas...there are a lot of those in a certain age group that seem to misuse these priceless resources. When will we get to hear about these?
And it is especially hard to hear from the standpoint that some of us have worked hard -- worked damn hard -- for everything that they have today.
I think I will choose not to take this bullet. I'll step aside on this one.
Not the best day to hear a sermon about how I should sell everything and give to the poor.
Good admonition and certainly I can do more towards helping others. I'm sure that I can do more. Yet my first response to this is what my usual response to church preachers who get up and start yammering about giving money away.
Questions come to my mind...like, "Mister private university graduate, did you ever work 3 jobs to get yourself through college?"
Or maybe, "have you ever stood in line and paid for your groceries with your mom on food stamps?"
Or how about, "did you ever "get" to wear some of that "given away clothing" in the benevolence room to church, and have others say to you, 'I use to have a dress like that...' knowing full well that it was indeed that same piece of clothing that they had cast off. Last year's fashions, with tears and stains on them?
It seems to me that there is a part of scripture that never gets discussed in these "discussion" (like can we really talk back to the preacher while he yammers on...)...like the fact that Christ also said, "the poor will always be with us.." and "if a man doesn't work, neither should he eat.." and countless other things that to me say our saviour was all about "helping" others take responsibility for their lives, not just giving them handouts...
Not to mention the fact that there are other resources that are certainly abused...things like time and talents...how many sermons do I get to sit through where the admonition is to use our talents more wisely, giving our time and energy to those with less in these areas...there are a lot of those in a certain age group that seem to misuse these priceless resources. When will we get to hear about these?
And it is especially hard to hear from the standpoint that some of us have worked hard -- worked damn hard -- for everything that they have today.
I think I will choose not to take this bullet. I'll step aside on this one.
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