Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Monday, June 29, 2009
Where has the time gone???
Wow, I can't believe it's been so long since I posted on here!
We've been keeping very busy in the yard at home. We've moved a few more things around, gotten rid of some dead stuff and added more to the yard. We have at least 50 tomatoes in the greenhouse (little green ones), the hot peppers are taking off and there are a few that are almost an inch long! I transplanted the watermelon plants and we can almost stand and see them grow right before our eyes! The strawberry plants I salvaged from the front garden have given us about 10 berries (!), which are pretty small, but WOW do they taste good! I can't wait for NEXT year's crop!
We finally got off our butts and took the dog on a 5 kilometre hike Sunday, on the Galloping Goose regional trail, then SURPRISE came home and did more work in the yard!
I was watering some shrubs today (no rain to amount to anything in five weeks) and one of the hummingbirds from our yard decided to take a 'bath' in the stream of water I was projecting from the hose! I never knew they would do something like that and I just froze and stood there and watched as it hovered just above the water stream and occasionally dipped down into the water. It was very cool to watch, and I even have a witness if any of you don't believe me.
Work is just fine. We seem to be bucking the trend and are increasing readership, which is good for job security. Two people I know work for AIG in the US and I found out one is done in September and the other in November. They are a married couple and recently purchased a home so I really feel bad for the uncertainty that must be oozing into their lives.
Part of the reason I am not posting so much is that I am on Facebook and seem to spend a bit too much of my online time there. It's great for connecting with friends and family, not quite as 'teen' as My Space, and I even located a few names from my past on there.
It's been somewhat on the cool side here, aside from a few days in the low 90's a few weeks ago, but I am hopeful that with the turning of the calendar to July temps will start to rise. The weatherman said by later this week we'll be in the C20's/F70's so hope springs eternal.
All is well with our health, and with the dog and cat. I hope this finds all of you out there well also.
We've been keeping very busy in the yard at home. We've moved a few more things around, gotten rid of some dead stuff and added more to the yard. We have at least 50 tomatoes in the greenhouse (little green ones), the hot peppers are taking off and there are a few that are almost an inch long! I transplanted the watermelon plants and we can almost stand and see them grow right before our eyes! The strawberry plants I salvaged from the front garden have given us about 10 berries (!), which are pretty small, but WOW do they taste good! I can't wait for NEXT year's crop!
We finally got off our butts and took the dog on a 5 kilometre hike Sunday, on the Galloping Goose regional trail, then SURPRISE came home and did more work in the yard!
I was watering some shrubs today (no rain to amount to anything in five weeks) and one of the hummingbirds from our yard decided to take a 'bath' in the stream of water I was projecting from the hose! I never knew they would do something like that and I just froze and stood there and watched as it hovered just above the water stream and occasionally dipped down into the water. It was very cool to watch, and I even have a witness if any of you don't believe me.
Work is just fine. We seem to be bucking the trend and are increasing readership, which is good for job security. Two people I know work for AIG in the US and I found out one is done in September and the other in November. They are a married couple and recently purchased a home so I really feel bad for the uncertainty that must be oozing into their lives.
Part of the reason I am not posting so much is that I am on Facebook and seem to spend a bit too much of my online time there. It's great for connecting with friends and family, not quite as 'teen' as My Space, and I even located a few names from my past on there.
It's been somewhat on the cool side here, aside from a few days in the low 90's a few weeks ago, but I am hopeful that with the turning of the calendar to July temps will start to rise. The weatherman said by later this week we'll be in the C20's/F70's so hope springs eternal.
All is well with our health, and with the dog and cat. I hope this finds all of you out there well also.
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Recent Happenings.
Gee, it's been a while since I posted anything, something I just realized today. We've been busy with the house and yard and getting ready for guests, who are leaving Monday after a 10 day visit, so that is why I have been a bit neglectful here.
Both of us have been sick and I think we are just about done with that. I doubt it was the H1N1 virus, seems more like some kind of cold bug that is going around, so no worries on our part.
We've been working in the yard a LOT, tending to crops in the greenhouse and just general day to day things that one does to make life easy and fulfilling. I've discovered how wonderful BC grown seedless cucumbers are! They are grown mostly on the mainland, in the Fraser River Valley, by outfits that literally have acres under glass, allowing them to grow year 'round! Also grown this way are tomatoes and peppers but I have yet to try those. I am using the growers as my inspiration for producing a crop in our own greenhouse. I am looking forward to the upcoming strawberry season here on southern Vancouver Island. There are loads of farms on the Saanitch peninsula where you can either pick your own or just visit the farm stands. Working for a farming magazine is giving me access to loads of information and resources with regard to area growers and even growing our own veggies.
Our Spring is about 3-4 weeks behind schedule but this past weekend sure was weather that we really couldn't improve upon - sunny and temps around 20C/68F. Simply gorgeous! Today, Sunday, was the first day that I saw the whale watching boats off shore from the house. There were whales there but there was so much haze on the water today that all I could see through the telescope were big splashes when they would breach. Oh well.
Below are some pics from recent outings. Enjoy.
Up close and personal with one of five Llamas that belong to our friends Kenny and Anita. These critters sure are friendly and inquisitive. And they are good warning devices when Cougars are in the vicinity!
Northeast view, toward Vancouver, from the top of Mount Doug in Victoria. Spectacular views in all directions, and it is FREE!
Finnerty Gardens at the University of Victoria. No admission but you have to pay a couple of dollars to park Mon-Sat.
Exploring the new boardwalk in Sooke, BC. This is just across the harbor from us but we have to drive 25 minutes around the harbor to get there!
Both of us have been sick and I think we are just about done with that. I doubt it was the H1N1 virus, seems more like some kind of cold bug that is going around, so no worries on our part.
We've been working in the yard a LOT, tending to crops in the greenhouse and just general day to day things that one does to make life easy and fulfilling. I've discovered how wonderful BC grown seedless cucumbers are! They are grown mostly on the mainland, in the Fraser River Valley, by outfits that literally have acres under glass, allowing them to grow year 'round! Also grown this way are tomatoes and peppers but I have yet to try those. I am using the growers as my inspiration for producing a crop in our own greenhouse. I am looking forward to the upcoming strawberry season here on southern Vancouver Island. There are loads of farms on the Saanitch peninsula where you can either pick your own or just visit the farm stands. Working for a farming magazine is giving me access to loads of information and resources with regard to area growers and even growing our own veggies.
Our Spring is about 3-4 weeks behind schedule but this past weekend sure was weather that we really couldn't improve upon - sunny and temps around 20C/68F. Simply gorgeous! Today, Sunday, was the first day that I saw the whale watching boats off shore from the house. There were whales there but there was so much haze on the water today that all I could see through the telescope were big splashes when they would breach. Oh well.
Below are some pics from recent outings. Enjoy.
Up close and personal with one of five Llamas that belong to our friends Kenny and Anita. These critters sure are friendly and inquisitive. And they are good warning devices when Cougars are in the vicinity!
Northeast view, toward Vancouver, from the top of Mount Doug in Victoria. Spectacular views in all directions, and it is FREE!
Finnerty Gardens at the University of Victoria. No admission but you have to pay a couple of dollars to park Mon-Sat.
Exploring the new boardwalk in Sooke, BC. This is just across the harbor from us but we have to drive 25 minutes around the harbor to get there!
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Dreamin'....
Here I go again, dreaming of cars. Or should I say vehicles, because the Carver One is quite difficult to describe. Three wheels. Front part corners like a motorcycle while the back wheels stay planted to the pavement!
Top shot is a Fiat 500.
I'll take either one of these, but of course neither is available in Canada. Yet.
Whew!
That was a close one!!!
Among all the things I am getting done today is LAUNDRY! The washer has been making funny noises for a couple of years now (don't laugh - it still works) and tonight it died. Or so I thought. I was in the next room when I sensed something not quite right. Too quiet - didn't hear the cycle finish - then heard a 'click' followed by a hummmmm. Opened the top- dead still with towels in sudsy water. Then noticed a burning smell in the area! I figured the motor finally burned out. Talked to the other half on the phone and resigned ourselves to the fact that we are appliance shopping this weekend, after I call and price shop, seeing that we are at least 30 minutes from a store. WELL, after a half hour I plugged it back in and away it went, continuing from where it had stopped. WHEW! Seems to be working fine now and burning smell is gone.
Also watered the new seedlings and plants tonight, did the dishes, made a pretty good crab pasta salad for dinner, played with the dog and watched a bit of TV. Oh yeah, was online too.
Getting psyched for lots of visitors in May - yippee!!!!
Among all the things I am getting done today is LAUNDRY! The washer has been making funny noises for a couple of years now (don't laugh - it still works) and tonight it died. Or so I thought. I was in the next room when I sensed something not quite right. Too quiet - didn't hear the cycle finish - then heard a 'click' followed by a hummmmm. Opened the top- dead still with towels in sudsy water. Then noticed a burning smell in the area! I figured the motor finally burned out. Talked to the other half on the phone and resigned ourselves to the fact that we are appliance shopping this weekend, after I call and price shop, seeing that we are at least 30 minutes from a store. WELL, after a half hour I plugged it back in and away it went, continuing from where it had stopped. WHEW! Seems to be working fine now and burning smell is gone.
Also watered the new seedlings and plants tonight, did the dishes, made a pretty good crab pasta salad for dinner, played with the dog and watched a bit of TV. Oh yeah, was online too.
Getting psyched for lots of visitors in May - yippee!!!!
Thursday, April 16, 2009
You MUST watch this - Susan Boyle!!!
Get the tissues, click on the link below, sit back and be wowed!
In a world full of bad news and negativity please take a few moments to share in this good news and positiveness. I'm sure you won't be disappointed. I wasn't.
Enjoy!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8OcQ9A-5noM
In a world full of bad news and negativity please take a few moments to share in this good news and positiveness. I'm sure you won't be disappointed. I wasn't.
Enjoy!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8OcQ9A-5noM
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Din din
East Coast Crab Cakes.
Mashed potatoes flavored with mayo, Parmesan and chipotle.
Steamed cauliflower.
Now, what do I make on Wednesday???
Mashed potatoes flavored with mayo, Parmesan and chipotle.
Steamed cauliflower.
Now, what do I make on Wednesday???
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