A Bane, A Boon, and a Red Band Aid

Been doing a lot of putzing around the yard.  I move pots, then move them again, chase the #*&^  bunnies, stake the tomatoes, dead head, water, weed, and I do a lot of staring.  I find the lushness mesmerizing, and while the varmints are the bane of my existence; the garden is a boon and such a salve for the soul.

Today I went to have blood drawn.  I had walked into a local lab yesterday and by the size of the crowd thought maybe they were giving away Happy Meals.  The receptionist mentioned I could make an appointment online and I came home and did so, learning of  a drawing station within a mile of our house.  This morning, as soon as I sat down, I noticed the box of crayon band aids and asked the phlebotomist if I could have one.  She said those are for the crying, screaming babies.   When I  assured her I could accommodate, she reached for the pack.  I got a red one.

You Say To Ma To...

My son brought me some composted horse manure yesterday -- yes, only the best for me.  (Gives new meaning to giving one's mother shit).   Sorry --  I used it to plant our tomatoes yesterday:  Black Krim, Jaune Flamme, Fourth of July, and Red Brandywine.  Last year the Fourth of July was true to its name as we had tomatoes by that date.  While they are all good, my favorite are the Black Krim .  They are very dark red, but the tops remain dark green.  I lost a couple of these until I learned what 'ripe' actually is with this tomato. Now I just have to get the basil and fresh mozzarella ready....

The roses are full of buds, particularly the Knockouts.  There are a couple of blooms, but we are about a week away from the first flush, I think. I'll take pictures of the gardens for posting when the roses bloom.

This is 'opening week' for our county's four or five  farmer's markets.  One of the closest to us opened today.  Realizing the farmers wouldn't have a lot to sell -- some greens, green onions, radishes, bedding and vegetable plants, maybe -- I still wanted to visit just to see what it was like.  All growers' farms lie within 150 miles of our area; many of them are substantially closer.  I bought some beautiful green onions and asparagus (I had the asparagus for dinner-- it was great) and decided I will be making a weekly 'thing' of this.   Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) goes a step farther than the local farmers' markets and is a wonderful concept  from both  sustainability and a healthy eating standpoints. One 'buys into' the crop of a local grower and then picks up weekly harvests.  It's like a veggie Christmas!  We don't belong to a CSA, but can just as easily support local agriculture by visiting the weekly market.   I can't wait until June, July, and August when I'll be able to buy local cookies, green beans, peaches, cherries, and melons, et cetera.

Tomorrow I have the second Hyalgan shots for my knees; relief cannot come too soon.  Thank you all for your well-wishes. 

Watermelon Salad and an EMG

I've provided the updated dressing recipe. This should be right on...

4 cups seedless watermelon cut into bit-size pieces
1 cup heirloom tomatoes, large chop (I used halved, golden cherry tomatoes)
1/4 cup finely chopped Kalamata olives
1/4 cup crumbled feta
8-10 leaves mint, chopped (basil would work if you have no mint)

2 tablespoons finely minced shallots
1 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon champagne vinegar (or other high quality white vinegar)
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

Assemble fruit in bowl (leaving aside feta and mint). Mix dressing and whisk until salt has dissolved. Pour over fruit and refrigerate. Add feta and mint before serving.

This morning I scheduled an 8:30 appointment to have an EMG on my hands (I've got carpal tunnel in both). I'm still a little bit on Cali time and woke up with a start at 8:54. Luckily, there was another appointment available at 11:30. I've given birth to three children, the last of whom weighed 10 pounds (and I had no meds); I've had knee surgery on both knees; and had a radical hysterectomy, a lumpectomy and I'm no sissy, but having someone put needles in my arms, hands, and neck, and then run electrical current through hurt like hell. It still hurts. I'm glad that's over. My follow-up appointment with the orthopod is on Friday and then I'll decide which option to take. I may be typing with one hand for a bit...

Tonight it's comfort food: tortellini salad with red peppers, shredded carrots, broccoli, onion, chick peas, black olives, basil, parsley, and Parmesan. Ciao amici!

Here Kitty, Kitty, Kitty...

The garden seems to be doing well. We've weeded, watered, weeded, and weeded some more. I can't help but think what weeds there would have been if we hadn't put down three inches of mulch and Preen!!
The rabbits are still living under the steps. There seems to be a new litter -- what a surprise-- my sex life should be as good. I think, however, I've found an effective means against them. We continue to put down Deer Scram and spray Tree Guard, but now I'm vigorously brushing Azrielle and putting her cat hair in planters and directly onto some plants. I've even begun to empty our vacuum cleaner right into the garden. Take a close look at the pot with the snapdragons and verbena! It skeeves me out a little, but what the heck! And Azrielle is getting rid of her winter undercoat. I wonder if I could shave her....Azrielle! Oh, Azrielle!!!...

Rosie Returns Day Lily

First Tomatoes - 6/24 - Heirloom Golden Cherry
Heirloom Back Krim by the 4th of July???
Side Patio - Lamb's Ears, Star Gazer Lilies, day lilies, plumbago and planters with geraniums, creeping Jenny, and purple verbena

Verbena that the rabbits have finally left alone -- look closely to see why...
Cat hair!!!!