Work got real busy and the weeds at my Oakeside community garden plots got way out of hand...I mean WAY out if hand.
See photographic evidence here:
Q: So what's a girl to do? A: Declare independence from weeds!
You can barely see the edible greens...there's cabbage and collards in foreground of the photo. There are also peppers and tomatoes and a potato tower in the background. Help me holy ghost, the strangle vine morning glories choke off everything...and the bugs...oh, the bugs. I have never seen a more diverse bug population...darn organic gardening!!
I think I need to reconsider my mulch options. The grass that I'm using must have seeds in it, contributing to my weed population. I need to source some local marsh grass, its expensive but it's seedless.
I spent several hours on July 4th weeding. It was hot as hades with no shade to be found. But it was great to see the progress (sorry no "after" photo).
Although I've never been actually been accused of being a patriot*, I can barbecue with the best of them...
I was invited to an impromptu shindig with some of my former students. My contribution to the day's festivities...some red white and blue desserts of course. And hell no, I did not bake anything in this heat. All items came from my favorite local bakery. Yummy!
Clockwise from top blueberry/custard pie, apple pie and strawberry cheesecake.
It was a good time. As it was planned and executed exclusively by men, the menu consisted of a lot of protein and not much else...we played chess and Scrabble and had great conversation...
Lastly, I have a surprise...
wait for it...
wait...
an almost finished sock!
It's actually, the Embossed Leaves (Ravelry link) sock from Favorite Socks: 25 Timeless Designs from Interweave. It's the first of a pair due to my aunt in Florida as her Christmas 2007 gift...I know...I know...I'm very trifflin'.... Just a few more rows of decreases and then an immediate cast on for the second sock. Thanks Risa! I am hoping I can send them to her as a "Christmas in July" gift...Here's to hoping!
Happy 4th to those who celebrate.
*As a descendant of enslaved Africans, my relationship with my country of birth and citizenship is contentious at best.
And now Oscar and I have more in common than you would have thought. I too love trash (of the food variety). I must say that I have become most obsessed with my compost heap. I first thought of composting when Jessica included information about the vermicompost that lives in her basement. Since that sparkle, I have become quite intrigued. I collect neighbors lawn clippings and brown leaves. I get excited when it's time to clean out the "past-its-prime" veggies from the fridge. I get sawdust from the neighborhood lumber yard and manure from the horse stables.
I have enlisted the help of my trusted mentee, Damien, and together we check temperature and moisture content, examine the species of bugs, and quantity of worms. We mix and water and mix some more. The temperature has yet to break 95 degrees and I am finding that frustrating. Not that I have a problem with the worms doing most of the work, I am just trying to attract beloved micro-organism which exponentially speed up the process.
This was the pile this weekend with fresh grass clippings on top. Browns and water will be added to it later today and it will be turned...hopefully we can get above 100 degrees...oy! the pressure...
Damien won't admit it publicly, but I think he likes composting. He calls me regularly to inquire as to the current temperature and to see what items my father has added to the post (he thinks my dad tinkers with it when no one is looking)...a little paranoid he is...
