Garden Fever

It looks like teeth, doesn't it? It's a mini Zinnia. When in full bloom, it's smaller than a dime. White - they look like mini daisies. It's a trailing plant and I use them on the balcony. I've collected the seeds each year as I've never been able to find them again at this size.

Well... fresh dirt has been delivered and Al the Rotor Tiller guy came out the same day and tilled it up beautifully - right before the rains.  Now I'm waiting for a dry spell to plant the cold things.  I bought some onion starts - couldn't get my own starts from my seeds.  I think they were too old or I stored them incorrectly. So hopefully this weekend I can get the onions, peas, various lettuce and spinach in the ground. I'm leaving for two weeks on a work double conference trip.  I don't like being gone so long but Key Largo is the first and then on to Boston - coming home May 4th. I love to travel but not during planting season. Can't be helped. Need to earn my Garden money. HA

Zinnia Progression

Zinnia's from seed - not sure how many days to bloom but I took a snap shot every other so probably 7 days. They are so vibrant.

Garden fever - waiting for dirt delivery.

Spring 2012

Spring! Oh yes. It has been one beautiful spring. Warm weather - rain when we need it. Just fabulous.

I've expanded the garden again. I'd like to do a field of Sunflowers. The short kind - not the giant tall ones. I have packets of seeds for multi-colored sunflowers of every size so I thought I would do a couple of rows.

My garlic is popping through. I planted 21 cloves last fall and some made it. Check back for progress. Thanks

UIC Conference

INCREDIBLE!

Yesterday I went downtown Chicago to UIC for an all day of Farm Conferences, expo and workshops. I am so elated and lifted that I can not think of anything else.

I learned how to butcher half a hog, can and pickle (which I already knew but wanted to see in case any new techniques were used - not really), grow year round in the Midwest (again, knew but inquired some great tips) and cheese making. Now, cheese making looks like something for the winter months. It's time consuming and tedious but tasting it made me think - it's a possibility. - oh so wonderful.

I have such garden fever. The weather in Chicago has been incredibly warm for a full week. 80's in March. I keep telling myself to keep the plants in - it's not time yet but I bet some folks are planting. If you are - bring them in each night. One of the nights could be a cold snap and then, snap - you have to start over.

WOW - I can't stop the feeling now. Farms - oh how I love em!

Farm Conference

http://goodfoodfestivals.com/chicago/

This Saturday I'm heading to a farm conference. I used to sign up for 1/2 marathons and 10 k races. Now, I'm attending farm workshops and conferences. What a change. I'm so excited I can hardly wait. They are having workshops on sausage making and compost. I feel like a child that can't wait until school starts.

I'll write more after the show.

Robot Bird

This is a Robot chicken. The green vice is this really cool old thing my Dad gave me. I like it for some reason - it's comfortable.

Anyway... I made a Robot Chicken - it's a test robot. Tea Ball body, screw eyes, legs and toes. Strips of metal with a brown coating. They do look like feathers.

It's cute. Practice chicken - more to come.

My Birthday

Erin, Me and Christine - Sisters in Germany. I couldn't find a good birthday pic of me but I like this one.
51 today - UGH! Feeling really old but whats a girl to do?
March 17th I'm heading to an all day Farm conference in Chicago. Can't wait.
Thanks for stopping by.