Our group started arriving at Logan on Sunday, April 18, the beginning of school vacation.
Packing had been interesting as we had to be sure our suitcases were under 50 pounds. I am not known for packing lightly so we opted for an extra suitcase to carry the blow up mattress I had purchased upon the recommendation of one who had been on the trip before. We had to bring our own bedding, towels and all items as we were not staying in a hotel where one would have the basic amenities there upon arrival.
There were 47 of us going on the trip. I think there were 15 teens, many with family members, some without. We all gathered at the gate and the time went by fast with so many to visit with. I knew one other person who was going before the sign up process. As there had been several gatherings we had gotten to know several others before our departure.
We have done a good amount of traveling, but never before in a group. What fun to hang out at the gate with such a wonderful group, so many to get to know. Once on the plane we shifted out seating around and formed small groups throughout the cabin. It was a wonderful sunny day for flying, and were in DC before we knew it. We went off, most of us on our own to get lunch, for if you do not know, planes very rarely serve any food any more.
Back at the gate, those of us who knew others reconnected as we nervously prepared for what was ahead. Several of the group had gone to NOLA before, but the majority were on our maiden voyage to NOLA.
I had not mentioned that we had team shirts, which most of us were wearing. It made it easier to start to get to know others within our group. I remember sitting opposite a pretty young teen and her Dad, who had on a Patriots top. We spoke a little, me not knowing that they were also a part of our group!
The flight to NOLA was uneventful for Mia and me, as we have flown alot before. I did not find out until later on that several of our group had not flown before and were very unsettled by hitting a small amount of minor turbulence on the way down. For me, I knew I was in God's hands on this new venture, and that was enough for me to be completely calm at least at this juncture of the trip.
Arriving in NOLA, our first impression was made by the heat and humidity. We had left the cold Boston Morning to arrive in the warm sunny Southern humidity. It was a welcome relief to be in such warm weather in the middle of April!
We loaded up 7 vans with luggage and people and headed out in a caravan to our destination.
We arrived in a business area and pulled into a strip mall. Our accommodations were in a warehouse type building, not unlike our church.
As we pulled closer we all got to see the part of the mall we were heading for, which was surrounded by a high chain link fence. This fence had a gate for our entry which we later found out was to be padlocked each night at 10:30 pm! I found out later that there is a lot of crime in NOLA, so we were cautioned not to be out at night alone, or even in small groups.
We had our orientation, with lots of rules to be followed and chores to be done. Our group became responsible for breakfast and dinner cleanup.
We got our luggage and walked down to the dorms, not a short walk, I might add. Our women had two adjoining dorm rooms, one with 10 bunks and the other with about 7 bunks. Most of the teens, including Mia opted for the smaller room. I arrived with the first group so got a lower bunk right near the door, for easier access for my nightly bathroom runs.
The bathroom was a jaunt of about 100 feet from the bunks! Not anything like the short walk I have at home right across my room! I had brought a blow up mattress with me, which I was real happy about as the bunk mattresses were rather thin. Didn't realize I would need batteries to blow it up, but, yes, God does provide. One of the other girls also had a similar mattress and did have the necessary batteries, so helped me out with mine. I actually got to watch as one of the younger women did the whole thing for me. Such a blessing, Leisa!
So picture our room - 10 bunks and nothing else - So out of my comfort zone!!!! But, after all, we were there on a mission trip, not a vacation.
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Monday, May 3, 2010
Preparation
In July my daughter, Mia and I started looking for a new church. Long story short, we ended up trying out one we had heard about from a few different people. It was New England Chapel, and from the day we went to take a look at it we were hooked.
It is a warm, welcoming church, filled with wonderful Christians willing to share their love of Christ.
Early on, it was obvious that this is what had been missing in our lives. Mia and I shared the experience of exploring all this new church had to offer. Mia got involved in the Youth Group and I started attending small group meetings.
One Sunday we were introduced to the mission trips sponsored by New England Chapel (From here on to be called NEC). Mia had been interested in Mission Trips for a while, but was unsure about going all on her own. The other church she had attended had summer Mission Trips to the South, but without parents, so she had been reluctant to try it. NEC has several Mission Trips throughout the year to various locations, and the one that caught her eye was one to New Orleans, taking place over April vacation. This specific trip was going to combine building work with ministry work and was open to teens and adults.
AHA!! So we had come across a Mission Trip that I could also participate in. As I am unable to do any building type work, I could only go on a trip if I could do ministry work, and here was one that had both, and it was in the spring, before the stifling Southern summer weather, so both of us could together! How great was that?? Mia could get to experience a Mission Trip, without having to go alone, and I could also go and do ministry work at the same time!
So we proceeded to work on raising the $1500 that we would need to embark on this journey.
We raised some of the money from family and friends, some from a Mission Market that the church sponsored. Mia made jewelry, I made scarves and we put up plants in my gardens for sale, which gave us the bulk of what we needed. Very interestingly, the balance we needed was provided from a stock split which occurred right at the time we needed it. Thank You, God!!
The same time as all of this was going on my mom took a fall which precipitated a 5 week stint in rehab. I became one of her caregivers last summer, and over the winter I turned into the primary caregiver. With the fall, it stepped up to daily care, which was not so bad as we were able to get her into a rehab in Wrentham, where I live.
I tell you this as it has a great bearing on our Mission Trip.
Once out of rehab, my mom required 24 hour care, which I was fortunate enough to have been given the recommendations of a marvelous group of Irish ladies who provide the most amazing care to seniors. We call them our "Irish Angels". They saved my life by being available to cover most of the shifts at my mother's apartment in Milton. Two of my sisters got my mom transitioned home for the first two weeks, with me covering as well. Then we settled in to our routine, me working 3 days a week plus covering, as needed, doing shopping, errands, Dr. appts, calls, etc, --- you get the picture.; me being very busy away from home, dealing with a transitioning senior with mild dementia, who was not happy with the situation.
It can be very taxing, but also something you know is worthwhile as it is for your mother's well being. The down side is that it can be all consuming getting something like this in place and then dealing with all the health, mental, daily living and social issues that need to be addressed.
Well, it all got done, thanks to the support of my family and siblings, and mostly thanks to the grace of God in my life. He provided the energy to get me through all the long hours and more importantly the patience needed to deal with all that came up. What was supposed to be one month turned quickly into two and now three, but I got it all covered so that I was able to still go on the Mission Trip.
So the week before the trip we all went to church in our teal green team shirts to have the church bless our endeavor and send us off. Imagine my surprise when I became the receiving end of a great Joke from God ----- my ministry work was to be working in a Senior Day Care Center!!!
Well, at least I would know my way around there!!
It is a warm, welcoming church, filled with wonderful Christians willing to share their love of Christ.
Early on, it was obvious that this is what had been missing in our lives. Mia and I shared the experience of exploring all this new church had to offer. Mia got involved in the Youth Group and I started attending small group meetings.
One Sunday we were introduced to the mission trips sponsored by New England Chapel (From here on to be called NEC). Mia had been interested in Mission Trips for a while, but was unsure about going all on her own. The other church she had attended had summer Mission Trips to the South, but without parents, so she had been reluctant to try it. NEC has several Mission Trips throughout the year to various locations, and the one that caught her eye was one to New Orleans, taking place over April vacation. This specific trip was going to combine building work with ministry work and was open to teens and adults.
AHA!! So we had come across a Mission Trip that I could also participate in. As I am unable to do any building type work, I could only go on a trip if I could do ministry work, and here was one that had both, and it was in the spring, before the stifling Southern summer weather, so both of us could together! How great was that?? Mia could get to experience a Mission Trip, without having to go alone, and I could also go and do ministry work at the same time!
So we proceeded to work on raising the $1500 that we would need to embark on this journey.
We raised some of the money from family and friends, some from a Mission Market that the church sponsored. Mia made jewelry, I made scarves and we put up plants in my gardens for sale, which gave us the bulk of what we needed. Very interestingly, the balance we needed was provided from a stock split which occurred right at the time we needed it. Thank You, God!!
The same time as all of this was going on my mom took a fall which precipitated a 5 week stint in rehab. I became one of her caregivers last summer, and over the winter I turned into the primary caregiver. With the fall, it stepped up to daily care, which was not so bad as we were able to get her into a rehab in Wrentham, where I live.
I tell you this as it has a great bearing on our Mission Trip.
Once out of rehab, my mom required 24 hour care, which I was fortunate enough to have been given the recommendations of a marvelous group of Irish ladies who provide the most amazing care to seniors. We call them our "Irish Angels". They saved my life by being available to cover most of the shifts at my mother's apartment in Milton. Two of my sisters got my mom transitioned home for the first two weeks, with me covering as well. Then we settled in to our routine, me working 3 days a week plus covering, as needed, doing shopping, errands, Dr. appts, calls, etc, --- you get the picture.; me being very busy away from home, dealing with a transitioning senior with mild dementia, who was not happy with the situation.
It can be very taxing, but also something you know is worthwhile as it is for your mother's well being. The down side is that it can be all consuming getting something like this in place and then dealing with all the health, mental, daily living and social issues that need to be addressed.
Well, it all got done, thanks to the support of my family and siblings, and mostly thanks to the grace of God in my life. He provided the energy to get me through all the long hours and more importantly the patience needed to deal with all that came up. What was supposed to be one month turned quickly into two and now three, but I got it all covered so that I was able to still go on the Mission Trip.
So the week before the trip we all went to church in our teal green team shirts to have the church bless our endeavor and send us off. Imagine my surprise when I became the receiving end of a great Joke from God ----- my ministry work was to be working in a Senior Day Care Center!!!
Well, at least I would know my way around there!!
Monday, April 26, 2010
Been on a Mission..........trip
Hi Y'all. Recently learned that y'all is a one syllable word, and that from someone who knows, firsthand, Miss Mary Agnes. (who I will write about later)
Spent 6 amazing days in New Orleans during school vacation with my 16 year old daughter on a Mission Trip with our Church, New England Chapel.
Have lots of stories to share as well as amazing photos. Stories about lives transformed by a storm named Katrina and photos of lives transformed by those we met in New Orleans.
Spent 6 amazing days in New Orleans during school vacation with my 16 year old daughter on a Mission Trip with our Church, New England Chapel.
Have lots of stories to share as well as amazing photos. Stories about lives transformed by a storm named Katrina and photos of lives transformed by those we met in New Orleans.
Monday, June 15, 2009
Be on the lookout
Keep an eye out for butterfly eggs on Fennel, Queen Anne's Lace and Spicebush. Also if you notice any black and red flat bugs about 1/2" or less, these are ladybug larvae. When they are finished eating, on their favorite, Tansy, you can literally watch them change into ladybugs, right on the leaf!!! You can just pick a leaf with a larva on it and bring it inside to watch the process. Have fun!!!
To find out more about these fascinating bugs, check out this site:
http://www.geocities.com/sseagraves/ladybugfacts.htm
To find out more about these fascinating bugs, check out this site:
http://www.geocities.com/sseagraves/ladybugfacts.htm
Sunday, June 14, 2009
DONE !!!!!!!
I posted this on Babs' blog in thanks for all she gave me for this project. And for whatever reason when I pasted it into my blog it got underlined. ENJOY!!
I took a little liberty here, posting on your blog, as I want you to be the first to see this wonderful sight.
There are no words to convey my deep appreciation for what you have given me - Without your pavers, soil and compost, well, I might have had a few spare moments to myself this spring!!! LOL!!!
Well I can now breathe again - and maybe have a few moments, which I did yesterday, sitting out there during the last of my work. I had John bring a table up front, and took many rest breaks to finally enjoy the new creations!!
This is the path I had put in last summer, with scrap pieces.
And this is the new, improved path!!!!!
These are the veggie beds, with everything growing, OH, so marvelously!!!
This is the front view of the expanse of lawn, which we all enjoyed walking on, from various angles - I don't have one to match the final views!!
This view is from the hedge, to show the comparison with the almost end result, not including the patio!!
And this is the new, expanded view!
And this, TA DA, is what I can now see from the house and upstairs window (with completed patio)!!!
Can't wait for all to see it in person!!!
I took a little liberty here, posting on your blog, as I want you to be the first to see this wonderful sight.
There are no words to convey my deep appreciation for what you have given me - Without your pavers, soil and compost, well, I might have had a few spare moments to myself this spring!!! LOL!!!
Well I can now breathe again - and maybe have a few moments, which I did yesterday, sitting out there during the last of my work. I had John bring a table up front, and took many rest breaks to finally enjoy the new creations!!
This is the path I had put in last summer, with scrap pieces.
And this is the new, improved path!!!!!
These are the veggie beds, with everything growing, OH, so marvelously!!!
This is the front view of the expanse of lawn, which we all enjoyed walking on, from various angles - I don't have one to match the final views!!
This view is from the hedge, to show the comparison with the almost end result, not including the patio!!
And this is the new, expanded view!
And this, TA DA, is what I can now see from the house and upstairs window (with completed patio)!!!
Can't wait for all to see it in person!!!
Saturday, June 13, 2009
Finished planting!!
I have officially finished planting the veggie beds, and other edible areas. So much work had to be done. As my daughter hurt her back last month, I ended up doing most of it myself, which left little time for anything else.
I have already been thinning and transplanting seedlings that were planted in April! It has kept me so busy I just have not had time to have many gardeners in to get plants. Hopefully that will be easier to do once I finish the paving, which is well on the way to being done.
And our lettuce crop is just amazing!! The new veggie beds are working so well, I am thrilled to have that area becoming so productive!
I just need to get outside with the camera to share the progress, which hopefully will be done today,a s sun is predicted - FINALLY!!! I have gone through way to many changes of clothing while working out in the rain these past few days!! We figured out a way to set up a travelling umbrella for me to use out front to allow me to work out there in that OH, so hot sun. Previously I was unable to be out there much past 10 as it just gets too hot, but with the umbrella, I can work out there close to 12.
I have already been thinning and transplanting seedlings that were planted in April! It has kept me so busy I just have not had time to have many gardeners in to get plants. Hopefully that will be easier to do once I finish the paving, which is well on the way to being done.
And our lettuce crop is just amazing!! The new veggie beds are working so well, I am thrilled to have that area becoming so productive!
I just need to get outside with the camera to share the progress, which hopefully will be done today,a s sun is predicted - FINALLY!!! I have gone through way to many changes of clothing while working out in the rain these past few days!! We figured out a way to set up a travelling umbrella for me to use out front to allow me to work out there in that OH, so hot sun. Previously I was unable to be out there much past 10 as it just gets too hot, but with the umbrella, I can work out there close to 12.
Friday, June 12, 2009
Mini raised beds
Grandpa built mini raised beds for the three kids. Ryan and Katelyn, now called Katimay by me, decided to paint theirs. It was a great outdoor project. These photos are from April 25th.
Ryan did quite well and even got his name on it.
Katimay got more paint on her than on the box,
but then switched over to paper and had a ball.
They both helped to get their layers going. We started with cardboard, then straw, soil, peat and compost.
They each planted a pea plant and some lettuce.
Wait until to see what they are looking like now!!! Need to get some current photos!
Ryan did quite well and even got his name on it.
Katimay got more paint on her than on the box,
but then switched over to paper and had a ball.
They both helped to get their layers going. We started with cardboard, then straw, soil, peat and compost.
They each planted a pea plant and some lettuce.
Wait until to see what they are looking like now!!! Need to get some current photos!Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Foraging for edibles
This was originally written in April - thought I'd have photos to go with it. Having so much fun trying new foods. Some are quite yummy. Details to follow!
In my quest for finding new edibles I have been doing quite a bit of foraging lately. Unfortunately I have not had my camera with me on all treks.
In my quest for finding new edibles I have been doing quite a bit of foraging lately. Unfortunately I have not had my camera with me on all treks.
I have found and tried the following:
Japanese Knotweed, Stinging Nettles, Chicory, Milkweed, Wintercress, Burdock
Japanese Knotweed, Stinging Nettles, Chicory, Milkweed, Wintercress, Burdock
Saturday, June 6, 2009
Where do the days go???!!
Been so very busy - family, grandkid care, gardening, teenager, hubby, friends, housework - how to fit it in? I haven't figured that one out yet, so am taking it moment by moment.
Many of you want to come and get plants/seeds. I have lots to share in that department. I just have not been able to find the time to even keep up with much of anything around here. I am almost finished with my veggie planting. Finally got my peppers in their beds. Have been busy transplanting seedlings, and finalizing all the veggie beds. They have been filling up so fast!!
I am trying to keep up with emails, but not with much success. I will do the best I can. If you have been here before chances are you will get a chance to get in and get more plants, I am giving precedence to those who have already worked here or who are willing to come and lend a hand this season.
The days I am in the garden first thing in the morning are Mondays, Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays. I need help with thinning seedlings and transplanting. I will give the thinned plants to those who help.
Found these photos to let you see some progress with the perennials. I didn't realize I had not downloaded the recent photos from my camera - Will get to it someday, But trust me when I say all the veggies are growing splendidly!!
My white Bleeding Hearts were joined by pink Bleeding hearts this spring and were quite happy for the new company. They blended in so well they look like they have been there forever!!
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Time for writing
Been Oh, so very busy planting for it seems forever now!! LOL!!!
Making such progress!! We enjoyed a home grown salad with dinner last night. A variety of lettuce and spinach leaves. Almost done with the new plants and seeds. I am trying out many new veggies and several different types of gardens. As I find more time I will share more details. Also testing out lots and lots of edibles. And in my spare time I am getting more familiar with Facebook as I have just recently reconnected with an out of state branch of the family, who use this network as a means of staying in touch. Need to get more computer friendly. What a wonderful way to stay connected.
As we are having a cool spell, I will be continuing my work on the raspberry patch - Had a wonderful new gardener, Hulya in on Sunday, and we got the lawn removed, for her to recycle in her yard, in the area where I will be expanding the berry patch!
Have been so busy I have forgotten to bring my camera out, so need to do that today. I have lots of photos to post, and stories to tell. All in good time! Enjoy the day!
Making such progress!! We enjoyed a home grown salad with dinner last night. A variety of lettuce and spinach leaves. Almost done with the new plants and seeds. I am trying out many new veggies and several different types of gardens. As I find more time I will share more details. Also testing out lots and lots of edibles. And in my spare time I am getting more familiar with Facebook as I have just recently reconnected with an out of state branch of the family, who use this network as a means of staying in touch. Need to get more computer friendly. What a wonderful way to stay connected.
As we are having a cool spell, I will be continuing my work on the raspberry patch - Had a wonderful new gardener, Hulya in on Sunday, and we got the lawn removed, for her to recycle in her yard, in the area where I will be expanding the berry patch!
Have been so busy I have forgotten to bring my camera out, so need to do that today. I have lots of photos to post, and stories to tell. All in good time! Enjoy the day!
Sunday, May 24, 2009
Busy, busy, busy
Never finished this one........
Was out of state for two days! What a time of year to be away!!
I have been working day and night to get my planting done. Bed # 1 just needs the parsnips planted at the end and it will be full planted! I took advantage of the rainy weather in the morning to thin seedlings, many of which I was easily to find room for within the raised beds.
We started a Hugelkultur, which is from "Gaia's Garden". It is a pile of branches, in this case we used prunings from around the yard.
Was out of state for two days! What a time of year to be away!!
I have been working day and night to get my planting done. Bed # 1 just needs the parsnips planted at the end and it will be full planted! I took advantage of the rainy weather in the morning to thin seedlings, many of which I was easily to find room for within the raised beds.
We started a Hugelkultur, which is from "Gaia's Garden". It is a pile of branches, in this case we used prunings from around the yard.
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Planting frenzy
Trying to get my plants and seeds in with preschoolers is quite a challenge. Got the kids beds planted yesterday - Ended up only adding a pumpkin plant and carrot and radish seeds, which join the peas and lettuce planted earlier. KatieMay created a great tree sculpture with a dead branch and pavers from my huge collection!!
She and Ryan were more excited about digging in my huge compost pile to locate as many worms as possible. They are getting great exposure to all things nature.
Having my first plant offering this weekend. With providing daycare for the kids it will be interesting to see how this goes, as they will both be under my care then. I have been so blessed by my wonderful Mia who has agreed to get up early to watch them during the event!!
Have to get some planting done before my shift today!!
I just love getting my hands into the earth! Planted leek, onions, potatoes, corn, and tons more this week!!
She and Ryan were more excited about digging in my huge compost pile to locate as many worms as possible. They are getting great exposure to all things nature.
Having my first plant offering this weekend. With providing daycare for the kids it will be interesting to see how this goes, as they will both be under my care then. I have been so blessed by my wonderful Mia who has agreed to get up early to watch them during the event!!
Have to get some planting done before my shift today!!
I just love getting my hands into the earth! Planted leek, onions, potatoes, corn, and tons more this week!!
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Very busy over here
Last year for Mother's Day I asked my family for help in the gardens for the day. It worked so well that we are doing it again.
Many of you may remember my Raspberry patch and how my hubby and Mia cleared out a new area next to it for me to use to thin out the berries. That is until my hubby forgot what it was for and planted his tomatoes there!! Well, his tomatoes did not like the area, (may have had something to do with my contempt for them), and most of them died!
This year there will be no tomatoes there!!
Yesterday we did a pavers run, only one more truck load and we will be done with the hauling! We have moved hundreds of pavers over the last weeks, and I have been busily using them to surround the new raised veggie beds and for paths in the gardens. What a marvelous addition they make! Thank you, Babs, for your generosity. You have also provide compost and soil to use to fill some of them!
After the truck was unloaded we worked on the gardens. Mia loaded up my black gold compost from the purchased compost bin, to have ready for my choicest plants, while hubby scraped a path area for more paving to be done!
Then we all proceeded to the Raspberry patch, where we dug out a pathway and developed rows for easier picking and less crowdng of plants. These berry plants just love their location. They have spread so much that we are extending the area out towards the veggie beds. OOPS!! That means we have to get rid of more lawn! Too bad!! LOL I have been gunning for it for years.
Then Mia and I worked on the Fruit guilds. We moved a large Rhubarb, splitting it into four plants to provide mulch for the guilds. Also had moved Fennel there during the week, to attract beneficial insects. A Lupine had seeded itself under the Apple tree, which is perfect as Lupine is a nitrogen fixer, so I moved more under the Pear tree as well.
Then added lots and lots of violets, also a nitrogen fixer. What a great time to move them as I could play with all the colors! I love the creative side of gardening. Using the plants as paint, you can create masses of wonderment for the eyes! During this process, I sort of lose myself to the flow of the work. I seek out just the right plants, dig and replant, knowing that I have just what I need in the gardens to create just the right environment for these fruit trees which have yet to be productive. Already they are producing lots of flowers, for the first time, aided by the blooming bulbs, planted last fall which suppress the lawn from encroaching into the area. Right now the Allium is just starting to open up, with a glorious deep purplish pink bloom!
Okay, I cold go on and on, but it is now light out and I need to get moving - so much to do, so little time these days.
Just wanted to let you know what I have been up to!!
Many of you may remember my Raspberry patch and how my hubby and Mia cleared out a new area next to it for me to use to thin out the berries. That is until my hubby forgot what it was for and planted his tomatoes there!! Well, his tomatoes did not like the area, (may have had something to do with my contempt for them), and most of them died!
This year there will be no tomatoes there!!
Yesterday we did a pavers run, only one more truck load and we will be done with the hauling! We have moved hundreds of pavers over the last weeks, and I have been busily using them to surround the new raised veggie beds and for paths in the gardens. What a marvelous addition they make! Thank you, Babs, for your generosity. You have also provide compost and soil to use to fill some of them!
After the truck was unloaded we worked on the gardens. Mia loaded up my black gold compost from the purchased compost bin, to have ready for my choicest plants, while hubby scraped a path area for more paving to be done!
Then we all proceeded to the Raspberry patch, where we dug out a pathway and developed rows for easier picking and less crowdng of plants. These berry plants just love their location. They have spread so much that we are extending the area out towards the veggie beds. OOPS!! That means we have to get rid of more lawn! Too bad!! LOL I have been gunning for it for years.
Then Mia and I worked on the Fruit guilds. We moved a large Rhubarb, splitting it into four plants to provide mulch for the guilds. Also had moved Fennel there during the week, to attract beneficial insects. A Lupine had seeded itself under the Apple tree, which is perfect as Lupine is a nitrogen fixer, so I moved more under the Pear tree as well.
Then added lots and lots of violets, also a nitrogen fixer. What a great time to move them as I could play with all the colors! I love the creative side of gardening. Using the plants as paint, you can create masses of wonderment for the eyes! During this process, I sort of lose myself to the flow of the work. I seek out just the right plants, dig and replant, knowing that I have just what I need in the gardens to create just the right environment for these fruit trees which have yet to be productive. Already they are producing lots of flowers, for the first time, aided by the blooming bulbs, planted last fall which suppress the lawn from encroaching into the area. Right now the Allium is just starting to open up, with a glorious deep purplish pink bloom!
Okay, I cold go on and on, but it is now light out and I need to get moving - so much to do, so little time these days.
Just wanted to let you know what I have been up to!!
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Tangerini's Farm
I went to Tangerini's Farm in Millis yesterday. I was after veggie plants and was quite thrilled with all that I found.
That plus finding Stinging Nettle!! It was on the top of my foraging wish list. It is a nuisance weed to farmers. I just happened to be there as they were pulling out and discussing them. Otherwise I never would have noticed them. I was focused on what veggie plants I was needing.
I washed them outside in a huge sauce pot, cut them all to about 12", then steamed them and had them for supper. The grandkids loved them, as did I, and my hubby found them to be very pleasant. A WINNER!!!
Can't wait to go back to the farm when I have the time for a tour. It is in such a beautiful setting.
That plus finding Stinging Nettle!! It was on the top of my foraging wish list. It is a nuisance weed to farmers. I just happened to be there as they were pulling out and discussing them. Otherwise I never would have noticed them. I was focused on what veggie plants I was needing.
I washed them outside in a huge sauce pot, cut them all to about 12", then steamed them and had them for supper. The grandkids loved them, as did I, and my hubby found them to be very pleasant. A WINNER!!!
Can't wait to go back to the farm when I have the time for a tour. It is in such a beautiful setting.
Monday, May 4, 2009
A miracle
Last Monday this is what the beds looked like. Just starting to fill #1, I had no idea how I would ever get to even finish this one by myself.
Did manage to get half completed and planted in one day. Unfortunately it was a day that topped out in the 90's. Such good planning on my part!!
By the end of the week I had gotten the rest of it filled, with lots of digging and hauling on my part, mostly from Medway!! I decided that I would get started on filling #2, but that I would not plan to even use #3 this season, as it was just too daunting a thought to maintain in my overworked brain!!
Sheila came over Saturday and gave me the needed boost of enthusiasm, and together we got #2 started and completed 4 layers (about 5"0 of Lasagna gardening). She has been telling me that she has just the right tractor that we need and offered it to me on several occasions. I could not see how that would be any help as it was in Walpole, but her offer included bringing it over for us.
In order to get it into the area needed I would need to do a lot of prep work, most difficult being moving the carefully stacked bricks that my son in law had piled oh, so nicely, but right in the middle of the only path we would need to get the tractor into the garden area!!
Well, due to all the work that Sheila helped to accomplish I had the needed energy when she left to relocate all the offending piles of bricks, thinking that I would finish the prep work on Sunday to be ready for the tractor next weekend.
Well, Sheila left me an email message Sat night that I got early Sunday morning, and that's when the miracle got off the ground.
We quickly rearranged our plans for the day, and they (Sheila and Jimmy) came over with tractor in tow.
We dug in,
quite literally
and Jimmy manned the machine!
Hubby, Mia and I had raked off the accumulated branches on a long used compost pie on the woods side of the house. WHO KNEW??!! LOL --- There ended up being more than enough to fill the other two beds!!! We all pulled together and got the layers ready to have the most lush, worm filled pure compost scooped up and dumped into the beds!!
This was a compost area that I used for anything needing to be dumped in the front area of the gardens. I had never accessed it as I had the compost pile on the other side that always supplied more than enough for the gardens. This left side gives you an idea of what the pile looked like before being used.
Here you can see the sand showing at this level - that is what is under this whole area. It had to be filled with about 30 feet of sand to build on as it is a wetland area.
Look at how much is still left to be used!!
Have you seen such beautiful deep, dark compost? It looks just like an expensive loam, only it is loaded with night crawlers and other creeping beneficial critters!!
Here remains the evidence of the miracle of the day - Tractors tracks in the lawn. They will be gone as soon as it gets a good soaking.
And HERE it the end result. #2 and #3 all ready to go!!!
TA-DA!!!!!
And look at this great flower- laden Strawberry plant that greeted me this morning as I was taking all these photos!!!
Now I gotta get to work! Have a great week!!
Saturday, May 2, 2009
Seeds are up!!
Many of the seeds I planted on Monday are already up!! What a surprise. And it is only May 2nd!!
Ryan, Katelyn and I finished up the preparation for their raised beds and got a pea plant and two lettuce plants planted today. Tomorrow we will get some seeds planted. It takes A LOT of patience working with a 3 and 5 year old in the garden! I am so glad we built them their own little beds to keep them busy and out from under foot in the big beds.
Sheila came by today and helped to get bed #2 started. I am doing lasagna gardening in it. First layer was cardboard, then straw, peat and grass clippings. Each layer got watered thoroughly. Although I do have to admit that I forgot to water all of the cardboard before I put the straw in, but caught myself halfway through - which is better than remembering after the job was all completed!!
Wow! What a difference a second set of hands make. We whizzed right through the first few layers. Need to get my compost piles up front to fill these new beds. Have had a very generous offer of a small tractor to help with all the hauling. Thanks so much to such wonderful friends.
The new plant traders group is growing steadily. I am meeting lots of new gardeners. Unfortunately right now, with the veggie project I just don't have much extra time for plants, but I am fitting a few people into this busy schedule.
Off to buy the veggie plants I need tomorrow. Then to finish #2, and fill it with veggies!!!
Ryan, Katelyn and I finished up the preparation for their raised beds and got a pea plant and two lettuce plants planted today. Tomorrow we will get some seeds planted. It takes A LOT of patience working with a 3 and 5 year old in the garden! I am so glad we built them their own little beds to keep them busy and out from under foot in the big beds.
Sheila came by today and helped to get bed #2 started. I am doing lasagna gardening in it. First layer was cardboard, then straw, peat and grass clippings. Each layer got watered thoroughly. Although I do have to admit that I forgot to water all of the cardboard before I put the straw in, but caught myself halfway through - which is better than remembering after the job was all completed!!
Wow! What a difference a second set of hands make. We whizzed right through the first few layers. Need to get my compost piles up front to fill these new beds. Have had a very generous offer of a small tractor to help with all the hauling. Thanks so much to such wonderful friends.
The new plant traders group is growing steadily. I am meeting lots of new gardeners. Unfortunately right now, with the veggie project I just don't have much extra time for plants, but I am fitting a few people into this busy schedule.
Off to buy the veggie plants I need tomorrow. Then to finish #2, and fill it with veggies!!!
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Progress!!
Just a quick post of photos to share my progress.
New view of front yard!
Bed on the right is #1.
Here is #1 all ready for final layer of compost/soil. Peas have been planted.
And here is my work in process - the walkways which will surround the raised beds and cover the rest of the lawn in this area!
I have been blessed with some amazing people in my life. Babs has made most of this possible by her generous donation of pavers, compost and soil to this project. Thanks, Babs! My son-in-law, JD has been making several trips to get the materials as well as lending his strength to get them loaded and unloaded, my neighbors, and of course Mia and hubby who have been helping with the whole process. Hubby did an amazing job on the construction - giving up his vacation to get it done.
We even have enough crushed stone from the new patio to fill these walks!
And photos of recent Daffodil/Pulmonaria bouquet from the gardens.
Just a quick post of photos to share my progress. And photos of recent bouquet from the gardens.
New view of front yard!
Bed on the right is #1.
Here is #1 all ready for final layer of compost/soil. Peas have been planted.
And here is my work in process - the walkways which will surround the raised beds and cover the rest of the lawn in this area!
I have been blessed with some amazing people in my life. Babs has made most of this possible by her generous donation of pavers, compost and soil to this project. Thanks, Babs! My son-in-law, JD has been making several trips to get the materials as well as lending his strength to get them loaded and unloaded, my neighbors, and of course Mia and hubby who have been helping with the whole process. Hubby did an amazing job on the construction - giving up his vacation to get it done.
We even have enough crushed stone from the new patio to fill these walks!
And photos of recent Daffodil/Pulmonaria bouquet from the gardens.
Just a quick post of photos to share my progress. And photos of recent bouquet from the gardens.
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Seeds planted
Got half of bed 1 planted. Mostly greens, roots and beans. I will be using a plastic cover when the weather gets back down to normal.
Set up my mini greenhouse, where I am tending to plants getting ready to be moved into the garden beds.
Also enjoying meeting new gardeners through Plant Traders group.
Just too busy for more right now, but I have been getting lots of photos. Will be spending the hot part of the day downloading them!
Enjoy the sun!!
Set up my mini greenhouse, where I am tending to plants getting ready to be moved into the garden beds.
Also enjoying meeting new gardeners through Plant Traders group.
Just too busy for more right now, but I have been getting lots of photos. Will be spending the hot part of the day downloading them!
Enjoy the sun!!
Monday, April 27, 2009
Monday
Had a very busy weekend. Gardeners starting to visit to get plants, getting new raised bed #1 filled with planting mixture, a trip to the Sugar Shack in New Hampshire, and a visit to a conservation site to check out Japanese Knotweed.
I am ready to get half of bed #1 planted. WHEW!! Lots of shoveling and hauling, getting the compost from my main bin!! I can now drive a truck!! Got a load of straw, peat, cow manure and mulch for this process.
First thing this morning I will be getting my seeds ready for planting then I'm heading over to Crocker Pond to get a few Japanese Knotweed sprouts to try out at lunchtime. According to the seminar and hike I went to they are supposed to taste like Artichoke hearts. We shall see! Everything else he recommended has been very tasty, so I am definitely looking forward to trying this. We all love Artichoke hearts here.
Until I get #1 planted I will be cutting down on gardeners coming in. Just too much to get done.
I am also fitting in significant blocks of time for one of my sisters who is very ill.
Wednesday and Thursday, as I will be watching the kids would be days that I would be able to give plants out. I don't know when I will get back to the computer, so please be patient with me!
I am ready to get half of bed #1 planted. WHEW!! Lots of shoveling and hauling, getting the compost from my main bin!! I can now drive a truck!! Got a load of straw, peat, cow manure and mulch for this process.
First thing this morning I will be getting my seeds ready for planting then I'm heading over to Crocker Pond to get a few Japanese Knotweed sprouts to try out at lunchtime. According to the seminar and hike I went to they are supposed to taste like Artichoke hearts. We shall see! Everything else he recommended has been very tasty, so I am definitely looking forward to trying this. We all love Artichoke hearts here.
Until I get #1 planted I will be cutting down on gardeners coming in. Just too much to get done.
I am also fitting in significant blocks of time for one of my sisters who is very ill.
Wednesday and Thursday, as I will be watching the kids would be days that I would be able to give plants out. I don't know when I will get back to the computer, so please be patient with me!
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Today's work
Need to get the veggie beds filled and ready for planting.
Okay, so there is no way all three 4 x 22 beds are going to get done in a day. I filled one small corner of bed #1 and planted peas earlier in the week.
My more reasonable goal for the day will be to get half of #1 ready to plant seeds. Had a new gardener visit yesterday, who told me she had just gotten all her seeds planted. She uses a plastic cover at this time of year. LIGHT BULB MOMENT for me!!!
I can put plastic sheets, of which I have several over the top and secure them on the wood!! Hello!!
Found out this week one of my sisters has cancer - it has made my brain all fuzzy, Need to take a deep breath. There that done, now get focused and head out to work!!!!
Okay, so there is no way all three 4 x 22 beds are going to get done in a day. I filled one small corner of bed #1 and planted peas earlier in the week.
My more reasonable goal for the day will be to get half of #1 ready to plant seeds. Had a new gardener visit yesterday, who told me she had just gotten all her seeds planted. She uses a plastic cover at this time of year. LIGHT BULB MOMENT for me!!!
I can put plastic sheets, of which I have several over the top and secure them on the wood!! Hello!!
Found out this week one of my sisters has cancer - it has made my brain all fuzzy, Need to take a deep breath. There that done, now get focused and head out to work!!!!
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