It's That Time of Year

It's the time of year, when I wake up and just about everything is sore. It's when I look down at what's supposed to be my nails and see dirty, broken, scraggly things. Also, I tend to spend ridiculous amounts of money.

Yes, it's gardening time!

It's our 3rd year at the community garden & we're (all) getting a late start this year, due to weather.

Every year, it's so hard to remember that this:

...will look like this, very soon:

These folks were ON it today. They worked from 7:45 am (when I dropped off some dirt) and were still at it after 3:00 pm.

Me? I was happy to get my 21 lettuce plants in. I raised these from seed for the last 4 weeks.

I threw this picture in...just because cats are annoying. SO glad we have the double vanities. I wouldn't want to inconvenience anyone with having to wait for a drink. God forbid they actually use their water bowl.

The better weather, means we're outside most all day.

We decided to take a "break" from gardening to go on a nature walk.

Dev spent an hour floating things down the stream. We watched this acorn top for a bit.

Garden Update-April 2010

I got a nice start to the community garden last week. The biggest challenge is remembering how big these plants will get. It's so hard not to crowd plants.

Starting the garden is so much easier this year vs. last. The soil is less rocky and much easier to turn. Plus, someone dumped a large pile of mulch (free for the taking) right next to my plot.

Score!

(I swear I planted those Marigolds on a straight line)

Some people's garden's are quite elaborate.

And, this one gives me serious garden envy.

They surrounded 3 sides completely with onion.

But, we've got our own style.

Parenting lesson #567:

A 4 year old is much more helpful in the garden than a 3 year old.

Seriously.

Devin is awesome actually. This year, I can trust she won't step on plants and wander into neighboring gardens. She can operate the rain barrel by herself into the small watering can and do her own thing.

"All by herself."

My row markers are the seed packets I laminated. Michael's sells a really cool laminating machine which uses no electricity/battery and no heat!

I got an idea to do these cool bug cupcakes for Devin's Birthday. The pan arrived today and Dev and I did a practice session.

I totally love how she decided to grab a brush a mix up some orange.

To Plant or Not to Plant. That is the Question.

It's an absolutely gorgeous spring weekend. After a ridiculously warm week, we needed this. The vegetable garden plot was so dry and dusty, planting was a struggle. I still managed to get in carrots, lettuce, broccoli and cabbage. The Zinnia and tomatoes I started from seed are SO ready to be planted, but I'm waiting just a bit longer.

See, the big debate in Loohuvulle is: To plant or not to plant before Derby. Old timers are dead set against planting before Derby, even though that's 2 weeks from now. I consulted several locals and decided I will split the difference. There are Frost Advisories all around our area tonight, but not for us. So, I think this coming week...is my time. Plus, my second round of seed starting has begun and I'm running out of room for flats.

We had yet another week of the sickness Merry-Go-Round. Devin had horrible stomach pains and a fever mid-week & I'm feeling crappy from all the pollen in the air. Luckily, both of us are feeling better.

On Sunday, Westport Village hosted their pre-Derby event. We've been to this before and couldn't wait to go back!

She's always up for a good bounce.

And, slide!

There was the 3rd Annual Derby Hat Contest.

These shoes caught my attention.

Kettle corn!

But, the real reason Dev was so happy to go back:

That's right.

Face painting.

This look made our trip to Target pretty interesting. I'll be we sent 10+ families to Westport Village for some fun!

Topsy Turvy Snow White

I started this Topsy Turvy Strawberry planter a few weeks ago.

It's super-happy hanging around the front of the house. We already have ripe fruit:)

Random, I know. But, the nearby KFC is turning pink for Breast Cancer Awareness? Ok.

My Snow White princess.

If only they could pop out cooperative, pleasant 4 year olds, I would have a dozen.

Easter 2010

First, an update on my seedlings.

The tomatoes are doing great, actually everything looks good. I've started setting the flats outside for a few hours each day.

Zinnias and tomatoes, both like nighttime temps above 50 degrees. So, it will be a few weeks before it's time to plant outside.

Our forecast calls for a cool snap late next week, with highs in the low 60's and lows in the upper 40's.

On Wednesday, I went with Dev to her preschool Easter Party. The kids were pretty excited!

They sang songs for us. Here she is putting her hand over the heart for, "God Bless America."

They each collected 10 eggs and visited with the bunny.

Then, it was off to Peoria for a visit with family!

The weather was beautiful, so we played outside a lot.

Devin's favorite part was swimming at the local rec center. Here's the gang:)

As if that wasn't enough, we also dyed Easter eggs.

Glitter glue on Easter eggs is serious business.

Aunt Meghan wins the prize for best egg! She figured out the Shiny Egg kit.

We also discovered our own way to decorate eggs...tattoos!

See the shiny, speckled eggs? Meghanoodle's!

Spring has sprung!

Isn't this the scariest tree ever?