Gleeful Dog

This picture is for Jeff, who commented on the last post that he didn't sense much glee from Abby.

You Say Potato, I Say Potahto

I am ridiculously excited about this. To the point that I want to call everyone in my phone book to tell them the news. I stuck my hand in my potato hill to see how things were going in there and pulled out this gorgeous Red Norland potato. Even my dog wanted to see what the fuss was about. You'd think I'd won the lottery I reacted with such glee!!

Not too late to change

I have too much stuff. For a few months now, I've been accumulating things to contribute to an August garage sale. Anything that doesn't sell will be donated to a needy organization. Goodwill is easiest, but they charge too much in their stores so I'd rather support someone else. The books that don't sell will go to the library where they'll either add the books to their lending list or sell it in their next fundraiser. I've reached a point in my life where I feel burdened by the things I own. I'm sure part of it is because I'm in an apartment that doesn't have a whole lot of "extra" room. But I also have a hard time getting rid of things. I'm going to change, though! One technique that has helped me is the attitude of "one thing in, three things out". If I bring something new home, I have to get rid of three things I already own. I'm at a point now that my momentum is accelerated and my garage sale boxes are filling up quickly. It feels so good to get rid of things! I really like the sense of freedom that comes from it. I've eliminated nearly a third of my closet! My goal is to whittle my clothes down to an amount that...wait for it...can actually ALL be put away. AT THE SAME TIME!!! What a concept, huh?

This book has been helping me: Clutter Rehab: 101 Tips and Tricks to Become an Organization Junkie and Love It! It has great, easy, approachable ideas to streamlining your home and clearing clutter from your life. The author has a helpful website, too: orgjunkie.com. I have always loved the idea of being an organized person. However, all the Rubbermaid totes in the world aren't enough to magically make me so. My dream is to have a home that is always ready to receive unexpected company. I'm proud to say I'm slowly getting there!

Leaning Tower of Tomatoes

I visited the garden today to shore up a tomato cage that was threatening to fall over due to my huge Sun Gold tomato plant. I feel so much satisfaction to see just how far the garden has come in the months it's been under my charge.

The beans are growing!

Las Fresas!

No other fruit reminds me of my childhood like strawberries. They also remind me of my Grandpa Elmer Berger. He's the only grandpa I ever knew; my grandma married him after being widowed for several years. I don't remember the exact year Grandpa Berger passed away, but I can tell you exactly what I was wearing at his funeral. Strange how a child's mind works, isn't it? As I remember it, Grandma and Grandpa Berger had quite a large garden. My family lived about 15 miles from them and I could always count on Grandpa B bringing me strawberries when they were in season. They are, hands down, my favorite fruit. I don't recall how those childhood strawberries tasted, but I do remember how special I felt about being singled out. Today, I harvested the first strawberries of the season from my garden and thought about Grandpa Berger as I ate them.

Fuchsia thief

Has anyone ever had birds eat the buds off a fuchsia plant? I planted a basket full of fuchsia plants and someone has come along and chewed open the buds, rendering them un-bloomable. I've done extensive internet searching without any real answers. I don't know who to blame for the thievery. Although, I now know how to spell fuchsia correctly every time. It's always been a tricky word for me. I wish I could reason with the birds. "I provide seed, suet, and a bath. Will you leave my flowers alone? Thank you. Except you hummingbirds. You're free to sip nectar at your leisure." Where's Dr. Doolittle when I need him?

Garden Picture

Garden Stuff

Today I built a teepee for my pole beans.


Planted zucchini.


Checked my lilies.



And admired some apple blossoms.


What did you do?

Making Progress!

I'm making progress! As a true Pacific-Northwesterner, I did not let the intermittent rain showers these past few days hold me back. All four beds are now weeded and looking so much better! Abby gets to go over and patrol the yard while I garden. Brett comes with me when he can. There is some evidence of mole activity and Abby is VERY interested in the mounds they leave behind. One particular bed held her interest so much, that she just stood there, staring at the ground cocking her head back and forth. Is it possible she hears and/or smells some critter below ground plotting against my efforts? So far, all that has gone in the ground are some summer bulbs (glads, lilies), carrots, radishes, and a couple lavender plants. But there is much more to come!!


















Abby helping Brett with the weeds.















The rhubarb making a strong comeback!




















The front of the John Tigard house.