My, my, my the HEAT

It must have been a hundred million thousand degrees out yesterday and today. Just scorching! Right now at 10 minutes after nine pm its still 78.8 degrees f in the house. I don't know what that is in c degrees. Usually the house is cooler than outside and believe it or not it still is. I just went out and checked. The thermometer outside shows 84f and 28c. It has dual scales. Think I might stroll down to the pond for another swim. Yesterday the neighbours were away camping so I had a little dip au natural. It was superb!! and in a way very peaceful. It was really too hot to do much of anything either yesterday or today, but I did remove the section of kitchen wall in anticipation of moving the stove (range) in. Phillip was hoping a crew would be visiting this weekend and thought the move could be accomplished. Unfortunately, no one showed up. I did get a bit of weeding done and installed siding on two walls of the tool shed. Last evening I watered the gardens and I assure you they needed the moisture. Today I took a few shots and they have been added to the photo archive. Here's a description: picture entitled 'Rose' is of a rose plant behind a rhododendron bush and small spruce tree. It is near the driveway and lawn. The second pic is row of Swiss chard in veggie garden. The sun light hasn't completely washed out the stunted row of cabbage and brussel sprout plants to the left. 'Zuchinin bed' is supposed to show the size of the zuchini plants but sorry there's no reference, but they are about 2 ft high and virtually all plants either have fruit or are in bloom. The next pic shows a 'baby zuchini' fruit. It is actually about 5 inches long, but not mature enough yet to pick. The smaller fruit are usually the best for flavour and texture. The last picture, marked 'Lettuce' is obviously the lettuce beds. You may find this hard to believe, but I have been religiously harvesting these lettuces. Growing them in beds certainly appears to be a good method. I need to thin out the Romaine. They're too close together and having trouble bunching, but the individual leaves are excellant. Have concluded that next year I shall return to getting my seeds from Vessey in PEI. I've had good results from their seed in the past and judging by what's happened to this years crops its not such a great idea to get seed from box stores. I can only assume they were old seed because everything else was optimal. But then again, we did have a poor start to the season. What bothers me though is that everyone else's gardens seem to be doing so much better. Maybe its just the ' grass is greener' syndrome? Well, blah, blah, blah I've probably bored you to death. Must go have a swim and then probably to bed. A new week starts tomorrow so have a great one. Take care and enjoy the pics.

New Photos

Ok, before we get in to this I'd better warn you it may be a short or long post depending on how the weather changes outside here. At the moment it is so overcast I have to turn on the lights inside. This morning (its presently 2:46pm) there was sun, but even by 11:00 o'clock you could tell something was coming. Anyway on to the pics. Sorry they are lumped in with the garden ones, but I still haven't figured all this out yet. If you want to see some pics of the inside of my home, click on the link marked 'photobucket' to the left of this screen. To read descriptions of the garden pics, you'll have to search through previous postings. Sorry, I don't remember when they were posted! Anyway on with these new ones.

The first one is labeled 'Range home'. This is where the new gas range is going. See the floor leveller at bottom of picture. The metal shelves with pots and pans and such will be going to make way for the range back splash. The space to the right under the shelf of bottles was where the electric stove was located. This should give you an indication of how large the new range is. Do you see the range hood just over the stock pots on top shelf?
The next pic titled '013' is of front porch. The bright green thing on the left is actually the front door. I had to go out onto the deck to get this pic. Here you can see the knitting machine, some shirts, coats, etc. pieces of the loom and boxes/bags of other sewing/knitting/looming parts and supplies.
Picture 'Loom/DVD's, is just that. Here you can see the semi dis-assembled loom, stacks of dvd's and of course some of the books. Picture taken just inside door to front porch.
Sorry the pics are not in order. Don't know why they jump around. Pic '011' is of bath tub showing the new faucets and shower rail as described in another post sometime last week. Sorry also that I didn't clean the tub before taking this pic. When leaving bathroom looked out the door and took 'Pantry' pic. This should be self explanatory. From here we go to pic '009' which is room supposedly to be the dining room. Right in middle can be seen hanging from support, a light used to start seeds. Again of course, is another collection of books and in middle of pic, back near the wall can be seen sausage stuffer, grinder and meat mixer. On to '008' which was taken in kitchen. I'm standing back on to the microwave which is to the left of the range alcove. We can see the old electric stove, some cookbooks above and one of the freezers behind. Looking to the right can be seen a Kitchen Aid mixer, old frig and other misc. goodies. In middle of picture is table with bottle of "Screech" rum and things I haven't put away. Above the table is a rack for hanging things. The space under this (where table is now) is where island is to go. '007', now I'm standing by table and looking at soon to be hole in wall where the new range will come through. Also can be seen is evidence of my collecting problem - witness the spoons! In '006', I'm standing in the living room looking down hall toward kitchen. We can see the cookbooks and freezer mentioned earlier. Also looking to right can be seen stacks of more books. All of these will be going upstairs to master suite when that is ready. Sorry, no pics of upstairs yet. I was just too lazy to climb the steps. Immediately to left past few books is hallway leading to back section of house (laundry, utilities, pantry, bathroom). My little office looking toward bedroom is '005' and '004' is the opposite direction. See, MORE books!! Now I'm outsde my bedroom door in '003' looking toward door of front porch and '002' is by door of front porch looking toward wood stove and hall ways to back of house and kitchen. Of course, '001' is by wood stove looking at loom and door to front porch.
Wow! Wondered if I'd ever finish this. Hope you could follow all the explanations. Must end here and go get a coffee then start to prepare a meal for tonight. I think a stir fry is in order. Had a salad for lunch, fresh out of the garden of course. There's blue sky again now. Must go, take care and keep well.

What a day !!

Weather started as overcast and cool but became brilliant blue sky and warm by mid morning. Around lunchtime it turned overcast and certainly appeared as though rain would begin again. Spent the morning working on tool/potting shed, then went to "The Old Bookshop" and, you guessed it, bought a few more books. Must stop or at least slow down doing this. I really am running out of space. When I came home a little after lunch decided to take pictures of self and progression of garden. Got tons of wonderful garden shots and one terriable pic of me straining to keep camera at arms length and squinting into sun. Makes me look ancient, but decided to post it on a lonely hearts web site anyway. This unfortunately was a bad idea. Somehow in the process I was able to totally lose all the other pictures. Sorry no updates till I get around to taking more pics. Hopefully by then I'll have this picture uploading thing figured out better. In the meantime be advised that strawberries are now starting to become ready to pick and most of the berry farms have them available. That's it for now, be good to one another and take care.

Another rainy day !!!

Its been raining all day and so decided to install a shower curtain rod and new faucets on bath tub. Well...... its done!!!!! But took all day. Was planning to harvest some more lettuce today and go sell it on the side of the road, but only snagged a few leaves for my own salad. During a break in the rain I discovered most of the zuchini now have tiny flowers so I suppose the fruit, or melons, or whatever they're called, won't be too far behind. The carrots, beets and chard are doing well, but the peas, beans, etc. are really slow. Could it be the cool wet weather? Ah well, we'll just have to wait and see I suppose. I've got nothing else to say, so better end here and not bore you to death. Take care and be good to one another. Oh by the way, I do promise more pictures soon.

By

HELP!!!!

Its pouring rain outside so I've got a bit of time to do some inside work. Sorted through pieces of the sewing and knitting stuff. May attempt to install the new faucets for the bath tub later. Have finally admitted to myself (though I've hinted about it previously) that I desperately need help. I just can't do all the things that need (and I want to get) done. I've been neglecting the food operations, the fabric/clothing business, home renovations, the restaurant proposal and haven't even attempted the web site. Every day there seems to be more and more that needs attention and one person just can't oversee let alone do, it all. Maybe I'm just feeling sorry for myself, but it would be nice to have someone to bounce ideas off and just plain talk to about things. I'm also getting sick and tired of throwing something together to eat, just because I must have sustenance. I know, I know, get over myself. Pull it together. Be thankful for what I have and get on with it. But its just a little down heartening to be plugging along and have what appears to be nothing to show for it. I know 'Rome wasn't built in a day', but a bit of cheering along and someone to share this with would make a world of difference. Nagging at me though is the thought "Why am I doing all this?". I don't need or particulary want scads of extra income and I've really not got anyone to leave it all to. I suppose its just that I see opportunities to somehow help and I'd certainly go completely bonkers if I had nothing to do. It erks me to no end knowing there others that could lead happy, meaningful, enlightening lives, but they're just too lazy, complacent, or self centred to get out of their own way. They'd much rather just drive around polluting the country side, complain about their lot and live off Government support. Certainly, it takes effort, work and maybe some aptitude to better yourself, but isn't that what life's all about? The world and our lives are full of opportunities if only we are willing to work toward and open our eyes to see them. Remember, 'God helps those that help themselves". I interpret this to mean the more we do, the more we receive in return. This doesn't mean one should work himself to death for the almighty dollar. I think it means the more we do, the more we receive back in different forms of benefits. Most certainly, I do and have done things because I've either wanted or needed the financial income, but there are and have been many things I've done just because I enjoy helping others and relish in the knowledge that in some small way maybe I've contributed some extra peace, joy and love to the world. Is serenity and happiness bad? I don't think so!

Ah, the rain has stopped and the sun is coming out. Please forgive the rantings above. I was being self absorbed, maybe the weather and the fact that I was poking through family heirlooms brought back old memories. I'm just feeling selfish and a bit lonely I suppose. Again I do apologise. Please, on to other things.

What a wonderful smell from outside, all freshness. I must get the camera out and take some pics later when things have dried. Yesterday evening Phillip and I put up the walls of the tool shed. It was just too hot during the day to do anything but menial tasks. All the plants are just bounding ahead. I swear, you can almost see things growing.Yesterday, or the day before I registered with 'Facebook'. Now I've got to figure out how to use it. See, this is one reason why I need someone else in attendance. I just don't have the knowledge, talent , or time to do all this technical stuff. But enough about that. I don't want to slip back into the Rant, also I must go and pick up some plastic containers to store the assorted loom, sewing, knitting items in. Maybe I'll get something to eat too? That usually makes me feel better. Sorry again for my outburst, but remember I am a man and we all know men aren't necessarily the sharpest tools in the drawer! LOL

Have a super day and think the positive. Best wishes and take care.

About time for a new post????

Been a little busy the past several days. Weeding, mowing lawns, working on tool/potting shed and harvesting mesclun. Today harvested the first romaine. For the book people amongst us(and we all should be), there is a wonderful used bookstore in Conception Bay South called 'The Old Bookshop'. It is directly opposite the lower entrance of the Shoppers Drug Mart parking lot in the Villa Nova Plaza area of Manuels. Well worth visiting - be prepared to poke. Now that the weather has turned nice again the veggies are starting to come along, but still they appear behind. Ah well, we'll just have to wait and see I suppose. The floor prep for stove (range) installation is taking some time as the leveller stuff needs time to set up really hard, but hopefully all will be done shortly. Maybe I'll arrange for a crew to help lift the unit into the kitchen next weekend. I can always move it to the permanent location later, so long as I have it inside. Hopefully I'll remember to take more pictures sometime this week. Please check back often in anticipation.

Well, must get back to putting the floor down for the tool shed. Take care and best wishes.

Wednesday-another day!

Its a little overcast this morning, but the sun is trying to break through. I spent all of yesterday in the city doing various things ( picked up more brass candle sticks, two new cook books and my sausage stuffer). The stuffer by the way, came from Berry Hill a great "Country Living" store in Ontario. Super products and incredible service! Check them out at: www.BerryHillLimited.com or call toll free 1-800-668-3072. As you may be able to tell I'm very impressed with their products and service. Except for some stainless steel tables and other misc small ware, I now have most everything for the meat shop, but no experiementation or production yet until I get some of the other things accomplished. I hate to keep harping on it, but I really could use more hands around here. There is just so much to do and I don't have the time or abilities. I'm not looking for a slave, just someone to do a bit of the small (time consuming) things such as cook the odd meal, do some of the computer and paper work, help a bit with the weeding and harvest. I don't mind the heavey work, its the small things that take up the time. But well, you don't want to hear my constant complaining so I'll move onto something else. Just looked out the window and the sun is poking through. Suppose I'd better get dressed and tackle another day. Have neglected weeding the veggie garden so will try to do some of that this morning. Bye for now and wear a happy smile.

Sorry I missed Monday

Was up at 5:00 am yesterday to go drill water wells, but was back home by 9:30 am. The weather was really foul so we only went and checked out sites for future jobs. Because of the weather I stayed inside and was able to do a bit more on the floor leveller, was also able to catch up a bit on paper work. There's still a ton of stuff to do. I'm sure if I had a month of Sundays I'd never complete all the work! Ah well, little by little things are getting accomplished.

It appears as though today will be quite nice. I've determined to go to town for deliveries and if I get back in time plan to seed for another (fall) crop of lettuces. I must also try to find someone with a bulldozer, today, to come do the driveway. The fellow that was supposed to do it has never shown up. Several days ago I said "Where are the capelin?" For people that are not Newfoundlanders, I should explain that these are small fish that normally come swarming onto our beaches in spring or early summer. It is an incredible phenomena to witness and too hard (lengthy) to explain/describe. You really have to see it to believe it. I mentioned this because the capelin haven't appeared yet even though we have been having capelin weather! Actually, I don't know why I'm saying all this, as I'm not sure if anyone is reading the blog. Ah well, I suppose it is a venue for my ranting. In case anyone local does read this, could you please save those styrofoam trays that meat come on. I re-use them to put under zuchini and melons to keep them off the ground. Here's an environmental friendly way to keep them out of landfills and saves me buying more. If you have any please let me know and I'll pick them up, or you can come by and get some veggies as you drop them off. Please remember to rinse them off under the tap before you store or move them though. Meat juices can carry bugs (diseases. etc) and will become smelly if left on the trays.

If anyone does read this blog, PLEASE let me know, or give me some feedback on what you'd like me to post. I will try to do my best. That's it for today. I must go harvest some stuff, get cleaned/dressed and do a day's work. Take care and wishing you a super day. Bye

Where are the capelin?

The weather has cleared and today turned into a real summer day. I mowed the lawn, harvested some mesclun for neighbours, went to town for more floor leveller (more about this later)and ended up ordering new faucets for the bath tub, but I did get the floor stuff. Except for cooking and eating a meal, that's about all I did today. Yesterday (Saturday), Phillip came down and we began preparing the area for the new stove. The floor is not level and so we have to build it up at one end. Hence the floor leveller! This is cement like stuff that is kind of runny that finds it's own level and therefore sets smooth and level. I was going to mix the new stuff tomorrow and complete the job, but the neighbour (Rod) just called and asked if I could help him drill a well tomorrow. His assistant is unable to come in to work and a job is pending. As I have worked with Rod in the past it would be a real benefit if I could help him. Putting off doing the floor for 1 more day isn't going to make a difference, so why not? Anyway, they say "a change is as good as a rest" though drilling is back breaking work. Phillip and I also removed old carpet at his place last evening and night. Seems I'm not the only person doing renovations. Well enough said. Suppose I'd better go and get my gear ready for tomorrow. I wonder where I've stored my coveralls? Take care and enjoy the wonders nature offers us every day. Bye!

Friday again

Hard to believe, but another week has past and I'm sitting here now thinking what I should put in today's posting. There's a lot I'd like to say, but it might cause strive and so... discretion is probably the better way to go. Therefore I'll keep some thoughts to myself. And really!!! how some people run their lives is not completely any of my business. Just because I try to be honest, caring, giving, fair, self sacrificing, etc. etc. etc is no reason I should take umbrage to others that aren't quite so the same. Just do my own thing and let others do theirs.

Now, on to today. Warm temperature but just teaming with rain. I spent the morning doing paperwork and after a bit of grocery shopping around lunchtime I shifted things around in the kitchen in anticipation of moving the new stove in. There is still a bit of work to do before that happens, but at least there is now some space.

I have been contemplating what other things I can add to the blog to make it more interesting for readers, but don't want to weigh it down with blabber. Maybe a receipt thrown in here and there? Some more pics for the archive..... probably! Anyway, that's it for today. Take care of yourself and until next time - Best Wishes.

Nice warm day

It was a nice warm day, but what little breeze came along was at times somewhat cool. I suppose there is probably ice offshore. I don't think too much was accomplished today, but I was able to repair some soaker hose and another length of regular water hose. I also began preparing the site for the tool/potting shed. I could have done more, but the heat really took what little good I had. Somewhere, or some time today I visited a saw mill and arranged for some slabs. These are the sides of logs that have been sawn off so the mill can make lumber out of the squared off remainder. I shall use the slabs as firewood. Maybe tomorrow I shall go and pick up a load or two. I should really go into the city though and try to dispose of some of the lettuce. I have much too much of it and can't get rid of it fast enough. Decided I will hire a contractor to do some of the house renovations. I just don't have the time or energy and the summer will be over before anything is accomplished. I really could use another pair of hands around this place! Must go wash some dishes and contemplate what to do with rhubarb.

Take care, think happy thoughts and talk to you soon.

The Second Posting for Today

Just getting ready to hit the hay, but decided to post a few last moment thoughts. The day started out overcast (as mentioned in this morning's post), but eventually cleared up and became quite warm. Weeded the flower plots today and watered all gardens. The ground was surprisingly dry. Started to sort through the wood that I'll use to build the tool/potting shed. Nothing else remarkable happened so will now end this post and head to bed. Bye all and take care.

Very stiff and sore

Spent Monday installing row cover in veggie garden and arranging automatic watering for cabbage, broccoli and brussel sprouts. The beans are begining to sprout. Also helped neighbour rewire a trailer. In evening collected things needed for the move on Tuesday.

Bright and early Tuesday morning went to town and picked up U-Haul truck then proceeded to my mother's old condo. Filling the truck took just over three (3) hours and I mean FILLED!!! What a load of stuff! Came home and off loaded, now my house is completely filled again. I don't know where to put everything. There is a loom and sewing machine filling my living room and all the space I cleared out upstairs is full with boxes of wool. I think I'll have to use the room previously designated as master bathroom as a sewing and knitting room. Well there goes the whirlpool and sauna till a later time. Finished storing stuff away at 7:30 pm. It isn't sorted out yet, but I wanted to get it all in from outside in case we got rain. Was very melancholy as evening wore on because kept coming across notes and things my mother had written, also found a bunch of pictures of me as a kid. Memories, memories, memories. Ah well, life goes on I suppose. Today I am paying for all the strenuous activity. Every muscle and bone is aching with more sorting, shifting and renovating to look forward to. I suppose its all worth it?

Today started out bright and warm, but has now become overcast. May harvest some chives and herbs and blend with cream cheese to make spread, or dippy stuff for chips. I have the cheese thawing in the frig and its a small break from all the heavey work. I seem to be falling behind a bit on all the things that need to be done though. But a person can only do what a person can only do. It is a bit frustrating though not being able to accomplish more in a day. Enough feeling sorry for myself, must get on and face today's challenges.

Have a great day, keep the faith and fight the good fight.

Another week begins.

Monday morning and it is overcast and a little cool. On Friday I went to the city and did a bit of poking around. I found the fittings needed for Philip's (the farm up road from me) tractor. I was also able to get a few more pieces of brassware for my collection. Reserved a rental truck to move the sewing machine, loom, etc. for tomorrow and bought a grinder and meat mixer for the sausage operation. While looking at the meat machinary I met a couple from the Corner Brook area who were also getting some equipment for sausage making. Compared some notes with them and gave a few suggestions. Before going to town I began preparations for a potting and tool shed down near the veggie garden.

Did a bit of weeding on Saturday morning and then spent rest of day working on Phi's tractor and helping around his place. All day Sunday used to set up watering system from pond. Can now water all gardens without depleating the well. Also made a discovery! Have to make an apology to the grubs, it wasn't neccessarily them that have been eating all the new shoots. I discovered Henry (we have determined the grouse is Henry not henrietta) picking all the nice new leaves off the shoots. I will have to check the fence more closely and find out how he's getting into the garden. Talking about grouse, we now have babies. On some trip coming from Philip's both he and I saw baby grouse near the top of my driveway. We didn't stop the truck to investigate, but I'm sure they will appear nearer the house as they grow. I haven't seen too much of the bunnies recently, maybe I just haven't been watching or maybe they have moved further into the woods. All the activity could be scaring them away?

Well, must get dressed and go do some work in the garden. If the sun comes out and I think about it I'll try to get some pictures of the individual plants to show their growth rates. That's it for this morning. Have a great day and be good to yourself and others.