The Seeding Time...She Comes.

     What a strange spring we are having this year.  I guess that's what happens when the whole world weather starts to change.
     I am planning a pretty big garden this year.  The last few years I haven't done very much, and I ALWAYS like to try new things, which hardly ever work out the way I was hoping.  Sigh.  I still do it though.  It's fun to try something new.   I won't go into what I am planning for this year yet, so you will have to stay tuned. 
      This weekend I started my tomato and pepper seeds.

     All my seeds I ordered through Bowseed here in Alberta.  They are a great Company, certified non GM (genetically modified), and everything gets sent right to your door.  I love getting packages. 
     I usually spend around $20 for all the little seed pots etc. to get this stuff stared, but this year I was looking at the gardening section on Pintrest and saw a cool pin on how to make your own newspaper seed pots.  They are free, easy to do, safe for the environment, and better for you little seedlings as there is no need to disturb the roots when you trans-plant them.  I thought I would give you a quick look at how it's done.
    
     First you need to gather what you need.  Newspaper, masking tape, and a soup can.

     Then you open up one full sheet of newspaper and rip it down the middle.

Fold the piece in half the long way

     Then on the open end, fold down two times, about a half-to- one inch each time, depending on the size of paper you are using.  This gives the pot a bit more structure.

     Now you are ready to roll your little pot.  You may want to get a couple of little pieces of tape ready now.  Place the soup can on your paper, roll up and fasten with a small piece of tape.

     Then, flip over, fold in bottom, and tape again.

     There you have it!  Little plant pots that are super easy to make.

     When your little plants are ready to go out into the garden, simply take off both pieces of tape, open up the bottom on the pot, and place the entire pot into the hole.  The newspaper will degrade on it's own, and the roots will be undisturbed. 

SPRING IS ON THE WAY

     Today is another grey day here in Alberta.  You know those kind...when the sky is the same all day.  Well, I guess it's not really grey here, more a dull white.  These are the kind of days that I find very hard to cope with.  I usually don't get very much accomplished either.  Even though the temperature is warming up a little every day now, and the birds are starting to sing their hearts out, it can still feel a bit depressing. 

     But I really feel it now that Spring is truly on the way.  Every day, more and more snow melts away and more little muddy rivers take it's place.  Every day, I see more dry grass on the yard, and more mud in the driveway.  It will be here soon, and then I will be busy outside once again.  Right now the sun is trying so hard to break through all those grey clouds.  I hope it makes it.  Here in Alberta, 5-6 months of winter is the norm.  But for some reason this winter seemed to be the longest (even though is was just normal).  I am longing for green once again.

It has been whispering to me like a long lost love "Soon, my dear, soon..."  So until it arrives in all it's glory, I will take one day at a time, and enjoy each one for what it is.  A true and wonderful blessing from the Lord.

  I hope you can remeber to count your blessings each day as well.

Spring Cleaning ~why is it so hard to start?~

     OK, I do NOT like cleaning.  I know, I know, nobody does.  True.  I have read so many different types of books and blogs on how to keep your house clean.  I understand all those concepts and know they work.  I just don't do them.  Why is this?  Why do I put it off for so long and then go crazy in one day and clean the whole house?  Why, when I am finished this mad cleaning frenzy, do I always say to myself, "This wasn't so bad.  You should just keep it up now."  But I never do.     There is probably some deep physcological reason for this, and I could find it if I searched deep enough, but honestly I don't want to.  I am fine if the house is dirty and unorganised. (to a certain extent)  I don't feel bad if there are dirty dishes in the sink, or dirty clothes on the floor in the bathroom.  I refuse to put all my self worth into this house and the current state of cleanliness it is in. 

So, with spring just around the corner, the urge to purge is strong.  That's ok.  I am willing and more than able to tackle this giant and take him down a few pegs.  Will I get everything done that I want to get done?  No.  Will I be disapointed because of this?  Well, maybe a little bit.  Will I let it affect my self worth?  No way.  There is so much more to life than a shiny bathtub.  Good thing my kid's birthdays are spread out through the year.  I always get the most done when I have the least amount of time.  And I am fine with that!

OOPPS, why have'nt I been blogging?

So, I said I wanted to try blogging here three time a week.  Guess that didn't work.  This will be attempt number 2 on that.  I may not do 3 a week, but will try for 1 for sure. (lol)  I do have a lot of things I want to write about, it just seems that when I have the time for it, then I just don't feel like it.  Oh well.

The Jurassic Forest

So, last Friday my Husband took a day off work and we went for a 2 1/2 hour drive to the Jurassic Forest, North of Edmonton.  You can check out their web site here.  It was a beautiful day and we had a pretty good time.  It was a bit expensive for what you get, but it was very well put together, and the dinosaurs looked awesome.  The place was very clean with a shady picnic area and a large playground for the kids.  I would have liked to see more equipment at the playground, but still good.

(This video from youtube, it takes WAY too long for my computer to download)

This is not a museum, but an outdoor exhibit.  Very nice pathways and everything was in excellent repair.
If you get a chance to go, it is worth the trip!

First Cut Hay



Ryan running the square baler


Haying is a very busy time for us.  Since it completely depends on the weather, it can also be a stressful time.  This year we were pretty lucky.  All the rain earlier this spring really helped the hay crop.  The rain stopped, and we were able to cut.  Some nice wind and warm temps. made for a good harvest.  It's so nice that the boys are now old enough to really help with all the work.



Stacked and covered



About 1,500 square bales so far.  Still about half the field left.  So hopefully the rain stays away for a while yet.



Square bale wagon.



Hay Rake, for flipping hay over.  Helps to dry it faster.

The food of summer...

What is your favorite food of summer?  There are so many good things that we just can't get any other time of the year.  I hope to keep adding on to this throughtout the summer.  Here is my first favorite:
July 4th

CHERRIES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!