DIRT

So here it is, the biggest pile of dirt I have ever had to move.  The picture does not do it justice.   Dad and leveled this thing in under 3 hours and that includes breaks.  As I have described to friends and family we were a machine.  This is the final product:  

I was also able to add a sitting area to watch the plants grow, lame I know.

There were several other photos with me in them to give perspective of the dirt pile's size.  They were less than flattering and will only be available for viewing upon personal request.  

Typically this post should include all of the planting photos as that should be done on or about mother's day.  I instead spent the weekend in Roanoke and had a wonderful time with Mom while Dad is off sailing the Chesapeake   Turns out one again there was a divine power involved because there is frost warning for tonight.  As long as I can get my hands on a roto tiller soon, the planting post will be up next weekend. 

For now, potato pic update:

       

                                        

Future

You know how sometimes when you look forward to something and it finally occurs it can disappointing because of the hype?  I have been looking forward to some changes occurring at my office that I thought would change my attitude and career forever.  This morning the announcement was made, the person I have blamed for my stagnancy is relocating.  I should be jumping for joy right? Now I have to take full responsibility for what happens and that is terrifying.  It was easier to blame someone else than own the fact that I give just enough to get by just like everyone else.  Unfortunately the state employee system does not foster hard work or originality so it’s easy to be lethargic.  See there I go again blaming.  The next several weeks will be exciting and I have decided will  determine the direction of my future dramatically. 

I am sure you are thinking how is this sad little carrot dramatic?  Let me tell you.  Dad and I were cleaning up the garden and preparing for the roto-tiller and 12 cubic yards of dirt (yes 12 cubic yards of dirt) and I found this carrot.  I was amazed because I did not get any carrots last year thanks to my friend Bambi eating off all the tops.   I knew that I had to include it in this post and it was going to be the star.  There were actually two and after a long day of yard work, I forgot them on the trunk of my car Saturday evening.  On Sunday I ventured out to the lake for VISA recommissioning, still not remembering where I left them.  This one survived the trip and was rescued by my dad.  So not only did it survive a winter in the garden it survived 55 miles on my trunk.  What determination to be famous right?

Zorba the Greek

I have a new found respect for those of you that have a blog that you keep updated.   I promised myself that even after the garden was covered in leaves and then snow that I would find something else to write about, well I didn't.  I was pleasantly reminded why while watching Jeopardy the other night when this quote was an answer to one of the questions.

"All those who actually live the mysteries of life haven't the time to write, and all those who have the time don't live them! D'you see?” 
― Nikos Kazantzakis, Zorba the Greek

So that is my explanation for being unable to keep up with a simple blog.  It also helps that spring has finally arrived (I hope!) and the gardening season along with it.  

My attempt for this year is to use all organic, non-GMO seeds and gardening products.  I ordered all of my seeds from Southern Exposure Seed Exchange.  As my brother and I am sure many other people have taken on the attitude to pay the farmer rather than the doctor.

I started simple with potatoes...









and Kale...

For those that have been following battle bamboo this year has not been without little victories.  The picture below is only a small portion of the work dad has done to keep the bamboo at bay.

One last update for this post.  Last weekend I completed my third 5k!   Definitely excited about the warm weather for that hobby too!