Friday, May 30, 2008


Garden Away From Home


After a couple years of not gardening, I couldn't imagine how great it has felt returning to one. It really gives me a sense of grounding. I don't feel as idle on the weekends. Many times the idleness lead to a small road trip to hike or sightsee-which cost money and consumed gas. My garden this year is a couple miles from my home, but it is still worth it (although I'm still getting used to having to remember everything that I want to do that day).

Anyhow things are wrapping up here at our garden. I just planted some squash and pumpkins (hopefully not too premature the weather has been in the sixties- about ten degrees below normal). I just got some straw so hopefully the garden will look less naked soon.

The Garden about a week ago

My little Helper

Thursday, May 22, 2008

Troubled Bridge Over Water

About a week ago I had an interesting meeting with my neighbors. It wasn't about an obnoxious neighbor, helping a neighbor in trouble, or a barn raising event-it was something I have never encountered. It was about a failing bridge. There are about ten families that live down the same road I do and are forced to cross a sketchy bridge over Sand Creek. Currently it's our only way out. It's not a county or state road so the homeowners are on their own. I guess since we rent we don't have a fiscal responsibility, but we will be the ones impacted if nothing gets done.

Well after about a half an hour of going over costs and ideas, the consensus was to try and find out about getting a flat railroad car to place over the bridge. That way no engineers will need to be involved in the building process (like a giant covert would require) and it may be the most economic. I haven't heard of the progress, but I really don't like crossing it anymore. Plus I doubt that our energy company would drive across it to deliver propane.

Looking West to the Homesites

A Close-up to the sketchyness

Wednesday, May 14, 2008

Country Life (Pros and Cons)

Lately I have been having some regrets about leaving Oregon, or not moving to a larger city. I miss the bicycling, mass transit, wonderful local produce, food co-ops, and the progressive talks and events always happening. But then, I have an evening like last night. After a non-motile day at work, I came home, had dinner, played with KIA for a bit, and then had the ambitions for a walk. We went as a family and had a great time. It's really nice having an undeveloped mountain literally out ones back door. Here are some of the sights.
Peekaboo with a moose
Perhaps this was his antler from last year
KIA enjoying Getting Wet
A Little Waterfall Action (this falls is actually huge)
And Finally Back Home

Monday, May 12, 2008

This Seems Odd To Me

I don't know about you all, but the term "Go Postal" seems like something the post office might want to avoid. Or are they trying to take it back (yes I saw Clerks 2)


I found this on Wikipedia about the origin of the term. Nothing about food drives.

Wednesday, May 07, 2008

Wordless Wednesday

Following the trend:

Rainy Days make coffee shops and going to work more inviting. (Okay I added some words, big deal.)

Monday, May 05, 2008

Garden In the Works

I know all of you warmer zone folks will laugh at our gardening progress, but hey, this is North Idaho where the last frost is mid June. Plus moving around so much lately has put the brakes on our gardening endeavors. Nevertheless, this year we have a plot to garden at a friends place (our house is on a cliff with rock and gravel). This weekend we were able to get in some stuff that probably should have been planted a couple weeks ago. Still with the lingering winter, it was nice to have the opportunity. So we planted potatoes (norland and russett), snap peas, shelling peas, Walla Walla onions, red onions, yellow onions, shallots, garlic, and spinach. I also planted some rhubarb chard and greens at our house where I made a small raised bed. Anyhow, it feels good to get in the dirt. What a way to celebrate the Taurus moon.

Our Garden Plot For 2008 (A Nice Place To Hang)