PitaPata Dog tickers

PitaPata Dog tickers

Words of Wisdom

If enough of us choose to change even one small thing, together we have the power to change anything.

— Rick Hansen
"Far away in the sunshine are my highest aspirations. I may not reach them, but I can look up and see the beauty, believe in them and try to follow where they lead."
- Lousia May Alcott

Tuesday, February 28, 2012

2012 Photo Essay/Challenge: Week 9 - Theme: Spirit

Week of February 26, 2012
Theme: Spirit




Peace! 
C & R

Friday, February 24, 2012

Roseanne says it all!

Vegetable Container Garden in Sacramento 2

I am so excited!  I have 3 of 5 Romaine Lettuce seeds sprouting!  Lets see how well they grow.



Peace!
C & R

Thursday, February 23, 2012

Winter in Sacramento 2







This are around our apartment complex.

Peace!
C & R

Vegetable Container Garden in Sacramento

 Renelle soaking up the sun!

Front to back:Cherry Tomato, Redwood Tree, Carrots, Spinach, Iceland Poppy, Red Tulips. 
Hanging: Red Leaf Lettuce
Table: seeds

 Red Leaf Lettuce - Spinach

Hopefully will grow in to carrots.

Cherry Tomato

Attempting to grow some seeds:
Parsley, Basil, Romaine Lettuce, Spinach, Forget me nots.

Renelle checking things out,

Iceland Poppies and Red Tulips.

I have been consulting several websites and books on the subject of Container gardening.  My reasons?  Simple food is getting to expensive and with out jobs and very little "CA Fresh" aka food stamp money, we decided to try and grow a few vegetables that we eat frequently and a lot of, with the hope of saving a bit of money in the long run.  Plus if more people did this and ate food out of their own garden we will not need to rely on trucking produce from out of the area and who knows store prices might go down.

Of course we need some flowers in the garden as well! So Jay, got me the Red Tulips for Valentines day and since I have been reading a series by and Icelandic Author I thought the Iceland Poppies would be a nice addition. Flowers also attract bees to help pollinate.

Not pictured (because they are on another patio) is the rosemary and mint.  I am hoping to get a few more herbs going as well.  Fresh herbs make the food taste better than with the stuff from the store...and it is cheaper!

This is my real first attempt at a garden of this focus (like others I have tried a tomato plant here, flowers there). this is different, this is an attempt at survival in addition to the joy of watching something grow.

References:
Better Homes and Gardens Complete Guide to Container Gardening:
This book as some great ideas on themes, ie what to grow together in a pot and brief information on mulching etc.

Vegetable Gardener's Container Bible by Edward C Smith:
This book gives some great idea on how to make self watering containers, along with talking about how to grow the most common vegetables that are grown. This book also talks about soil and composting.

Container Gardening for Dummies:
This is by far the most comprehensive book that I have looked at.  It is a fabulous source for beginners and experienced gardeners.  It goes in more depths than the two above and a must have in your library.

Websites:
Rare Seeds: http://rareseeds.com/
UC Cooperative Extension (this is for those in California): http://ucanr.org/

There are many books and websites out there. Check them out and if you find some that you think are jewels please share!

Peace!
C & R

2012 Photo Essay/Challenge: Week 8 - Theme: Animal/Pets

Week of February 19, 2012
Theme: Animals/Pets


Tuesday, February 21, 2012

FOR THOSE OF YOU WHO HAVE PETS

FOR THOSE OF YOU WHO HAVE PETS, THIS IS A TRUE STORY.
FOR THOSE THAT DON'T, IT'S ALSO A TRUE STORY.
The  following was found posted very low on a refrigerator door.


Dear  Dogs and Cats: The  dishes on the floor with the paw prints are yours and contain your food. The other dishes are mine and contain my food. Placing a paw print in the middle of my plate does not mean that is suddenly your food, nor do I find that  aesthetically pleasing in the slightest.


The stairway was not designed by NASCAR and is not a racetrack. Racing me to the top of the stairs is not the object. Tripping me doesn't help because I fall  faster than you can run.

I cannot buy anything bigger than a king sized bed. I am very sorry about this. Do not think I will continue sleeping on the couch to ensure your comfort. Dogs and cats can actually curl up in a ball when they sleep. It IS NOTnecessary to sleep perpendicular to each other, stretched out to the fullest extent possible. I also know that sticking tails straight out and having tongues hanging out on the other end to maximize space that you are taking up, is nothing but sarcasm.

For the last time, there is no secret exit from the bathroom!   If, by some miracle, I beat you there and manage to get the door shut, it is not necessary to claw, whine, meow, try to turn the knob or get your paw under the edge in an attempt to open the door. I must exit through the same door I entered. Also, I have been using the bathroom for years - canine/feline attendance is not required.

The proper order for kissing is: Kiss me first, then go smell the other dog or cat's butt. I cannot stress this enough.

Finally, in fairness, dear pets, I have posted the following message on the front door:
TO ALL NON-PET OWNERS WHO VISIT AND COMPLAIN ABOUT OUR  PETS:
(1)  They live here....you don't.
(2)  If you don't want their hair on your clothes, stay off the furniture.
That's why they call it "fur"-niture.
(3)  I like my pets a lot better than I like most people.
(4)  To you, they are animals. To me, they are adopted sons/daughters who are short, hairy, walk on all fours and don't speak clearly.
Remember, dogs and cats are better than kids because they:
(1)  eat less,
(2)  don't ask for money all the time,
(3)  are easier to train,
(4)  normally come when called,
(5)  never ask to drive the car,
(6)  don't hang out with drug-using people;
(7)  don't smoke or drink,
(8)  don't want to wear your clothes,
(9)  don't have to buy the latest fashions,
(10)  don't need a gazillion dollars for college and
(11)  if they get pregnant, you can sell their children.....

Monday, February 13, 2012

2012 Photo Essay/Challenge: Week 7 - Theme: Love

Week of February 12, 2012
Theme: Love

Just look at those eyes!

Peace!
C & R

Thursday, February 9, 2012

Happy Valentine's Day!

 Happy Valentine's Day
Love, C, J, R & K












 Peace!

2012 Photo Essay/Challenge: Week 6 - Theme: Round

Week of February 5, 2012
Theme - Round

Wednesday, February 1, 2012