Deer 1, Humans 0

One of the reasons we decided to frequent the Public market more regularly is that we can't grow vegetables ourselves.    Although the front yard gets quite a bit of sun, we've decided to keep it looking just like every other front yard..... grass, flowers and trees.   The back and side yards are very woodsy, and therefore not conducive to vegetable gardening.

But the desire for freshly-picked veggies doesn't die easily, and so when I saw the little tomato plants at the Public market, I thought that perhaps one little sunny corner of the world could perhaps be devoted to 4 tomato plants in a window box..... and it was a very successful planting.

However, I forgot about our good friends, the deer.   Ever present, and occasionally seen lounging in our back yard, they have been known to munch on every "deer-resistant" plant ever catalogued.    We tried to strike a friendly truce, but then began to spray that noxious garlicky substance to keep them away from treasured plants (and yes, Dave does the spraying, not me).   On that fateful day of welcoming the tomato plants to our humble abode, we foolishly opted to wait til the next day to spray.

And here is the result!   Poor little guys.    They have now been sprayed, and we'll see if they are able to recover.   Tomatoes in November, anyone?

Be Thrifty

This is a wonderful book, full of wisdom that our grandparents knew (and a few things we know already!).    What I like best about this book is that it's not written from the perspective of scarcity (you don't have enough money so here's how to be thrifty); it is written from the perspective of enjoying what you have to the fullest (it's your money -- why not spend it on the things you most enjoy).

I am having fun with the opportunities for experimenting with housecleaning products and how to make things last a very long time.    Dave is having great fun with the food portion of the book, and is currently stockpiling vegetable leftovers for the beginnings of a lovely soup stock!

The book is organized so it can be utilized again and again as a reference.

Tomorrow:   Back to the Public Market -- woohoo!!!   First time in 3 weeks.   We'll see if I can get some photos this time.

New beginnings

This standing mixer is a gift.   I wished for it, but didn't really think I would receive it.   It holds the future potential of many happy hours of baking.    I am very excited about trying it out.   I am also a little afraid of it, and wonder if the creations will be any good.   So I'll read the instruction booklet and try the simple stuff first.   And then onto adventures!!!

My retirement from Kodak is a gift ......