Early Morning

O.K. I'm crazy. But when I woke up at 3:00 am for my regular bathroom break, I decided to stay up and watch the Royal Wedding. I know....but, I love the romance of the royalty and the pomp and circumstance that goes with it. It was a gorgeous,elegant wedding and her dress was lovely. I remember when Prince Charles/Diana got married and Betty Swezey stayed up to watch it. I chuckled at her for doing something so crazy!! Now, here I am. A little tired today, but it was worth it. Kat plays tonight at the Plex in Omak for the Pateros team. She was nervous this morning because she worked all winter and her coach changed up her pitching (more spin on the ball, different release). This will be the first time using the new technique....she also learned a change up this winter and I was trying to convince her this morning that she needed to try it out tonight. We will see....

Wilson kids on Easter 2011

Feels like Monday

I woke up so tired this morning. I had bad dreams all night and couldn't shut my mind down. Baseball tonight here with Oroville---Creston is pitching. I hope it warms up a bit before the game. Kat has her first double header Friday night in Omak at the Plex for the Pateros team. I'm not sure how they will do, we have a lot of young girls on the team....we will see. I've been postponing buying Kat's 8th grade graduation dress due to lack of funds. I'm hoping that we will be able to get it mid May and hope to find something decent. Not much to say today. I enjoyed the family this weekend, especially around the table at the Easters. Good times and lots of laughter.....we need to do this more often.

Garden Journal April 24, 2011

The weather has been cold! Today was the first really full warm day this spring. It froze the bird waters in the barn last night. However, it is suppose to only get down to 34 tonight, and the night-time low is suppose to climb out of the 30s for the next 10 days. It is time. The tropical perennials, tomatoes, peppers, and heliotrope, are not liking the cool evening temps.

There were not a lot of surprises in the greenhouse this week. I wish the columbines and delphinium had better germination. My leeks finally germinated--too late. The cabbage and other coles, I planted late, are starting to perk. I wish the peppers and tomatoes would push. I'm not seeing much movement. I stopped at Home Depot and the Grange this week, and the tomatoes and peppers are huge. So I got out my schedule to double check. My peppers are a little slower than they should, but my tomatoes will be fine. I don't have it marked, but I'm sure I didn't plant tomatoes until the second week of June last year. I planted peppers at the same time. They were tiny, and they did excellent.

I did pick up some Lychnis coronaria seed, which I've been looking for. One of my favorite plants. I also picked up some veggie fertilizer regular $4.30 for $1.30. I bought ten boxes. What a steel. I've got to buy a Dramm watering can. All the ones I've found will not work on seedlings. They gush.

So what did happen this week?

Seeds I replanted in the greenhouse:
Pepper mulato
Jalepeno Craig's Grande

Seedling transplanted in the greenhouse:
Sweet William, Verbena Bonariensis, Vietnamese mint, Rudbeckia Indian Summer, Queen Annes Lace, Rainbow Dahlias, and Tithonia

Transplants and sets I set out:
Red Zeppelin, Ailsa Craig, and Candy Onions
French Fingerling, Russet Burbank, Rose Finn Apple, Red La Soda, Yukon Gold, Red Norland, Red Pontiak Potatoes

Seeds I planted outside:
Rainbow hybrid carrots
Bull's blood, Cylindra, Drk Red Detroit beets
Harris Parsnips
Oregon Giant, Lincoln Peas
Kohlrabi, Spinach, and Turnips

I'm falling asleep at the keyboard, so sorry if this is incoherent. I better go to bed.

Weekend

Totally forgot this weekend was Easter until yesterday. My mind has been overwhelmed with everything that is going on. I am excited to have the family here for Easter, although I know all of us wish it was under different circumstances. But, the thought of watching the little ones running and finding Easter eggs makes me all warm and fuzzy inside. Jord took me to Omak for groceries last night.....after looking/buying the vegetables....I am ready for the garden to start producing. Everything is so expensive! We did stop for gas at the new Trails gas station and the gas was 15 cents cheaper than in town. I never thought I would say this......but I may start couponing! Shock!!! With the cost of gas/groceries, if I can save a little it would be nice. Kat's birthday is Sunday.....almost forgot about that too. School is almost over and summer is around the corner....I am so ready for summer and laketime---maybe it will help me get rid of the spring blues.

Bighorn Sheep

I was coming back from Chelan, just past Walmart, up the hill, around the corner, and across from Goose Point were these sheep. I counted nine bachelors.

Quad City Herald, April 14, 2011

4/14/2011 1:46:00 PM

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Creston Wilson hits the ball for the Billygoats in their win over Waterville. Photo by John F. Cleveland ll Shelby Poole awaits the throw at first base to get this Waterville base runner out. Photo by John F. Cleveland ll Pateros Billygoats gain three victories over Waterville Creston Wilson gains two victories for Pateros John F. Cleveland II Sportswriter Pateros Billygoats baseball team started out the week with an 8-2 victory over the Waterville Shockers on Apr. 5 at Pateros. The Billygoats scored three runs in the first inning, one in the second and one in the fourth to take a 5-0 lead. Waterville scored two runs in the top of the fifth but Pateros put it away with three runs in the bottom of the sixth inning. Creston Wilson pitched the complete-game victory and gave up two runs, one hit, three walks and struck out eight batters. "Creston pitched really well, especially just being a sophomore," said Bob Van Lith, Pateros baseball coach. "I thought the whole team played well in that win." Rylan Easter was 3-4 with a double, one RBI and four stolen bases; Shelby Poole was 1-2 with a home run, two RBIs and two stolen bases; Dalton Hill was 2-3 with a double, two RBIs and one stolen base; Lance Evans was 1-2 with one stolen base. Pateros won both sides of a doubleheader against Waterville last Saturday afternoon at Waterville. The Billygoats won the first game 8-3 over the Shockers. It was tied 2-2 after two innings but Pateros put it away with six runs in the top of the third inning. Waterville added one run in the fifth but it was not enough. Poole pitched the complete-game victory and gave up six hits, three runs, three walks and struck out 14 batters. "Shelby pitched really well and I am pleased with his play," said Van Lith. "I thought everyone had a really good game out there." Easter was 2-5 with a double, one RBI and two stolen bases; Poole was 3-3 with a triple, one RBI and two stolen bases; Wilson was 2-4 with a double; Evans was 3-4 with two doubles, three RBIs and one stolen base. Pateros finished up the sweep with a 6-1 win over Waterville in the second game. The Billygoats scored two runs in the first, one in the third, one in the fifth and two in the top of the sixth and held on for the win. Wilson pitched the complete-game victory and gave up one earned run, three hits, two walks and struck out 11 batters. "Creston is looking really good right now," said Van Lith. "He is a lefty and just a sophomore and I am really happy how he is throwing. He is throwing strikes so his pitch count isn't very high, and that is all you can ask." Easter was 1-3; Poole was 2-3 with a double and one stolen base; Wilson was 2-2 with two doubles, one RBI and two stolen bases; Jonathon Gelstin was 2-2 with two RBIs.

Today

Quick post from the peanut gallery. I have been so consummed with the city's finances for the last 3 years, I haven't had time to catch up on any blogs. I took 10 minutes and ran through everyones......we are definately unique people. Interesting week.....State Audit....a little trouble with Mr. Hull that he later had to apologize for (he was definately in the wrong). I'm glad he did man up and apologize or my opinion of him was going in the toilet. Glad he is still a decent guy. Jord volunteered for career day at the school.....this was a good project for him and Kat to do together. The boys have a double header this weekend in Pateros. I'm glad we won't have to drive anywhere, because I am about beat! Jan had to keep me awake in church on Wednesday.....I kept closing my eyes and shutting down. You know your tired when....your over 40 and you only get up once to use the bathroom in the night! Ha

Evidence

What is Following?

I know some of you are well ahead of me on this, but I thought I would pass along some blogging info. We were talking about subscribing to each others blogs some time ago. I did subscribe to everyones blog, but it seems that many of you have your "Site Feed" set to none.

To change that, go to your "Dashboard", "Settings", and "Site Feed"

Blogger Info on how to get started:
What is Following?

You will notice that I've added a "Follow by Email" widget to the top right of my page. This makes it real easy for you to plug in your email. When Kerri or I post, you will get an update sent to your email. Usually a day after the post was made, but it is real convenient to keep in touch. You are alerted by email when someone makes a post.

To make the change go to your "Dashboard", hit the "Design" tab, and add a gadget. Blogger already has the gadget for you.

Farm notes

It got pretty cool last night. I've got to change my thermostat on my greenhouse. It only goes down to 50 degrees, and I need it to go down to about 40 degrees. I had 51 degree air coming out of the ground this morning, so the ground is close to keeping up with the greenhouse. But I want it to do more work and the propane to do less work.

My little seeds are pushing. I've got a ton of planting to do, and I don't have much to show this week. Root crops are ready to set out and seed. I have Tithonia and marigolds popping from Sunday's planting. Looks like all of my peppers are pushing except Mulato. Some have pretty week germination, and some of that may be due to greenhouse temps. I've still not got it completely ironed out. Eggplant, nicotiana, and heliotrope finally germinated, but parsley, rosemary, and columbines are showing nothing. My Nootka Rose Garlic has pushed up strong out of the ground, but the other two varieties have not.

I suspect I have another clutch of goslings emerging. They are in the Saddleback pen. Empty shells are starting to show up, but no babies have popped their heads out. Momma goose has moved in with Bandit. Apparently she likes his nice dry bedding. I gave her, her own shed, but she prefers to park her brood next to Bandit. The paddock the kids got put together has been nice. The goslings are growing well on grass, Bandit likes the extra space, and I can let a pen of chickens out without them getting on the front porch.

p.s. I'll get dinner started sweetie, if you bring me home some coffee.

Break

So, I'm taking a 10 minute break to post.....The city of Pateros is having their 3 year audit the next two weeks so I will be out of commission. Breathe.....that's what I've been telling myself. Actually the Wa State Auditor Rep. is pretty nice....we will see how nice she is at the exit interview. Busy and fun weekend. I cooked more than normal, but it was a lot of fun having Jim/Terri here. The boys did great! Probably the best I've seen them play....we won both games. I start my coaching duties tonight for the Junior High Fastpitch team. This will be Connie and I's last year as coaches because our girls will move into highschool. Connie's been doing this for years....me only two....This was a low down of all the food I cooked this weekend. Taco's Friday. Friday night made potato salad and 4 dozen cookies for the game. Saturday up at 6:00 to fry chicken for the game and make breakfast (sausage, eggs, hashbrowns and toast). Saturday night-Fajita's and fresh strawberries/ice cream. Sunday morning- pancakes, bacon and eggs. Sunday dinner-left over chicken, stir-fried vegys and homemade mac & cheese. That's all folks....now you know why we didn't come visit on Sunday night Mom....too beat!!!

Planting Notes for Sunday, April 10, 2011

Jim and Terri were up this weekend. It was a fun weekend at Waterville. They wanted to watch Creston pitch. I’ve not been out much this Spring so I was surprised to see the Magnolias and apricots in bloom. It was cold in Waterville, and snow level was just up out of the wheat. Coming home the mountain panorama was incredible.

We’ve had hard frost the last couple of nights and the greenhouse got down in the mid-30s. I got the heater installed in the greenhouse so I can keep it in the 50s at night. I was amazed when I took ground temperature in the greenhouse today. It was 10°s more than outdoor ground temperature. So between my subterranean heating and the greenhouse I’ve raised the temp of the ground. At midnight it was pulling 54° off the ceiling and pushing 56.5° temperature out of the ground.

Seeds are starting to push. All the cabbages have germinated well, except the Early Dutch. The Chinese cabbage germinated while on the ground, and I can see the pepper and pansy seeds starting to push.

I had hoped to get more done today, but I just run out of steam.

12:00 noon

Outdoors

temp. 55°

ground temp. 42°

Greenhouse

ground temp. 53°

7’ off ground temp 76°

Air coming out of underground ducts 57.6°

Bench height temp 66°

Ground level temp 63.5°

Germinated in the Greenhouse:

Vietnamese Mint, Kinh Gio

Dahlia Rainbow Mix

Queen Anne’s Lace

Rudbeckia Indian Summer

Red Bull Onion

Burrell’s Yellow Valencia Onion

Chinese Cabbages

Verbena bonariensis

Purple coneflower

Salvia Bonfire

Sweetpeas

Volunteers in the garden:

Dill

Borage

Sunflowers

Cosmos

Seeds planted in the greenhouse:

Tomatoes

Striped Roman

Omar’s Lebanese

Kellogg’s Breakfast

Cuostralee

Better Boy Hybrid

Box Car Willie

Yellow Pear

Hughs

Anna Russian

Golden Egg

Giant Strain

Large Red Cherry

Super Sioux

Celebrity

German gold

Large Pink Bulgarian

Orange Strawberry

Red September

Golden Girl Marrow

Ground Cherry, Aunt Molly’s (not our aunt)

Tomatillo Large Green

Marigold Tangerine Gem

Marigold Lemon Gem

Cleome Rose Queen

Tithonia

Hollyhock Nigra

Marigold Starfire Mix

Direct seeded in the garden:

Kohlrabi Purple Viena

Purple Top White Globe Turnip (for Pet)

Sandhill Spring Radish Mix

Spinach Bloomsdale Longstanding

Cute...

Jord and I woke up this morning and were visiting at the kitchen table. I looked out at Bandit's pen and told Jord to look.....the moma goose with her 11 babies were curled up in Bandit's pen with Bandit sleeping about 3 feet away from them. The moma got up and the babies all waddled right up to Bandit and walked out of the pen. It was so cute! He is such a good dog, we need to find another Great Pyrenees so Bandit can train it before something happens to him. He is getting a little old. Jim/Terri will be in tonight to watch the boys play tomorrow. I told them to bring their long johns....its cold in Waterville. Jord got Jim hooked on Blue Star Coffee....so the trip is a combination of wanting tacos for dinner, coffee for home and wanting to watch the boys play. So, we were frantically cleaning the house last night. It is great to have family close by that can jump in the car and come for a visit. Love it!!

Planting Notes April, 7 2011

Frost was heavy this morning, and it was the first test for the subterranean heating in my greenhouse. It was running most of the previous day. At the warmest part of the day 85 degree air was being pumped underground, and the warmest I got coming out was 62 degree air. So it was transferring a large amount of heat all day. I don't know what the ground temperature was that I started with, I would guess in the low to mid 40s.

Last night we had heavy frost and the goose water pans had 1/4 of ice on them. Last time I checked, around 8pm on the greenhouse, it was down to 64 degrees. This morning the greenhouse was 33 degrees, but the air coming out of the ground was 42 degrees. So it already is working.

The numbers today looked like this:
7am 33 degrees in, and 42 degrees out
9am 57 degrees in, and 45 degrees out
2 am 86 degrees in, 55 degrees out
(noticeable condensation in the pipes at this point. The greater the temp. difference, the greater the efficiency and heat transfer.)
9pm this evening the greenhouse is 42 degrees, and the air coming out of the ground is 46. It was overcast and cool today, so I doubt that I stored a bunch of heat. I've attached a geeks diagram of the process.

It has been Spring break, and the kids have been working hard for me. They got the goose and dog paddock/pasture enclosed. I'm ready to grade and seed grass in it. I got electricity into the greenhouse finished up. Did pretty good wiring my first switch and outlet. Nothing burned down when I flipped the breaker.

Last years seeds are up. I got hollyhocks, chives, garlic chives, and rudbeckias that survived the winter.I noticed some cosmos may be up. My lavender did not like the heavy soil. It is going to be difficult to have a French potager or cottage garden without lavender.

I have my seeds on heat mats in the greenhouse, that is why I'm not overly concerned right now with the low temp, as long as it stays above freezing.
Seeds Germinated today:
Early Jersey Wakefield Cabbage
Danish Ballhead Cabbage
Sweet William
Dahlia Victoriana
Shumway Broccoli Blend

Bev Wagoner stopped by today to visit. I drove bus with her. I found out that her Husband's Grandfather actually built this house where it stands. It was sold to the PUD, and in about 1968 Bev and Dick bought it back in the buy-back program for $1000. She didn't remember when it was built. She was really excited about all the work I've been doing, and loved that all the trees had come down. She has grown around Tree-of-Heaven before.

I've been applying for jobs, sending resume's ect. To no avail. I have applied for 2 years to various federal jobs in the area and never got past the computer testing. (A 1-2 hour process, where you answer questions about your qualifications.) The process is tedious, and the competition is fierce and nation wide. For example, I applied for a Gardener job for the National Parks Service in Stehekin. I have 25+ years of gardening, and a Masters Degree in Landscape Architecture. I received an email back that stated that I did not pass the computer screening, and that I did not have the qualifications they were looking for. Reading between the lines, I did not make the cut out of 1000s of applications submitted. People right now will relocate to the end of the earth for a job.

I was a little disappointed today. I had made the first couple of hurtles for a job with the Forest Service. I had passed the computer screening, and was guaranteed that a human was going to review my application and resume. The next step would be an interview. I was hopeful that I might have shot at it. I got an email this afternoon that the job opening had been cancelled, I'm sure it is because of the impending gov't shutdown. ("Thanks Tea Party, lets stop hiring and start laying people off in this wonderful economy.") It's hard to stay positive about some things. We were suppose to have a meeting with Silver Spur last week. Mr. Barnett's wife had an aneurism, and he had to cancel the meeting.

I've got a headache, so I'm going to call it a night.

Spring Arrival Imminent

Ten Grey Goslings, and One Grey-Saddleback

Really Proud of My Boy

I can't take credit for these pictures, Kat took them. I've misplaced my tele lens, probably for good. This lens is pretty difficult to get to the mound. (I hate blogger because it loads my pictures backwards. So they are in backwards order. Of course, everyone did really well at the game. It was a fun win.



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