Monday, January 26, 2015

The adventures continue.


For Pete's Sake!

If it's not one thing it's another!

Holy Moly!

Cripes!

Enough archaic expressions for ya'?

Oh wait, Alack and Alas!

Why all this? Because I've had yet another misadventure.

Remember when I said someone was coming to clean the deck, porch and ramps? Well, they did and it all looks great. Except we forgot that the spigot was open in the green house .  .  . for several hours .  .  . while he was running the water for the pressure washer.

Now, we always remove the hoses around the yard and open all the spigots in preparation for freezing temperatures that do occur here on Puget Sound.  Almost every year I forget about the one inside the greenhouse when I hook up the hoses and turn on the water for the first time. But I usually catch it within minutes of my mistake.

I wish I'd remembered it this year.

Since the greenhouse was full of plants and debris, the floor drain clogged and the greenhouse flooded. The man cleaning and I were oblivious until he went to the back of the yard to clean the greenhouse ramp. 

Hubby happened to stop by about that time. He scooped away the debris blocking the drain so the water could recede, propped open the door and got a fan running.

I didn't see it until the water was gone but everything was soaked. 

My new red cart!


You might not be able to tell but all of this was soaked.

This forced me into greenhouse cleanup immediately. 

Much of this is drying in the woodshed or behind the greenhouse for now.

Spent plants removed, pots emptied. Potted perennials pruned and set on the bench or up on plant stands to keep the floor free to dry.



Door and windows open, fan running.


Thankfully we are in the midst of record high temperatures for January - perfect timing, heh! The sun is beginning to shine in the greenhouse for a bit more each day. So before we know it I'll be doing this:

I've been buying seeds!


 And this:


My favorite spot in the world.

Friday, January 23, 2015

Yet another illness!

If you read my past posts you know I've had quite the turn with misadventure and illness. Well, a new ailment has struck but I don't mind this one:

Spring Fever!

I know it's only January and here in the PNW we can have some bitter weather yet. But we can plant primroses in containers (and shelter them if the weather turns).


I poked around in the greenhouse the other day. It is unheated so we close it up tight during the winter. Unfortunately, that is prime condition for grey mold (Botrytis cinerea). I had tucked many plants in there that were still blooming then when I broke my wrist they didn't get any more attention. When I brushed against them, clouds of dust/mold blew around.

Can't wait to do this!
But today all the slippery decks and ramps are getting cleaned so I will feel free to go in and out of our buildings without fear!! I will need to clear out the dead annuals, empty the pots, cut back the perennials and prepare to clean the whole greenhouse before seed starting.

The full cast which I only had to wear for two weeks.
I am still recovering from my broken wrist and injured back. It is a bit frustrating not being as strong as I normally am - heck, I dug all these gardens, some with a pick ax! I love digging, planting, hauling, lifting, carrying.

Thankfully I can still cuddle my grandson.
Yup, it's painful but I've just gotten started on Physical Therapy.  I can't wear my wedding ring yet since those fingers are still stiff and swollen.  Stretch, message, exercise, rest, repeat.

Many friends have shared similar stories with good recovery in the end.
That's my hope because this is coming:


My very own "White Way of Delight" ~ Anne Shirley
And this:


Oh, I've got the fever BAD!!!

Wednesday, January 7, 2015

Good Grief

Now I am not only recovering from a broken wrist but from blunt trauma to my back muscles from falling down the stairs!!

And a rip-snortin' cold. Oy!

I lay in bed and wander through the summer garden in my minds eye.





















"The sun will come out. . . tomorrow!"