Butterflies
I didn’t know these butterflies, but I do now. They’ve be migrating through my neighborhood ( and city )for over a week. It is fun to see groups of 20 to 30 fly by you , and very distracting to see them heading straight for your car in an unending, erratic stream.
Goodbye Lorne
Sad news today Andy Hallett has died. According to this article he died from heart disease. At 33. I need to hear him sing today.
new england puritain
There is nothing like a California yard to make you feel like a new england puritan. Eco- destruction. Work, work , work. but work that gives you a weird sense of self righteousness. Battling mother nature in the best weather ever. I had plans for this week , DH is not a gardener , so I figured everything based on me doing it. So … the front area of the garden – dug up and replanted in one afternoon instead of two days. The tree behind it down today — including the stump pulled out ( we used every tool in the world to get it out — that wasn’t even part of the plan) and the tree/bush next to it pulled out. That might have taken me the rest of the week. I think I need to go to the nursery for some plants tomorrow. And possibly pick up the house some. It looks like the elves have run throught the house tossing various bits of stuff randomly about the place.
Mind the Gap
I just finished this book by Christopher Golden and Tim Lebbon. Not a great book, but the perfect change after reading 40-odd Newbery books. The book is the story of Jazz, a girl that has been taught to be paranoid and to run and to hide. After finding her mother murdered, she runs and finds herself in the London underground. Meeting thieves , ghosts and possible answers to her past, Jazz’s story is a mixture of horror, magic , and steampunk. a very gritty mix that combines Oliver Twist and Gaiman’s Neverwhere. A good quick read with an edge. I’m looking forward to more of the Hidden Cities Novels.
I am confused about one thing, where did we hear of this book?
Garden Time
Today I planted a bunch of seeds — carrots,purple lettuce, basil, peppers ( Thai and Anaheim), cucumbers, and tomatoes (brandy wine heirloom ). I also prepare a spot for some pole beans. I have no idea if seeds are going to be successful- especially since there was a frost last night, but we shall see.
I bought organic dirt – organic potting soil ( I am starting the tomatoes in a pot — not sure if they are staying there) and an organic fertilizer. It was kind of scary that my soil said handle with gloves. I still need a new watering can, another cubic foot of soil , and some sort of compost/ bark to hold the moisture in the soil.
I hope that next year I have my own soil/ compost to use.
Bonus:an hour of exercise that was fun, and useful.