As all my regular readers know, I am divorced. I have great kids that are healthy most of the time and they do not like going to see a doctor. For the past couple of months, my son has complained that his back has been sore. We think he may have pulled something during baseball season, but it has never been a major problem. My kids have gone to a chiropractor in the past, so I asked my ex (my kids are on his health insurance) if his new insurance that he got in January of this year covers chiropractors. He said he thought so but did not give me any other answer.
Well, my son comes home yesterday and is complaining of his sore back and asks that I please schedule an appointment for him to go the the chiropractor. Let me mention that my son hardly ever complains about any health problems, so when he says there is a problem, I listen because I know it must be something pretty bad. When my ex called the kids yesterday, I had my son ask him about the insurance again and my ex told him to have me check online.
Of course I check online and you need a username and password which I cannot set up because I am not the policy holder. So, needless to say I cannot get any info. I decide to call the 800 number for member services on the back of the card to find out if I can use the insurance for a chiropractor's visit. After going through the menu and getting hung up on once, I finally get through and they inform me that even though I am the custodial parent of the kids, I cannot find out any info regarding their health insurance unless my ex signs a form stating that I can get the info.
I call my ex right away and ask him about the form, which he claims that he has never seen or heard of. So, I advise him that he has to get the info and he advises me that he will "put it on his list of things to get around to". I inform him that I would like to make an appointment for my son ASAP and he asks " is it a life or death situation?" Needless to say, I was ready to blow a gasket.....
I called today to make the appointment even though I have no info regarding whether the insurance will cover it or not. I am assuming the chiropractor's office will be able to get info regarding the insurance.
The more I think about it, the more ticked off I get though. How can the kids have insurance without the custodial parent not able to get any information about it. The fact that I am a legal guardian and the custodial parent shoud be enough. Shame on Blue Cross Blue Shield for that policy! And shame on my ex for not looking out for the best interest of his kids!
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Both Kids Like School This Year
I am so happy that both my kids like school this year. My son has liked his private school since he has been there, but I was concerned with my daughter starting a new school this year. My daughter started middle school, but we got her in a accelerated program in a school that we are not zoned for. She was a little concerned because she did not know that many people at the school she is going to, but she is making friends fast.
I must say that I am thrilled. The elementary school that she went to was considered one of the best for the city we live in, but some of the stories my daughter would come home with were terrible. The middle school we are zoned for is run like a prison and we had some major problems there before I yanked my son out and put him in the private school that he is currently in. All my daughter's old friends are at the questionable middle school and they are dealing with the same appalling stuff that was at middle school but worse. My daughter is hearing their stories and is thankful that she is in a different school.
I must say that I am thrilled. The elementary school that she went to was considered one of the best for the city we live in, but some of the stories my daughter would come home with were terrible. The middle school we are zoned for is run like a prison and we had some major problems there before I yanked my son out and put him in the private school that he is currently in. All my daughter's old friends are at the questionable middle school and they are dealing with the same appalling stuff that was at middle school but worse. My daughter is hearing their stories and is thankful that she is in a different school.
Friday, August 26, 2011
Concerned for Those in the Path of Irene
Yesterday we had a blustery day here with winds up to 40 MPH and expect much of the same for most of today. I cleaned up the yard of palm fronds yesterday and need to do that again today. I am grateful that Irene stayed off the coast of Florida but I really feel for those that are in the path of the eventual landfall.
I have been through several major hurricanes and many minor ones. I know that it takes a lot of work to recover and that devestation that a hurricane can bring. Here in Florida we are not so prone to flooding so we would not have the same concerns as the northeast where that will be a major problem. Also, the dense populations in the areas that will be hit is a major concern. I cannot imagine how some place like New York City will cope with this type of event. We have enough difficulty here and most Floridians have dealt with hurricanes before.
Will the hurricane hit you? Let me know how you are preparing. My prayers and thoughts of good will are with you.
I have been through several major hurricanes and many minor ones. I know that it takes a lot of work to recover and that devestation that a hurricane can bring. Here in Florida we are not so prone to flooding so we would not have the same concerns as the northeast where that will be a major problem. Also, the dense populations in the areas that will be hit is a major concern. I cannot imagine how some place like New York City will cope with this type of event. We have enough difficulty here and most Floridians have dealt with hurricanes before.
Will the hurricane hit you? Let me know how you are preparing. My prayers and thoughts of good will are with you.
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
No, Not All at Once!
Okay, I am officially in appliance/electronics hell. We moved into our house over 5 years ago and this summer, a lot of my appliances seem to be on their last leg. It started with the dryer. It still works fine, but it is much louder than it used to be. Then, I noticed that the garbage disposal was leaking a little bit. I pulled everything out from under the sink and put a bucket there to catch the drips. I have instructed John that he is in charge of repairing that or getting it fixed over 2 months ago. I guess I will have to look up troubleshooting online and do it myself (yuck).
Then, the dishwasher started getting REALLY loud. It sounds like a train in the kitchen. After that, the ice maker in the refrigerator quit and the refrigerator started making noise. About two weeks ago the refrigerator started getting REALLY loud intermittently. We would turn the fridge off and then turn it back on and that seemed to reset it. Well, yesterday, it decided that it was going to sound like an aircraft. I finally broke down and called an appliance repair guy. He came and fixed the refrigerator (had to replace the fan) and ice maker at the tune of just under $300. He also checked out the dishwasher and said we would be better off getting a new one because it needs a whole new motor ( I guess we will keep the loud dishwasher until it completely dies). The dryer is just loud now I guess and did not get repaired. We did not have the guy check out the disposal because that would have been more money.
Did I also mention that I had to buy a new cordless phone this week because our old one completely died. We think it may have been just the battery, but the phone is so old that a battery costs just as much as a new phone, so of course we got a new one. Also, I am now looking for a new computer printer because mine died this week too. I am ready to take it out back and club it like the guys did the fax machine in the movie Office Space.
Then, the dishwasher started getting REALLY loud. It sounds like a train in the kitchen. After that, the ice maker in the refrigerator quit and the refrigerator started making noise. About two weeks ago the refrigerator started getting REALLY loud intermittently. We would turn the fridge off and then turn it back on and that seemed to reset it. Well, yesterday, it decided that it was going to sound like an aircraft. I finally broke down and called an appliance repair guy. He came and fixed the refrigerator (had to replace the fan) and ice maker at the tune of just under $300. He also checked out the dishwasher and said we would be better off getting a new one because it needs a whole new motor ( I guess we will keep the loud dishwasher until it completely dies). The dryer is just loud now I guess and did not get repaired. We did not have the guy check out the disposal because that would have been more money.
Did I also mention that I had to buy a new cordless phone this week because our old one completely died. We think it may have been just the battery, but the phone is so old that a battery costs just as much as a new phone, so of course we got a new one. Also, I am now looking for a new computer printer because mine died this week too. I am ready to take it out back and club it like the guys did the fax machine in the movie Office Space.
Monday, August 22, 2011
My Son Finally Starts School Today
My son finally starts school today. Thank goodness! My daughter started on the 10th, so it has just been my son home for over a week. I love him dearly, but he was definitely going stir crazy and acted like a goof and got into a lot trouble by being annoying. In fact last week he annoyed John so bad that video games were taken away for a week. Nothing like giving him less to do so he can drive mom more crazy. I never realized how much the kids entertain each other over the summer, but it was obvious when my son became so bored.
So today, I will be trying to get back into my routine of housework, looking for a job and reading blogs. I am driving both kids to and from school, so I will probably run some errands while I am out and about too. I must say, I thank my lucky stars that I bought my little car when I did (Scion Xa). If it wasn't as good on gas as it is, I would really be hurting driving the kids to school while being unemployed.
So today, I will be trying to get back into my routine of housework, looking for a job and reading blogs. I am driving both kids to and from school, so I will probably run some errands while I am out and about too. I must say, I thank my lucky stars that I bought my little car when I did (Scion Xa). If it wasn't as good on gas as it is, I would really be hurting driving the kids to school while being unemployed.
Friday, August 19, 2011
I Am the Proud Owner of a Killer Goldfish
Yes, I know, I shouldn't be proud, but I do own a killer goldfish. It all started so innocently, I never saw it coming. Like many homes in Florida, we do not have gutters on our house (yeah, I know weird). We do however have a couple places in the front of the house where water pours off the roof when it rains due to the elevation and gables on the roof. I of course, decided to put a rain barrel there. I have prices commercial rain barrels and they cost entirely too much, so I used a barrel that had been used to add rust remover to our irrigation system. We had not been using the rust remover for quite some time because it cost too much (over $30 per month). We just deal with the rust. So, I had an empty barrel and I decided to use it.
The barrel did not have a screen top and I did not want to deal with the clogging of the screen and all that stuff, so I decided to put fish in the barrel to eat any mosquito larvae that were in the barrel. I initially bought 3 goldfish and 1 plecostomus. Over a period of time, all but 1 goldfish died from what I assumed was a lack of oxygen since there was beginning to be algae buildup in barrel with the lack of rain. I added some unchlorinated water occasionally through the drought we experienced early on in the summer and the lonesome single goldfish survived. We even went on vacations for for a week at a time on 2 different occasions, and the goldfish still survived.
So, here we are in our rainy season and I decided to add some more fish to the barrel to accompany the single survivor. Last week I added 1 goldfish and another plecostomus. The new goldfish died within 2 days. When I retrieved the dead goldfish from the barrel, it looked like he had been chewed on a little bit. I lectured the bigger goldfish (the survivor goldfish is getting big) as I saw him badgering the plecostomus as well. Yesterday, I checked on the fish and the plecostomus is no longer with us. I am back to having a single goldfish in the barrel, the original survivor. I know he killed the other fish, and I am at peace with that. He probably would not have survived this long if he did not have that killer instinct.
John thinks we should put an African cichlid in the barrel and see if the goldfish could survive that, but I won't let him do it. The goldfish does not even eat the fish food I put in the barrel because he prefers the bugs and larvae that are in the barrel. He is growing at a steady pace, so he is definitely eating a lot.
The barrel did not have a screen top and I did not want to deal with the clogging of the screen and all that stuff, so I decided to put fish in the barrel to eat any mosquito larvae that were in the barrel. I initially bought 3 goldfish and 1 plecostomus. Over a period of time, all but 1 goldfish died from what I assumed was a lack of oxygen since there was beginning to be algae buildup in barrel with the lack of rain. I added some unchlorinated water occasionally through the drought we experienced early on in the summer and the lonesome single goldfish survived. We even went on vacations for for a week at a time on 2 different occasions, and the goldfish still survived.
So, here we are in our rainy season and I decided to add some more fish to the barrel to accompany the single survivor. Last week I added 1 goldfish and another plecostomus. The new goldfish died within 2 days. When I retrieved the dead goldfish from the barrel, it looked like he had been chewed on a little bit. I lectured the bigger goldfish (the survivor goldfish is getting big) as I saw him badgering the plecostomus as well. Yesterday, I checked on the fish and the plecostomus is no longer with us. I am back to having a single goldfish in the barrel, the original survivor. I know he killed the other fish, and I am at peace with that. He probably would not have survived this long if he did not have that killer instinct.
John thinks we should put an African cichlid in the barrel and see if the goldfish could survive that, but I won't let him do it. The goldfish does not even eat the fish food I put in the barrel because he prefers the bugs and larvae that are in the barrel. He is growing at a steady pace, so he is definitely eating a lot.
Thursday, August 18, 2011
I am the Worst Golfer Ever
Yesterday, John and I took my teenage son golfing. My son is interested in learning and I paid for a golf lesson for the two kids last week (only $25). So, I asked John if he could take some time off work so we can take my son golfing.
We could not set our tee time until I dropped my daughter off at school, which is across town. The middle schools here start at 9:30 (yes, I know, really late), so I drop her off about 9:00, so we set a tee time at 9:40. Which of course is very late for here in steamy Florida.
Let me state that I never picked up a golf club until John and I got together. Growing up in Kentucky, I never knew anybody that played golf and when I was married my husband was one of those that didn't think women should golf (what was I thinking being with him, right?). So, John had the privilege of trying to teach me golf. So, let's just say that I suck at it, though I do enjoy it. And, really, I don't have any problem laughing at myself if everyone else can deal with some stray (not so nice) words that escape my lips. Yesterday however, was the first time I had played golf in over 3 years, so I was especially bad.
My son did pretty well. He had a rough start, but nothing as bad as yours truly. Then he got some advice from John and started playing okay with the occasional whiff or bad shot sprinkled with great shots in between. Meanwhile, I think I snarled at John not to give me advice because I don't like to be lectured and I received one of the best workouts I have had in a while. Really, golf is a great workout when you are taking 5 swings for every 1 that everyone else is taking. Did I mention that it was in the 90's and humid, so I got a great detox at the same time. It was win/win all around.
I did have to deal with my son laughing at me trying to play golf, but hey, that is life. I think I set a good example since I did not give up, even though I was obviously struggling. If only the kids had that same attitude. And besides, I got to get exercise (a lot) while enjoying nature (golf courses really are beautiful). I did see a bunny, several types of birds including at least 2 types of cranes, and 1 alligator that was about 7 feet long. That is one thing about golfing in Florida, you have to be careful approaching the water hazards because most of the golf courses I have been to have gators in their ponds and lakes. I usually make sure I have someone as backup with a golf club in hand when I get near the water's edge.
Maybe some day, I will actually pay for golf lessons for myself. I am sure they are much more expensive for adults. The cheap price I paid is for a junior lesson. By the way, if your kids want to play golf, check into whether the courses in your area give discount prices for juniors. I paid $10.60 per kid for them to join the YGA for the year so they can get discount golf prices. In season our local course charges the YGA members $10 and off season (summer here) it's $5. I am hoping that my son gets good enough that he will just meet friends at the golf course. He is 15 and has a 16 year old friend that golfs. I told him they should go and if his friend is a member of YGA, it will only be $5 each to golf and his friend could even get a cart and they could split that cost which is only about $10. So, for $10 each, they could golf with a cart. It doesn't get any better than that.
We could not set our tee time until I dropped my daughter off at school, which is across town. The middle schools here start at 9:30 (yes, I know, really late), so I drop her off about 9:00, so we set a tee time at 9:40. Which of course is very late for here in steamy Florida.
Let me state that I never picked up a golf club until John and I got together. Growing up in Kentucky, I never knew anybody that played golf and when I was married my husband was one of those that didn't think women should golf (what was I thinking being with him, right?). So, John had the privilege of trying to teach me golf. So, let's just say that I suck at it, though I do enjoy it. And, really, I don't have any problem laughing at myself if everyone else can deal with some stray (not so nice) words that escape my lips. Yesterday however, was the first time I had played golf in over 3 years, so I was especially bad.
My son did pretty well. He had a rough start, but nothing as bad as yours truly. Then he got some advice from John and started playing okay with the occasional whiff or bad shot sprinkled with great shots in between. Meanwhile, I think I snarled at John not to give me advice because I don't like to be lectured and I received one of the best workouts I have had in a while. Really, golf is a great workout when you are taking 5 swings for every 1 that everyone else is taking. Did I mention that it was in the 90's and humid, so I got a great detox at the same time. It was win/win all around.
I did have to deal with my son laughing at me trying to play golf, but hey, that is life. I think I set a good example since I did not give up, even though I was obviously struggling. If only the kids had that same attitude. And besides, I got to get exercise (a lot) while enjoying nature (golf courses really are beautiful). I did see a bunny, several types of birds including at least 2 types of cranes, and 1 alligator that was about 7 feet long. That is one thing about golfing in Florida, you have to be careful approaching the water hazards because most of the golf courses I have been to have gators in their ponds and lakes. I usually make sure I have someone as backup with a golf club in hand when I get near the water's edge.
Maybe some day, I will actually pay for golf lessons for myself. I am sure they are much more expensive for adults. The cheap price I paid is for a junior lesson. By the way, if your kids want to play golf, check into whether the courses in your area give discount prices for juniors. I paid $10.60 per kid for them to join the YGA for the year so they can get discount golf prices. In season our local course charges the YGA members $10 and off season (summer here) it's $5. I am hoping that my son gets good enough that he will just meet friends at the golf course. He is 15 and has a 16 year old friend that golfs. I told him they should go and if his friend is a member of YGA, it will only be $5 each to golf and his friend could even get a cart and they could split that cost which is only about $10. So, for $10 each, they could golf with a cart. It doesn't get any better than that.
Monday, August 15, 2011
Soccer Tournament
My daughter was in a soccer tournament this past weekend with the boys team. They are a U13 team and played two U14 teams and one U15 team. Needless to say all the games were blowouts. I think overall that it was a good experience though.
The boys games are much faster than the girls games, so my daughter really got pushed into keeping up with the older boys. I must say that she did great, though she is complaining that she is sore now. Also the boys are much more aggressive, so the girls really had to hold their own to not get pushed off the ball. Also, my daughter was thrilled that she got to play some offense too. On the girls team she is a defender, though she only played offense until last year, and they never give her a chance at offense.
Overall the team did pretty well, considering the age and size difference. You could really see the development of the team from the first game of the tournament to the last game though, and that was what we were looking for.
Next weekend the girls are in their own tournament against girls in their own age group. I think the 4 girls that played with the boys will be astonished at how how much slower the girls teams are compared to the boys teams. Hopefully they will do well. In the meantime, my daughter will be struggling with 3 soccer practices this week and 5 days of P.E. at school with sore legs. I told her I will sign her up for an iron woman competition soon...lol.
The boys games are much faster than the girls games, so my daughter really got pushed into keeping up with the older boys. I must say that she did great, though she is complaining that she is sore now. Also the boys are much more aggressive, so the girls really had to hold their own to not get pushed off the ball. Also, my daughter was thrilled that she got to play some offense too. On the girls team she is a defender, though she only played offense until last year, and they never give her a chance at offense.
Overall the team did pretty well, considering the age and size difference. You could really see the development of the team from the first game of the tournament to the last game though, and that was what we were looking for.
Next weekend the girls are in their own tournament against girls in their own age group. I think the 4 girls that played with the boys will be astonished at how how much slower the girls teams are compared to the boys teams. Hopefully they will do well. In the meantime, my daughter will be struggling with 3 soccer practices this week and 5 days of P.E. at school with sore legs. I told her I will sign her up for an iron woman competition soon...lol.
Friday, August 12, 2011
Teaching My Son To Drive
My son received his learner's permit for driving this week. I took him out yesterday for his first drive. We have a park on the west side of town that is huge but rarely used during the day. We went there and he drove for about 30 minutes or more. He did well and only scared mom once.
I still can't believe that my son is learning to drive. It seems like not too long ago he was in kindergarten. They grow up son fast. To think that he will be off to college in 3 years is heartbreaking. In the meantime though, I guess we have more driving lessons to complete.
I still can't believe that my son is learning to drive. It seems like not too long ago he was in kindergarten. They grow up son fast. To think that he will be off to college in 3 years is heartbreaking. In the meantime though, I guess we have more driving lessons to complete.
Thursday, August 11, 2011
Feel Like My Life is Scheduled Around Soccer
My daughter started soccer practice for her U13 girls comp team in July. Then the boys U13 team asked if any of the girls wanted to play for them too so that they could have a complete roster. I guess I should have said no, but I didn't so my daughter is now on both U13 teams (girls & boys).
The girls have practice twice a week and we are attending one boys' practice a week, that makes 3 days a week my daughter is practicing. When it comes to game time, she will have 2 games every weekend. This weekend however, the boys have a tournament, so we will be at that. The weird thing I just found out though is that somehow the boys are in the U15 bracket for the tournament. So, not only is my daughter going to be playing against boys, but 13 & 14 year olds. That totally does not make sense to me. I guess it will be interesting to say the least. I guess I should be glad that my daughter is not a little tiny girl like the 2 of the other girls on the team that are all of 80 or 90 pounds. I totally cannot imagine them up against the bigger boys.
The girls have practice twice a week and we are attending one boys' practice a week, that makes 3 days a week my daughter is practicing. When it comes to game time, she will have 2 games every weekend. This weekend however, the boys have a tournament, so we will be at that. The weird thing I just found out though is that somehow the boys are in the U15 bracket for the tournament. So, not only is my daughter going to be playing against boys, but 13 & 14 year olds. That totally does not make sense to me. I guess it will be interesting to say the least. I guess I should be glad that my daughter is not a little tiny girl like the 2 of the other girls on the team that are all of 80 or 90 pounds. I totally cannot imagine them up against the bigger boys.
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
Back To School for My Daughter
Today is back to school for my daughter. She is in 7th grade and starts middle school today. I am going through the whole trauma of my baby growing up. Did I mention that this is the first time she can wear makeup too? Yes, my little girl will be wearing makeup to school...Lord help me. Granted, she is only allowed to wear light color eyeshadow and no foundation or eyeliner is allowed (gotta save something for high school).
I must say she is a little excited about going to her new school though. She got accepted into a special academic program at a school that we are out of area for, so she will not be moving on with all her friends from elementary school. She does know a few kids that are going to this school (mostly from soccer), so at least she will know some there. That bad news is that I will have to drive her to and from school every day. The closest bus stop is 4.7 miles from the house and the school is only 6.6 miles away, so I will be driving her. Seems like I really have to find a way to work from home if I am going to be carting 2 kids to 2 different schools everyday.
My son however does not start school until the 22nd. I guess I get to spend some time with him, which will be really nice.
I must say she is a little excited about going to her new school though. She got accepted into a special academic program at a school that we are out of area for, so she will not be moving on with all her friends from elementary school. She does know a few kids that are going to this school (mostly from soccer), so at least she will know some there. That bad news is that I will have to drive her to and from school every day. The closest bus stop is 4.7 miles from the house and the school is only 6.6 miles away, so I will be driving her. Seems like I really have to find a way to work from home if I am going to be carting 2 kids to 2 different schools everyday.
My son however does not start school until the 22nd. I guess I get to spend some time with him, which will be really nice.
Sunday, August 7, 2011
The Kids Come Home Tonight
I am so excited, the kids come home tonight. I have not seen them since July 24th. I was planning on making homemade chicken and dumplings, but found out they will not be home in time for dinner, so that will have to wait until tomorrow. John thinks that I am crazy because I miss the kids so much and his mom told me last time I saw her that I should be "over that" by now. I don't think I will ever be over missing my kids when they are not home.
I did pick up an ice cream cake since I didn't see my son for his birthday. Nothing like an ice cream cake in the heat of summer. I still have to take him shopping for his birthday present as well. We have plenty of time though because he does not go back to school until the 22nd of August. My daughter however, starts back to school this Wednesday. Tomorrow I have to take her to orientation and buy P.E. uniform and find out if there is a bus stop close by. We are hoping that she can be a bus rider. Since we are out of area for this school though, our chances are not too good that there will be a bus offered nearby.
I did pick up an ice cream cake since I didn't see my son for his birthday. Nothing like an ice cream cake in the heat of summer. I still have to take him shopping for his birthday present as well. We have plenty of time though because he does not go back to school until the 22nd of August. My daughter however, starts back to school this Wednesday. Tomorrow I have to take her to orientation and buy P.E. uniform and find out if there is a bus stop close by. We are hoping that she can be a bus rider. Since we are out of area for this school though, our chances are not too good that there will be a bus offered nearby.
Saturday, August 6, 2011
Worm Composter
I pulled out my worm composter today and got some worms from a local bait shop to start it back up again. I used to have worms in my composter but they died in the heat of the summer last year. This time I am trying good ole Florida earthworms rather than red wrigglers since the regular wrigglers can take heat better. John won't let me keep the worms in the house or else it wouldn't matter.
I decided I need to start my composter back up since I have all the new trees that will need compost and the standing compost piles I have just take too long to produce. The worm bin is much faster and actually produces a better product. We will see how the regular wrigglers do since I know the red wrigglers are the suggested worms since they eat so much. Also, I am starting with just a pint rather than a whole pound of worms that I started with last time, so it will take time to build my worm population back up again.
The good news is that these worms are bigger, so they are easier to use for bait. I figure at the very least, if I can't find a job, I can sell worms to bait shops and the compost at the farmer's market along with fruit. See, there is a master plan in the works.
I decided I need to start my composter back up since I have all the new trees that will need compost and the standing compost piles I have just take too long to produce. The worm bin is much faster and actually produces a better product. We will see how the regular wrigglers do since I know the red wrigglers are the suggested worms since they eat so much. Also, I am starting with just a pint rather than a whole pound of worms that I started with last time, so it will take time to build my worm population back up again.
The good news is that these worms are bigger, so they are easier to use for bait. I figure at the very least, if I can't find a job, I can sell worms to bait shops and the compost at the farmer's market along with fruit. See, there is a master plan in the works.
Thursday, August 4, 2011
Getting Ready for Emily
Spent the day yesterday trying to figure out how to protect my new trees from tropical storm Emily that may breeze by. I was trying to find burlap sacks to cover the trees with so that the winds do not strip them of the leaves, but I was unsuccessful on that front. I finally decided to to buy drawstring mesh laundry bags at the dollar store for the job. I think they will work perfectly. Why didn't I think that earlier.
I ended up planting another avocado tree yesterday. I was reading more about avocados and learned that avocados do better with cross pollination, so I got another tree. This one is a Haas variety, so it should be more flavorful that my Marcus pumpkin that I planted. So, at least I will have two different types, I can't wait for them to fruit.
I also planted some parsley that I had in a pot so that I don't have to worry about bringing that pot in during the storm. I hope my parsley does well in the ground. We cleaned off the porch and secured everything so that it can all deal with high winds. Gee, I just love a good tropical storm (note the sarcasm).
It just started raining outside, it sounds like a monsoon. Nothing like wet weather before the tropical storm even arrives. At least my banana trees will be really happy since they love rain.
I ended up planting another avocado tree yesterday. I was reading more about avocados and learned that avocados do better with cross pollination, so I got another tree. This one is a Haas variety, so it should be more flavorful that my Marcus pumpkin that I planted. So, at least I will have two different types, I can't wait for them to fruit.
I also planted some parsley that I had in a pot so that I don't have to worry about bringing that pot in during the storm. I hope my parsley does well in the ground. We cleaned off the porch and secured everything so that it can all deal with high winds. Gee, I just love a good tropical storm (note the sarcasm).
It just started raining outside, it sounds like a monsoon. Nothing like wet weather before the tropical storm even arrives. At least my banana trees will be really happy since they love rain.
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
More Gardening Today
John and I cleared out part of the field behind our house and I planted 4 banana trees and elephant ears. The banana trees are really small, so I am hoping they survive. I have had banana trees before but have never gotten bananas on them. I will be crossing my fingers this time.
I did price orange trees today at home depot. So, I still want to plant an orange tree, grapefruit, nectarine a loquat, papaya and possibly another lemon. All I will need to do then is grow some watermelon and cantaloupe and I will never have to buy fruit again. Wouldn't that be nice. At this rate, I may be opening a booth at one of the local farmer's markets in the next couple of years.
I did price orange trees today at home depot. So, I still want to plant an orange tree, grapefruit, nectarine a loquat, papaya and possibly another lemon. All I will need to do then is grow some watermelon and cantaloupe and I will never have to buy fruit again. Wouldn't that be nice. At this rate, I may be opening a booth at one of the local farmer's markets in the next couple of years.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)