Focusing on the positive!

It's November 21st, and I've still got greens growing in my cold frame. That big one in the back is definitely ready to eat. I'm so proud that it has worked out so well. I'd really like to see these plants keep growing through the first heavy snow fall, but that might be too much to ask. We'll see...

Misadventures in home-ownership

The short story is this: someone came to our house while we were away and siphoned out all of our home heating oil from our oil tank, and then damaged the tank and the connection to the house. There are no words for how angry I feel. I don't understand why anyone would feel it's appropriate to take something they didn't work hard for. Worse yet, that someone must have watched our house and seen that we just got an oil delivery, and then waited for us to be out. Thankfully, our homeowner's insurance will help with the cost of repairs, but we are now on day two without heat or hot water and it's starting to get a little old. Tomorrow will be a better day.

Window Quilt

I finally finished my first of several planned window quilts. Our house is old (1875) and not well insulated, especially the windows. My mom introduced me to window quilts, which are just like they sound. Mine are nowhere near as aesthetically pleasing as hers...but they will do the job.

Success!

I am so proud to report that I still have greens alive and well in the cold frame. It's November...and I didn't think anything would make it this long. I think I may harvest them tonight or tomorrow for a nice salad.

I took Bunny to the state park today for a nice long walk. It's so nice to romp around in the crunchy leaves and continuously pull acorns and rocks out of her mouth. Ah, the joys of puppy-motherhood.

It's beautiful today. Probably one of the last nice days until the spring...

Happy Halloween!

It's a good night to curl up with a book (or a puppy, in my husband's case) and enjoy the fruits of our labor. Kids never come to our house on Halloween- we're the only house inside of a public park.

I tried out a new recipe today in the slow cooker- Beef Burgundy. It came out wonderful, but I'll try a different wine next time. Oh well, live and learn! My stomach is full and my family is around me. What more could I possibly ask for?

Mushrooms I have known...

Found this beauty in the front yard, proudly growing along the fence. If my Dad was here in Connecticut, I'm sure he'd know exactly what it is. I'd love to know how to identify them as easily as he does Unfortunately, I couldn't let the mushroom stay. I could just see the puppy deciding to taste it, and that just seems like a bad idea to me. Especially since this week we've taken a major step backward in the housebreaking department.

Note to self: clearly mark which seeds have been planted in which pots. I'm honestly not sure right now which of these are spinach and which are mixed lettuce. I'm not sure it even matters at this point, I'm just happy that these little guys have survived the snow flurries and several frosts we've had so far. Like a proud mama, I guess.