I really enjoyed the mild winter. Spring has definitely come early. We didn’t even have the customary last hard freeze in early March. Eighty degree temperatures in January, and 90 degree temperatures in March have really messed with everyone’s brain.
While the animals’ biological cycles are driven by the length of the daylight, plants and bugs are driven by the temperature of the ground. So, the animals and plants and bugs are out of sync.
I spent most of February getting the garden boxes ready, and even put in some plants. My husband and I started turning the garden over and getting the amendments ready to put in. It seemed we were ahead of schedule.
Two weekends ago we finished the garden prep and planted some plants and put in some seeds. We restrung the electric fence, and rearmed the motion sensor water squirters to keep birds and cats out of the garden.
Sure enough, the very next night the temperature dropped to 32 degrees. All of our tomato plants died. Over the next few days, we added a few more seeds to the garden. Last weekend, we replaced the tomato plants.
Since the garden was done, I pulled a few weeds in the flowerbeds and then turned my attention to the fish pond in our courtyard area. Last summer I accidentally killed all the fish in the fish pond. I had been having a lot of problems with algae and pH level so, after I killed all the fish, I drained it completely out and cleaned it up; unfortunately, I never got around to finishing.
I was thinking about getting a new filtration system, and even rigging up a water filter for the outside spigot to remove any chemicals in the water. I used to just use well water in the fish pond, but during the 4 year draught I had mostly used tap water. That’s how I killed the fish; I used too much tap water.
Last weekend, I decided it was time to resurrect the fish pond. I am keeping the old filter and pump, but had to get all new plants. I know it will take a while for the pond to able to support fish, so I cleaned out all the dirt and sediment and then filled it with tap water. I will put in the plants once they arrive (some are on their way to me as I write).
Once the plants are established, and I verify that the water has the right levels of pH, ammonia, hardness, etc. then I will buy fish. I love the ones that have a fancy tail and large head. They are considered goldfish, I believe, but they get bigger than regular goldfish. I don’t have koi because they get too big.
In the last 2 weeks, I have noticed grasshoppers starting to appear. Needless to say, I am not happy about this; they are way too early. Grasshoppers had destroyed our garden (and flowerbeds) for the last several years. Determined to protect the plants in my garden boxes, I bought netting to put over the boxes that will keep the grasshoppers out.
I will make a form fitted cover of netting for each of my 3 boxes. I have already started making them. The problem is that I thought I had more time to figure out the best way to design them so that it allows me to get into the vegetables while keeping the grasshoppers out.
People may say that I over-engineer things, but I make things for my convenience, not only for now but also for the future. Make it right, make it once! (Pause) I just had an epiphany! Oh yes, this design is coming together!
By the way, my daughter’s dog, Sadie, seems to have fully recovered from her surgery. She has gone back to live with my daughter. Sadie looks like she has gained a few years of her life back; she is happier and more energetic now; we are thrilled. She must have been feeling bad for a while.
At some point soon, I should start putting my Christmas decorations away. Yes, you read that right. I still have all my Christmas decorations up, including a wreath on the door and lights on the house. Let’s just say that it hasn’t been high on my priority list.
I got to spend two days with my daughter the week before last. She went with me to a business women’s social, but we also had time to hang out together and catch up. Before and after the meeting, we ran around downtown Fort Worth enjoying some local fare. It was such a nice time.
I forgot to mention that I went fishing last Saturday. My husband, his son, and our daughter in law went out on the boat. We hadn’t done that together in over a year. We only brought home two fish, but we had lots of fun; it was beautiful day to be on the lake.
I always have an abundance to do, but time with family takes precedence over everything else. So please forgive me for missing last week’s post. In next week’s post, I will tell you what else I have been up to.
Have a great weekend!
Galatians 6:10 Therefore, whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone—especially to those in the family of faith.
