tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36706094725768874052024-03-12T18:43:26.252-07:00Cottage VineyardThe home management blog of a 1920's cottageUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger262125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3670609472576887405.post-73422444306901704982017-06-27T08:19:00.001-07:002017-06-27T08:19:34.109-07:00A Thriving VineHere at the vineyard, we are going very small scale. We are down to one vine. The north vine was transplanted, yet did not survive. It took the first year, but I suspect the neighbor's Round Up killed it after the second year. She has been quite vigorous in her application of the pesticide, and does not share our organic sensibilities. She also does not desire any greenery along our shared fence. I can understand, as the previous owners allowed ivy to grow unchecked. We keep our vine tended. As a vineyard lover, I see only beauty in grape vines. I understand that others do not.<br />
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Our south vine is thriving. This year, we have 65 bunches of grapes. Most of them are eaten by growing children or by birds. I don't mind in the slightest. Grapes that grow along the fence are there for the gleaning. First fruits are offered freely. One day, we'll have 14 vines in the space available, but for now, I'll share single vine with all other creatures.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3670609472576887405.post-51266652407214098602014-04-21T14:23:00.000-07:002014-04-21T14:23:42.860-07:00The Successful Results From PruningLast winter, I pruned the vines, in hopes that they would grow stronger. The new growth I see demonstrates the wisdom of pruning. The new growth is heartier and more lush than this time last year. We had a harsher and longer winter. There's been less time for growth, yet it's healthy growth.<br />
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I think of what I've been growing through myself. I had fast growth, but my own stems were thin. I needed to be pruned back. I pruned myself. I denied myself my desires. Then, I allowed time to grow stronger and heartier. I've been rewarded beyond my wildest dreams. I know that I'll receive even more in the months to come.<br />
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When we open our hearts to getting our needs met, sometimes it actually happens. We have to have faith that pruning helps with growth. Untempered growth isn't a solid foundation for the growth yet to come. Some growth is fast. Some pruning is destructive. But, most of the time, well tended, well paced growth precedes the fulfillment of future bounty.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3670609472576887405.post-30862770155809121922014-04-07T18:06:00.000-07:002014-04-07T18:06:40.921-07:00The Wisdom of the ArchbishopI decided to make a very subtle change here at the Cottage Vineyard. Most people may never notice it. However, it was time. I can no longer support certain ideals. I listened to the Archbishop, and encourage you to do, as well. I deeply respect his guidance.<br />
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Everything we say here goes around the world.<br />
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We have to listen incredibly carefully. We have to work out what we do. Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3670609472576887405.post-27890374966547291772014-03-10T17:50:00.000-07:002014-03-10T17:50:26.033-07:00Scaling Back To VinesThis year, I'm contemplating keeping the vineyard without the garden. I am considering whether gardening is physically good for me, or contraindicated. I will see a new physician in April, but this may be too late for getting the garden started. I would love to expand the garden, rather than scale back. The vineyard won't change. Both vines are established. Maintaining a micro vineyard is easy. Now that pruning has tamed the vines, I don't have much to do this year but watch them succeed. I hope to hear that gardening is fine, and that April doesn't prove too late for planting.<br />
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Another consideration I have is my writing. For a year, this blog has not been my primary focus. I am writing elsewhere. I love this work, and am seeing progress of my writing career. No longer is blogging my primary writing expression. The work load increases, and so does my satisfaction. Writing is perfect for the medical concerns I'm facing. It's flexible in scheduling, and can be done without too much physical exertion. Nor, do I have to sit for hours on end like previous desk jobs I've had. However, time spent writing is not time spent gardening. As the boys grow older, I find less time to garden, as well. Perhaps with the warm weather, it will be a way to supervise them. I'd love to pass on the love of both gardening, and good, solid work to them. I'm sure I will, but it may not be directly by my own hands. I will need the fresh air and sunshine. For now, March will be a waiting time, instead of preparing and planting.<br />
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Either way, neither the cottage vineyard, nor the Cottage Vineyard blog will be going anywhere.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3670609472576887405.post-38866869915022161452014-02-06T17:22:00.000-08:002014-02-06T17:22:24.828-08:00PrunedI pruned the vines at the end of January. I now wait for the spring growth. We have a dusting of snow. I realized while pruning that last year's growth was far more aggressive than I realized. The term "cottage vineyard" took a bit too real of a meaning. The north vine grew into the siding of the house. Oh my. I successfully removed it. Now, I'll pay more attention to training the vines.<br />
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I still have to remove the dead vines from the fence. I didn't leave enough time for removal during the pruning. I did discover how much the garden has overgrown in the fall. I may have to do more work come March Saturdays than I had hoped.<br />
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Fortunately, for my writing, my time for gardening has dramatically reduced. My work grows beyond my ability to blog. I'm writing so much for my other work, that I barely have time for the cottage, much less blogging about the cottage and the garden. I'm rather satisfied.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3670609472576887405.post-25653811058479248932014-01-06T13:51:00.001-08:002014-01-06T13:51:52.610-08:00Pruning SeasonI have pruning this month. I know it's the right thing to do, but I have been hesitant. Mostly, it's been my own physical adjustment to what I should and shouldn't do. I know that in the next Saturday or two, I need to lop off much of their growth. It's for their own good. Both vines will thrive once they have their needs met. <div>
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I appreciate the metaphor for human lives as well. When we are pruned, we grow back healthier and hardier than if our growth was unchecked. We thicken our roots and our trunks. We don't overburden our outstretched limbs by too much growth, too soon. It hurts for humans. We feel as if we have taken a step backwards. Instead, we will grow our new branches faster and better than we grew the first ones. Somehow, we remember the things that worked. Sometimes, we remember the lessons learned and don't make the mistakes of growing in the wrong directions a second time. No matter what, pruning is as good for humans as it is for vines.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3670609472576887405.post-64359430872900569742013-12-08T15:35:00.001-08:002013-12-08T15:35:59.330-08:00Ice on the VinesMy vines are coated in ice. When it thaws, all the leaves will be gone, and I'll prune. It's a beautiful sight to see them glistening in the evening light.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3670609472576887405.post-20902493988250252342013-12-03T15:47:00.000-08:002013-12-03T15:47:05.996-08:00Waiting to PruneI will prune my vines for the first time this year. The last few leaves are clinging. Once they fall, I will prune vigorously both of the vines. For now, I'm enjoying resting. We've had several challenges with the family this fall. I haven't had the emotional energy to do more than wait for the next cycle.<br />
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The two younger children were begging to plant carrots this afternoon. I took the opportunity to explain to them the seasons of the year. I taught them about planting seasons versus dormant seasons. Even though the garden isn't producing vegetables, it is producing educational opportunities for my children. And, for that, I'm thankful.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3670609472576887405.post-54277168601121902022013-10-21T18:32:00.000-07:002013-10-21T18:32:06.611-07:00As The Grape Leaves FallI will be pruning the grape vines heavily this winter. I wait for the leaves to completely fall before I attempt any work. I did not harvest any grapes this year. The north vine produced wonderfully, but life intervened. I was too preoccupied with other tasks at hand to worry with the fruit. The vine was healthy enough this year to bear fruit. That is enough. The children took preeminence. They required more involved care this summer. <br />
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I am happy with things, though. I needed this season, just as it was. I don't serve the garden. It serves me. I work their for my own pleasure. The grapes are their own beauty. One year or one season without maximum productivity does not diminish their worth in any way. They can grow, produce and not be harvested. Next year, they may grow yet further. They might not bear as much fruit. They still have worth.<br />
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I love my garden, just as it is. It does not exist to show off to the world. It exists to be my joy.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3670609472576887405.post-60479858301059369902013-09-25T13:46:00.001-07:002013-09-25T13:46:09.076-07:00Deciding Against an Autumn GardenAfter much deliberation, I decided against an autumn garden this year. We are homeschooling the eldest child, and busy with other tasks here at the Cottage. I used to have Saturday mornings for my gardening. Earlier this year, we had to change our schedule during the week. Now, I have to accomplish errands on Saturday mornings, instead of getting them done during the week. The boys are older, besides. We've had birthday parties and fun events for them on Saturdays. I find the window for gardening has closed in a way I hadn't expected.<br />
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Also, I've discovered that I enjoy writing far more than as a hobby or organizational tool. I have been writing professionally. Between homeschooling, caring for the children, the home and writing part time. I no longer have the energy for two gardens per year. The autumn is a busier time than the spring as far as lesson plans. I am in no way giving up my Cottage Vineyard or the blog, but I am scaling back on the veggies and flowers.<br />
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The garden is still producing, despite my neglect. The beets are flourishing as ever. The garlic chives continue to expand. My spinach survived the summer heat. All the other plants have either died or been harvested. The grapes thrive. I will be pruning them severely this winter, in hopes of having an even heartier season next year.<br />
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My roses have also been pruned, by order of the city. They were overgrown. Due to the children's needs over the winter, I was unable to prune them as needed back in the winter. They grew over the limits allowed by city ordinance. I hope all of them come back from the pruning even healthier, especially our Old Lady.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3670609472576887405.post-62168211546506498892013-09-05T20:09:00.001-07:002013-09-05T20:14:52.788-07:00The Tiny LifeHere at the Cottage, we are not in for the <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/09/04/tiny-home-infographic-mortage_n_3867269.html">Tiny Life.</a> But, we are one step above it. At 1100 square feet, we are half the average of a new home in the United States. Across the world, <a href="http://shrinkthatfootprint.com/how-big-is-a-house">we are well above average.</a> Five people in a three bedroom, one bath home is plenty. With a garden - no, with a vineyard and swing set and play yard <i>and</i> a small garden, we have one happy family.<br />
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Tiny life is for another set. We are not about those extremes, as appealing as they may be from one perspective. Cottage is quaint. Cottage is old-fashioned. Cottage is historic preservation. We are not here for a radical statement against social norms (in most things.) Our cottage life is not about testing the limits of comfort or solace. We are a normal family as far as our home is concerned. Here at the Cottage, we conform to many aspects of normal life, even though we make tweak at the edges.<br />
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Cottage is warm, comforting and authentic. Cottage is not making a radical political or social statement. Cottage is good. Cottage is hospitality. Our little home is a loving place to be.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3670609472576887405.post-25340903472499544762013-08-19T07:46:00.000-07:002013-08-19T07:46:11.448-07:00A Late Summer Lull In Gardening ActivityThe fall garden is just around the corner. <i>Planting </i>the fall garden is just around the corner. For the next few days, we have the remnants of summer. The carrots continue to progress slowly. The parsley plant is small, but hanging on to life. I'm enjoying this quiet, and the absence of pressure to get out there and work. If I don't get the seeds into the ground by the end of August, I won't have a season for the next few months. I will have to make due with tending the remaining spinach plant, keeping the beets thriving and thinning the garlic chives.<br />
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There won't be a grape harvest this year. None of the bunches survived, and I'm not sure why. The south plant grew voraciously, but didn't produce. The glorious abundance of the north vine assures me that the fault in harvesting is all mine. Had I known better how to manage it, I would have had more lessons to learn this year. I'll be more prepared next year to harvest. I was too focused on getting ahead with planting new vines, rather than managing the two I have. For now, I'm going to allow them their autumn. After the leaves drop off, I'll prune them heavily. I didn't last year for fear of killing them before they were established enough. Now, I know they are ready. I'll spend some time over their dormant months reading about what comes next for my vineyard. The hesitancy is passed. The feeling that it's so fragile and easily destroyed is behind us.<br />
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So it is with our boys. I'm posting more about them on another blog these days. As far as the vineyard is concerned, our boys growth parallels nicely. We have a delightful - and concurrent metaphor - in both the boys and the vines.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3670609472576887405.post-25801402296508699142013-08-15T18:54:00.000-07:002013-08-15T18:54:12.641-07:00The New Look of the Cottage VineyardIt was time for something fresh and new. Do you like the new format?Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3670609472576887405.post-45342408987453079762013-08-12T14:20:00.002-07:002013-08-12T14:20:41.623-07:00A Heavy Pruning After The Seed HarvestLate last week, I harvested with a vengeance. I gathered all the beet seed that I desired. I refrained from harvesting every last seed. I didn't think the return on my time would be worth it. I pulled up all the coriander, plants and all. The spinach seeds went who-knows-where. I don't know if they were eaten or if they fell off. The collard seed held no interest for me. I put the two bowls of seed in the kitchen and let them dry for a couple of days before I put them up into the pantry for long term storage.<br />
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Then, on Saturday, I took the loppers and attended to the garden. I was merciless against the collard plant. I didn't hesitate to pull up garlic chives along with weeds. I lopped off most of the beet tops, seeds and all. The compost pile was full. The only thing remaining lush is the grape vines. It feels so good to see the garden appearing loved. It's not a picture perfect place. It's still a working vegetable (and fruit) patch, not a display for flowers. I'm thrilled. I love caring for things. I love the work itself. It does me good.<br />
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The garden doesn't really care whether I care for it. The plants grow one way or another. My efforts in some ways are just a challenge for them, not a destruction (unless you ask the coriander.) The garden will improve even if it doesn't know what I'm doing is good for them. If only everything I loved were such an experience.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3670609472576887405.post-36004970517442553712013-07-31T13:32:00.002-07:002013-07-31T13:32:58.486-07:00A Wild Place, With Dried GrapesI am not quite sure what happened to my grapes, although I know very well what happened to my garden. I allowed it to go to seed, as I posted previously. Apparently, my grapes decided to go straight to seed as well. They are either green and lush - weeks away from ripening, or they are seeds, no fruit in sight. I wonder if the fruit was eaten. Perhaps the heat turned the fruit to raisins. The vines look wonderful. I am amazed how much better the north vine looks this year than I expected it to look. I will definitely be more prepared to cultivate it next year. I dream of expanding our vineyard beyond it's little space, as I see how well, if how wild, my grapes progress.<br />
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The garden must so offend all who see it. It's of no aesthetic pleasure. Only an eye for heirloom seeds would understand how much I love it. I am taken with the abundance of the beet seeds. I only wish I had all the time I need to harvest and prepare them. I am in no hurry. I have a few weeks to attend to the children's needs before it's time to switch to my fall plantings. I have harvesting the current seeds, nurturing carrots, weeding and preparing for planting. It won't look wild for long. Despite it's appearance, it's not truly wild now. It's mature and sage and fertile.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3670609472576887405.post-26631803345978565522013-07-03T18:49:00.000-07:002013-07-03T18:49:38.013-07:00Looking to Keep Heirloom SeedsLooking to the future: I'm watching many of my plants go to seed in the garden. I am so excited over the prospect. I'm not concerned with harvesting the veggies for myself, although I'm sure to have my share. I may not get the cucumber I dreamed of. I may not feast on heirloom zucchini. I pause on my desire for a full platter.<div>
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However, I would love the prospect of sharing my heirloom seeds this year, above my own palate's satisfaction. My garden isn't (merely) my vanity. My garden is about educating the children. It's about preserving a method of gardening nearly extinct. It's for something larger than myself. If all I receive this year from it is the opportunity to share, then my garden is a success. I know that I won't be limited to that. I haven't been already. It will be part of a larger story. This year will be a harvest primarily of seeds. Next winter and spring will be about a season of sharing. For that, I can look forward to a delight. Normally, my season of anticipation is winter for the upcoming summer. This year, my anticipation is in the summer for the upcoming winter.</div>
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Who knows? I don't even have the beginnings of the fall garden yet. 2013 may yet be a remarkable year all around.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3670609472576887405.post-27301403736457777782013-06-28T15:24:00.001-07:002013-06-28T15:32:01.117-07:00The End of the PeasThe peas did not last long this year. Partly, the summer heat after a cool, wet spring was too much for them. It went too hot, too quickly. They couldn't withstand the dramatic weather changes. How wonderful that we were able to get some peas from them.<br />
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By we, I mean my four year old. Ahem - he devoured all but one or two pods. They were fantastic, and I don't blame him. I am delighted that a small child could be so enthusiastic over vegetables. Nonetheless, he essentially destroyed them by harvesting the pods with vigor. Next year, he will be even more a help in planting, weeding and harvesting. Perhaps by then, he'll learn to be gentle enough to allow the plants to survive his efforts.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3670609472576887405.post-43407652075629607802013-06-21T11:32:00.000-07:002013-06-21T11:32:19.086-07:00Italian Parsley - EmergingJust when I was convinced that cilantro was the only herb in the garden this year, I discovered Italian parsley. I almost missed it. I was weeding around the spinach and discovered those distinct leaves. I am enchanted. My carrots are growing well next to the tiny parsley as well. I wouldn't have expected anything in that spot, what with the huge spinach plant blocking the afternoon sun. The spot doesn't have any sun in the morning. Somehow, without being weeded properly, and no sun, this little herb has fought through the odds.<br />
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Alas, the peas were over-adored by the four-year-old. In his excitement, he decimated the plants to harvest the pods. Even if the harvest was smaller than it would have been, I can't imagine a pea harvest being adored more.<br />
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And the grape vine! The vine is heavy with grapes: abundant, glorious grapes. It's extraordinary a plant so small could have flourished so well. I intend to post a photo I've taken, when I get a few spare moments.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3670609472576887405.post-21703974298481712732013-06-07T12:51:00.001-07:002013-06-07T12:51:16.492-07:00Luscious, Juicy Green PeasThe first vegetable harvested and eaten this summer: peas. This week we've enjoyed luscious, juicy green peas. The sublime pleasure of eating raw peas right in the garden has been indulged this year. My four year old has declared peas as his all-time favorite food. He ravenously devoured peas too immature for harvest. He salivated over the fat, juicy ones. After checking every day for weeks to watch them grow, he relished every morsel of his peas.<br />
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The second harvest was a small about of an herb: cilantro. Exactly one of the plants I thought lost was the second to produce for the table. I am delighted that the herb part of the garden is doing well, even if it's just the one. Now, I only need to weed and watch and enjoy the early summer days's growth.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3670609472576887405.post-32080090176990523482013-05-29T12:23:00.000-07:002013-05-29T12:23:49.197-07:00Last Year's Lettuce?It appears that last year's lettuce has reseeded itself. While I was weeding the potatoes, I noticed what looked like dandelions. I pulled up, and realized that it was anything but a dandelion. It was heirloom head lettuce! I haven't planted that variety this year. I only put in one variety of lettuce, and that was in another part of the garden. Somehow, this variety has been waiting in seed form all this time. How I'm going to manage lettuce amongst the potatoes, I have no idea. I'm delighted at the challenge. So even though this year's variety didn't develop, I'll still have home grown lettuce for this summer's salads.<br />
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The carrots continue to amaze. My beets are also progressing. And the peas! They've gone to flower, even the plants that are still short. I'll have pods in a matter of days. I think I'll have a nice amount of cilantro. Perhaps the first cucumber plant will be the only one I have this year. I don't know if I'll be able to plant more basil in the last of spring. I think it's my only disappointment with the garden. All things considered, I can't complain of just one disappointment (and that's not even too late, either.)<br />
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At last, the grapes:I am entranced by the beauty of my lush vines. I can't quite believe how my prayers have been answered here at the Cottage. They have both prospered so well. The north vine is heavy with green grape bunches. I hesitate to think what will happen in the future with them attracting wasps. We'll cross that bridge when we come to it. For now, I'll enjoy the promise fulfilled. We do indeed have a cottage vineyard that actually produces grapes.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3670609472576887405.post-50935736802011976012013-05-21T10:26:00.003-07:002013-05-21T10:26:37.061-07:00Surviving CilantroJust when I thought that all of the herbs had failed to sprout, I discovered burgeoning cilantro. I'll have six plants, so it appears. My garden now seems to be a greater success than I had anticipated. I have space for more lettuce, and I'll try the herbs again. I'll keep trying the lime basil until I have results. I'm so excited over this variety. The vineyard still needs some flowering plants to attract bees.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3670609472576887405.post-90606502113794534192013-05-16T15:57:00.002-07:002013-05-16T15:57:35.183-07:00Replanting Cucumbers and Emerging CarrotsOne of the cucumbers that I planted a few weeks back is established. I expect a cucumber or two by early summer. The down side is that there is no doubt that my four year old decimated the other mounds. I am reconciled to replanting, and hoping that it's not too late in the season. I adore heirloom cucumbers, and would love to show these off to the neighbors. Plus, it's one of the most cost effective plantings that I do in the garden. With cucumbers, I feel that I'm really getting a savings from the family budget.<div>
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The carrots have surprised me with their resilience. Not only did I get one or two, I have two full rows to admire. I planned successive plantings anyway, as appropriate to the species. Now, I can look forward to carrots all summer and fall. Real baby carrots will be a delight as well. I don't recall the last time I had the real thing, as opposed to the mechanically processed baby carrots from the supermarket.</div>
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The herbs and lettuce continue to disappoint. I hope that a second planting or a planting later in 2013 will be more profitable to the Cottage Vineyard table.</div>
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The grapes on the northern vine continue to stun me. I am blown away by its progress. I am inspired to save all those seeds, to have a full working vineyard, years from now. There's nothing like a taste of success to inspire one to work all the harder.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3670609472576887405.post-70359509258724499402013-05-16T15:47:00.003-07:002013-05-16T16:01:35.297-07:00Peas, and All Their GloryThe peas are growing up the fence with a rapid pace. I asked my four year old what was his favorite vegetable from the garden. "Peas!!!" He squealed with delight. I asked him what his second favorite was. "Carrots!" was his reply. We discussed how wonderful it is to grow our vegetables in the garden. His interest now is plums. While that would be wonderful for the vineyard to have plums flavoring the soil (and apricots, too,) I don't think he realizes how much longer he'd have to wait for plums compared to peas. Perhaps I won't have to wait too long myself for such joys, but it won't happen soon. Trees aren't going to grow in our tiny space without sacrificing the children's play space.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3670609472576887405.post-14943171829848671842013-05-09T13:32:00.001-07:002013-05-09T13:32:15.038-07:00Reviewing Quotes from Mary WollestonecraftI spent some time doing a writing exercise this morning, exposition on quotes from Mary Wollestonecraft. It's an old exercise from school, to get the creative juices flowing. I was amazed to discover how my opinion on matters had changed since I had originally transcribed the quotes. I didn't write at all the opinion that I would have expected. I have changed and grown this year. I'm shocked at the judgement and lack of charity I had expected to write. Now, I see life from a more compassionate, more loving point of view. I'm eager to make new friends to help me grow even further. I'm not looking for friends to reinforce my own points of view. I am humbled at how much more love I have to give. I am humbled by how much more I have to learn. I reject my smug condemnation of others, that I embraced even a short few months back. The exercised proved more than just pre-writing creative work. It reflected a position back to myself that I would no longer claim. I wish now to approach life from a place of love and faith.<br />
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Perhaps I will post my exercise from this morning. Perhaps I will use this blog for future exercises. Either way, I see that writing as fitting in here with the gardening posts. It's all part of my journey back to the fold and back home. It's part of my journey learning to love others, as I have been loved.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3670609472576887405.post-90120459302658308672013-05-04T14:51:00.000-07:002013-05-04T14:51:00.708-07:00An Array of SeedlingsSo far in the garden, we have over 30 pea seedlings, about 17 beet seedlings and two cucumber seedlings. The new grape vine has yet to sprout. The herbs appear decimated by the children. Last year's spinach plant is thriving, as is a collard that somehow survived my eradication. The beets from last year are thick and bushy. I didn't eat them all. A plant or two has gone to flower, so I hope to have seeds for myself this year. My garlic chives are doing alright.<br />
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I'll be replanting the herbs, carrots and more lettuce. I can tell if it sprouted or if those are weeds. Regardless, the lettuce and carrots are best with successive plantings, and I prefer my herbs to have successive plantings.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0