Sunday, April 26, 2009

Home Sweet Home

Yesterday someone told me a story about my Grandmother (on my Dad's side). She said "Do you know the best part of going on vacation?" "What?" They asked. "Going home." my Grandmother said. Well, amen to that. 

I have so many exciting things going on at home, I couldn't wait to get back! And I missed my friends. And Victor too -- he had to leave on Wednesday to do that working thing. 

So last night, the first thing I did when we pulled into the driveway was to inspect my fruit trees. They are starting to blossom! My cherry, peach and apricot trees are out! And perfect timing too! Today I am installing my bees in their new homes! You know I'll be taking pictures for all of you. Because of my hard work before leaving for Florida, my hives are all ready to go. The only thing left to do is to make their sugar syrup -- which must be provided to them because the heavy nectar / pollen flow isn't on yet, and they don't have any honey reserves from which to draw . . . AND they have to make honeycomb for their new hive! 

The second thing I did was to go through to the backyard and investigate my asparagus! Victor had said they were sky high. Well, some were as tall as a foot and a half. I chopped down all of the tall spears and we had ourselves a feast. Asparagus is wonderful with 2-3 cloves of garlic minced on top, olive oil, salt and pepper -- roasted in the oven at 425 degrees for 7-8 minutes. Yum.
I'd also hardened off the contents of my cold frames by leaving the windows in the 'up' position while we were away. They were slightly protected by the box, but still exposed to the chilly night time air. Everything looked happy, especially the lettuce. After a day of traveling and eating less than fabulous food, a late dinner of roasted asparagus and greens with lemon, olive oil, salt and pepper was the perfect thing!
I have so many to do's I can't begin to think of them all! While we were away my raspberry plants came in the mail from Johnny Seeds. Today I will plant those, create my potato 'towers', remove the cold frames altogether from the garden, and oh yeah -- install my bees! All after going to church. It's going to be a full day. I can't wait.  

2 comments:

Bluidshay said...

Good luck with your install today! Ours went swimmingly yesterday. They are out in our yard buzzing away, trying to figure out where it is they live now :).

Unknown said...

a woman after my own heart!! hadn't thought of the bee thing but very interested in it. how will you take care of your peach and apricot trees as far as 'spraying' them. is there anything natural that you can use? wish I could do the hen thing, but not allowed in our neighborhood. maybe I can come up and hang for a couple days, help out and pick your brain??? good to see you enjoying life!!