My 150 Gallon Life

The next few weeks will consist of transferring garden soil into 150 gallon grow containers. 

There is one section of chain link fencing in the background. There are three other sections scattered around the property. The goal is to fence off the garden with chain link fencing.

My truck bed filled with 10 bags of 50 yard Miracle Gro organic planting soil. A big box retailer priced them at $9.99 a bag. I, among other avid gardeners, were snapping them up heading for a sell out. 

It took 8 bags of soil to fill the 150 gallon grow bag.  Planted here are three tomato plants and one artichoke.

Luckily, I had the foresight to fence the grow area because the deer came through that night and neatly trimmed all the roses of their blooms. 

If the fencing looks a little wonky, it is. I tried to straighten it out. There is the finished tomato pot, and one awaiting more soil. It too has wonky fencing - hey, I tried my best.😏

I received my first gramma training, part of the Grandma Brigade with the grandbaby. There are so many new gadgets for babies like automatic milk warmers and cribs that convert to beds. 

I bought a two person padded lawn chair so I could sit outside with the baby. So far I am scheduled to have one day a week with her. The routine will be flexible depending on my daughter's work and the other gramma's schedules. 

Vegetable Garden Prep

It has been awhile since I found thrift shop art worth highlighting. This piece even had glitter!

The stick figure's expression pretty much sums up my current mood on this project - hopeful. 

Construction debris have been moved to a take-away pile. Part of that is seen in the foreground. Weeds are being pulled out by the roots. It is a race against heat which is heading into the 90s. In MARCH. Ugh. 

The fire pit is comprised of a circle of cement blocks. A  burn permit was obtained to destroy the dry vegetation. Requirements for burning include a 10' diameter around the 4' burn area. 

I am shopping now for above-ground planting containers, (1) Because the soil is too contaminated with God knows what, and (2) ease of access. 

While the vegetable garden is undergoing a transformation, I am also undergoing a change. Recent events of a move and an injury have me questionning everything. I don't want to do any of my previous activities (with the exception of tap dancing but I can't find a teacher now). No eBaying, quilting, sewing, or thrifting (greatly reduced). No art classes (not while my hand is injured - going to rehab). I did have the intention of joining in the April AtoZ Challenge but am on the fence with that right now. The theme reveal image was taken at my previous residence and it doesn't "feel right." 

So readers stick with me, the focus right now is my grandbaby and gardening. I am also totally intrigued by @bigmerla/shorts. She plays rock and metal songs using her kids toys as instruments. I want to do something along those lines for grandbaby Mila. The Grandma Brigade will be activated in April. Care of Mila will be shared by the two grandmas, and another grandmother close to the family. 

Plowing through the estates

The lead off image is a 40+ year old apricot tree that has sprung back to life. It was destined for the burn pile when we noticed it had flowered.  

Nearing the end of organizing my estate, my mother's estate (now gone 4 years), some of my former partner (still living), and some of his daughter's remnants. I am motivated because part of my furniture is in a rented storage unit. The sooner I make room, the better. 

The move to a small 9'x8' bedroom meant there was very little storage. You bet I snapped up the thrift shop find of a $15 IKEA covered wardrobe, still in its box original unopened packaging. I assembed it the same day. 

Here is another image of the apricot tree. While not quite the size of its former glory, I hope it will continue to thrive. The ground was soft enough to place fruit tree fertilizer spikes around the drip line. In the background is a mature walnut tree, a favorite stop-over spot for squirrels. 

This tree survived the hatchet chopping my son inflicted on the trees some 30+ years ago. A cherry tree did not survive that event. 

Just like that apricot tree - I have survived through adversity.