My youngest daughter lived in Japan while she was in University and I was always worried about earthquakes while she was there. Even her husband travelled to Japan just a couple of years ago on business. I'm so glad that they are both in Canada right now. The world seems to get smaller and smaller all the time.
I haven't blogged for quite a while as I've been busy and I've been working on my Grandmother 's Trunk Challenge rug. I've got it all designed and actually got quite a bit hooked on it and I've been dyeing wool for it for the last few days and need to dye some more tomorrow because I can't find the colors I need in the amount I need and I don't want to use the ones in my color palette just yet. I don't want to show pictures of that mystery rug yet, not until the after the beginning of April.
This just reminds me that in the beginning of April, I'll be at the Atlantic Fiber Art Retreat in Nova Scotia with my artist daughter and her friends. That should be interesting. I'm looking forward to meeting Sara.
I've set up my grow lights in the spare bathroom upstairs because I can control the heat without having to heat a big room. My husband made these for me a while back and I've used it every year to start my plants. It's not the right type of fixture but I make due with these.
I've started some tiny begonia seeds called Beda Boom and if you look closely, you can see tiny green leaves coming up from the pelleted seeds. The seeds are so very tiny that they need to be coated with a substance to make them more manageable. I've sprinkled the seeds on top and covered the pot wit a plastic bag and put in under the lights at about 80 degree F. the seeds might not all take as some were purchased last year.
Today I planted these sweet pepper sprouted seeds that I had started on March 2nd. I placed some pepper seeds between a dampen paper towel and placed it in a Ziplock bag and placed the plastic bag in a brown paper bag in the family room so it would stay warm near the wood stove.
I scrubbed and sanitized my recycled pots and turned them to drip.
I use these bakers pans that my husband purchased for me secondhand from a restaurant equipment retailer. I use some cardboard boxes under to bring the pots closer to the light and lower the pots as the plant grows.
To make sure I have a constant heat, I use this very old temperature and moisture reader and it works like a charm. The door is kept closed to keep the heat in. I start all my seeds that needs special care with these lights.
Yesterday this cardinal came to the feeder. Usually the Mrs is with him. But this time only a baby squirrel showed up. This is only the second winter that they spend here. They have plenty to eat and plenty of shelter. I put seeds directly on the snow as I was having so much trouble with the squirrels. This way everyone gets to eat any time it suites them. These photos are taken through the window and I don't use the flash of course.
Of course, the mourning doves come very early in the morning to feed. During the day a floc of the smaller birds comes to feed too. They are pooping on my deck, oh well, nobody is perfect.
Thanks for stopping by and don't forget to count your blessings. JB
Hi Steve, thanks for stopping by. My life is lived to the full and I start my day online every morning with the Jesuit Ministry from Loyola Press. I'm not comfortable with following other online preaching. I attend my church regularly and get plenty of preaching there. JB
ReplyDeleteHey Julia,
ReplyDeleteYou are getting a jump start on the gardening. Spring fever. It reminds me I wanted to order some dwarf sunflower seeds.
We watched some footage of the tsunami in Japan and we were flabbergasted at the amount of devastation.
ReplyDeleteI need to start some plants too. I asked Bill to ask Mira to plant some peppers and I hope that she did. If not, I'll do some when I get back next week. I tried to answer your e-mail but for some reason it won't let me sent to a g-mail account.
Jackie, send it to the old email account. I still use it. When I send emails to my blogger friends, it automatically uses the old email and I don't know why because I use Gmail to send my messages. Go figure... Mom.
ReplyDeleteyou are always so busy! and productive. I have many many blessings in my life and count them before I go to bed each night. I have tried to start seeds before but I an never very successful. Of course I am not as set up for it as you are.
ReplyDeletehave a good night
Cathy
I think I need to teach the two of you how to get your e-mail doing what you want.
ReplyDeleteJulia...you are Mother Earth for sure!!!! Planting, hooking, dying, feeding the birds...you are something!! I admire all you do and wish I was that productive!
ReplyDeleteIt's a pleasure to read your blog and see what you are up to next. Have a great time in Nova Scotia with your daughter! I'm sure you'll come back with something wonderfully creative!!!
Julia, It is so sad for the people of Japan and all those suffering because of this Tsunami.
ReplyDeleteYou are Wonder Woman working away! I am sure the birds love you and keep challenging yourself
in your Hooking. I have been visiting my daughter for the last couple days, will be glad to get home to my Husband and my Maulie and of course Morris.
I can't wait to see your rug project!! You have gotten me all excited for gardening with your seeds starting. I love the little leaves peeking out. The birds still need such care as winter hangs on, don't they. You are right in the sentiment of appreciating all we have...life is so precious, yet precarious.
ReplyDeleteTake care,
Courtney
Looks like you are getting a jump on spring for sure! My husband has started seeds inside too....come on spring!
ReplyDeletegood going on getting a head start on your seeds. I don't feel I would have the patience for that. I think it's wonderful. Can just see your garden full!!
ReplyDeleteMy heart goes out to the people of Japan. I was stuck in traffic yesterday and thought ugh, how long is this going to take. then I thought of them. it was not such an inconvenience after all.
Looking forward to seeing more of your hooking project..
You have been busy. Thank you so much for leaving such nice comments. I wanted you to know how much I appreciate all that you take the time to write. I enjoy seeing all of the stuff you do. You must work all of the time to get all that you get done. It is nice to see your birds and to see all of your seeds beginning to germinate.
ReplyDeleteI hope you have a lovely weekend.
You are just so busy...when do you sit down and take it easy or do you?
ReplyDeleteHard to believe all the devastation going on in Japan as we speak I just pray for them that they can live through all of this. It has to be just heart breaking.
You are such a dear friend and I appreicate your sweet comments
Love
Maggie