The greenhouse is planted...

 The weather was great this weekend.   We cleaned house and prepared for company.   Today I planted the greenhouse. 

The tomatoes,  peppers,  egg plants, and basils were ready for planting.   I also planted carrots, peas, and lettuce seeds.  

I put the orange collars around the seedlings to keep the rodents at bay.  I am happy to report I haven't seen any voles or vole damage this spring.  Still, better safe than sorry. 

Things looked pretty good when I was done.  I even spread some poppy seeds in the planters.  Just before a nice spring rain.

What have you planted?  Do you enjoy garden vegetables?

A quiet Easter weekend...

 It was a pretty quiet Easter weekend.  We went for a drive to get away from the snow.  Out by Sturgis, we went for a short hike around the Ft. Meade Veteran's Hospital.  It used to be an old Calvery post.  Nothing was around or online to explain about the chimney.  

Flagstone Powder House Building is what this is called.  No explanation as to what it did.  Long ago during a week with Aunt Bonnie we painted rocks and one of the little ones left a rock in the windowsill of this building.  I'm afraid it was long gone.  Too bad. 

I did work on a few projects this weekend.  I bought a long piece of plastic pipe.  I was using a Sawzall to cut them into lengths.  It was taking forever, so my husband came to my rescue and zipped them out with a circle saw.  We cut them into 3 1/2-inch lengths and I spray painted them orange.  

If you are wondering what I am going to use them for.  They will work as collars around my seedlings and protect them from voles or whatever it is that eats them.  I have been cutting the bottom off of seed starting cups, but they are too light and blow away with the wind.  These will be heavier and not melt on a hot day.

We were super excited to see this plum tree at the local farm store.  A plum tree has been on the list for a long time now.  Last year my wild plum bloomed like crazy, but didn't have across pollinator.  

The ground was thawed, and it didn't take us long to get the little guy in the ground.  I'm pretty excited as that is about the last fruit I needed for our orchard.  

My husband and I made a wonderful Easter dinner.  There was quite a bit of snow on the ground, but it wasn't too bad outside.  I was happy to get a few things done before I go back to work.  

What was the last tree you planted?  Spring is around the corner.  I hope you had a wonderful Easter.

Progress...

I saw these lodge plates long after Kohl's stopped selling them.  It was the perfect set for our cabin, when lo and behold, they were on sale on Facebook marketplace.  Not just a four-piece set but 11 plates and a bunch of round and square bowls.  The icing on the cake was a serving platter and several serving bowls.  I was in heaven.  The cost was unreasonably reasonable. Needless to say, I'm pleased as punch.  Up to this point I've had a haphazard set of camping tins and plates. 

Saturday was wonderful.  I was able to go outside and clean up the flower beds and even some raking.  It felt great.  There is no vole damage to any of the beds or even the lawn.  Last year they ate everything as soon as it came up.  

Then Sunday was a cold windy miserable day.  Probably a good thing since I needed to bind my quilt.  I was really happy with the pop the ember fabric made against the black.  

I am extremely pleased with the final product.  I'm sure you are tired of seeing it, so this is the last look.  I'm glad to be done as it looks like the weather is going to start improving and I don't want to be sitting inside sewing.  That is my winter sport. 

My spring sport is gardening and as you can see the game is about to begin.  Next weekend I will show you my idea for plant protection.  The tomatoes, jalapeño peppers, hibiscus, basils, oregano, thyme, and rosemary are all off to a good start.  My basil didn't make it through the winter and I'm having withdrawal.  

Progress has been made.  I have a full set of lodge plates, my winter quilt project is complete, and let the gardening begin.  

I was asked if current affairs have affected my job.  It has been stressful for sure.  Luckily, since we deal with students we have managed to duck the hatchet.  I'm sure we won't escape the scalpel.  It does no good to worry.  I just live for my weekends and try to keep a positive attitude.  Showing stress won't help the students or staff.  I've been extremely blessed by receiving many calls and visits from past students. I am forever thankful that I have been able to work with so many amazing people in my life.  Que sera sera.  

How about you?  Are you making progress?  Are your winter projects done and spring projects started? 

Another day...

 I said the heck with it and started some lettuce, spinach, and bok choi in the greenhouse today.  I also started some herbs, tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants in the cabin.  

Last week it was big horn sheep and this week it is elk.  The drive to work is never boring.  

Other than planting seeds, baking, and quilting there isn't much else to do around here.  There is still plenty of snow covering the ground.  I am so ancy to get out and do something.

I am almost done with the quilt.  I just have binding left and maybe some fun around the edge quilting.  We will see about that.  

I tried making a chocolate chip cake.  It was a delicious disaster.  Despite spraying the two round pans the chocolate chips stuck to the pan and getting the cakes out was an ugly process.  I used the frosting as glue and put it all back together.  It doesn't look pretty, but it tasted good.  

Do you still have snow?  How are you keeping sane?  Do you have any seeds started? If so what?