by CJ | Apr 24, 2017 | Journal
The tulips are coming into bloom, weeping cherry in bloom, quince and peonies about to go, and the pond has reached the magical 58 degrees at which one can feed fish safely—if we had fish. But that’s getting closer. It means the nights are getting warmer,...
by CJ | Apr 22, 2017 | Journal
The ‘contorted birch’ demised a season ago, and did not come back. It was the centerpiece tree of our front yard. Now, meanwhile, we decided to use a licensed spraying company for our gravel paths rather than kill ourselves trying to weed it all. This...
by CJ | Apr 19, 2017 | Journal
The spring bloom has happened, and in our rock garden, they are alien invaders. I was feeling better today—still not real great with leaning over, but we have to get them. I think I contributed a bushel basket to the Green can and they will become city compost....
by CJ | Apr 17, 2017 | Journal
instead of us having to move a ton of stuff and Dri-Loc the basement wall— Jane discovered a tiny leak in a ‘winter shutoff valve’ that has a tiny drain-tap in the overhead near the wall in question. Jane has applied plumber’s tape to the...
by CJ | Apr 16, 2017 | Journal
Temperatures are sliding up into the 60’s—still a frost a night, but we’re getting there. The star magnolia is in full flower, as are the pasque flowers. The lilies in the pond are sending up shoots, but have another half foot to go before breaking...
by CJ | Apr 14, 2017 | Journal
It’s everywhere and it’s pollinating. We are not the worst city in the nation, but we’re competitive. And we’ve got a few days of this to go through. Despite an allergy pill, my eyes are watering and sounds and the rest of the world are at the...
by CJ | Apr 10, 2017 | Journal
Feel free to introduce yourselves or just to wave hello. I may have to stamp another approval on your first post (we’re in a software change, so I’m not sure) but wait if it doesn’t show up. I’ll fix it. We’re kind of in transition, and...
by CJ | Apr 10, 2017 | Journal
This isn’t supposed to happen after St. Paddy’s Day. It didn’t last long, however. Supposed to get up to 50 today, but snow is not helping us get the pond warm! I’m much better today. Yesterday evening the left ear decided to come online. Now,...
by CJ | Apr 8, 2017 | Journal
Doing better since the allergy meds. I was able to get out and test the pond chemistry, and we should be at a ph of 6.8 to 8.2; we’re at 8.3. A Kh (or alkalinity) of 100-200 ppm, and we’re at 80—this affects the function of bacteria who are supposed...
by CJ | Apr 7, 2017 | Journal
We’re going to take a drive. That is—Jane’s going to drive. Yesterday the dizziness was practically gone, and today—not so good. Drat it. On the other hand, the pond store has opened for the season, and we’re going to go talk to them. I...
by CJ | Apr 5, 2017 | Journal
It seems to be easing off, but it’s a real pain. Sort of like having your head stuffed with cotton wool while spinning in one of those astronaut trainers—if you’ve not had the experience, well, it’s like this. Went to the Urgent Care doc on...
by CJ | Apr 3, 2017 | Journal
And I have an inner ear infection. The world rotates independently now and again, without asking me. Just got back from the doc. They ran all sorts of tests, and it’s, yep, what I thought it was. It’s viral, it’ll run its course in 2-4 weeks, and...
