The view from the edge

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When I have finally finished this infernal thesis, I hope to be able to look back on my epic quest with fondness. Here my penultimate draft is pictured along with the mystical hat of dryness and the restorative chocolate bar of serenity, not to mention the pencil of ultimate power. (Ignore the Voip phone of always being in the way.)

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Sprouts

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The first crop of ruby chard that I planted outside failed to take, so I'm sprouting some under supervision in the bathroom window. Look how their little stems are already red! I'll let them get to about three inches tall and then try them outside again.

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Just like magic

Here is the promised picture of my wonderful potatoes. Agriculture is amazing.

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Grene and growing

I give you this picture of my precious chamomile, partly because it is pretty, and partly because pictures of freshly-planted seeds just look like pots of dirt. This weekend while Jamie was white water rafting I went on a planting frenzy, getting my parsley, tomatoes, peppers, and chard into rotation, and giving my potatoes their first top-up of compost. More on those to come, as soon as it is a nice enough day for photos.

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92 Days of Spring

Dpbfromhill

Now a third of the way through Em-official Spring, I look back on my
accomplishments. In these 31 days, I have spent a lot of time with
family. I have baked sandcastle cakes and gotten all the early
planting done. I built a potato box from reclaimed wood, knitted a
pink-and-purple hat on request, and swept the front and back steps. I
have been to the Farmers' Market five times, bought seven balls of
wool, and acquired only one new item of clothing (a bridesmaid dress).
The thesis is in its last throes, waiting for comments from my
advisor before going up a level for approval.

I have a lot to look forward to in April. There is a craft fair on
Easter weekend, and I'm baking hot cross buns for friends on Sunday.
Earth Day and my first bloggiversary will be something to write about.
The landmarks will be my super-secret surprise on the 12th and Joy's
visit at the end of the month.

I think I have done a lot to be proud of. I just have to remember
that when I'm in the middle of stressing out about the thesis.

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Potato!

Potatoes24mar

Having stared at a muffin tin full of sprouting potatoes for six
weeks, last Saturday we embarked in earnest upon the Great Potato
Adventure. We started with three old pallets appropriated from beside
the bins ages ago, and attacked them with hammers until we had a nice
pile of planks. From these we built a potato box, a neat contraption
that allows the gardener to build up the soil as the plants grow,
maximising the yield in a small space. During the growing season,
we'll add planks and raise the surface level, and come Fall we'll
remove planks to harvest the mature potatoes.

Today I planted in the seed potatoes: five varieties with a range of
properties to test. I took this photo before covering them over with
compost. Now I leave the rest to chance: I'll just keep an eye on the
watering and try to stop Charlie using it as a litter box.

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Signs of Spring 4: Sunny spots


During the Winter the sun comes straight through our south-facing windows and falls on the kitchen wall.  Come Spring, it slides down to the floor, making lively sunny patches for the cat to bask in.  (At least in theory.  The cat is now obstinately asleep under the bed.)

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Signs of Spring 3: Daffodils

In the meadows, on the hills, at the market, and on my table!

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I wonder

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Whether I can email a video attachment. If all goes to plan, you will see Morrin getting ready for bed.

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What's old is new again

Trying out Instagram.  Haven't quite reached a verdict yet.  Morrin, as usual, disapproves.


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