And it just happens to be Earth Day

My arms are all jell-o-ey (how do you spell that?) after shoveling many a wheelbarrow load of compost to line my potato beds today.  I’ve planted forty pounds of potatoes, in three varieties.  We have always used the on top of the ground, covered in straw method of planting potatoes.  First I cover the ground with a couple inches of compost, then a layer about three sheets thick of newspaper.  Next I lay my tubers right on top of that newspaper and top it all with about six inches of straw.  As the plants grow, I will add more straw.  In the past we have put the tubers directly on the soil, but I think the newspaper will help with weeds. 

On Jonny’s to-do list is a proper set of compost bins.  For eight years we have been dumping all of our compostables in a pile in the woods.  This is the silliest way to do things, as I have to battle roots galore when trying to harvest my finished compost.

The scent of black locust flowers was heavy in the air today making everything extra lovely in the garden.

Maggie has essentially become an outdoor dog as she prefers to be close to us and we are nearly always outside.  Funny how she has become such a member of the family.  We didn’t think we would ever feel the same way about her as we did Okee, but I think we do.  She’s getting awfully white around the muzzle.

Beatrix was my little helper today planting potatoes, and spreading straw.  Eventually she was ready for an apple break.  One of Beatrix’s favorite words is “apple” and the way she says it is so cute.

She’s got a mouthful of apple here!  And those blue eyes?  I didn’t do a thing to them-they are really that blue!

I was taking pictures of these dandelions when a little hand popped into view.

I still have 100 strawberry plants that need to get in the ground.  Do you know how much work that is?  What is wrong with me?

Today as I was heading out to pick up our co-op milk I noticed that I am wearing the same shirt today that I was wearing not only the last time I picked up milk, but the time before as well.  Why can’t I care more about clothing?  I essentially wear the same items over and over pulling them from the laundry basket rather than ever opening my closet door and considering a little variety.  Well, off to eat omelets for dinner.  We have so many eggs!