Bucket List Update

  

Time to Update!!

To learn Portuguese (no progress)
Pass on my love of the land to my grandchildren (in progress) Vacation in  Charleston, S.C. (Still hopeful)
Visit the redwood forest (Still hopeful)
Make a good friend that I can talk to about anything (Still hopeful - last attempt failed)
Sew a hand pieced quilt for my granddaughter (soon to be begun) (Maybe this year)
Learn to do pen and ink drawings(No progress)
Learn all about cows (any ideas how I can do this???)(No progress)
Finally learn to meditate (know of any classes, anyone?) (Have begun)
Organize my house!  (It is organized - now that it is for sale) :(  )
Visit Lost Maples State Park in the autumn (maybe next year)
Learn to do watercolor(No progress)
Learn about dragonflies(Maybe next  summer)
Find my talent (Wish me luck)(Maybe my talent is appreciating others' talent)

NEW ONES

To see a bald eagle (have been looking, but no success so far)
Make jewelry (am in the process of learning--post to follow)

Learn to "live in the moment" (That would be a major accomplishment for me!)

And still that mystery one!

Stay tuned!!

Overcoming Fear--a Helicopter Ride

There is one item that was not on my bucket list, but maybe should have been. I have always wondered what it would be like to ride in a helicopter and wished for one to see the land surrounding Salsipuedes. However, there was a major obstacle--I do not like heights. I don't even like flying in large airplanes!

Recently, I was afforded the opportunity to ride in a helicopter-the granddaughter of the special man in my life drew the winning ticket for a ride and gave it to me. I couldn't believe it myself when I grabbed it!! While walking out to the helicopter my heart was beating about a million miles an hour. I think the pilot could tell how nervous I was and was very reassuring.  I was determined to overcome this one fear at least. And surprise--as soon as we lifted off, I felt perfectly comfortable. What great fun!! The pilot gave us a very smooth ride--it was way cool to see everything from the air.

Can't believe I'm doing this!

The only drawback is that now I'm dying to take a ride around my place--but unfortunately no helicopter is waiting here to pick me up!

This experience has led me to think of other things that I have been afraid to try--who knows what I may do next??

You never know what the future holds--stay tuned!

The Bench

My wonderful bench!

One of the items on my bucket list was to learn to meditate. I've discovered the perfect place! My bench by the pond. The special man I know gave it to me last summer. I went there yesterday to sort through some feelings.Sometimes I just get way too bogged down in thoughts.  Rufus joined me, as well as my cat, George. George seems to sense even more than Rufus when I need a little affection. After finally getting Rufus settled down and relaxed (he first had to do a lot of sniffing), I did try focusing on nothing. Didn't quite make it, but did do some heavy thinking! Ponds are wonderful for just sitting and appreciating nature--watching the little minnows swimming around, seeing the fish jump, checking out the frogs and, listening to the birds. 

As the weather warms, I plan to spend a lot of time down there--hopefully I can quiet my turbulent mind! Wish me luck!!

Bucket List Revisited-A Plan

Remember the item "visit the redwood forest"?

I have faint memories of visiting the redwoods as a child. I remember going into a store that was inside one of the giant trees-as I child, that must have seemed immense (it would now also, I believe). For years now I have been wanting to experience the wonder of those trees again. I seem to be drawn to them--I can sense the peace felt from just being among them. It may seem silly, but I feel "called" to them.

I

Wow!

Synchronicity at work? The library where I work purchased a book entitled Redwoods.  Reading it was enough to start my engine!! The quest was on--to learn more!!

I have a two year plan--between family health issues, animals,  a driving route, a safe vehicle, etc.it may take two years to get it all arranged. Time is marching on, though, and I'm not getting any younger.  I need to get busy.

One thing I need to check out is the level of mold and humidity in the forest. I also need to locate the shortest walks. There seem to be many trails to choose and sights to see. Since I will be driving from Texas, I want a scenic route with great stops along the way.

If anyone reading this has visited the redwoods, please share your experiences with me!! Any tips will be appreciated.  Meanwhile, I'll have fun just reading, watching videos, and gathering information. Sometimes the planning is half the fun of a vacation. I'll keep you posted on my progress. I have already found a book and video I plan to order.

Stay tuned!!

Bucket List Update

Time to update again!!






 learn Portuguese (no progress)
Train Bochica to be less afraid (more or less) (I've decided to let him just be a horse and he is becoming less afraid)
Pass on my love of the land to my grandchildren (in progress)
Become proficient in using  Photoshop Elements (Not much progress)
Write a book (I may have to delete this one)
Learn more about web design (deleting this one--interests have changed))
Vacation in  Charleston, S.C. (Still hopeful)
Visit the redwood forest (Still hopeful)
Make a good friend that I can talk to about anything (This one is making rapid progress)
Sew a hand pieced quilt for my granddaughter (soon to be begun) (Definitely this year)
Teach my youngest grandchildren how to fish (maybe next summer) The special man in my life taught them this summer--they each caught some!!
Learn to do pen and ink drawings(No progress)
Learn all about cows (any ideas how I can do this???)(No progress)
Finally learn to meditate (know of any classes, anyone?) (No progress, but good intentions)
Organize my house! (in process) (fear this is a lost cause)
Visit Lost Maples State Park in the autumn (plan to do so)
Learn to do watercolor(No progress)
Learn about dragonflies(Maybe this summer)
Learn to use my new camera(Slow progress)
Enlarge my garden in the Spring. Most of my crops did not do well, but managed to win blue ribbons at the county fair for my spinach-see next post!
Find my talent (Wish me luck--maybe my talent is appreciating others' talents).
Cook more dishes "from scratch" - good intentions but not much progress!
Learn about butterflies - did learn some things this year
Make two books-trees of Salsipuedes, Flowers of Salsipuedes - Decided to just enjoy them.
Learn enough French to read a menu. Maybe this winter
Build a meditation wheel - Need to find rocks
Take a drive through Oklahoma when the leaves turn - planning the day
Start exercising - Waiting for Dr. okay

Have you noticed that I continue to add things!! I'll never be bored!

And still that mystery one!!

Stay tuned!

Bucket List Revisited

It's time again to review my bucket list.










To learn Portuguese (no progress)
Train Bochica to be less afraid (more or less) (I've decided to let him just be a horse)
Pass on my love of the land to my grandchildren (in progress) 
Become proficient in using  Photoshop Elements (Not much progress)
Write a book (I may have to delete this one)
Learn more about web design (No progress)
Vacation in  Charleston, S.C. (Still hopeful)
Visit the redwood forest (Still hopeful)
Make a good friend that I can talk to about anything (This one is making rapid progress)
Sew a hand pieced quilt for my granddaughter (soon to be begun) (Maybe this year)
Teach my youngest grandchildren how to fish (maybe next summer)(Hopefully in June)
Learn to do pen and ink drawings(No progress)
Learn all about cows (any ideas how I can do this???)(No progress)
Finally learn to meditate (know of any classes, anyone?) (No progress, but good intentions)
Organize my house! (in process) (fear this is a lost cause)
Visit Lost Maples State Park in the autumn (plan to do so)
Learn to do watercolor(No progress)
Learn about dragonflies(Maybe this summer)
Learn to use my new camera(Slow progress)

Enlarge my garden in the Spring (Success-but still a learning process)

Find my talent (Wish me luck)(Maybe my talent is appreciating others' talents)

Cook more dishes "from scratch" (Saving recipes)

New Items:

Learn about butterflies (in progress)

Make two books--Trees of Salsipuedes, Flowers of Salsipuedes (Taking photographs)

Learn enough French to read a menu

Build a meditation wheel

And still that mystery one!!

Stay tuned!

Bucket List-Revisited

It's time to revisit my bucket list, delete some items and add others. I believe life is all about adapting to the present circumstances!, So, here goes.









Old items (you will note that I have deleted some items):


To learn Portuguese
Train Bochica to be less afraid (more or less) (I've decided to let him just be a horse)
Pass on my love of the land to my grandchildren (in progress)
Become proficient in using  Photoshop Elements
Write a book (I may have to delete this one)
Learn more about web design
Vacation in  Charleston, S.C.
Visit the redwood forest
Make a good friend that I can talk to about anything
Sew a hand pieced quilt for my granddaughter (soon to be begun)
Teach my youngest grandchildren how to fish (maybe next summer)
Learn to do pen and ink drawings
Learn all about cows (any ideas how I can do this???)
Finally learn to meditate (know of any classes, anyone?) (in process)
Organize my house! (in process)
Visit Lost Maples State Park in the autumn 
Learn to do watercolor

Learn about dragonflies

New items:

Learn to use my new camera

Enlarge my garden in the Spring

Find my talent (Wish me luck)

Cook more dishes "from scratch" (in progress)

Well, that's all for now. Stay tuned--I'll be adding more in the future. And there is still that one items in my dreams--I'm still refining that dream.

Bucket List Item--Vegetables From My Garden

One more item checked off--I have eaten vegetables grown in my garden here at Salsipuedes. I had earlier harvested lettuce and had nice salads. Now I have begun to pick sugar snap peas, tomatoes and squash. When my first baby squash had blossom end rot, I was a little discouraged, but this next group looks fine. I picked the first one early, though, so I would be sure it would be edible. Small, but delicious. My peas are making a bumper crop. The tomatoes are slowly coming on. My appreciation for real farmers has definitely increased!

Delicious!

Soon my peppers will be ready also. The bush beans are just now growing. A zucchini  is almost large enough to pick. This is such fun!! My little children's garden at the library is doing even better. Check it out.

Stay tuned!

Salsipuedes Garden-Squash blooms

The rain we've been having has helped my squash. All four plants have blooms.

Zuchhini squash bloom

My yellow squash have blooms also. The sugar snap peas are just beginning to bloom.

Soon to be sugar snap peas!

My carrots, however, have not fared as well. I used straight top soil in their pot, and it doesn't drain quickly enough. Hope they aren't rotting!

Help! We're under water!!

It is exciting to think that soon I will have fresh vegetables just for the picking! I like this gardening, but am very happy it is not my sole support. :)

Stay tuned!

Additions to Bucket List

I've added two more items to my bucket list and have partially checked one off. I have harvested lettuce from my garden! Delicious. The two items I've added are:

Learn to do watercolor
Learn about dragonflies

So my entire list now is:

To learn Portuguese
Train Bochica to be less afraid (more or less)
To have a Paso Fino professional evaluate Bochica and me (too late)(
Pass on my love of the land to my grandchildren (in progress)
Become proficient in using  Photoshop Elements
Write a book
Learn more about web design
Go to Chile one more time and ride a Criollo horse through a vineyard
Vacation in  Charleston, S.C.
Visit the redwood forest
Make a good friend that I can talk to about anything
Sew a hand pieced quilt for my granddaughter
Teach my youngest grandchildren how to fish
Learn to do pen and ink drawings
Learn all about cows (any ideas how I can do this???)
Finally learn to meditate (know of any classes, anyone?) (in process)
Organize my house! (in process)
Visit Lost Maples State Park in the autumn 
Eat home grown vegetables from my garden (accomplished)

Learn to do watercolor

Learn about dragonflies

A book from our local library, When Wanderer's Cease to Roam: a traveler's journal of staying put, has inspired me to learn to do watercolor. It is, I believe, the prettiest book I've seen. The soft watercolors on each page just call out to me. I plan to check it out soon and then on some rainy afternoon, make a cup of tea and just sit for a while and look at the beautiful watercolors in it. I plan to purchase it sometime and place it on my coffee table,  together with the one, What the World Eats.

I am signed up for a one day class through my Texas Master Naturalist chapter to learn to draw plants. That is the first step to learn about watercolors - I need to draw better first! :)

I learned a little about dragonflies last year at a meeting of my chapter of Texas Master Naturalist. They are in abundance at my pond and even come up to the front porch and fly around. My granddaughter said they look like helicopters and was fascinated by them.  Have you ever noticed that children tend to make the world more interesting?

I'll share some of the things I learn. Stay tuned!

Salsipuedes Garden-My First Harvest

Exciting day! Even though my lettuce was rather small, I decided to pick enough for a salad.

Black seeded and buttercrunch lettuce

And am I glad I did!  I added a few bites of chopped tomatoes, cucumbers and feta cheese, then drizzled it with just a tiny amount of balsamic vinegar and olive oil. Mmmm-I had forgotten how good fresh home grown lettuce was! Definitely worth the effort.

My first salad from my lettuce!

 The two varities I grew this year were black seeded and buttercrunch. Both had a mild flavor. Next year I shall plant more and place them in a shadier spot to help them last longer in the heat. It would be nice if they would hold out until my tomatoes were ready, but I don't know if that is possible in this Texas heat in the summer. Salad will definitely be on my menu every day as long as the lettuce lasts!

As you may have guessed, I tend to go overboard with my hobbies/interests. Now I'm into gardening and already planning a larger one for next year.

On another note, the garden project that I'm leading at the library with the children as my Master Naturalist project is doing even better than mine in some areas. The tomatoes there are about 5 times as large--maybe containers aren't the way to go.

Hurry up garden--grow! I'm ready for more vegetables!!
Stay tuned.

Library Learning Patch-Success and Failure!

One of our group read a very interesting report that he had prepared about squash. I learn something every time from these children--for instance, I didn't know that squash was  related to the pumpkin. Today we talked about diet in different countries. First we made a list of the food everyone had eaten yesterday. Then I read from a book, What the World Eats. I believe all of us found it very interesting to learn how different the diet is in different countries. We observed that here in the U.S. we seem to eat much more processed food than people do in other countries.

A totally fascinating book!

Then it was outside to the garden! Everyone was eager to see the progress. Our sunflowers had grown so much that the children needed to stake them up with longer stakes. And of course the weeding needed to be done. They worked like troopers. After the chores came the fun part--planting and watering. Our squash seeds never did sprout--so we planted zucchini and crookneck plants. We also planted a cucumber.

Team effort!

Then of course everything was watered very thoroughly. It's a good think we have sandy soil! It drains well. :)

Now it was time to enjoy the first fruits of our labor--wrong!! We pulled two radishes and lo and behold--they didn't make. They were long and stringy. So we replanted them to give them another week. Disappointing!

Our first failure!!

But  we did have success after all. We decided to check the onions. Each child pulled an onion--and washed them and ate them! Yummy!!  The library smelled like onions for a while.

Hurray!

We were also excited to see tiny peppers beginning to grow! And our tomatoes look great also.

Exciting!

What a great day we had--I just love the enthusiasm of these children!

Our lettuce is beginning to look like lettuce!

Our garden looks great!

Stay tuned for our next report--next week we will learn about how maple syrup is collected from the trees.

Salsipuedes Garden-Progress Report

I have high hopes for my garden. All my seeds except bush beans and carrots have sprouted. The only plant that doesn't look well is the little tomato in the Topsy Turvy planter. I may have to replant that. But otherwise, my crop looks good so far!

Lettuce and Peas

Cucumbers at the end of the planter

Squash

Zucchini I started from seed and transplanted

Bell Peppers

No carrots yet!

I may need to re-plant this!

A couple of cool nights are forecast--hope my little vegetables do okay! I can already taste them, Yum! I'm working on ideas for a trellis for the cucumbers and maybe squash using old wire tomato cages. Anyone know how tall I should make them?
Stay tuned!

Salsipuedes Garden-Bucket List Item

One more item crossed off my bucket list! At least I hope so.

For years I have thought of trying to grow my own vegetables, but only planted tomatoes which didn't do well. But last year my tomatoes finally produced as I expected and I also grew a few bell peppers. This year, as you know, I am leading a children's  garden group. That inspired me to finally plant a garden here at Salsipuedes. I purchased food safe barrels at the local feed store. A kind man  sawed them in half for me. I filled the barrels 3/4  full with topsoil and added composted manure and humus. Now I was ready to plant, but had to wait for warmer weather. Yesterday was such a beautiful day, and after checking the weather for the next week, I decided to go ahead and begin my planting. We will see if I'm too early. I'm sure this will be a huge learning experience! Any comments or suggestions will be appreciated!

Three barrels planted--one to go

Today I planted carrots, lettuce (I may be too late on that), yellow squash, cucumbers (I may be too early), sugar snap peas, bell peppers,  and one tomato plant. I will purchase more tomato plants today and also bush beans. I covered the barrels with screening to temporarily keep my barn cats out.

Strawberries and tomato

I can already envision my bounty! :) Wish me luck!!

Library Learning Patch-Session 4 - In the Garden!

What a fun and busy day!!   The library has a wonderful book called Square Foot Gardening. That method seemed perfect for us!  The children arrived eager to begin. One of the boys had just broken his arm and came immediately from the doctor after getting a cast. It didn't slow him down one bit! As usual, I was impressed by the enthusiasm of the children. And the cooperation among them.


 

Our first order of the day was to review the plot plan I had made.  The children will take a plan home and place their stickers of the vegetables  in the appropriate places.

The group measured and set stakes. Then the children wrapped string around the stakes, creating "fenced" 2 ft. square plots.

Transplanting seedlings

 

We discussed the importance of conserving water and are using the bucket-cup method of watering.

   

The favorite part, I believe, was when the children released earthworms into the garden. They loved that! We discussed how earthworms benefit the garden.

Now we're just waiting for warmer weather so we can set out more plants!  Stay tuned. As usual, any suggestions are welcomed! Please feel free to comment!!