And so it begins...Tomatoes

Black Krim Tomato

Our first tomato plant is peeking from the soil today. Yay! We're starting these indoors under lights. This one is a black Krim heirloom tomato originating from the Isle of Krim in the Black Sea off the coast of the Crimean Peninsula. 

It's open-pollinated, indeterminate, bearing 8 ounce flattened globe fruits that are dark reddish-purple to black with green/brown shoulders. 

We haven’t grown this one in years so we’re anxious to welcome it back into our garden.

Homebound

While staying home due to the coronavirus pandemic, we've accomplished some ignored chores and tried to make the best of a horrible time for our country. I have also needed to continually "touch base" with family and friends to check on their health and well being. 

After I washed all the bedding this week (yes, with a little bleach) I decided to hang them on the line. I had forgotten how wonderful the fragrance of wind and sun-dried cotton linens can be when you crawl into bed. I'll be doing this again soon.

 

Spring Weather

The last couple of days have brought amazing storms to our area. The USFS folks I know always told me that March and October are the wettest months in Arizona and New Mexico. This is certainly holding true for 2020. 

This rainbow was overpowered by a rainstorm, giving it the appearance of a giant sundog.  

Winter Flower

What a fun way to chase away winter's dark, dreary days.

Looked out the window and saw the Hellebores nodding their heads with pastel blooms.


Hellebores are commonly known as Christmas or Lenten roses. Of course, they are not actually roses — but the flowers do resemble a single wild rose. Many varieties bloom from Christmas to Easter and, therefore, are associated with this time of the year. 

I plan to add more since these have trialed so nicely. They are  evergreen perennials that grow in shade or light shade, do not need dividing constantly, are drought tolerant (once established) and bloom in the winter. 

What more could I ask of this special little plant? 

Special Valentine's Day

💘We can't think of a better way to spend our Valentine Day evening than with Craig Johnson. The Literary Southwest presentation was held at Yavapai College in Prescott. It was a wonderful evening and Craig is such a colorful speaker. Here's a photo of Craig and his wife preparing for his lecture.💘

 

Craig Johnson is a New York Times bestselling author of the mystery series featuring Wyoming sheriff Walt Longmire.

Shipment Day for Chicks

Chicks were hatched, sexed and shipped today, so we've made serious preparations for their arrival. A warm cardboard box, light, fresh water, food - all on a bed of sweet, alfalfa hay leaves. Our order of 18 chicks is coming from Missouri for 15 black-copper French Marans. I have one BCM hen that is 9 years old and she's our fav! More pictures soon.

It's Not Yet Winter?

The storm delivered just as the meteorologists predicted. It's very, very cold today, even though the sun is shining. Snow is trying to melt, but having a difficult time since temperature is not quite 34 degrees. It was a beautiful snow. Our animals were all warm and snug under lights (chickens), blankets (mules), and inside the house in their beds (dogs). We have the fireplace burning all day, until we go to bed at night.

Winter arrives on December 21 and we are expecting another cold month - or three! No tree, rose bush or vine will be trimmed until the freezing is complete. 

Just finished ordering our seeds for Garden 2020 and we expect to eat all organic vegetables and fruits from our upcoming harvests. And this year we're adding a microgreens planter. 

Remember, when planning your garden be sure to include mostly what you like to eat, but please try to add something new. 🍅

Picnic anyone?