Bees: The bees discovered the pop up garden! It took them a few weeks (after all, the garden did appear out of nowhere in a place where no garden had been before), but luckily bees are very smart. At first I noticed just one bee taking incredible dives into nasturtiums and cucumber flowers, but it brought its friends and now there are heaps of bees. Hurrah!
Kids: Every Friday morning kids from Newtown School visit the Innermost community garden in Newtown (the garden I might be helping to run next year!), and so for the past few weeks I've been heading over there to help out. Because as we all know, I love gardening, and adding children to the equation is pretty sweet. Its not precisely like the teaching that I did in Austin; they are only there for about forty-five minutes, and the teachers usually bring something to do. Plus, they rotate through four different groups, so I haven't had the same group twice yet. Activities have included planting peas, identifying edible plants, digging up a few potatoes, checking out the plants, poking at the worms in the worm farm, playing gardening games, picking some beans (I thought the worms were the best part). Gardening with kids is always inspiring, but my best experience happened last week, as we were leaving the garden and one girl turned around and told me that 'this was the best gardening lesson ever!'. I don't think I've ever been so flattered.
Really, though, gardening with kids gives me a real sense of adding something of value to their education and their quality of life; a chance to get out of the classroom and make connections about food and the natural world that otherwise they might miss out on. It also gives them a chance to eat at least something small from the garden, and as I recently found out, some of these kids don't eat lunch. How insane is that! I know that there are families that are too poor to feed their children properly, but I was very, very surprised to learn that the New Zealand government doesn't have some sort of school lunch program. I mean, even the U.S. provides lunch (and sometimes breakfast, and often post-lunch snack) in schools. By and large, the NZ government is more progressive and social-minded (although its not like they're Sweden or anything) than the U.S., and yet no food in schools! I think this is a huge oversight. Kids don't think well on empty stomachs. So now I have to figure out a way to get produce from the garden into the school regularly... we'll see what I can come up with.
Other Garden Things: On a happier note, the surveys that I did at the pop-up gardens came to a successful conclusion last week! Pretty much everyone I talked to was quite enthusiastic, some people were felt encouraged to start their own gardens, and I think it made people think seriously about urban agriculture. Plus, I had some great conversations about gardening. Gardeners love to talk about gardening. I do, they do, we had some great times. One woman that stood out told me that she was growing her own potatoes for the first time in a really long time; her and her daughter were amazed at the flavor. 'I'd forgotten what potatoes tasted like!' is how she described the taste. The culinary delights of growing your own; when a potato can really shine!
Monday, February 27, 2012
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Wellington Doings
Today I have been in Wellington for three weeks. It certainly doesn't seem that long, somehow; although between volunteering at the Pop Up garden, volunteering at Mechanical Tempest, getting involved with Innermost Gardens (more about that later), working on various gardens and now surveying for the Council (not to mention a little bit of volunteering for the Fringe festival), I've been running around like mad getting things done. Or rather, biking around like mad, which is getting me back in Austin-like bike shape, albeit with more steep hills but less overall biking (Wellington is pretty small). Its hard to realize how much time is going by when you're running around.
So, in more detail; The Fringe festival (theater festival) in Wellington kicked off over the weekend, which is very exciting and I've already had a chance to see the 'Fringe Lounge', where different performers do short sets, get interviewed, and attempt to get the audience to come see their shows. There's more on the way, and some of it looks really good (as well as sometimes free)! Also, two of my flatmates and I went to a Chinese New Year celebration - cum - fashion show, which had better dancers than models, but it was still very cool. Apparently Wellington was the last place in the world to celebrate Chinese New Year, although technically the first place to experience it (being ahead of the rest of the world, you know).
Also, volunteering at the Pop Up garden has gone well, watering and talking to passers-by. Feedback is still very positive, and the gardens have suffered absolutely no vandalism, putting paid to the concerns expressed by some citizens about their vulnerability in the City Center. Charmingly, the bees have now discovered the gardens! It took them about a week and a half (I saw the first one last week), but now there are multiple bees buzzing around and diving headfirst into the blossoms. Bees are great! I'm just sad that after their great discovery, the garden beds are being moved again this coming Monday. Too bad they're not permanent, although they are hopefully going to become part of a rooftop garden for a nearby cafe.
Also at the Pop Up gardens I have been surveying for the Council (and they're paying me!). This means asking the same questions about the Pop Up gardens and community gardens in Wellington to lots of people for three hours straight. Luckily, I like talking about gardens, and the information that some people share can really be quite charming. For example, the older woman yesterday who has just started growing potatoes, and now she 'really knows what potatoes taste like' after eating them from the garden rather than the supermarket. Mostly everyone supports community gardens, and I hope that the Pop Up ones will encourage those who don't garden to grow their own. So its a good job, and it makes me hopeful about the future of urban gardening in Wellington.
Which brings us to Innermost Gardens. This group runs two community gardens in Wellington, one in the Mt. Victoria suburb and one in the Newtown suburb. I ran into their coordinator, Sarah, at the Children's Gardening workshop at the Pop Up Gardens, and from there have gotten involved not only in Innermost, but also in the recently formed Urban Agriculture Steering Committee for Wellington. The Committee is attempting to bring together different groups that do urban agriculture in Wellington, and to promote it within the city. So, as happens, one thing led to another, and I am now on the Committee (probably going to help update/blog on the website), I'm the Innermost Secretary (lots of writing and volunteer organizing!) and possibly going to be one of the coordinators for the Newtown gardens since Sarah wants to exclusively manage Mt. Victoria.
In other words, I'm moving back to Wellington on a semi-permanent basis.
Which is kind of scary, but also very exciting. Urban Agriculture, here I come!
So, in more detail; The Fringe festival (theater festival) in Wellington kicked off over the weekend, which is very exciting and I've already had a chance to see the 'Fringe Lounge', where different performers do short sets, get interviewed, and attempt to get the audience to come see their shows. There's more on the way, and some of it looks really good (as well as sometimes free)! Also, two of my flatmates and I went to a Chinese New Year celebration - cum - fashion show, which had better dancers than models, but it was still very cool. Apparently Wellington was the last place in the world to celebrate Chinese New Year, although technically the first place to experience it (being ahead of the rest of the world, you know).
Also, volunteering at the Pop Up garden has gone well, watering and talking to passers-by. Feedback is still very positive, and the gardens have suffered absolutely no vandalism, putting paid to the concerns expressed by some citizens about their vulnerability in the City Center. Charmingly, the bees have now discovered the gardens! It took them about a week and a half (I saw the first one last week), but now there are multiple bees buzzing around and diving headfirst into the blossoms. Bees are great! I'm just sad that after their great discovery, the garden beds are being moved again this coming Monday. Too bad they're not permanent, although they are hopefully going to become part of a rooftop garden for a nearby cafe.
Also at the Pop Up gardens I have been surveying for the Council (and they're paying me!). This means asking the same questions about the Pop Up gardens and community gardens in Wellington to lots of people for three hours straight. Luckily, I like talking about gardens, and the information that some people share can really be quite charming. For example, the older woman yesterday who has just started growing potatoes, and now she 'really knows what potatoes taste like' after eating them from the garden rather than the supermarket. Mostly everyone supports community gardens, and I hope that the Pop Up ones will encourage those who don't garden to grow their own. So its a good job, and it makes me hopeful about the future of urban gardening in Wellington.
Which brings us to Innermost Gardens. This group runs two community gardens in Wellington, one in the Mt. Victoria suburb and one in the Newtown suburb. I ran into their coordinator, Sarah, at the Children's Gardening workshop at the Pop Up Gardens, and from there have gotten involved not only in Innermost, but also in the recently formed Urban Agriculture Steering Committee for Wellington. The Committee is attempting to bring together different groups that do urban agriculture in Wellington, and to promote it within the city. So, as happens, one thing led to another, and I am now on the Committee (probably going to help update/blog on the website), I'm the Innermost Secretary (lots of writing and volunteer organizing!) and possibly going to be one of the coordinators for the Newtown gardens since Sarah wants to exclusively manage Mt. Victoria.
In other words, I'm moving back to Wellington on a semi-permanent basis.
Which is kind of scary, but also very exciting. Urban Agriculture, here I come!
Thursday, February 2, 2012
Wellington Week 1
Perhaps this is belated, but I did in fact get me and my bike to Wellington, after many trips to the bikeshop, lots of near-breakdowns, and the last minute decision to delay for a day to make sure the bike was really ready and take a bus from Nelson to Picton instead of biking. Yes, I know, this is probably a cop out, but it may have prevented bodily harm, or at the very least tears and a desire to never again see a bike in my life. Now the bike is in working order, and I even got a two-hour bike ride from Orinoco to Nelson, so I wasn't entirely lazy. And I made it to Wellington! Which was the objective anyway.
Now, as to Wellington. I've now been here for almost two weeks, and I'm already famous! Well, not really; but I'm in a picture in this article (http://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/capital-life/6325178/Vege-patch-sprouts-in-Civic-Square), where my name has magically become Anita, and another in this one (http://www.capitaltimes.co.nz/Everyones-eating-the-peas). I've been out at the Pop Up Gardens every day watering (well, except the two days that it rained, making watering unnecessary) and talking to people, and so far the reactions have been really, really positive. People love the idea of growing food in the city, especially as a learning experience for children, although I did have to explain to one woman that no, kids don't all know where food comes from, that no, not everyone comes in contact with gardens the way people of her and yes, there is something to be learned from gardening (at first she 'just didn't get it').
Other than my involvement with the pop-up garden, I have been biking all over the place, volunteering at the Mechanical Tempest (its a place where people can bring their bikes and get help fixing them up) and working on various gardens. Basically, my life is 1) gardens 2) bikes and, well, actually pretty much that. I've also been to see some free art, the Wellington Fringe Festival (meaning theater) is coming up this week and I'm going to do some volunteering for that as well! So, a lot of volunteering. I should probably get a medal. Really, I should probably get a job, but I'm not here for quite long enough for that. Besides, people love volunteers!
Its sunny outside, which is rare for Wellington, so I'm going to go enjoy it (and, no surprise, do some gardening). Hurrah, Summer!
Now, as to Wellington. I've now been here for almost two weeks, and I'm already famous! Well, not really; but I'm in a picture in this article (http://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/capital-life/6325178/Vege-patch-sprouts-in-Civic-Square), where my name has magically become Anita, and another in this one (http://www.capitaltimes.co.nz/Everyones-eating-the-peas). I've been out at the Pop Up Gardens every day watering (well, except the two days that it rained, making watering unnecessary) and talking to people, and so far the reactions have been really, really positive. People love the idea of growing food in the city, especially as a learning experience for children, although I did have to explain to one woman that no, kids don't all know where food comes from, that no, not everyone comes in contact with gardens the way people of her and yes, there is something to be learned from gardening (at first she 'just didn't get it').
Other than my involvement with the pop-up garden, I have been biking all over the place, volunteering at the Mechanical Tempest (its a place where people can bring their bikes and get help fixing them up) and working on various gardens. Basically, my life is 1) gardens 2) bikes and, well, actually pretty much that. I've also been to see some free art, the Wellington Fringe Festival (meaning theater) is coming up this week and I'm going to do some volunteering for that as well! So, a lot of volunteering. I should probably get a medal. Really, I should probably get a job, but I'm not here for quite long enough for that. Besides, people love volunteers!
Its sunny outside, which is rare for Wellington, so I'm going to go enjoy it (and, no surprise, do some gardening). Hurrah, Summer!
Friday, January 20, 2012
The Farm in Pictures
I recently promised pictures, and then never delivered. Here, then, is a pictoral exploration of what has been going on at the farm. Conveniently, it also saves me from sitting inside and typing, since the weather has just turned beautiful and summery - right before I leave for Wellington, of course. Anyway, enjoy!
Scarlet runner beans, more squash than we know what to do with, raspberries and a garden salad (broccoli, greens, peas, nasturtium blossoms, new carrots, and beet from a neighbor!)
Here we have sunflowers, cardoon blossoms, our first egg from the retrieved chooks, and rhubarb leaves; they are as big as my hat!
Scarlet runner beans, more squash than we know what to do with, raspberries and a garden salad (broccoli, greens, peas, nasturtium blossoms, new carrots, and beet from a neighbor!)
Here we have sunflowers, cardoon blossoms, our first egg from the retrieved chooks, and rhubarb leaves; they are as big as my hat!
Thursday, January 19, 2012
In Which We Encounter a Wandering Texan
Sometimes adventures fall right into your lap.
This Tuesday, we went over to Aamon and Wendy's for a barbeque (these are the people that had their 11th wedding anniversary party on 11/11/11 and roasted an entire sheep). Their three kids were keen for a swim when we arrived, so off we piled onto and into their truck, and went down to the river before dinner. On the way back, after a refreshing (a.k.a cold, a.k.a. freezing) dip in the recently rain-fed river, we encountered a backpacker crossing their drive. He had a huge pack, music blaring tinnily from headphones and was that a Texas A&M shirt?
It was. "Did you go to Texas A&M?" I called out. Looking a little taken aback, he applied in the affirmative. "I went to UT," I offered. His face expressed disapproval, and he made an upside down 'Hook-Em' sign. I replied with the correct 'Hook-Em' handsign as we pulled up the drive, leaving him on the road. Weird, I thought. Strangely enough, I managed to run into an Aggie in the middle of rural New Zealand. But it didn't end there. Just ten minutes and a lot of toweling later, Aamon looked out the window and remarked that a friend of mine seemed to be coming by. And indeed, I turned around to see the stranger hesitating by the front gate. Taking pity on him, I went out to make his acquaintance. His name, I now found out, was Trey, and he was wondering if he could pitch his tent on Aamon and Wendy's land. They did him one better and invited him over for tea, and so we found ourselves eating barbeque with a slightly shy but friendly and very grateful Texan. Oh, the coincidences.
Trey had some family in Hamilton, so he'd been mostly on the North Island, but had been hitchhiking around, eventually heading to Queenstown and sky-diving before heading back up. He was heading up to do some hiking on Mt. Arthur, but before we left I gave him our number in case he wanted to go to the pub after getting back. He lit out early the next morning from Aamon and Wendy's treehouse (where they had let him stay; they are very very nice people), and two days later I got a phonecall. So last night Mom and I hosted a fellow* Texan and fed him his first ever vegetarian meal. Well, the boy did grow up in Ft.Worth, and then move to College Station, and he did talk about how much he loves to barbeque. He is obviously a much better Texan than I am; he evens uses the greeting 'Howdy'! Anyway, despite slight cultural differences and despite the long-held animosity between our two alma maters, we managed to be very civil to one another. In fact, we got along splendidly. Honestly, it was nice seeing someone who was not only my age, but familiar with Texas. He understood my desire for warmer weather! He drank the same beer that I had! We talked about missing Mexican (well, Tex-Mexican) food! It was delightful.
So there you go. Two Texans met in the middle of New Zealand, drank a little beer, had some good talk, then went their separate ways. It can be refreshing talking to someone from your own area; you have to explain so much less, jokes are so much easier. When traveling, it can be exhausting to constantly feel like an outsider. It can be a little tiring in day to day life, too, I've found. Its the feeling of being instantly identified as 'not from here'. I think its stranger for my parents than for me, since they've lived here for so long but people instantly pidgeon hole them as tourists as soon as they speak.
Actually, for some weird reason we watched The Big Lebowski last week and it made me homesick. I think it was the little Americanisms in the film; they eat at In&Out, they use a Folgers tin. And its just so Californian. So it was good to see a Texan, and feel a little bit closer to that version of home.
*I hope I don't need to remind anyone that I am, in fact, a Texas resident. Making me a Texan. Okay? Okay.
This Tuesday, we went over to Aamon and Wendy's for a barbeque (these are the people that had their 11th wedding anniversary party on 11/11/11 and roasted an entire sheep). Their three kids were keen for a swim when we arrived, so off we piled onto and into their truck, and went down to the river before dinner. On the way back, after a refreshing (a.k.a cold, a.k.a. freezing) dip in the recently rain-fed river, we encountered a backpacker crossing their drive. He had a huge pack, music blaring tinnily from headphones and was that a Texas A&M shirt?
It was. "Did you go to Texas A&M?" I called out. Looking a little taken aback, he applied in the affirmative. "I went to UT," I offered. His face expressed disapproval, and he made an upside down 'Hook-Em' sign. I replied with the correct 'Hook-Em' handsign as we pulled up the drive, leaving him on the road. Weird, I thought. Strangely enough, I managed to run into an Aggie in the middle of rural New Zealand. But it didn't end there. Just ten minutes and a lot of toweling later, Aamon looked out the window and remarked that a friend of mine seemed to be coming by. And indeed, I turned around to see the stranger hesitating by the front gate. Taking pity on him, I went out to make his acquaintance. His name, I now found out, was Trey, and he was wondering if he could pitch his tent on Aamon and Wendy's land. They did him one better and invited him over for tea, and so we found ourselves eating barbeque with a slightly shy but friendly and very grateful Texan. Oh, the coincidences.
Trey had some family in Hamilton, so he'd been mostly on the North Island, but had been hitchhiking around, eventually heading to Queenstown and sky-diving before heading back up. He was heading up to do some hiking on Mt. Arthur, but before we left I gave him our number in case he wanted to go to the pub after getting back. He lit out early the next morning from Aamon and Wendy's treehouse (where they had let him stay; they are very very nice people), and two days later I got a phonecall. So last night Mom and I hosted a fellow* Texan and fed him his first ever vegetarian meal. Well, the boy did grow up in Ft.Worth, and then move to College Station, and he did talk about how much he loves to barbeque. He is obviously a much better Texan than I am; he evens uses the greeting 'Howdy'! Anyway, despite slight cultural differences and despite the long-held animosity between our two alma maters, we managed to be very civil to one another. In fact, we got along splendidly. Honestly, it was nice seeing someone who was not only my age, but familiar with Texas. He understood my desire for warmer weather! He drank the same beer that I had! We talked about missing Mexican (well, Tex-Mexican) food! It was delightful.
So there you go. Two Texans met in the middle of New Zealand, drank a little beer, had some good talk, then went their separate ways. It can be refreshing talking to someone from your own area; you have to explain so much less, jokes are so much easier. When traveling, it can be exhausting to constantly feel like an outsider. It can be a little tiring in day to day life, too, I've found. Its the feeling of being instantly identified as 'not from here'. I think its stranger for my parents than for me, since they've lived here for so long but people instantly pidgeon hole them as tourists as soon as they speak.
Actually, for some weird reason we watched The Big Lebowski last week and it made me homesick. I think it was the little Americanisms in the film; they eat at In&Out, they use a Folgers tin. And its just so Californian. So it was good to see a Texan, and feel a little bit closer to that version of home.
*I hope I don't need to remind anyone that I am, in fact, a Texas resident. Making me a Texan. Okay? Okay.
Saturday, January 14, 2012
My People are Back!
So, no longer am I alone on the homestead. My parents have returned, as has the cat (he kept leaving mysteriously and then re-appearing at 4am, once bringing a dead bird as a present). They had a fabulous time away, but are happy to be home, and I've been happy to have them. People to feed! And talk to! Its pretty amazing, let me tell you. Plus, they can admire all the hard work I've done in the garden. Well, the small changes, anyway. Actually, in terms of failed garden projects (oops!) I think I killed the water lily while trying to transplant it. Still, in the larger scheme of things I think I've nurtured more plants than I've killed, so that's something!
Unfortunately, while my parents brought the rain back with them. From an area that has a bit of drought no less; now that's impressive (or maybe my parents just attract rain... Can I blame them for the recent flooding in the Nelson area?). The past two days were full of constant intermittent rain; in other words, it would rain for a bit, then get sunny, then just when you thought it might clear up it would rain again. I decided to revolt against the changeable weather and spend most of my time inside, which I did. Of course, then I got a little stir crazy... it was a no-win situation, except that I have almost finished all my grad school applications, made a dress, read a bit and caught up with my parents. Rain is a good excuse to spend some time inside.
Today, luckily, the weather actually did clear up the way its been threatening to do, and some gardening actually got done. So did some listening to and dancing to ukulele music, since its that time of year when the Wellington International Ukulele Orchestra visit Nelson! More precisely, they come and play their annual gig at Neudorf vineyards, where everyone brings food, drinks wine and its all quite merry. I biked there and back from our place while the five other group members piled in the car; I think my elbows were more comfortable, but it took them less than 45 minutes to get home. It was a lovely time out; the strumming of ukuleles filled the air, charming small attention-loving children danced for the crowd, and we enjoyed wine and a range of picnic foods. Still, the event has gotten bigger, and this year they moved it to 6pm from around 3 (in an attempt to sell more wine, I'm guessing), and the crowd didn't seem quite so happy-go-lucky or interactive. When I saw the ukulele orchestra a few years ago, I ended up climbing a tree and remember a much more relaxed feel to the whole afternoon. Don't get me wrong, it was fun, I enjoyed it, I got to dance with some kids, but it wasn't as much something to write home about as in the past(and yet here I am...). Still, an enjoyable outing from the farm!
I was planning on putting some pictures up, mainly of the delightful garden produce coming in, but the camera's dead. I'll get around to it soon, though! And now that the rain's been and gone the garden's productivity will probably get even more crazy, so watch this space!
Unfortunately, while my parents brought the rain back with them. From an area that has a bit of drought no less; now that's impressive (or maybe my parents just attract rain... Can I blame them for the recent flooding in the Nelson area?). The past two days were full of constant intermittent rain; in other words, it would rain for a bit, then get sunny, then just when you thought it might clear up it would rain again. I decided to revolt against the changeable weather and spend most of my time inside, which I did. Of course, then I got a little stir crazy... it was a no-win situation, except that I have almost finished all my grad school applications, made a dress, read a bit and caught up with my parents. Rain is a good excuse to spend some time inside.
Today, luckily, the weather actually did clear up the way its been threatening to do, and some gardening actually got done. So did some listening to and dancing to ukulele music, since its that time of year when the Wellington International Ukulele Orchestra visit Nelson! More precisely, they come and play their annual gig at Neudorf vineyards, where everyone brings food, drinks wine and its all quite merry. I biked there and back from our place while the five other group members piled in the car; I think my elbows were more comfortable, but it took them less than 45 minutes to get home. It was a lovely time out; the strumming of ukuleles filled the air, charming small attention-loving children danced for the crowd, and we enjoyed wine and a range of picnic foods. Still, the event has gotten bigger, and this year they moved it to 6pm from around 3 (in an attempt to sell more wine, I'm guessing), and the crowd didn't seem quite so happy-go-lucky or interactive. When I saw the ukulele orchestra a few years ago, I ended up climbing a tree and remember a much more relaxed feel to the whole afternoon. Don't get me wrong, it was fun, I enjoyed it, I got to dance with some kids, but it wasn't as much something to write home about as in the past(and yet here I am...). Still, an enjoyable outing from the farm!
I was planning on putting some pictures up, mainly of the delightful garden produce coming in, but the camera's dead. I'll get around to it soon, though! And now that the rain's been and gone the garden's productivity will probably get even more crazy, so watch this space!
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
Lessons from Living Alone
There's a few things you realize about yourself (or maybe about humanity) when living alone. First, I'm not sure there's much point in growing and preparing gorgeous food when there's no-one to share it with. Who is going to admire the crispness of the sugar snap peas with me? Or the way that the beets and carrots are perfectly complemented by dill and walnuts? To whom can I modestly gloat about the New Mexican-style squash soup I semi-invented? Also, does anyone else want to do the dishes, because I'm sort of sick of having to do them all.
Its a little hard to get really into gardening when you're the only one eating from a garden for numerous reasons. There's too much food for one thing, at least in ours. I was struggling to keep the fridge under control, so eating everything ripe in the garden? Puh-lease. Also, sharing is a great way of both showing off (modestly) and showing that you care about other peoples' well-being. Living alone makes this hard, especially since most of my social life is, in fact, my parents' social life (yes, I am the saddest excuse for a 23 year old that I know, but I actually like it that way most of the time). There is the additional problem that not only can I not eat all of the food, but in fact when I cook I then have to eat the same things for multiple meals over the course of a day or two in order to eat it all. Food becomes less exciting when this is the case. Also, its boring.
Luckily, my parents come back tomorrow (mom) and thursday (dad) to save me from myself. Hurrah! Also, the cat came back, but has now disappeared again. He seems to leave every time that I don't pay attention to him for more than a few hours, or when I leave the property. Apparently my occasional pets and feedings aren't enough for him. Well, soon enough I won't be counting on him to be the nearest living creature, so ha!
Finally, adventures. Well, I've mostly been working on getting mom's road bike back in working order so that I can use it, and doing other gardening/chore type stuff around the farm. So my life isn't terribly exciting. It did finally get hot enough yesterday for me to go to the river - we've gotten so much rain and only occasional sunny days that it hardly feels like summer. So I biked the long way to the bridge and had a luxurious swim in water that, finally, both wasn't completely freezing and had dropped to its normal level so swimming was fun again. It was so clear that it was almost like swimming through crystal. Finally, some summer in New Zealand!
Speaking of places that are not New Zealand, I realized today that I missed corn tortillas. I don't often dwell on things that I miss about Texas (friends, warm weather, not having to worry about getting fried in the ozone hole-intense sun), but a good corn tortilla would have raised the squash soup I made to the level of sublime. Sigh. Well, guess I'll just have to go eat some of the raspberry ice cream I made from our own raspberries to console myself. Its a tough life.
Its a little hard to get really into gardening when you're the only one eating from a garden for numerous reasons. There's too much food for one thing, at least in ours. I was struggling to keep the fridge under control, so eating everything ripe in the garden? Puh-lease. Also, sharing is a great way of both showing off (modestly) and showing that you care about other peoples' well-being. Living alone makes this hard, especially since most of my social life is, in fact, my parents' social life (yes, I am the saddest excuse for a 23 year old that I know, but I actually like it that way most of the time). There is the additional problem that not only can I not eat all of the food, but in fact when I cook I then have to eat the same things for multiple meals over the course of a day or two in order to eat it all. Food becomes less exciting when this is the case. Also, its boring.
Luckily, my parents come back tomorrow (mom) and thursday (dad) to save me from myself. Hurrah! Also, the cat came back, but has now disappeared again. He seems to leave every time that I don't pay attention to him for more than a few hours, or when I leave the property. Apparently my occasional pets and feedings aren't enough for him. Well, soon enough I won't be counting on him to be the nearest living creature, so ha!
Finally, adventures. Well, I've mostly been working on getting mom's road bike back in working order so that I can use it, and doing other gardening/chore type stuff around the farm. So my life isn't terribly exciting. It did finally get hot enough yesterday for me to go to the river - we've gotten so much rain and only occasional sunny days that it hardly feels like summer. So I biked the long way to the bridge and had a luxurious swim in water that, finally, both wasn't completely freezing and had dropped to its normal level so swimming was fun again. It was so clear that it was almost like swimming through crystal. Finally, some summer in New Zealand!
Speaking of places that are not New Zealand, I realized today that I missed corn tortillas. I don't often dwell on things that I miss about Texas (friends, warm weather, not having to worry about getting fried in the ozone hole-intense sun), but a good corn tortilla would have raised the squash soup I made to the level of sublime. Sigh. Well, guess I'll just have to go eat some of the raspberry ice cream I made from our own raspberries to console myself. Its a tough life.
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