Wednesday, February 10, 2010

Wanna see........

 my new deck!!!  and with the extension to the small shed... originally it was supposed to just be the upper part then do the rest later when i had more money... but i changed my mind, the idea of 'running out to the shed' without walking in muck was very appealing... so much against my better judgement i bit the bullet and did it all at once... and yesssss i'm sooooo happy.... i can't wait for summer to have it all painted or solid stain... the half with the table and chairs is covered, the lower half is not.. later later!!  my handy dude put up a great gutter system which will drain into some of my barrels... just can't get enough rainwater in the summer.. every drop is precious!
i'm afraid my greenhouse dream has been put on hold for this year... but am thinking of making some cold frames with the windows that i got from freecycle... will have to scrounge up some more boards for them, but since it's only early February, i'm not too concerned yet...i need to be content with cruising the internet for ideas and watching diligently for freebies... for this year i'm going to use my big shed for starting my seedlings, i already have the lights and racks set up, it's not large, but enough for me... i'm thinking that my new deck will cheerfully be graced with potted peppers and tomatoes... mmmmm can't wait!!! 

i've been checking on the garden to see what is growing... my rhubarb is peeking out, the swiss chard is looking very soggy and just hinting at waking up, i still have brussel sprouts to use up and the kale is wonderful... green and lush looking...just daring me to pick and cook... my favorite way is steamed and top dressed with butter and sweet pickle juice... yum yum!!!  i've found some recipes online for a Portuguese Green Kale Soup so my next soup will be some sort of variation of it.. i love to make soups, nothing says warm and comforting that a big bowl of soup, besides what better way of getting rid of leftovers....