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Post by pepperhead212 on Oct 27, 2021 17:58:50 GMT -5
The wind let up some later today, so I went out and started cleaning up some more things, and cleaned off a few more pepper plants. Then I noticed all that epazote that is still in the front bed, so I cut all of it out, and cut most of the flower heads from them, and put them in a bag, and took them up to the Mexican grocery in town. As usual, he was thrilled to get it. I gave him a few peppers, but mostly the epazote. The last of the Oaxacan Red Epazote, harvested for the guy at the Mexican grocery. by pepperhead212, on Flickr I have two plants started in the hydroponics, but only need the best of the two. Oaxacan Red Epazote, in the hydroponics, 10-27. Will probably keep the top plant, which looks best. by pepperhead212, on Flickr
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Post by Wheelgarden on Oct 27, 2021 18:21:35 GMT -5
As usual, he was thrilled to get it. We've shared cilantro with our Mexican-American friends for years, with the same reaction. I can't seem to grow epazote to save my life, for some reason.
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Post by pepperhead212 on Oct 27, 2021 18:51:07 GMT -5
That's hard to believe, Wheelgarden, given the heat down there, and the epazote seems to love heat. Have you ever tried this red epazote, or just the regular green? If you want some seeds, let me know - I have a lot of them.
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Post by Mumsey on Oct 28, 2021 8:29:37 GMT -5
I best go out between the rain drops today and gather what chard and lettuce remains. In the meantime, made banana/choc chip/oatmeal cookies. I've been adding chopped dates, walnuts and chopped almonds to them. Have a quilt rod to hang later, been putting that off. While in town yesterday, I broke down and went to JoAnn's and bought a new quilting hoop. The old ones that I repaired with toggle screws were failing already. I'm thinking the quality of a toggle screw is not compatible with repeated loosening and tightening. So I got a Dritz brand, plastic, guaranteed not to slip. Yikes, $32.99! Had 40% off coupon which took $13 or so off that price. The thing is composite plastic and so far does not slip, it has grooves that lock fabric in once placed and tightened properly. I'll get rid of the old hoops. I'm already itching to get started on the next quilt, but have learned that a UFO is best not left sitting and waiting. (Un Finished Object). So current quilt has to be done before moving on. I do have the fabric laying out for the next one.......incentive.
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Post by emmsmommy on Oct 28, 2021 15:27:31 GMT -5
Mumsey, since I started quilting UFOs have taken over. Do have two denim tops ready to assemble from last winter and two rag quilts to finish but I can't tell you how many others are languishing. Today was kiddo's Halloween party and I finished up her costume this morning with almost two hours to spare. Mom made crocheted ghosts for the kids and I/we did personalized pumpkin ornaments for everyone. The thing about 6 and 7 year olds is that they're still young enough to be impressed by little things.
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Post by spike2 on Oct 28, 2021 16:24:55 GMT -5
My latest find!
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Post by gianna on Oct 28, 2021 16:28:49 GMT -5
I spent some time this morning moving the collected rainwater to where it will be used. Unfortunately I had used all my larger non-leaking containers to collect the rain, so I had to use smaller ones til I had a larger one empty. Such a problem. I used a sump pump plugged into a GFI outlet, a new very flexible hose, and a hose-end on/off. After a bit of this and that, I now have two large containers (trash cans) right next to the plants that will get it. Still too early to water anything after our rains, but getting closer. And Now I'm ready. I also ordered a couple gadgets from Amazon which will make using the rainwater easier - as in not having a stream of water washing mix from the pots. I'm trying to devise a system that will be very easy to use rather than resorting to using the foul water (high mineral, high chlorine, high pH) from the tap because that is just easier. The plan is to use the rainwater between rains, then collect more. Ideally this should work between now and next March/April, when our rainy season usually comes to an end.
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Post by binnylou on Oct 28, 2021 18:10:04 GMT -5
Tomato blood? For real? Is this a seasonal item for decorating for Halloween? I can see it being misused.
It won’t be in my cupboard.
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Post by pepperhead212 on Oct 28, 2021 21:37:42 GMT -5
I'll stick with the real blood. gianna, I'm not sure what you got, but I've seen a lot of things in the irrigation sites that are used for this by farmers, using pumps. They are simply pressure reducing valves, of all different capacities, with various maximum pressure and volume capacities. I always use them for those flat T-tapes, and 1/4" lines sometimes, so they don't have too much pressure - I always have the lowest volume, because I never need more, and they have hose threads; the higher volume ones have pipe threads on them.
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Post by spike2 on Oct 29, 2021 7:04:27 GMT -5
Tomato blood? For real? Is this a seasonal item for decorating for Halloween? I can see it being misused. I have no idea? Make me giggle myself silly. NATURALLY I had to buy it for the brother!
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Post by gianna on Oct 29, 2021 10:21:25 GMT -5
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Post by pepperhead212 on Oct 29, 2021 17:56:51 GMT -5
Today it was crappy out, so it was an inside day. I cleaned up some stuff in the kitchen that went into the dehydrator - still more outside, but not much to dry. And I totally cleaned the top of my range - a twice a year thing I do (besides the usual daily cleaning), when I do a major cleaning of the burned on grease, and turn my pilot lights on or off - this time, on. I used something for the first time today on this - one of those "power erasers". Just a little sponge like thing, Mr Clean put out, and a lot of generics out there - I used Dollar General. I use it frequently on other things, and it works great, so I don't know why I never used it for this! It doesn't get off the black burned on oil, that you need oven cleaner for (something I use for my spring cleaning), but it worked great for most of it. That shiny kettle in the photo is at least 10 years old, and the PE keeps that clean easily. Cleaned range top, and turned the pilot lights back on today. by pepperhead212, on Flickr Not bad for a 38 year old range, either! That thing will outlive me, for sure.
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Post by desertwoman on Oct 29, 2021 18:03:38 GMT -5
A perfect Fall day to be out in the gardens. I started some clean up, raked some leaves.
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Post by emmsmommy on Oct 29, 2021 18:17:20 GMT -5
So I'm ready to take all of hubby's grocery privileges away. He stopped at the store on our way home from picking up our daughter and came out with much more than he went in for including 8 16-ounce bottles of orange juice that were on sale for $1. I asked him if he realized he just paid $8 for a gallon of orange juice and just got that blank stare and the explanation that they're usually $1.49. Of the last gallon of orange juice I bought I managed to get enough for the citrus marinade before it disappeared the next day. I tried to explain that as a diabetic he doesn't need to guzzle orange juice any more than soda. Sometimes I think I could reason more with a rock. Now on a positive cheery note I have to announce that my daughter made straight As on her first real report card! Yes she's not on the same learning level as her peers but she's rocking the modified assignments. Tomorrow I'll be picking and choosing the plants to overwinter and/or take cuttings of as we're supposed to have freezing temperatures next week. Can't believe we're going to get through October with no frost or freezing temperatures. I'll be harvesting the last of the beans and peppers too. In the afternoon I'm supposed to go to an anniversary dinner for our organization but weighing the pros and cons. There's only eight confirmed going and all are vaccinated but I really don't want to be crammed elbow to elbow at a table. On the other hand the food is excellent and I need time away from hubby so I may have to inquire about the seating before I make my decision.
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Post by gianna on Oct 29, 2021 20:48:41 GMT -5
I spent maybe a half hour working on a bed that has been fallow for a couple years. Only a cover crop last year, and some subsequent weeds. Now after the rains a nice 'crop' of seedling mustards (Brassica campestris) are coming in. I've seen a cover crop site selling their seeds, so instead of calling them weeds, I'll refer to them now as the default cover crop. I'll let them grow till they get too rank, or it's time to put something else in. They grow fast, are lush green, can get taller than I am, don't have extensive root systems, and are very easy to pull or clip at ground level. Guess I never appreciated them before. This bed may be where I plant the ornamental corn, and perhaps some Kabochas and/or Tetsukabutos. U-shaped, full sun, and there is lots of room for vines to sprawl. I also picked a very pretty handful of zinnias from a volunteer growing in the back pepper patch. Healthy plant, largish flowers, pale pink/salmon semi-double flowers with dark pink edges and reddish centers. Going to save some seed from this one!
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