Sunday, February 27, 2011

Spring Seed Starting Week by Week

On January 23 we started 3 trays of seeds --36 collards, 36 kale, 24 cabbage, 24 spinach, 24 brussels sprouts, 18 lettuce mix, 18 broccoli, 18 onions, 18 chard. 



We are using a new indoor lighting set up that will make starting seeds a lot easier. This powerful light stays on for 18 hours a day which has been enough to keep the seedlings healthy and strong so far. (We put paper bags on top of the trays in the beginning to help keep the seeds moist while germinating.)
The new tray allows for easy watering. Daniel fills it once a week with water, fish emulsion, and compost tea. He uses 5 gallon buckets to fill and drain.
Week 1
Week 2
Week 3 
Started another tray of 6 broccoli, 18 cabbage, 18 red Russian kale, 12 red lettuce, 18 buttercrunch lettuce
Week 4
Week 5
We plan to put these out and get summer seeds started within the next few weeks.

Tuesday, February 15, 2011

Zip Line Mania

We installed Arianna's birthday zip line. Now I think we need them all over the city. We could zip everywhere! Set up was super easy and we're all enjoying the occasional ride.  
 Arianna takes the inaugural ride.
Ellen zooms along!
Even Dad rides the zip line.  "C'mon Dad, it's not your birthday."



Sunday, February 06, 2011

Arianna turning 8

Arianna at about 1 in Indianapolis

Arianna now!
Our beautiful little girl is turning 8 on Wednesday.

Here's Daniel, the girls, and some good friends after a celebratory silly string war.

We got her a zip line for her birthday. It was a surprise and she was so excited.
 
Birthdays are so fun, a lot of work, but fun! Friends and family come together, we play games, laugh, and eat good food. It makes me stop and think about how blessed I am to have such wonderful people in my life. I am so thankful.