The Latest At 265

Green (ness):

Alexia, her cousin Kevin, aunt Wendy and I have taken a 6x10 foot plot of our yard out and turned it into this season's garden plot. Enclosed in a repurposed (huge) chain-link dog enclosure, we tilled, fertilized and sewed. Alexia decided to plant cucumbers, snap peas, summer squash and green lettuce. I put my jalapeno plant in the ground outside of the cage so that it wouldn't get taken over by the vines of all of the other plants. We plan to add tomatoes later this week and plant some herbs as well. Somehow, the weather has decided to take a turn for the worst and 33F weather isn't too conducive to getting psyched about going outside. Last on the green list, we bought a crepe myrtle which will grow outside of Ben's window!

On life:

Lex and I are experiencing "empty nest syndrome" as her mother moved out about a week and a half ago. Oh wait, she just went across the street LOL. I thought she was joking when she said she was going to hire a moving company... she wasn't. The two guys left much to be desired in the realm of movers and I am still moving boxes to her house as we speak. Her house is very nice with a generous deck and spacious rooms. Her new abode sports a very Southern porch (ceiling fan and rocker included). Funny enough, we can see that porch and deck from our kitchen windows. On that subject, Alexia and I have decided to put new windows in This Olde House... not to worry, there are only 32. I have decided that hiring someone to do them would take unnecessary stress off of our shoulders (and I've never done it :D).

On Ben's progress:

We can feel the baby kicking almost at any point these days. Hard to believe that Lex is 23 weeks along now. As those of you who follow my blog know, we have long since started decorating the baby room. As of late I have taken on the task of removing the glue from all of the wallpaper which has proven to be a task. A word to the wise- despite all of the home remedies, tips and tricks and secrets out there... soap and hot water with a sturdy sponge some elbow grease and a paint scraper is all you will need to successfully tackle tacking glue. Next I plan to repair cracks and then we will paint. Alexia has decided on a Beatrix Potter theme and has hired an Etsy.com lady to do some custom work. We are very excited and quickly seem to be running out of time!!

I have to go now as we are having guests over for Alexia's amazing shwarma and tzatziki. As always, thanks for reading! I'll check in again soon.

M

PS: Any guesses on what the picture at the top of the post is?

Listening to:

Buena Vista Social Club ft. Ibrahim Ferrer: "Compositor Confudido"

Tego Calderon: "Cosa Buena"

Fabri Fibra: "In Italia"

Thievery Corporation: "Until The Morning"

Weezer: "Say It Ain't So"

Drinking:

Traditional Hendrick's and Tonic

DIY seed starter! For the greenthumb in all of us.

Just a quick post to show how to incubate almost any seed... I grew cactus and jalapenos this way and was actually successful at growing to plants. Photos to come.

I get a medium sized Ball jar. These usually come in 3 useful components:

1. Jar

2. Flat metal part of lid

3. Round metal ring around mouth of jar

So here's what you do. I usually take a dremel tool and drill about 8 holes in the flat part of the lid. Do this then set it aside. Holes should be about as big as if you punched through them with a nail (don't really think it matters much).

Next take your jar and fill it about 1/2 full with Miracle Grow or your favorite fertilizer. Fill the jar with about halfway up the substrate with water (kinda soggy).

Next take about 5 cactus seeds which may be difficult to find depending on your area. I actually bought mine at a Home Depot so who knows... Take your finger and push down into the substrate to make about a 1/4 inch hole. Next drop your seeds in but make sure to give them ample space to grow apart from each other.

Next cover the seeds do not push substrate down onto them :) Just fill the holes.

Put your lids back on and the holes in the flat lid will aerate the plants sufficiently. You should put this jar on your favorite window sill and let sit for a while (long while). I haven't thought of a way to speed the process up. This incubator loves the sunshine.

The way I found out that this worked was a)Trying it and b) Forgetting about it. I actually thought that it didn't work until I went to throw the jars out one day. Defeated I looked in one last time and to my amazement I had 3 little Cacti growing!!! To date they are thriving in my kitchen. Love them. Only two made the cut but hey 2:5 I'll take it.

A few rules:

1) Only "water" the jar when you see it is getting REALLY dry or you will mold your seeds. Your jar will get really gross and your significant other will all but force you to throw the jar out.... Don't do it!!! Some green on the sides is normal. Slime is not.

2) Do check on your sprouts about once a week (a watched pot... LOL)

3. Once you see sprouts they will look VERY hardy as succulents do. I would say wait until they are about a 1/2 inch before attempting any reconnaissance missions aka replanting. Mine did not go into shock when replanted.

4. Don't overwater your cactus once they are getting older.. it's funny b/c you will see them kinda rise and fall depending on how much you give them (think desert). You don't want them to prune up though... hard to bring them back.

Hope you guys enjoyed this. Let me know what you decide to grow. Basil and other herbs are really easy to start.

Official 5 Month Photo Op

After a rare Saturday together, Alexia and I decided to run out and take a few photos just before sunset. She was exhausted but eventually humored me and caved. A couple quick notes: Those are not our daffodils LOL they belong to the neighbors who weren't home. Alexia was afraid that they were watching us through the windows so I was only able to get these two. Also, the trees don't belong to us either... they are at the park in our neighborhood. We would have included the dog in a couple of these photos but he doesn't play well with strangers. Lastly, you won't see me in any of these pictures because I just worked two consecutive night shifts so I look like a lazy zombie with a bad attitude. Hope you all enjoy the photos!

A Ben In The Oven

Lex and I went outside today and took a couple of pictures in the front yard to accentuate her new belly :) We haven't really gotten the chance to do an all out photo shoot but due to familial pressures (threats) we have decided to do some documentation. Alexia has felt pretty well so far without any major difficulties. She describes her pregnancy as "average" so far. As for strange cravings, Lex hasn't had any. Honestly, I was hoping she would crave dirt or something so I could have some solid ammunition later on. Our last appointment at the women's clinic yielded promising news that the pregnancy is progressing as planned and on schedule which is always a good thing. We will be sure to update everyone as we get news... For the moment it's a waiting game and we have a whole lot of work to do on the baby room. Little Ben is about four and a half months away from his debut. We can't wait and are very excited. Stay tuned.