Weather – Page 35 – M. Sullivan Photography

August 16, 2010August 16, 2010 M. Sullivan Photography Photos, Weather

Sebastian’s Container Garden

At the end of the school year Sebastian’s class spent one afternoon planting their very own container garden. The parent of one of his classmates started a project called Sydneys Green Garden. Without ample space in their yard for a vegetable garden, they started planting vegetables in containers. After several years of perfecting the seed varieties, they are now selling container gardening kits. They have also visited many classrooms teaching kids how to grow their own vegetables. Sebastian was given cucumber seeds to plant in his container; other classmates planted carrots. He brought the container home, placed it on our deck and watered the soil almost daily. During the first month Sebastian had to chase off chipmunks that kept digging up his seeds and small plants. He replanted a few seeds after chipmunks ravaged his container and only two plants remained. We eventually put a wire mesh net over the container for protection. Once the plants were a bit larger, we took our chances and removed the mesh cover. The plants thrived with all of the warm weather and frequent rain/watering during June and July. Last week Sebastian picked his first cucumber. Since then he has picked three more.

We all agreed that they were the best cucumbers we have ever eaten. I guess Sebastian has the green thumb of the family. My garden hasn’t been quite as successful as Sebastian’s. Our large oak tree continues to grow and shade my vegetable garden. We did pick peas, lettuce and lots of green beans. Early on we ate strawberries (the ones left behind by the chipmunks). The only real success I’ve had is growing these. Too bad they are probably poisonous. There are dozens of them growing in a circle around the oak tree.

Given the success of Sebastian’s container garden, we may have to rethink our vegetable garden for next year. Our small deck was an ideal location for Sebastian’s container – lots of sun and protected from the wind. Mike may have to find an alternate location for his new grill. Sorry Mike, we all have to make sacrifices.

June 3, 2010 M. Sullivan Photography Animals, Family, Flowers, Photos, Weather

Thirty-Nine

Tuesday was my birthday. It wasn’t a big milestone birthday, but in some ways it seems like maybe it was. As my Mom said in my birthday card, “…your last year of your thirties”. Wow, when did I get so old? Despite the number, I had a fabulous day. Mike and I took the day off from work. He got the kids off to school in the morning and brought back flowers, a fancy coffee and bagels with cream cheese. We enjoyed our breakfast while watching the Today Show. After getting our fill of the news and bagels, we decided to take Daphne for a long walk around the neighborhood. The weather was in the 70’s and it was sunny – no rain, tornado warnings or 39 degree temperatures like I’ve had some years on my birthday.

We checked out our yard and gardens when we got back. I also looked in on our nesting birds. Three babies had hatched!

Backyard blooms…

After our stroll around the yard, we headed to Valentini’s restaurant for lunch. We had a great table outside overlooking the lake. We were planning to go to a movie in the afternoon, but the weather was too nice. We opted for a walk along the Lakewalk instead. We ended up having ice cream at the Bridgeman’s at Fitger’s and walked down to the lake to dip our toes in to cool off a bit.

We picked up the kids from school and opened presents before Sebastian’s baseball game.

Sebastian had two hits in his game – a single and a double – and also pitched an inning.

We finished off the evening with a quick dinner and some birthday cake.

I can’t think of a better way to spend my last birthday in my thirties. 🙂

May 10, 2010May 10, 2010 M. Sullivan Photography Animals, Family, Photos, Weather

4.5 Inches

That is the amount of snow that we received on May 7. Rather than being completely freaked out, the kids, Mike and Daphne decided to enjoy it. I was personally a bit freaked out, but kept myself amused by seeing how much fun they were all having.

By lunchtime this is what our backyard looked like. I didn’t have much luck playing fetch with Daphne. She had difficulty finding the ball and when she did actually locate it, she rolled it around so much that it turned into a snowball.

After we all got home from work and school, Mike pulled out the sleds from the top shelf in the garage while I dug out winter boots, hats and mittens. Mike and the kids piled up snow for a jump in the backyard, then pretended it was February instead of May.

The plants, bushes and trees took a bit of a beating.

After getting my fill of snow, I headed inside while the kids and Mike stayed out to play some more. Sophia found it amusing to throw snowballs at me while I was looking out the window.