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Friday, August 28, 2009

Boomer Prepares to Save Neighborhood Trees

I am generally not a joiner. But at a recent neighborhood party I began to talk about the sad state of our Elm trees in the neighborhood. When a tree is identified as having Dutch Elm disease, the city paints a big orange ring on the tree with a giant letter A. These are the trees that are cut down. Reminds you a bit of The Scarlett Letter. And every summer I note a few more orange rings of death and this year was particularly saddened by the death of an absolutely gorgeous, huge, magestic tree one block up the street. We vaccinate our elm tree and (knock on tree wood), it seems to be working. We're one of the few elms left on our block.

Little did I know I was speaking to the committe head for our Neighborhood Environment, part of the Lowry Hill Neighborhood Association. I was immediately drafted. So, this coming Wednesday at 7:30 a.m., I'm going to my first meeting. I don't know what I'll be doing, but I've been forced to put my energy where my mouth is though at that hour of the morning, not sure about the energy level.

Perhaps I'll find that neighborhood activism agrees with me.

Thursday, August 27, 2009

Boomer Gets Ready to Blog with the Bloggers

I created this blog after being inspired by reading the blogs of over 25 mom bloggers. First, I wanted to see how hard it was to set one up, because maybe I might want to blog about something someday. Second, I thought it would be an interesting way to introduce myself to these same bloggers who are coming to visit General Mills next week.

I hope I am a little more interesting than my blog would suggest.

Thursday, August 20, 2009

Boomer Finishes Keebler Cookies. Ready for Family to Come Home

Well, I've polished off all the Keebler Cookies. I've watched all my movies. And, I haven't done any exercise in a week.

I think it's time to get back to normal and get my Teen and Hubby back home. Am thinking I might be a better person with them around.

One more night then a big homecoming on Saturday.

Wednesday, August 19, 2009

Tornado Waters Lawn

Today a tornado came close to home, apparently causing a little havoc at the nearby convention center. While tornado's are generally not something to be grateful for, I can appreciate its lawn watering properties.

The grass, flower pots, and garden are all nice and wet. I only wish I had not spent the evening before carefully moving the sprinkler around the yard as instructed by my Camping Husband. I could have instead watched my latest Netflix movie. (I'm on movie #3 for the week.)

The water isn't all good though. Two tomato plants have been overcome with water weight. They were a bit too top heavy and the water just pulled them over. I attempted to lift them back up but the weight is too much. So I've placed things in front of them in hopes that they'll stay a little upright while they dry out. I also picked a lot of tomatoes that were orange to red in color, just to make sure they were 'saved'. Now I have to figure out what to do with them since I don't cook much and frankly don't really like tomatoes that much.

Hey, but it's still cool to grow them.

Saturday, August 15, 2009

Boomer Succumbs to Keebler Fudge Stripe Cookies

I haven't even made it through an entire day by myself yet and already I've succumbed to poor dietary habits.  

Went to Target to pick up just a couple of things.  Like all good Target shoppers, I ended with a basketful, including Keebler Fudge Stripe Cookies.  I've already eaten half the package.  Also picked up a little bean dip, chips, and pretzels (the nod to health).  I replaced the package of ice cream mix that I considered for my ice cream maker, so I wasn't completely without willpower.  

At least 5 Target employees asked if they could help me find something.  Did I look lost or is it a sign of the economic times at Target?     When I mentioned to the checkout man that I'd only planned to buy 3 things, he said something like "necessity brings you in and want fills the basket"..only it was a lot more scripted than that.  Made me wonder what they're teaching their people.     While it was true, it didn't seem an appropriate thing for an employee to tell me they know if they can just get me into the store, I'll buy things I don't need.

But the cookies are sure good.

Husband Entrusts Partner with Yard Care

Bill has left for the Boundary Waters but not without first giving me complete instructions on how to water the lawn.    This isn't the first time I've been given these instructions and I'm sure it won't be the last.  I always let him do it because it gives him peace of mind.    Our yard is about the size of a postage stamp but the lawn, what little there is, is his pride and joy.  So I was told exactly where to place the sprinklers and how long to run them, shown the 'hard to reach' spots for hand watering, advised as to which plants, when wilted, would indicate the need to water, and reminded not to forget the hanging baskets and pots.    He forgot to mention the indoor plants. Must be signs of age.

It rained.  Oh well, guess I'll just have to wait till tomorrow to start all the fun.

Friday, August 14, 2009

Boomer Picks Tomatoes in Back Yard

Yes, it's that time of year when my garden tucked in a corner next to the house begins to produce.  I like to pretend I'm a farmer when I begin to harvest.     After picking something, I carry it into the house and announce, "I've just been out in the garden harvesting and look what I have!"

But here's the problem:  when do you know when to pick a green bean or a jalapeno pepper?  I can tell when it's too late but not when it's just right.  Tomatoes are easier.  They turn nice and red.   

By this time I've forgotten what we paid for a plant.  As I picked my green beans I wondered, how many green beans would I have to pick to break even on the plant?    That kind of takes the fun out of it though, so I don't ponder that question much.

We put the garden in the year the Teen decided she wanted to grow her own vegetables.  Fit with her then vegetarian (now vegan) new outlook on life.  So Bill, her dedicated father, dug out my flowers, planted the veges of her choice, and that's about the last time she had anything to do with the garden.   

Husband Seeks Manly Time in the Woods

Bill is getting ready for his annual Boundary Waters adventure with his buddy Dan.    His plan is to keep at it until he turns 70.  After that?

Now I like the great outdoors as much as anyone, but I prefer my bathrooms in-doors, my beds comfy and a screen to guard against mosquitos.   Every once in a while, when we're hiking in a National Park, I weaken and say, I'd go camping with you in a beautiful place like this.    He, so far, has not taken me seriously.

It hasn't always been this way.  I've given it the ole' college try.  And what did I get?  Downpours which forced us to spend most of our time in a small tent and 45 degree weather in the middle of August.   This is not how vacations should be spent.  This is not what I consider fun.

But it's fun for him and I'm all too happy to let him take off for a week.    Grace will be at camp and I'll be working.   Next year, I'm thinking a short trip with my gal pals may be in order.