I don't have much to share right now, but I thought I'd pop in just to say hi! Tomorrow is Friday and I'm happy about that. We had a sweet week at school, but I'm looking forward to not rushing Bea and I out the door by 7:15. After three days of that each week, we require a four day break to recharge for the next week's round.
Still, I don't mean to moan about our schedule. The work away from home helps to provide some structure for us, which I need. Without it, I'm afraid way too many days would drift by without my getting out of jammies. And for me, that just doesn't feel healthy. The part-time kick out of the door is a fair compromise.
I've been thinking about the impending gardening season. It will be here before we know it. I'm excited to give it a go in our new space. Byron is getting geared up to build a few beds. I hope, hope, hope that this year is NOTHING like last year (in the way of precipitation and heat). Last summer was dreadfully hot and dry.
We need to install rain barrels stat. But that's easier said than done. First we need gutters or at least partial gutters. Oh...Byron and his never ending list of honey do's. Weekends are never long enough. Right now, our method of harvesting water consists of leaving buckets out in the yard...I have a strong suspicion we might continue to roll like that for quite awhile - at least this first year here.
I'm also thinking about ways in which to organize our outdoor space. A few weeks ago, I made a trip out to my greatest source of gardening inspiration, The Natural Gardener. It never fails to inspire - never! And so, I have lofty dreams of having a wonderful children's outdoor space, different types of trees, (some that produce fruit and nuts, some that offer beautiful spring and fall color, all drought tolerant and native), meandering pathways adorned with herbs, native grasses and wildflowers, garden beds in the front yard, my chickens, of course, in the backyard, berry picking along the fence line, bees...all on 1/4 of an acre....We'll see.
On to another topic all together different from urban homesteading: I don't watch alot of television but every now and then I fall in love with a series. I've been enjoying this PBS series so very much. What fun it is to get lost in an on-going story line. I must admit, it's been a very long dry spell over here ever since Mad Men vanished and never returned.
Dreaming :) I love it...... our plans are pulling things together and finishing up the last of the house renovations. Pulling out the gardening boxes and anticipating a list of prospective jobs this fall. We're due to move next spring which means the next few months will be preparing the house to put on the market! Exciting and daunting all in one. Happy weekend to you!
Posted by: Stephinie | January 13, 2012 at 07:52 AM
Nichole! We're going to visit the house that Downton Abbey is filmed in soon! We live quite close by! I am a huge fan of the series!
Posted by: mamaUK | January 13, 2012 at 02:28 PM
PS: adore the photo of little Bea!
Posted by: mamaUK | January 13, 2012 at 02:30 PM
Well, you know, there's a strong bit of gypsy in my heart, so your upcoming months sound sort of thrilling to me!! For me, it's always exciting to anticipate, and to dream of what the next chapter will look like.
I'm sure your house will sell easily as the love you've put into improving it will shine through.
Posted by: Nichole | January 13, 2012 at 08:37 PM
Ah...Rosaleen, you are killing me with all of your fantastic travel news!! :) I mean it in the kindest way. You love America. I love Europe. We are destined to be attracted to each other's lives! Sounds wonderful!! The girls will have so much fun exploring the grounds. Beautiful place to snap photos!! XO.
Posted by: Nichole | January 13, 2012 at 08:40 PM
Thank you!! Early, soft morning light is so gorgeous these days!!
Posted by: Nichole | January 13, 2012 at 08:41 PM
Ahhh the life of of a gypsy :) I do hope the house sells easily..... I thought buying a home was a big event.... but selling? Oh my!
Posted by: Stephinie | January 13, 2012 at 10:01 PM
this is about the third time I've heard that show mentioned today~ and I'd never heard of it before! might have to check it out....
love all the homesteady stuff, too, of course ;)
Posted by: amanda (sweetpotatoclaire) | January 16, 2012 at 08:32 PM