Springy Spring Spring!

I don't know what it is about Spring that makes me want to bust out this blog, dust it off and start writing but here I am. Again!

This time I want to talk about composting!

Mmmmm garbage

After moving in to a house with a lovely back yard, we felt the pull to create a garden. Yummm, fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers....

We can hardly wait to see these little guys sprouting up

Mike found a nice spot in the yard that will serve pretty well as a garden. He has started prepping it by putting all of our green scraps in the dirt and mixing it around. Kind of like a hillbilly compost pile.

Well, the dogs have really enjoyed this. It is like a treasure hunt for them. A gross and smelly treasure hunt. It is not surprising to find pineapple tops, potatoes, avocado pits and lemons strewn throughout our yard. Lily likes the lemons for some reason.

Anyway, I think the detritus scattered around is probably not accomplishing our desired effect so I did a little googling and found that the City of Phoenix offers mulch cans for $5! Score! Here's the link. Other Cities offer info on backyard composting as well. City of Tempe , City of Peoria , City of Scottsdale.

The City of Phoenix is the best deal as far as I can tell. You don't have to be a resident. Just go to one of their locations, pay the $5.00 and grab a can.

Lots of cans ready for all your composting needs

Here's a good resource for how to compost, what to compost and where to compost. 

I will keep updating as our composting progresses! Happy Spring!!

Supporting Farmer's Markets

Mike and I went to the Central Farmer's Market on Saturday. Here are some pictures of the fruits and veggies on offer.

They also have live music inside and lots of other local artists, food trucks and delicious food artisans. I think that's a thing. Anyway, get out and support your local farmers. Here are a few resources to find a location near you.

http://www.arizonafarmersmarkets.com/
http://centralfarmersmarket.com/
http://foodconnect.org/phxmarket/

All dressed up and ready to go!

The dogs and I are headed off to do some hiking. We have been making the most of our fantastic weather with hikes at Thunderbird Park and North Mountain.

Today we are going to do an oldie but a goody, Squaw Peak Circumference Loop. It is a nice little 2 mile hike. Not too difficult and very pretty this time of year.

Reece has the water bottles, she's ready!

Old becomes new again!

If you haven't been yet, you should rush on over to the new Richardson's Restaurant

They moved to a new location, combined with the Rokerij and created a gorgeous patio in between. Here's a tip... if you sit on the patio you can have food from either menu. This is really nice for those of us that have a hard time making up our mind. 

Mike and I ate there with the family last Sunday and then I came back with my mom and sister on Thursday and then for the trifecta, Mike and I were back for a Brunch date on Sunday. 

It is such a great place to sit out and enjoy our beautiful Spring weather, eat some delicious food (cheese enchiladas and eggs) and sip some of their fresh squeezed orange juice.

Richardson's, I have missed you. I am excited that you are back and I will see you again soon!

Hiking season!

Am I the only one that feels guilty if I don't get outside and enjoy this glorious weather? I just know it is going to turn in to 100 + degree weather and I will be wishing for these days.

On that note, I decided to try out a new place to hike. It's Thunderbird Mountain Park at 59th Avenue and Deer Valley. There are lots of trails at all different levels. It was a great hike and I can't wait to go back!

 The trail is dog friendly and there were lots of people out there with their pups enjoying this beautiful day. Lily and Reece were pretty pooped as you can see. They were just wanting me to snap the picture so they could get back in the shade.

What are your favorite hiking trails?

Broccoli!!

We have broccoli! I am so excited! Our first little bud. Check it out!

Doesn't it look delicious?

 And here's the before, after and after picture collage. I really need to take them all from the same angle so you can get the feel for how big these plants have gotten.

I can't believe how much these plants have grown in such a short time.

Dave at Harvest to Home has me on his e mail and text list to tell me when to cover the plants which is really a great idea because this has been such a no-brainer that I have forgotten about these guys a few times. This service has really helped keep the plants healthy.

Hopefully soon I will have some cauliflower to show!

Garden, Week Three!

This little guy is really growing! Check out the before and after:

I was a little concerned about this Fall edition. I didn't know if our patio would give the plants enough shade and then there was the self watering issue. When David from Harvest to Home installed the system it was leaking a little bit. I told David about it and he came right over and fixed it. The problem was my diverter. He fixed it up as best as he could but since the diverter is messed up we have to leave the water off and turn it on to make sure it gets enough water.

This of course has me a bit panicked because I am not exactly responsible in the watering department. The dogs and the cat have taken to drinking out of the toilet and staring at me pointedly when their water dishes are empty.

So far though, the plants are looking great and the watering is not an issue. I am salivating in anticipation of the crops of broccoli and cauliflower soon to come!