My currant/berry plot is starting to come together. This past Saturday after returning from California we stopped by a local nursery, and I purchased two Red Lake variety currant bushes, as well as a Poorman (supposedly) variety gooseberry, and a thornless blackberry. I also purchased a Crandall black currant last week (a lovely yellow flowering variety) at a separate nursery.
On Monday my two elderberry bushes arrived; they were fairly small, but seemed healthy. My Jostaberry arrived as well (a Jostaberry is a cross between a black currant and a gooseberry), it was also small, but healthy.
Yesterday I purchased a Cherry Red currant bush, and I have great hopes for it. It looks like it may get berries this year (my Red Lakes as well as my Crandall and Poorman seem like they will as well), so that is good news indeed.
My largest order of the bushes should be arriving hopefully this week, and is being shipped from the Currant Company out of New York. There should be three black currant varieties, one red currant variety, and two pink currant bushes of the same variety arriving. I am not certain of the size of these bushes, or how well they are established, but I have great hopes for them since they come from the only strictly currant dedicated nursery in the country.
The currant bush that survived from last year seems to finally be doing a little better, it is a white variety from Sweden. Originally I had ordered some white currants from the Currant Company, but they were unable to ship because they didn't feel they were hearty enough.
I have been planting the bushes on a small slope to facilitate good drainage, which is necessary to the health of these bushes. Although the hill isn't fully taken up yet, it really seems to add a lot of character to the slope. Overall, I have been pretty pleased so far.
This year, I hope, will be a success.
30.4.08
29.4.08
Rachael Ray
I do not like Rachael Ray. I do not like how she cooks, how she looks, or her books. I do not like Rachael Ray, I do not like her any day.
15.4.08
The Plan: In the Garden
Tonight I begin part of what I term “The Plan” (and a series of entries on it). The Plan is intended to be a life plan, and not all of it I have plotted yet, but I am certainly working on it. The part of The Plan that I am beginning this evening is the garden phase of the plan. Now, you may be saying, “what does a garden have to do with a fully comprehensive life plan?” Let me tell you.
For me at this point in my life, my life isn't terribly anchored. I am terribly wishy-washy, and I am terribly unmotivated no matter the motivational force that moves me. I have come to the conclusion that in order for a plan to truly work for me, it will have to suit more than just one area of my life, it definitely has to be fully comprehensive since there are more than just one or two issues that need to be addressed.
I as a human being have proven to be a high stress individual. I don't believe it is entirely genetics, although that could be part of it. In order for me to start accomplishing more, and I need to start stressing less. This can be accomplished through a number of things including meditation, deep-breathing, and last but not least anchoring myself in something I enjoy.
I have written a lot about passions in this journal, and the things I am passionate about most of the time help me reduce my stress output. One of the things that I am passionate about is planting some bushes of various types. These bushes feature types of fruit (currants and elderberries) that for the most part are very good for you, not only in a health sense, but to an extent a mental sense (since they feature chemicals that can help the release of certain chemicals within the brain).
I don't intend to plant just these wondrous fruits, but also an entirely separate garden of vegetables that I enjoy. I am a big fan of the marrow family of fruits, and intend to have many of those planted along with various other vegetables including beans, peas, and of course carrots.
Tonight I will begin the purchasing of my fruit bushes. The first order I will place will probably be with Gurney's (I hope they turn out okay, they have been of mixed success previously), in which I am planning to order two Elderberry bushes, and one Jostaberry bush (a jostaberry is a cross between a black currant and a gooseberry). The most likely order I will place after that will either be currants and an elderberry from Nourse Farms, or just currants from The Currant Company (of whom I should order from no matter what).
I am able to begin my fruit bush phase of the garden plan earlier than the vegetable phase because I am going to be home off and on throughout the rest of April. Although when they are young they require frequent care (which should be given to them always), bushes typically will do better than seedlings when left on their own for a brief period of time.
The vegetable phase of the garden phase should begin in May. I am getting pretty excited about the entire process, especially the fruit bush phase. There is something about gardening that reaches into an inner level of the soul if you are growing something that you enjoy (otherwise it is utter drivel), it is medicinal and stress relieving, which is good for both body and soul.
As far as my plan, The Plan goes, I will give more details as I go. I haven't made it very known how the rest of works, but that will come with time. Overall, it is all about balance, and becoming a more balanced, and happy being; both of which I intend to become.
For me at this point in my life, my life isn't terribly anchored. I am terribly wishy-washy, and I am terribly unmotivated no matter the motivational force that moves me. I have come to the conclusion that in order for a plan to truly work for me, it will have to suit more than just one area of my life, it definitely has to be fully comprehensive since there are more than just one or two issues that need to be addressed.
I as a human being have proven to be a high stress individual. I don't believe it is entirely genetics, although that could be part of it. In order for me to start accomplishing more, and I need to start stressing less. This can be accomplished through a number of things including meditation, deep-breathing, and last but not least anchoring myself in something I enjoy.
I have written a lot about passions in this journal, and the things I am passionate about most of the time help me reduce my stress output. One of the things that I am passionate about is planting some bushes of various types. These bushes feature types of fruit (currants and elderberries) that for the most part are very good for you, not only in a health sense, but to an extent a mental sense (since they feature chemicals that can help the release of certain chemicals within the brain).
I don't intend to plant just these wondrous fruits, but also an entirely separate garden of vegetables that I enjoy. I am a big fan of the marrow family of fruits, and intend to have many of those planted along with various other vegetables including beans, peas, and of course carrots.
Tonight I will begin the purchasing of my fruit bushes. The first order I will place will probably be with Gurney's (I hope they turn out okay, they have been of mixed success previously), in which I am planning to order two Elderberry bushes, and one Jostaberry bush (a jostaberry is a cross between a black currant and a gooseberry). The most likely order I will place after that will either be currants and an elderberry from Nourse Farms, or just currants from The Currant Company (of whom I should order from no matter what).
I am able to begin my fruit bush phase of the garden plan earlier than the vegetable phase because I am going to be home off and on throughout the rest of April. Although when they are young they require frequent care (which should be given to them always), bushes typically will do better than seedlings when left on their own for a brief period of time.
The vegetable phase of the garden phase should begin in May. I am getting pretty excited about the entire process, especially the fruit bush phase. There is something about gardening that reaches into an inner level of the soul if you are growing something that you enjoy (otherwise it is utter drivel), it is medicinal and stress relieving, which is good for both body and soul.
As far as my plan, The Plan goes, I will give more details as I go. I haven't made it very known how the rest of works, but that will come with time. Overall, it is all about balance, and becoming a more balanced, and happy being; both of which I intend to become.
14.4.08
Locomotive Breath
In the shuffling madness
of the locomotive breath,
runs the all-time loser,
headlong to his death. - Jethro Tull
Much of the time life feels like it is filled with shuffling madness. It goes from being perfectly calm one moment, to inexplicably frantic the next. Even though what we do in this life doesn't always seem to be pointing in any specific direction, in all eventuality we're all heading inevitably headlong into death. This eventuality cannot be avoided, and it will happen no matter the actions we take.
If life is like being caught on an unstoppable train and we can't get off, then the only thing that can be done is to choose the actions which don't make us the all time losers. Even if we try to jump the train (which would be a loser thing to do), the only thing we would be accomplishing is something that will happen anyway, which is death (since most everyone can die, it really isn't much of an accomplishment). Living well is truly an accomplishment.
Life is to be lived, not to be observed. Life does seem to speed by fast like an unstoppable train, but we can still admire the scenery, and we can still live life.
I will not be the all-time loser, and I will see this train ride to the end of the line; getting off early is not an option.
of the locomotive breath,
runs the all-time loser,
headlong to his death. - Jethro Tull
Much of the time life feels like it is filled with shuffling madness. It goes from being perfectly calm one moment, to inexplicably frantic the next. Even though what we do in this life doesn't always seem to be pointing in any specific direction, in all eventuality we're all heading inevitably headlong into death. This eventuality cannot be avoided, and it will happen no matter the actions we take.
If life is like being caught on an unstoppable train and we can't get off, then the only thing that can be done is to choose the actions which don't make us the all time losers. Even if we try to jump the train (which would be a loser thing to do), the only thing we would be accomplishing is something that will happen anyway, which is death (since most everyone can die, it really isn't much of an accomplishment). Living well is truly an accomplishment.
Life is to be lived, not to be observed. Life does seem to speed by fast like an unstoppable train, but we can still admire the scenery, and we can still live life.
I will not be the all-time loser, and I will see this train ride to the end of the line; getting off early is not an option.
11.4.08
"Your mother was a hamster, and your father smelled of elderberries.."
Elderberries are an interesting fruit, and I find that I myself quite like elderberry jam, as well as other elderberry products. They are also interesting because if you eat them uncooked, they are mildly poisonous (they contain a mild amount of cyanide which is destroyed by cooking). The elderflower is also used to create herbal teas, or a form of syrup from which a drink may be brewed (alcoholic or non). Elderflower Herbal Tea is said to be a remedy for both fevers and colds (although I'm sure this is debatable by some federal administration).
Historically the plant holds a special place in folklore because it has the ability to ward off evil (and evil influences such as witches), which by me makes it very intriguing; often in some subliminal way there is reason for a folk legend's reasoning.
I have been thinking about planting an elderberry plant along with a slew of currant bushes, I think it would add very nicely to my plant retinue. As far as berries go, the elderberry is an attractive one, and in my opinion can be a great addition to any yard/garden.
Elderberries have many amazing health properties to them, but the health benefits of elderberries are best summed up in someone elses words, so if you are curious about their health benefits, you'll want to read the following article accessible below.
http://content.herbalgram.org/iherb/HerbalGram/articleview.asp?a=2286
10.4.08
The Currant Summer
Success! Today I spoke with the Currant Company out of New York, and I think they will be the company that I purchase my currant bushes from. They have all of the varieties that I'm looking for (black, red, white, and pink), and it sounds like that their bushes are a bit further along than what I would be getting out of Oregon. Not only that, but they are cheaper.
I have discovered the reason why I was unsuccessful in last year's crop of bushes. The main reason is because I kept them inside, as far as I can see that is. In order for currant bushes to be successful, they need a certain amount of cold time a year, otherwise they don't build strong root systems, and ultimately aren't very healthy. Because I kept them in the house, they never received that “down time” since they were kept at a fairly constant temperature of 65 degrees or warmer. This year I will be planting them outside, so I hope for much success indeed.
As a closing note, here is some information (and it may just be a repeat of information I wrote about earlier, but I hope it provides some new insight into the power of these fruits) about Black currants as quoted from the Currant Company website: “Black Currants are the king of berries with more than twice the antioxidants of blueberries, 4 times the Vitamin C of oranges, more potassium than bananas, and a cache of iron, calcium, magnesium and manganese.”
I have discovered the reason why I was unsuccessful in last year's crop of bushes. The main reason is because I kept them inside, as far as I can see that is. In order for currant bushes to be successful, they need a certain amount of cold time a year, otherwise they don't build strong root systems, and ultimately aren't very healthy. Because I kept them in the house, they never received that “down time” since they were kept at a fairly constant temperature of 65 degrees or warmer. This year I will be planting them outside, so I hope for much success indeed.
As a closing note, here is some information (and it may just be a repeat of information I wrote about earlier, but I hope it provides some new insight into the power of these fruits) about Black currants as quoted from the Currant Company website: “Black Currants are the king of berries with more than twice the antioxidants of blueberries, 4 times the Vitamin C of oranges, more potassium than bananas, and a cache of iron, calcium, magnesium and manganese.”
Lawnmowers and Landscaping
Yesterday I met with a good friend of mine to discuss becoming his business partner on a project of his. He has started a lawnmowing/landscaping business, and he wants someone to come on board with him to balance out the load. The job is starting to take place just on saturdays, so it won't interfere with either of our 9-5 work schedules.
He and I are both hoping that this will turn into something worthwhile and that isn't just a big pain. I don't really like the idea of my saturdays being eaten up by mowing lawns, but if it can get me ahead I need to just do it and quit being such a lazy bollocks.
He is hoping that within the next couple years it will really take off and that we'll do it full time, and then not work in the off season (that would be nice for school potentially, or taking vacations, writing, etc.). I don't love outdoor work, but I'll be honest, it may be a nice change from being a desk monkey.
He and I are both hoping that this will turn into something worthwhile and that isn't just a big pain. I don't really like the idea of my saturdays being eaten up by mowing lawns, but if it can get me ahead I need to just do it and quit being such a lazy bollocks.
He is hoping that within the next couple years it will really take off and that we'll do it full time, and then not work in the off season (that would be nice for school potentially, or taking vacations, writing, etc.). I don't love outdoor work, but I'll be honest, it may be a nice change from being a desk monkey.
9.4.08
Money
"Money, get away
Get a good job with more pay and you're O.K.
Money, it's a gas
Grab that cash with both hands and make a stash
A new car, caviar, four star daydream
Think I'll buy me a football team" - Pink Floyd
I hate money. I love money. It is both what makes and breaks my existance. I almost feel like my habit of spending quite a fair amount of money on media is my attempt on some subliminal level to compensate for my hatred of the dreary and dead-end job I currently operate in every day. I could be in school getting a degree, earning potential to make more money, but instead I'm working at this place where I am going nowhere, and just earning enough to "enjoy" my
habits. Satisfying the now is something I need to work on curbing
(lets say by the end of May, I think I'll try to cut down to just cds after that).
Cheers to you money, you're a bastard.
Get a good job with more pay and you're O.K.
Money, it's a gas
Grab that cash with both hands and make a stash
A new car, caviar, four star daydream
Think I'll buy me a football team" - Pink Floyd
I hate money. I love money. It is both what makes and breaks my existance. I almost feel like my habit of spending quite a fair amount of money on media is my attempt on some subliminal level to compensate for my hatred of the dreary and dead-end job I currently operate in every day. I could be in school getting a degree, earning potential to make more money, but instead I'm working at this place where I am going nowhere, and just earning enough to "enjoy" my
habits. Satisfying the now is something I need to work on curbing
(lets say by the end of May, I think I'll try to cut down to just cds after that).
Cheers to you money, you're a bastard.
7.4.08
On Writing - Vinisje
I have actually started writing a new piece of fiction as of last week, and I'm hoping for some writing success. So far I am onto my third page single spaced, which is a good sign, and I'm not overly bored with my subject matter. The tentative title of the current piece of work is Vinisje (this will more than likely not be a final title, merely something to identify it by), which is pronounced VINN ISS YEEY (pronunciation always is subject to change as well, although I think I'm pretty satisfied with the current pronunciation).
For this story I am creating a new culture in my pantheon of stories, and so far I'm enjoying it. Nothing is too terribly well developed(as far as my development process goes), but ideas, rumours, and plots are forming in my mind. I think this will be a fun story, and hopefully the story I am trying to tell with it will be clear. I'm not giving very many details here, because maybe, just maybe, someone else but me will read it someday (and I'd rather not spoil it).
For this story I am creating a new culture in my pantheon of stories, and so far I'm enjoying it. Nothing is too terribly well developed(as far as my development process goes), but ideas, rumours, and plots are forming in my mind. I think this will be a fun story, and hopefully the story I am trying to tell with it will be clear. I'm not giving very many details here, because maybe, just maybe, someone else but me will read it someday (and I'd rather not spoil it).
This Month - More Entries
So this month I have decided to write more than I have ever written on this thing before; more entries that is. As far as blogs go, I write very long entries, so I'm going to try to write shorter ones, although I won't guarantee anything. If I am truly trying to chronicle events (and ideas) in my life, then I certainly need to write more than an average of 4 entries per month.
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