2010 Spring/Summer Garden Update in Photos

Spring Garden 2010

Since discovering how cooking fuels my soul I've felt a strong urge to complete the process by growing my own food.  Earlier this Spring, if that's what one can call this crazy weather, my son and I started our first home garden.  We planted 2 types of bell peppers, zucchini, cumcumbers, strawberries and some herbs as well as some annual flowers.  We are also growing some tomatoes that we inherited from my Grandfather.

I have found gardening to be an exciting hobby.  I look forward to checking out the garden every day and am amazed by the progress.  Not only is it fun, it's cheap!  Yes, the initial investment of the EarthBox was expensive, but it can be used over and over again for years to come.  I plan to add a new box each year to expand the garden with new goodies.  Each veggie seedling only cost about $1-$2 plus the cost of soil, not bad when you consider the cost of buying veggies in the store.  The added benefit is that I know the food is being grown with organic soil and no pesticides.

Below are some photos of the progress.  Click on each photo to see a larger image.

Here are our strawberries.  They were purchased pre-planted at a local nursery.

These were our planting supplies.  We went with an EarthBox for the veggies since we rent our property I didn't want to kill the existing grass by building a garden bed over it.

On the left side are the bell pepper seedlings.  On the right the cucumbers are on top and the zucchini are on the bottom.  They were so small!

These are our herbs we're growing cilantro, rosemary, basil and oregano.  Yuuuumy!

Here's my son being my little helper planting the flowers.

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Now for the progress.  Here are photos of the current state of the garden, it's been approximately 3-4 weeks since we planted.  Things are growing like crazy!

Mmmm mmm mmm the strawberries are growing nicely.  Got a couple that are turning red already.  Can't wait to bite into them!  Check out the close-up below.

Check out the size of these veggies.  The zucchini is really taking over.  I'm probably going to have to replant the cucumbers so they can get some sun.  You can't even see them in the upper right.

Got these tomatoes from my 90 year-old Grandfather. He and my son have been planting tomatoes the last 3 years.  This year my Uncle planted them on their behalf and we took them home to make sure they are getting enough sunshine and water.



Check out the cilantro growing like a weed.  Cant' wait to make some guacamole with it this weekend!!

Last but not least here is a super cute photo of my little garden helper.  Shakes, one of my two babies, decided to hang out in the sun while I photographed the garden this afternoon.

Cable Schmable!

At the time of the mandated television digital conversion I had the basic expanded cable package from Comcast.  I was paying about 30 bucks a month.  Just before the full transition took place I lost my favorite channels (Bravo, Food Network and TLC).  Basically all channels above 35 were GONE!  I don't own a fancy TV that is digital ready so I called Comcast and asked for converter boxes for the 3 TVs in my house.  I was informed that unless I upgraded to the next level of service (a cost of $50 per month) they would not be able to provide me with converter boxes.  This upset me since I had seen many Comcast commercials stating that Comcast customers would be taken care of through the transition and that I had nothing to worry about.  Talk about false advertising.  Since I am on a budget I decided to drop cable all together, there was no way I was going to pay more money for the 3 channels I watched rarely.

I purchased my own rabbit ears and converter boxes (which I got free through the government voucher program).  This system worked good in the beginning but eventually became a hassle.  It seemed whenever I watched my favorite shows I would have to fiddle with the antenna.  That just wasn't going to work!

I was already a subscriber to Netflix and through some online browsing I learned of their instant streaming capabilities on the XBox 360, which we already owned.  I gave it a shot and was instantly hooked!  Now the only form of TV I watch is Netflix and I am saving the $30 per month ($360 per year) I was spending on cable!  Netflix instant streaming is easy, all you need is a Netflix ready device (there are many kinds including blue-ray, HD tvs, PS3 and now even the Wii).  Currently I pay about $16 a month for two out at a time unlimited DVD rentals which includes unlimited hours of instant streaming.  There is a lower level one available for about $8 a month that includes one out at a time unlimited DVD rentals and unlimited instant streaming.  Instant watch is also available for viewing via a computer.  You will need an internet connection (not dial-up) to utilize either method of instant streaming.

Netflix provides me with endless hours of entertainment.  They have tons of instant watch titles available including many TV shows and movies from all genres.  If you aren't already a Netflix subscriber check out their free trial for new customers!

photo credit: www.netflix.com

Grocery Shopping on a Budget...

If you don't have time to shop or are concerned about over spending at the grocery store, home delivery may be a good option for you.  A friend of mine recently told me about her experience with grocery delivery from Safeway.  At this point in time she doesn't have a car so shopping online and getting her groceries delivered is a great way to solve her shopping dilemma.

I gave grocery delivery a shot last week and found it to be very useful.  Since I was able to see my total online before I purchased there were no surprises at checkout.  I avoided the temptation of display stands and impulse buying.  I was also able to compare prices on the available brands for the items I chose and see what was on sale.  Safeway offers free delivery on your first order, FREE always works for me!  You can choose from a 2 or 4 hour delivery window.  The delivery guy showed up right on time.  He was very nice and even carried the groceries into my kitchen for me.  Another great thing is that the drivers aren't allowed to take tips so you don't have to feel obligated to give them one.  All in all it was a great experience.  The only negative thing I have to say is that I feel like I could have saved some money by shopping in my usual way.  Overall grocery delivery from Safeway is convenient, saves time and gas.  But don't just take my word for it, give it a shot yourself.

The Most Important Piece of Plastic in My Wallet....

My LIBRARY CARD!  Yes, it is indeed the most important piece of plastic in my wallet because it provides me with endless hours of FREE entertainment.  FREE always fits right into my budget!  At the library you can check out everything from books to CDs, DVDs new and old and much much more.

Another great way to save money with the library is by taking advantage of their internet access.  Many libraries also have wireless internet available for your use.  If you don't use the internet much at home why pay for it monthly!  Just head on down to the library and use their internet for FREE!

Getting a library card is quick and easy, just stop by your local library to sign up.  You can even try online to see if your library has an online application.

One can find me at my local library at least 1-2 times per week taking advantage of all the goodies.  So much to explore.  Don't have time to browse?  That's okay too, many libraries have online catalogs you can use to reserve items.  The items are pulled for you, all you have to do is run in and check em' out!

Okay so now you are out of excuses so hop to it, get yourself to the library and see what treasures await YOU!