Archives for May 2010

Lettuce Grow Produce

So, aside from my tropical plants and myriad of perennials, we’re also growing edibles: strawberries, peaches, blueberries, Italian grapes, Simpson and butter crunch lettuce, arugula, three kinds of peppers, carrots, spring onions, cukes, basil, cilantro, lemon balm, eggplant, stevia (that’s an … [Read more...]

A Geyser In the Yard Presents Challenges

When we were at the lake house two weekends ago and the water pressure was less than stellar, I thought that something was afoot.  Then, I ventured down into the basement to discover that at weekend’s end, my newly filled chemical tank (to get the Ph up to a neutral 7 in order to hit the iron … [Read more...]

Not Just for Salads: Vinegar Does Wonders for Wood Floors

If you mix pets, children, entertaining and simple day-to-day life with your beautiful wood floors, you know that what you get is floors that are less than pristine.  I am speaking from experience as my 100 year old pine floors bear the brunt of the feet of many sub-contractors, my daughter’s garden … [Read more...]

Urban Gardening: Why Dad Had ’Nam Flashbacks in my Front Yard

  My banana tree has far exceeded my expectations of its growth.  On year two of its planting, it hit 20-some feet and produced three massive bunches of green bananas, inedible since our Atlanta growing season is shorter than Costa Rica’s.  And then there are the canna lilies that shot up … [Read more...]

Clawfoot Tubs, Bad Hygiene, and the Sears Catalog for T.P.

I am enamored with my clawfoot tub, which is original to our restored 1911 Craftsman bungalow.  It’s is a deep wellspring of contentment.  I love soaking, with a glass of red vino, on a chilly winter day.  And since I’m sharing, I prefer the water extra hot with an ample sprinkling of … [Read more...]

The Silence of the Lambs Basement of Old Junque

I get a huge kick out of amassing great quantities of old junk.  Not just junk really, but “junque.”  That’s French and that makes it valuable.  I kid, sorta. … [Read more...]