April is coming towards the end and I’m going nuts again! I’m off in a few days to do another marathon, and that means a few things to put in order. I think I’ve got my budget just about balanced. The plants though… with going away everything’s got to be either planted out, fitted into the dark kitchen (it’s hot on the living room window sill, so there they need watering every day, and won’t survive while I’m away), or found new homes. So I’ve been freecycling again. And if I thought the frame was bad… this time I’ve got nearly 30 replies. And all want different combinations of various plants and seed. I just know in the end half of them won’t turn up. But I’ve made a local community garden my waiting list so hopefully that will work out!
Nasturtiums and globe artichokes have joined the rest in the garden. I’m just hoping all goes well with them. One of my marrows has already been well and truly munched by snails out there. Half of its stem has been chewed away for several inches. Strangely it didn’t look too wilted though, so maybe I’ll come back to it still alive!
I think I got the culprits too… I’ve been gathering snails from the garden for a while now and keeping them in yoghurt pots in the kitchen. Apparently they are edible. I think I’ll tell that tale in full at a later date. But for now they are going to have to go in the fridge while I’m away, so they go dormant in the low temperature and don’t need feeding and cleaning (yuk!). Today I planted out the last few plants in pouring rain. Came back soaked and with a few more snails in a tub. Two of them were mating when I picked them up so just in time!
I found time to write a few more reviews, see the Qype panel on the right. Unfortunately I didn’t make it to a Qype event: a gourmet chocolate tasting for Advanced Insiders. If you want to hear about it look up reviews for Melt. Arrrgggghhhh! I can’t believe I couldn’t go. Oh well, off now for a long walk and a bit of Qyping.
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Saturday, April 26, 2008
Win Beer
How did I manage to miss this? I heard ages ago that Qype was going to be doing this promotion, but managed to miss the announcement. Never mind. I reckon there is still time…
Basically it’s for newbies to the website Qype. Get yourself to 250 points in the next few days and you get a big load of beer delivered. My plan for success:
1) Join Qype using this link: http://www.qype.co.uk/people/moonrising?inviter=moonrising
2) Write some reviews. Shops, museums, parks, regular events (like races…) or pubs!
3) Take loads of pictures of the places you review for more points
4) Get your mates involved and build a ‘contact’ list on Qype. Each contact gets you points and the easiest points are the ones your mates give you by clicking the feedback buttons.
More information on the promotion is at: http://www.qype.co.uk/booze_for_reviews But do join by using the link in (1) above: it gets you your first contact: me! And I'm a good clicker...
Of course, I’m an ‘oldie’ on Qype these days so I can’t win. That’s OK though, as I’m not really a beer drinker! Good luck to everyone that is…
Basically it’s for newbies to the website Qype. Get yourself to 250 points in the next few days and you get a big load of beer delivered. My plan for success:
1) Join Qype using this link: http://www.qype.co.uk/people/moonrising?inviter=moonrising
2) Write some reviews. Shops, museums, parks, regular events (like races…) or pubs!
3) Take loads of pictures of the places you review for more points
4) Get your mates involved and build a ‘contact’ list on Qype. Each contact gets you points and the easiest points are the ones your mates give you by clicking the feedback buttons.
More information on the promotion is at: http://www.qype.co.uk/booze_for_reviews But do join by using the link in (1) above: it gets you your first contact: me! And I'm a good clicker...
Of course, I’m an ‘oldie’ on Qype these days so I can’t win. That’s OK though, as I’m not really a beer drinker! Good luck to everyone that is…
Seed Watch VII
How things have changed… my windowsills were overflowing with young plants. Now they have finally burst… and the otherflow have been sent off to new lives planted out, some in ‘my’ garden, some with other people. It’s like sending your kids to school. I even took some last pics before sending them off!
It’s also been rather hard work… I managed to properly dig out half of my vegetable plot. That involved digging away the top layer of soil, then digging and turning the sand and gravel below, and taking out more large lumps of concrete and brick. It’s still not exactly brilliant, and there’s still loads of building rubble down there, but at least the plants no longer have a pretty solid layer of concrete less than a foot down! The big pipe I found is a little deeper than that… and very solid I’m glad to say!
I’d like to be getting on with the other half, and building a raised bed near the pond… but I’m so stiff and sore! I’d do it anyway, but I do have a marathon in just over a week… It’s frustrating, but I’ve had to ban myself from any more heavy work until that’s done with, as I should be resting. Plants due to go in those beds will have to stay on the windowsill a little longer.
This will be the final Seedwatch for now… I’m probably still going to plant a few more of my freecyled peas as I’m short of them, and seeds have been planted straight in the garden, but germination is pretty much in the past. Ah the memories… did I ever talk about the chives? Starting as tiny spikes, then mysteriously splitting along their length, one side curving out like a bow. Finally the mystery revealed as one end pulled free of the earth. Or the joy of seeing the first little prickles on an artichoke’s downy leaf. Anyway, It’s all about plantwatching now.
In fact, and here’s a surprise, even the mint has germinated now… I’d given it up, but gave it a last go on my sunny living room windowsill, and I guess that did the trick. The pot is speckled with tiny green leaves.
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It’s also been rather hard work… I managed to properly dig out half of my vegetable plot. That involved digging away the top layer of soil, then digging and turning the sand and gravel below, and taking out more large lumps of concrete and brick. It’s still not exactly brilliant, and there’s still loads of building rubble down there, but at least the plants no longer have a pretty solid layer of concrete less than a foot down! The big pipe I found is a little deeper than that… and very solid I’m glad to say!
I’d like to be getting on with the other half, and building a raised bed near the pond… but I’m so stiff and sore! I’d do it anyway, but I do have a marathon in just over a week… It’s frustrating, but I’ve had to ban myself from any more heavy work until that’s done with, as I should be resting. Plants due to go in those beds will have to stay on the windowsill a little longer.
This will be the final Seedwatch for now… I’m probably still going to plant a few more of my freecyled peas as I’m short of them, and seeds have been planted straight in the garden, but germination is pretty much in the past. Ah the memories… did I ever talk about the chives? Starting as tiny spikes, then mysteriously splitting along their length, one side curving out like a bow. Finally the mystery revealed as one end pulled free of the earth. Or the joy of seeing the first little prickles on an artichoke’s downy leaf. Anyway, It’s all about plantwatching now.
In fact, and here’s a surprise, even the mint has germinated now… I’d given it up, but gave it a last go on my sunny living room windowsill, and I guess that did the trick. The pot is speckled with tiny green leaves.
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
A Freecycling Tale
I did say I’d tell the story… Me well and truly having the hoarding gene I have a habit of accumulating stuff. It’s even been know for people who can’t bear to throw something away to give it to me knowing I’ll be even less able to sling it than them. As such Freecycle is sometimes a real blessing, as it makes it easier to part with things knowing they are going on to be used. There’s too much perfectly good stuff going into landfill, and I hate to contribute.
So, the other week I made up a ‘various’ list with a whole list of miscellaneous junk. There must have been 15 or so items in all. Sadly nobody wanted the old radio alarm clock, the freebie CDs, napkin rings or blue glass candle holders. I guess some of those will be off to Oxfam. The tray with a pattern of basketwork, leaves and fruit in red, green and gold did get one taker, but it fell through at the arrangements stage. The person emailed me to ask if I had a dog. I said no, but there was one next door, which she was unlikely to see if she came round. She was not heard from again.
But, as there often is, there was one item that caused a huge response. I found myself deluged with enquiries about a huge old-fashioned gold picture frame, which judging by the label once held a print of an old master. After wondering if I should have sold it (and slapping myself and reminding myself how many wonderful things I’ve got off Freecycle) I started on the task of choosing a recipient. I don’t like to do the ‘first person gets it’ thing (being a hoarder it’s often difficult enough to give things up! I want to know the person getting it really appreciates it!). But it seemed almost impossible to choose: artists, student and otherwise. People decorating shops and homes. So many people longing for the elusive gold frame. I eliminated those who’d simply said ‘I’d like it’, and sent out a picture and a little more info to those left. Unsurprisingly, this being Freecylce, half the originals didn’t get back to me. But there was still no making the decision… and in spite of me asking for no more applications I had a photographer begging to be considered.
It’s at that point I had a crazy idea. I’d already decided that the frame’s future home would just have to be chosen from the deserving by picking a name from a hat. But I also noticed a whole list of those applying wanted the frame for upcoming art shows. It occurred to me that maybe it would be possible for the frame to go out on a rota? How wonderful if before going to its final, permanent home, it could help out a whole list of people. How wonderful it would be to visit it at show after show. Maybe the artists would even be inspired to share what other frames they managed to find…
It’s at that point I mentioned it in this blog, caught up in the wonderful future the frame was going to have. Of course, my list of artists didn’t get back to me… After all that I was left with only one temporary booking (the latecomer photographer) and about 4 permanent home offers, out of which an artist looking for frames for her work won out.
Meanwhile I’d also put out a ‘wanted’ for pea seeds, got multiple replies, gone got them, planted them, and had them sprouting. Ah well, such is Freecycle! And it’s nice to know the frame is helping not one, but two people.
So, the other week I made up a ‘various’ list with a whole list of miscellaneous junk. There must have been 15 or so items in all. Sadly nobody wanted the old radio alarm clock, the freebie CDs, napkin rings or blue glass candle holders. I guess some of those will be off to Oxfam. The tray with a pattern of basketwork, leaves and fruit in red, green and gold did get one taker, but it fell through at the arrangements stage. The person emailed me to ask if I had a dog. I said no, but there was one next door, which she was unlikely to see if she came round. She was not heard from again.
But, as there often is, there was one item that caused a huge response. I found myself deluged with enquiries about a huge old-fashioned gold picture frame, which judging by the label once held a print of an old master. After wondering if I should have sold it (and slapping myself and reminding myself how many wonderful things I’ve got off Freecycle) I started on the task of choosing a recipient. I don’t like to do the ‘first person gets it’ thing (being a hoarder it’s often difficult enough to give things up! I want to know the person getting it really appreciates it!). But it seemed almost impossible to choose: artists, student and otherwise. People decorating shops and homes. So many people longing for the elusive gold frame. I eliminated those who’d simply said ‘I’d like it’, and sent out a picture and a little more info to those left. Unsurprisingly, this being Freecylce, half the originals didn’t get back to me. But there was still no making the decision… and in spite of me asking for no more applications I had a photographer begging to be considered.
It’s at that point I had a crazy idea. I’d already decided that the frame’s future home would just have to be chosen from the deserving by picking a name from a hat. But I also noticed a whole list of those applying wanted the frame for upcoming art shows. It occurred to me that maybe it would be possible for the frame to go out on a rota? How wonderful if before going to its final, permanent home, it could help out a whole list of people. How wonderful it would be to visit it at show after show. Maybe the artists would even be inspired to share what other frames they managed to find…
It’s at that point I mentioned it in this blog, caught up in the wonderful future the frame was going to have. Of course, my list of artists didn’t get back to me… After all that I was left with only one temporary booking (the latecomer photographer) and about 4 permanent home offers, out of which an artist looking for frames for her work won out.
Meanwhile I’d also put out a ‘wanted’ for pea seeds, got multiple replies, gone got them, planted them, and had them sprouting. Ah well, such is Freecycle! And it’s nice to know the frame is helping not one, but two people.
Friday, April 18, 2008
More April Showers
Last Saturday as planned I headed out on my last long slow session in marathon training. First of all I headed down the Greenway towards Beckton. What a great discovery! Like the Parkland Walk in North London it’s a green route that allows people on foot to cut across miles of London, out of the way of traffic and pollution. In comparison the Greenway is straighter and more open. On Saturday this allowed me to fully enjoy the spectacular skies. Sure I paid for it with periodic soakings, but I soon dried out in between, and travelling along in sunlight while watching the dark clouds with their skirts of rain progressing across miles of London is a rare sight.
I spent a while exploring Beckton’s parks before heading to Excel for the London Marathon Expo. I’d had my doubts about going on the last day, but it turned out to be a good move. Crowds weren’t too bad, and everyone was trying to get rid of their freebies. I even got one of the runner’s freebie bags at the exit, though they usually reserve those for people actually running. It was actually off a palette being packed up and wheeled away, so it was probably a good thing I ‘saved’ it! Cat’s Protection also gave me a catnip mouse for Lizzie. I had my doubts as at 18 she doesn’t really do chasing things. But she actually loves it. Standing on all 4 feet play is still out, but she rolls around with it quite vigorously.
From there I started the slog home with my heavy backpack of freebies, including several drinks! I hadn’t been sure if I’d be able to go over the Lower Lee Crossing on foot, but after climbing the wrong overpass and finding my way down via a dizzyingly high staircase I found that yes, there is a footpath, and soon I was at the top of the Isle of Dogs and heading home… By now I’d banned myself from taking any more photos in order to get home before dark (Mile End Park was on my way home, but will have to wait again for its moment of fame…).
At home I found much to my surprise that I’d still managed a time in line with a massive improvement on my previous marathon time! And my bag of freebies and kit weighed a stone. Just to be clear, I really do mean 14 pounds, as I actually weighed it! I actually only did 16.2-17.2 miles (for the longer distance I’m assuming I walked about a mile inside Excel). Heck, I only did 15 miles longest in training for my previous 2 marathons, so having done 3 at 17+ I’m pretty well set up.
I spent a while exploring Beckton’s parks before heading to Excel for the London Marathon Expo. I’d had my doubts about going on the last day, but it turned out to be a good move. Crowds weren’t too bad, and everyone was trying to get rid of their freebies. I even got one of the runner’s freebie bags at the exit, though they usually reserve those for people actually running. It was actually off a palette being packed up and wheeled away, so it was probably a good thing I ‘saved’ it! Cat’s Protection also gave me a catnip mouse for Lizzie. I had my doubts as at 18 she doesn’t really do chasing things. But she actually loves it. Standing on all 4 feet play is still out, but she rolls around with it quite vigorously.
From there I started the slog home with my heavy backpack of freebies, including several drinks! I hadn’t been sure if I’d be able to go over the Lower Lee Crossing on foot, but after climbing the wrong overpass and finding my way down via a dizzyingly high staircase I found that yes, there is a footpath, and soon I was at the top of the Isle of Dogs and heading home… By now I’d banned myself from taking any more photos in order to get home before dark (Mile End Park was on my way home, but will have to wait again for its moment of fame…).
At home I found much to my surprise that I’d still managed a time in line with a massive improvement on my previous marathon time! And my bag of freebies and kit weighed a stone. Just to be clear, I really do mean 14 pounds, as I actually weighed it! I actually only did 16.2-17.2 miles (for the longer distance I’m assuming I walked about a mile inside Excel). Heck, I only did 15 miles longest in training for my previous 2 marathons, so having done 3 at 17+ I’m pretty well set up.
Thursday, April 10, 2008
April Showers
Besides the unseasonable heavy snow a lot seems to be falling on me at the moment, most of it positive, but still rather hectic, so sorry for the lack of posts. I’ve had a day out with family members going to the Tutankamum/pharaohs exhibition at the 02/Millenium Dome, which was good though I feel the advertising is a little misleading. Afterwards we headed over to Chinatown and grabbed various buns, then to Yo! Sushi at Paddington (the place you play catch your plate off a conveyor belt) before they caught the train home.
Back home I’m struggling to find window sill space for seedlings (and have run out of soil to move those that need it into larger pots, and don’t have the cash for it right now!). I’d be moving them outside but, in spite of digging out a stump and more rubble, and moving several perennials, the plot is still not ready. And considering that snow I’d like to leave it a bit longer. There’s also the lesson of my mixed leaves. They’ve survived the snow fine, but have been heavily damaged by pigeons, just as they were beginning to look like leaves not seedlings. The bigger my seedlings are when they go out, the better.
I’m also approaching the peak of my marathon training. No, I’m not doing London (I’d be resting up now if I was!), but the much harder Neolithic at the start of May. I’m supposed to be doing my longest training session - 20 miles - this weekend. Unfortunately this grumbling bug I’ve had the last few weeks means missed sessions and it’s going to be a real struggle to make the distance. It’s annoying, as I got to 18 miles ages ago, and should have been coasting round my second 20 miler this week. Instead of which I’m just hoping I haven’t lost too much condition since that 18 miler! But I guess I have to make the most of it and remind myself that I’ve achieved more in training than the last 2 years. I’m still feeling under the weather, but I just have to hope my trip this week (I’m planning on heading down to the FLM Expo and back), will do the job and I’ll be raring to go in 3 weeks time.
With all that going on I have a stack of reviews to do for Qype and pictures to edit. Then I went and advertised a picture frame on Freecycle… but I’ll tell that story when it’s completed!
Back home I’m struggling to find window sill space for seedlings (and have run out of soil to move those that need it into larger pots, and don’t have the cash for it right now!). I’d be moving them outside but, in spite of digging out a stump and more rubble, and moving several perennials, the plot is still not ready. And considering that snow I’d like to leave it a bit longer. There’s also the lesson of my mixed leaves. They’ve survived the snow fine, but have been heavily damaged by pigeons, just as they were beginning to look like leaves not seedlings. The bigger my seedlings are when they go out, the better.
I’m also approaching the peak of my marathon training. No, I’m not doing London (I’d be resting up now if I was!), but the much harder Neolithic at the start of May. I’m supposed to be doing my longest training session - 20 miles - this weekend. Unfortunately this grumbling bug I’ve had the last few weeks means missed sessions and it’s going to be a real struggle to make the distance. It’s annoying, as I got to 18 miles ages ago, and should have been coasting round my second 20 miler this week. Instead of which I’m just hoping I haven’t lost too much condition since that 18 miler! But I guess I have to make the most of it and remind myself that I’ve achieved more in training than the last 2 years. I’m still feeling under the weather, but I just have to hope my trip this week (I’m planning on heading down to the FLM Expo and back), will do the job and I’ll be raring to go in 3 weeks time.
With all that going on I have a stack of reviews to do for Qype and pictures to edit. Then I went and advertised a picture frame on Freecycle… but I’ll tell that story when it’s completed!
Friday, April 4, 2008
Seed Watch VI
I got round to planting another lot of seeds on Sunday. Meanwhile the squash and marrow, having taken their time, are now going a bit nuts. A couple of days ago I had a good look at the little strip peat pots they are planted in. At the time each group of 4 had two seedlings emerged and a third just showing. But roots were pushing out all over. One marrow (if I’ve identified them correctly…) had a root 3 inches out of the pot. What’s more there were actually roots coming out of all 8 pots… yep, 2 days before those seeds actually stuck their heads up they were already breaking out of the pots! I’ve now potted them all on to larger pots, even though two have really only sprouted today. The tallest is about 4 inches tall already, outstripping the older seedlings of other species. If I have 100% germination with my new seeds I’m going to be overgrown with squash and marrow!
Group 1, Day 21:
Thyme: 70+
Tarragon: 45+
Basil: 29
Mint: 0
Dill: 14
Parsley: 30+
Chives: 17
Sweet corn: 2
Squash: 4
Marrow: 4
Globe Artichoke: 3
Group 2, Day 5:
Tomatoes: 0
Lupins: 0 (25 planted)
Nasturtiums: 0 (25 planted)
Globe Artichoke: 0
Marrow: 0
Squash: 0
Sweetcorn: 2
Only 4 days and the sweetcorn is already growing! I now have the makings of a proper clump :-)
Meanwhile I’ve been digging up lawn for vegetable plot. Unfortunately I’ve also found where the builder’s rubble went. The soil looks good but it’s amazing how many bits of brick and broken concrete there are a few inches down. So much I’m having to dig it out or it’s going to be a real problem for the plants. There’s also snails all over the place that have woken up from their winter sleep. Time to gather them up and do a Gordon Ramsey on them I think… bit scary.
Group 1, Day 21:
Thyme: 70+
Tarragon: 45+
Basil: 29
Mint: 0
Dill: 14
Parsley: 30+
Chives: 17
Sweet corn: 2
Squash: 4
Marrow: 4
Globe Artichoke: 3
Group 2, Day 5:
Tomatoes: 0
Lupins: 0 (25 planted)
Nasturtiums: 0 (25 planted)
Globe Artichoke: 0
Marrow: 0
Squash: 0
Sweetcorn: 2
Only 4 days and the sweetcorn is already growing! I now have the makings of a proper clump :-)
Meanwhile I’ve been digging up lawn for vegetable plot. Unfortunately I’ve also found where the builder’s rubble went. The soil looks good but it’s amazing how many bits of brick and broken concrete there are a few inches down. So much I’m having to dig it out or it’s going to be a real problem for the plants. There’s also snails all over the place that have woken up from their winter sleep. Time to gather them up and do a Gordon Ramsey on them I think… bit scary.
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