Research, planning and strawberries

I have been researching up the wazzu people! Not only did my last two classes before I start my Master's project but I am researching varieties for putting in a mini-orchard up here, chicken coup designs, greenhouse designs, and more. I am also trying to get some raised beds planted as soon as possible because I have garlic coming that needs to be planted this fall. I am also trying to build a couple cold frames so that I can have some greens and carrots throughout the winter.

One thing I've learned really quickly is is you want to eat week up here you have to grow it and can it yourself. So thank goodness when mom and dad come over they are bringing vegetables over so I can make spaghetti sauce, salsa, butternut squash soup and sundry other things. I am so thankful for this because there was no time for my container garden to grow!

I am making plans for more permanent growing structure. I found a great, small and cheaply built, greenhouse. I am hoping to construct it this spring and use it all season! I cannot stand not having fresh vegetables but I am REALLY missing the fresh fruit so I've gotta get some growing up here! There are varieties that will work because hey if Canada can do it so can we! :) I also have an idea to create a hedge/boundry line along my sidewalk and pitiful patio with all the strawberries I have. It could turn out pretty cool looking if I can get my sprawtberries to survive the winter.

I am going to finish putting a run on my chicken coop so I can be ready come spring for my girls and then I can have eggs and then meat in the fall. But I might figure out a way to insulate the little house I built so I don't have to chop any heads. Don't get me wrong I can chop their heads off, it's the smell that comes from the scalding and plucking process that grosses me out. I am toying with the idea of getting a milk cow and starting a milk cooperative. There are some ladies in the area who would be down for it and then we could have beef in the freezer from the calf. Could work...hmmm.

I had 23 people show up, or rather stick around, for my gardening clinic. This is a huge change since I have done two events and not a single person has showed up. Needless to say I almost started crying in happiness when I saw all those people waiting there for me! :)

I finally got Internet at the house - about damn time I might add! My net book showed up the same day the Internet did. However, the FedEx guy left it with neighbor Hillary, which is turns out I have two! One I've made friends with but the other I've never laid eyes on. Guess which house it was at. I stopped buy and grabbed it quick since that Hillary wasn't present. I can now do my homework at home instead of at work on a Sunday afternoon.

I am still arranging my office; however, the two extra desks are out and I have put up my pictures on the walls. Now I just have to find a place for all those ribbons and trophies. It's going to be a challenge but I want the kids who show up to realize they can accomplish things if they try.

Well, I'm off to do some more research on the MSU Master Gardener's program. Have an excellent day!