Monday, June 22, 2009

Buggy, Muggy Monday

Oh my gosh, do I itch like crazy. Almost drive-you-out-of-your-mind crazy. I have bites on every part of my body. Go ahead and name a body part. Yup, I have one there. Maybe two.



I just came in from trying to hill up the potatoes. They got super-tall (overnight, I think), about a foot high, and really need to be hilled up for the first time.





But the no-see'ums are so bad out there this afternoon that I quit and ran for my life after doing just the one row above.



The temp today made it only into the low 70s but we had about 110% humidity with a low, low pressure system making it very gray and miserable all day. You felt sweaty, but cold at the same time. And the bugs . . .eeeeek!



I was gone all morning, didn't get home until noon. Made us a quick lunch; smoothie for Roy and apple slices and peanut butter for me. I had started the laundry before I left this morning so worked some more on finishing that up. No hanging out on the line today; too hoomid! Then we stacked some wood Roy had just cut.



Went to get some things in a storage shed and had to spend some time doing a bit of sorting there just so we could get at what we needed. That shed HAS to be torn apart, sorted, cleaned, and organized this summer. I just don't know exactly when we'll get to it. But it's a must-do.



Took a quick tour of the garden and discovered these.





Whoa, wadishes! Our first produce from the garden this year. There are also scallions big enough to eat and I could have stolen some baby spinach leaves if I'd wanted. I love radishes. I love, love, love radishes. Wonder what it is in radishes that my system craves? Sulfur? My daughter would say it's dirt. Ever since she was small she's always maintained radishes taste just like dirt. (Wonder who force-fed her all that dirt so she knows what it tastes like?)



Look, look! My poor, little half frozen window box impatiens are coming to life.





Okay, so they're not exactly lush and gorgeous at this point but considering the fact that two weeks ago I was sure they were gonna shrivel up and die, I'm pleased as punch that they are looking this good now.



I'm hoping we're in for a change in the weather for tomorrow . . . less humidity, please. Warmth will be fine but could we have a nice, gentle breeze to keep the bugs away? 'Cause I sure could use a whole day spent out in the garden. Finishing up those remaining five rows of 'taters will be first. Then on to a kajillion other spots that need attention.



Gotta go rustle us up some dinner. Can't wait to crunch into those radishes.



5 comments:

RuthieJ said...

I think those no-see-ums & black flies would be the only things I wouldn't like about living up north. I hope your weather tomorrow is a bit nicer.
Those radishes look delicious--what are the long ones called?

Mama Pea said...

Hi, Ruthie - The long, cylindrical radishes are D'Avignon or French Breakfast Radishes. They size up faster than any other variety of radish I've ever grown. Plus they don't seem to get too strong a taste if they get a bit older like the round varieties do.

Melissa said...

Are you guys really close to the big lake? Are your mosquitoes bad as well? My husband is up the arrowhead trail right now and says it's impossible to do anything without getting eaten alive by the skeeters. He's helping his sis and bro-in-law build their cabin. Thanks for all your fun posts!

Mama Pea said...

Hi, Melissa - We're not on the big lake but are on the lakeside of the ridge. The ridge behind us delineates a whole different micro climate. Those of us lakeside of the ridge stay warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer. (Or at least that's the way it's supposed to be!)

We have heard that the mosquitoes and black flies up the Arrowhead Trail are worse this year than anybody can remember. Your poor helpful hubby!

So far, we've hardly even seen a mosquito this year, but the no-see'ums and black flies have been bad at certain times.

Thank YOU for your kind comment. I frequently wonder if any one is reading (let alone enjoying) my drivel.

Melissa said...

I love your blog-keep it coming! We have two one acre lots near Tofte, but i'm guessing you're farther up the road? Wish we were living there right now.