Check, Check

We accomplished two projects off of our list this weekend; build the greenhouse, and get the seedlings started. We opted to build the greenhouse at home rather than the compound, so I can water and monitor as often as necessary, without having to travel to the compound more than necessary. It'll only need to be up for about a month, which should keep the neighbors happy.

We did run out to the compound on Saturday, watered what's left of the garden, and inserted this new gadget my oldest daughter gave me for Christmas. It's really cool! Plant Smart by Black and Decker, http://plantsmart.easybloom.com/ It's taking readings of soil moisture, fertilizer level, and sun hours based on recommendations for strawberries. I need to let it run for a few days, then bring it home, hook it up to my computer and it downloads the data, letting me know what I need more or less of.

I'll be doing this same type of reading over the next few weeks in other areas of the garden, to make sure I have everything right before we plant in February.

We would have liked to start burning the HUGE brush pile, but we have Red Flag Warnings, and a burn ban, so that will have to wait. I feel like we accomplished some important goals, and look forward to the week ahead. I hope you have a good one too!

List of 2011 Projects

I figure if I make a list of the things that need to be completed at The Compound, you can help hold my feet to the fire! Here's a list of projects for 2011;

Must haves;
-Paint the container, it's a lovely orange color right now. It's going to be green, so it will blend in better with it's surroundings.
-Build the chicken coop, no I haven't forgotten about MY chickens!
-Till and get ready the garden for planting
-Put up our greenhouse, it's small but should help get things started.
-Plant seedlings
-Clean out the wild blackberry area, so it's easier to pick. Right now it has grasses and weeds growing in the same area.

Wish list;
-Plant some additional fruit trees and bushes. I think we lost some of the ones we planted last year due to the freezing temperatures we had in December.
-Build a railing on the dock. I always feel like I'll fall off. I know it's an optical illusion, but I want the safety.
-Build a pizza/stone oven
-Expand the garden to include a separate herb garden
-Build a mini dock by the boat launch area, to help with loading and unloading of our boat from the trailer.

I think that's all for now. Follow the blog to see if we get all of this accomplished. Happy New Year, and Best Wishes for 2011!

Since we've been busy getting ready for the return of our youngest from Spain, baking cookies, and decorating the house, we haven't had much time to really dedicate to the Compound. So I thought I'd get philosophical, since we're approaching the new year.

Here are some things I've learned in 2010;

1. Things are not always as they appear.

We planted trees this year, and as we started to dig the holes, we realized the previous owners buried old roofing barrel tiles. They are not easy to dig up.

Our water table is only 5'down, and salty. Who would have thought?!

2. While working at the compound, I will never again have good looking finger nails!

3. My husband, the Moose, is incredible! It doesn't matter what the project requires; heavy lifting, standing out in the hot sun reaching temperatures with heat indexes this past summer of 115 degrees, digging out roots, etc. It was his sheer will that got the compound to where it is today. It's awesome!

4. 2-1/2 acres is bigger than you think! Once you get started clearing land, and then have to mow it all, you know size really does matter. It takes me nearly 3 hours to mow. Yes, that's on a riding lawn mower, and I get that baby moving!

5. Heat/Sweat is measured by the number of t-shirts you change in and out of for the day. Our record day was 6 shirts!

6. Our car can lock it's own doors when you least expect it!

7. Alligators are fun to look at when they are in the water, 15 feet away, but not so cute when they come on shore to take a closer look at your dog!

8. You can build just about anything, even if it takes a couple of tries.

9. Just because it's Florida, doesn't mean it has to rain, or be warm!

10.Peace and tranquility make up for all the hard labor.

11. New ideas and plans never stop.. nor should they. It's what gives us drive and determination to finish the next project. It's even better when plans are shared and accomplished with those you love.

That's it for my philosophy lessons. Best wishes for an awesome New Year!