Sharing The Love

In what seems like my never ending adventure to feel complete I have decided to try something new and share some love. Going to the farmer's market is always a good thing, fresh foods, lots of people, maybe even some that I know, beautiful plants, delicious pastries and usually some adorable kittens to say hello to. The last time I went to the farmer's market and we were looking at the cats to be adopted and I was pressed upon to ask the volunteers about information in regards to fostering kittens.

Thinking that I would eventually try and do some fostering sometime in the distant future, I got the information of the lady in charge of placing the kittens in foster homes and thought nothing much about it. I put the information on the fridge as a idea to think about but not really to actually do. Just a fun little idea, you know adding more responsibility to my life on top of everything else that I try to do, but I came to the realization that maybe it wasn't all for me and maybe it would be best for Guido and these little kittens that I would be in charge of.

Also I think there would be an advantage for the kittens, if they can learn to be comfortable with a dog in the house I believe that they will have more opportunities to be adopted out. All in all it seems like a great idea, I have no fiscal responsibility for the kittens and once they reach the right weight then they are going to get adopted to a great forever home. Only some short term responsibility and if I don't like it or it doesn't work out I can just stop volunteering.

I was ultimately thinking that this would all be a long process to get the paperwork done and get the kittens, but I felt it is worth a shot to try and help in the community, especially during kitten season. However I found out the process is not that long and now less than two weeks after getting the information of the kitten coordinator, I am a proud foster parent of two little kittens. Hopefully this venture will help me continue to find the things in this life that I feel like I am missing. I am willing to try anything at this point to just get pointed in the right direction. And in the mean time I get to share some love on some kittens that will one day make some family very happy.

Garden Update - Week 6

The time has come, I was rather excited a couple of days ago to find a little green tomato on my Early Girl plants. Not to mention that the strawberries that are forming are turning red! Here I was just last week complaining about wanting to see the fruits of my labor, no pun intended, and here they are. I am rather excited especially since it has been a fear of mine about pollinating happening.

Zucchini plant flowering

Red strawberries

Okra plant sprouting

Tomatoes forming

Garden Update - Week 5

Wow it is officially over a month since I have started my garden. Things are now happening at a slower pace than before. I am anxiously awaiting for the fruit of the tomato plants to start showing and some seeds to start sprouting. Right now there is only some blossoms that have been around for a couple of weeks. I knew when I first decided to do this project that it is a waiting game at some point and now I am here... waiting... and I really want there to be something that I can pick and eat already, somehow I have decided that will be the true test of my gardening skills.

Tomatoes, Okra, Peppers, Golden Poppies

Dahlia

Strawberries

Guido helping out

Zucchini, Cucumber, Radishes, Tomato

Garden Update - Week 4

Keeping up with the updates, I had a big weekend in my little garden. Things seem to be coming along quite well. Hopefully soon the peppers and the radishes will spring up then I won't have to worry about forgetting where I planted the radishes. Soon the flowers will be blooming and the tomatoes will start their little fruits, I can barely believe it has been about a month already and the plants seem to be thriving. I am already starting to think about what to plant this week, there is just a little bit of room left at this point but so many more things that I would like to grow. I might be going overboard but I am also thinking of all the wonderful things that I can make and eat for myself and others that will come from this small and simple garden.

Flower section - Dahlia, Morning Glory, Star Jasmine

New Planter - Tomatoes, Zucchini, Peppers, Radishes

Strawberries, Tomato

Musings from Stake Conference

Thoughts and feeling received during today's Stake Conference meeting:

Sometimes it is lonely being the only person in your Stake with your last name. Counter point, it is easy to get a cushion seat for one when you come in late. No plastic chairs today!

It requires a lot more attention to follow along with a talk that is being translated. However the spirit is still very strong in the room.

The power of the Holy Ghost is strong, it knows all languages and it's reach goes beyond any borders or boundaries that we human beings create.

The church is made up of people who are courageous and willing to stand against all odds for something they believe in. How blessed are those that can be a part of this church with their families, how strong are those that can stand for their personal beliefs without all the support of their loved ones.

Temple attendance and renewal of covenants help with all trials and temptations we face in our lives. During times of trials more frequent attendance and focus on convents will help relieve the tensions that arise.

Licking the surface of a watermelon, I'll use that idiom some day, thanks to President Walch for sharing.

Garden Update - Week 3

Things have gone a little unexpected in both directions this last week as far as my garden is concerned. I have been trying to go as slowly as my budget will allow in growing my little garden, however it is growing much to quickly for me. Lucky I had a small win fall this last weekend that is definitely going to help out a bit. And even my best plans had to be modified to suit the needs of my garden.

I was able to add some strawberry plants this week. I even took some time to set up the pallet that was going to be the  growing station for them. However my best intentions were not so great and the landscape fabric that I had attached to the pallet wouldn't hold the weight of the soil, nor did I have enough soil to fill the pallet the way I had envisioned. Luckily the hardware store is close and without too much effort I put some soil in a gutter, yes a gutter. I am not sure how it will work but I am excited to see what will happen. Also added a hummingbird feeder in hopes that they will come and help pollinate my plants. Between that and the flowers I am hoping this will work, I guess I could go old school geneticist and do it by hand but that is a whole different story. Now for the progress pictures...

Strawberries

Anaheim Peppers

Zucchini

Early Girls