I’m better at container gardening this year

Two months in. Here's the bright update on our container plants: All are still alive and thriving. We remember to water regularly and to pinch off over-abundant leaves and yellow ones. One thing I'm learning to do is overcome my discomfort at pruning. I feel that the plants should be untouched while they are growing, … Continue reading I’m better at container gardening this year →

Annual hands-on summer project with the kids, featuring Pink-Spotted Ladybugs

Each summer my kids and I dabble in a project involving low-maintenance pets. Three summers ago was goldfish that survived only a few days (before its overfeeding); last summer involved raising caterpillar to butterflies; and this summer we raised larvae into ladybugs, specifically called Pink-Spotted Ladybug. *If you like, you can check out the full … Continue reading Annual hands-on summer project with the kids, featuring Pink-Spotted Ladybugs →

It’s inevitable. I get insomnia when I need to sleep.

It's funky, erratic sleep the night before any heart-related doctor's appointments for Ellis.  I can't pinpoint one worry, but a general sense of fear overcomes me. Other concerns that prevent continuous sleep: I'll oversleep; I'll be stuck in bay area traffic and miss the appointment entirely; I'll hear upsetting news; I'll need to be extra … Continue reading It’s inevitable. I get insomnia when I need to sleep. →

Another attempt at summer container- gardening for this Black Thumb Gardener

For us, summer requires some sort of gardening. This will be our fourth annual attempt, and I dearly hope our plants will survive - maybe into early autumn. What I lack in skill is made up in perseverance and enthusiasm. My kids and I started this project shopping for basic gardening supplies, planters, and vegetable … Continue reading Another attempt at summer container- gardening for this Black Thumb Gardener →