Check this out

Just wanted to point out the Rohan Anderson over at Whole Larder Love has a video series on several recipes that he has put together for a TV station.  Check them out.  They're as follows:

December 5:    Rocket Pesto

December 6:    Spanish Rabbit

December 7:    Spring Slice with Garden Salad

December 8:    Smoked Eel Tagliatelle with Asparagus

I'm interested in that rabbit, as I have hundreds of the things running through my backyard.  You've been warned, Bugs!!

Gone Fishin'

Sunday morning, me and the boy went fishing.  I haven't been fishing in at least 30 years.  My son has the outdoors bug, and I'm trying to urge that bug to continue to grow.  So, off we went.

Look at that cast!  Unfortunately, that was about the only thing to look at.  We caught exactly squat.  Which is American for zip, zero and nada.  Not even a nibble!

The boy did re-teach me quite a few things, as he's gone fishing with his grandfather a couple of times.  He taught me, once again, the fisherman's knot seen above to attach hook to line.  Unfortunately, most of my time was spent dealing with this!

After the THIRD time of this happening, I threw in the towel and shared my son's rod.  Of course, with his I have absolutely no trouble.  I guess that's what I get from buying the cheapest set up Turner's Outdoors had.  The rod itself is nice, so it looks like a new reel is in order.

It was unfortunate that we came up blank, as I was really looking forward to smoking some trout.  And, no, not that kind of smoking.

My Ticket Quest Update

For the two of you concerned about these matters, do not fear.  I have gotten me hands on three tickets for Spurs versus Chelsea at White Hart Lane, granted from what I'm pretty sure is the Irish mafia.  And, no, the family doesn't mind eating macaroni and cheese for the next three year's, and I've convinced my son that college is overrated, despite what some people say.  Hey, he gets to come to the game.  No whining.

Garden Entrances, House Exits

Recently, we've had some new doors put in.  These will hopefully give some much better views of the garden once completed then our typical Southern California cookie cutter contractor cheap ass sliding door.  Yes, that's what they're called.  The previous one's, not these.

The bottom photo is of an arena that used to be a window.  We decided to remove the window and add a door.  This, hopefully, will become a nice private patio.  At least, that's the plan.

Please, please, please...

You may remember our sad little gopher ravaged orange tree.  Well, we've killed the gophers...and their offspring.  And, now we have these:

She's making a comeback.  These are Valencia oranges and the Sunset Magazine Massive Plant Book states they are summer bloomers.  Maybe in Australia, but last time I looked it's fall and these still have a few weeks to go.  There are six oranges in total on our sorry little Charlie Brown tree.

I'm foreseeing a big comeback for this guy.  In the meantime, it had better ripen those oranges...my Blue Moon is waiting.

Thank a Veteran

My pops.  Japan, pre Vietnam

Gramps on my mom's side, World War II

Gramps on my pop's side, World War I

Pops-in-law (the one in the beard), Vietnam

In addition, the one's I don't have pictures for, great, great Gramps, American Civil War and great, great, great, great Gramps, American Revolution.

Thanks to each and every one of you, and all the others that have served.

If You Do Things, They Will Come

I'm so giddy, I could pee!!!  We recently added compost, sand, gypsum and lots of love to this section of the garden.

Yes, yes, yes, the two of you that follow along at home can tell I'm doing things out of order, but at the end of the day it all ends up here.  But, while I was digging all of this soil into my inert earth, I found exactly...exactly...zero earth worms!  Two weeks later we planted, and I found this...

Isn't she beautiful?  Yes, if you try, things will change for the better.  And, of course, I cut it in half so I had two.  Do you think I'm an idiot?