"can’t imagine doing without running water for 4 months!" It was . . . interesting. Fortunately, there's both an indoor pool, and a campground nearby that let us use the showers. And a neighbor let us fill jugs at his house. "You use green beans as dried beans? That’s a first! What do they taste like?" Dried beans are basically beans that have been left to get mature. So they just taste like beans to me. They're not as pretty and fun as, say, Vermont Cranberry Beans, and the flavor isn't as specific as most dried bean varieties, and also they're not as big so they don't shell quite as easily. But they're great for a lazy person :) "I guess you cook when you travel. The security check at the airport must be interesting with all that produce in your bag. You don't have a frying pan in there too? [g]" A fry pan -- lol! Well, on road trips I have been known to travel with a salad spinner and Cuisinart :) Always have to have a kitchen. Or someone else's home cooking. Really dislike restaurant food. Self seeded veggies are wonderful. And yes, the ones I mentioned come out good, even if not exactly true to seed, it all tastes good. (though they seem to be true, as well) If you'd have to pay for hay or straw it doesn't seem worth it. Maybe ask a couple neighbors if you can have their grass clippings and/or leaves? (those who don't use herbicides) It sounds like the next few years hold some exciting experimentation for you! You'll have to report back and tell us how it goes. I'd love to hear how you do with fall lettuce and greens if you try them this year.

yes, I am in my garden or the greenhouse every day after work. being as I winter sow my perennials I am out there potting something up or seeding something. Maybe I am organizing or cleaning. It is such a great way to physically, mentally relax for me. although, my 10 yr old is starting to resent it a little. so I have to be careful with her.. and to not be too selfish with my time and make sure I am taking time for her also. I think her little hormones are starting to kick in with the snottyness and My mom is the meanest thing on earth. boys are so easy! I already went thru this with my oldest two girls. anyway, I am heading out there in a few minutes, I found seeds in a bubble mailer I forgot to sow. I am potting up plants that have spread too much and am going to try to sell them when I have my garage/craft sale. I can never get enough time out there. I am going to say that God gave me the gift of a green thumb and I am going to use that gift to glorify Him.

A news report from NASA says climate change is resulting in greater extremes: Dry areas are getting dryer; Wet areas are getting wetter. I don't know *where* we are in that spectrum. I would have said 'moderate' (30 miles north of Chicago), but after last summer's extreme drought...maybe there will be no more 'moderates'. The pears along our driveway loved our two days of 70's and 80's. It was like watching popcorn pop, the way they went from buds to full bloom. Our magnolia is full out, even dropping some blooms. Everything is hurry-up-greening, tired of 'holding it all in' during our long, cold Spring. Sorry about your pear, littlebug. A friend in Denver said her fruit trees had to be enjoyed the same day they bloomed, because they'd be covered in snow the next day -- but at least hers didn't split. Our pears are columnar -- are Bradford's more 'spreading'?

Only on houzz would people notice the grout line issues. This reminds me of a house viewing I had several years back. The owner had numerous large scale photos on the walls, in full glory. And unusually, the owner was there during the viewing. It was difficult to make eye contact when addressing the owner, while attempting to ignore the "elephant" in the room. (especially after audible my audible "oh!" could be heard after I entered a room. Luckily these were not self portraits)