Notes from the Kitchen Counter

My parents have decided to sell their home up north, so I’m trying to help by spreading the word. If you know anyone who likes to vacation in the U.P., pass it along!

It was thrilling to start the garden from seed in the kitchen, and it sure brightened up the table during a dark and rainy spring, but moving my little sprouts out into the big wide world didn’t go so well. After talking to some seasoned veterans, I realized that I did not prepare my plants by hardening them off. Of course I remember reading about this, but promptly forgot once June arrived with beautiful warm summer weather. Just one chilly night and those little guys curled up and died. Lesson learned.

So last weekend I went down to the farmer’s market and happily paid several vendors for some beautiful looking young plants. I mean, these things made my seedlings look like Charlie Brown Christmas trees. I bought: 4 tomatoes, 2 peppers, 4 zucchinis, 4 cantaloupes, 4 cucumbers, 8 basil, 1 rosemary, and 1 chive. All for about the same price as I paid for my starter kit. Another lesson learned: some things are better left to the professionals.

For those of you who already know about my SUV, I think you’ll agree that I could totally use and appreciate an upgrade.

Winning a Madsen Cargo Bike would make my day. Please click on the image above as many times as you can. It will improve my chances of winning. If I win I will give you a ride, but I may not be wearing a matching skirt like the model.