Mid-Winter Gardening

As strange as it might sound, this past weekend (that would be the weekend of January 28 and 29) was a good time to spend outside in the garden.  Normally we would not have an opportunity like this on the last weekend of January.  So I decided to take advantage of the situation and get a head start on preparing for spring.  I worked alone.  I like working in the garden alone.  It gives me time to think.  I’ve worked out many situations in my life while digging in the garden.

I normally only hire a crew to help when the project is too time consuming or if I am busy with other projects.  If I can tackle the project on my own, I much prefer that.

This weekend I decided to clear out the dead ferns from the cedar planter on the patio.

And in the stainless steel planters.

Now that the planter is cleared of the dead ferns, it is ready to accept new plantings in a couple of months.

I love the traditional Boston Fern.  They are a staple in the south during the summer months.  I like the movement of the fronds in the breeze.  Very soothing.

This year I decided to bring in two of the many ferns I had during the summer and hang them in the basement.  I have been watering and misting, as these plants really require a lot of humidity.  You can read more about caring for ferns here (http://www.doityourself.com/stry/bostonferns).  I am pleased to say that they are still alive.  They have dropped quite a few leaves, but I think they will make it through the winter.  As soon as the weather permits, they will be placed back outside.  A few waterings with Miracle-Gro in the spring, and they will fill out nicely.

So if you find yourself in a part of the country where the winter is mild this year, as it has been here, take advantage of this time to get ready for spring.  It’ll be here before you know it.  Actually, tomorrow is Groundhog Day, so let’s see what Punxsutawney Phil tells us.  If you would like more information on this holiday, you can visit http://www.punxsutawney.com/.  

Mid-Winter Gardening

As strange as it might sound, this past weekend (that would be the weekend of January 28 and 29) was a good time to spend outside in the garden.  Normally we would not have an opportunity like this on the last weekend of January.  So I decided to take advantage of the situation and get a head start on preparing for spring.  I worked alone.  I like working in the garden alone.  It gives me time to think.  I’ve worked out many situations in my life while digging in the garden.

I normally only hire a crew to help when the project is too time consuming or if I am busy with other projects.  If I can tackle the project on my own, I much prefer that.

This weekend I decided to clear out the dead ferns from the cedar planter on the patio.

And in the stainless steel planters.

Now that the planter is cleared of the dead ferns, it is ready to accept new plantings in a couple of months.

I love the traditional Boston Fern.  They are a staple in the south during the summer months.  I like the movement of the fronds in the breeze.  Very soothing.

This year I decided to bring in two of the many ferns I had during the summer and hang them in the basement.  I have been watering and misting, as these plants really require a lot of humidity.  You can read more about caring for ferns here (http://www.doityourself.com/stry/bostonferns).  I am pleased to say that they are still alive.  They have dropped quite a few leaves, but I think they will make it through the winter.  As soon as the weather permits, they will be placed back outside.  A few waterings with Miracle-Gro in the spring, and they will fill out nicely.

So if you find yourself in a part of the country where the winter is mild this year, as it has been here, take advantage of this time to get ready for spring.  It’ll be here before you know it.  Actually, tomorrow is Groundhog Day, so let’s see what Punxsutawney Phil tells us.  If you would like more information on this holiday, you can visit http://www.punxsutawney.com/.  

Its Time to Plant the Tomatoes

Many of you will remember the commercial a few years ago where the guy gets up in the morning and keeps repeating "It's Time to Make the Doughnuts."  Well, in that spirit I say to you, "It's Time to Plant the Tomatoes" and that is exactly what I am doing.  I received an AeroGarden as a gift a few years ago.

My Aerogarden is the compact size, having only 3 growing pods (as you see above).  You can get them much larger as you see below.



There are even elaborate systems, such as you see here, with multiple units mounted on a wall.

I love the idea of being able to grow herbs and vegetables indoors in this soil-less system.  This approach at growing without soil is known as Hydroponics.

hy·dro·pon·ics/ˌhīdrəˈpäniks/

Noun:

The process of growing plants in sand, gravel, or liquid, with added nutrients but without soil.

Aerogardens are little hydroponic systems.  A hydroponic system can be quite elaborate and also very rewarding.  Will I eventually branch out from my 3-pod Aerogarden to a more elaborate system.  There is a good likelihood of that.  There are instructions on various websites which will help guide you through the process of assembling and planting a large hydroponic growing system anywhere you like.  I have a corner of the basement that I think would work perfectly for one of these larger systems.  But for today, I have the three-pod AeroGarden, so let's get started with that.

I placed an order online about one week ago for my seed pod kit.  I ordered one Cherry Tomato (Red) Seed Kit (3-Pod). 

What came with the order was one seed pod insert and two seed pod spacers.  The spacers are placed in the unused slots to keep the water and nutrients inside the bowl of the unit which are necessary for the plants to grow.

I cleaned and disinfected the unit from the previous growing seasons as instructed on the AeroGarden website.  Finally I filled the bowl with water and set the timer and added the first nutrient pac, and the preparation work was all done.  Now let's see what happens.  Hopefully I'll have some pictures of tiny tomato sprouts in a few days.

Its Time to Plant the Tomatoes

Many of you will remember the commercial a few years ago where the guy gets up in the morning and keeps repeating "It's Time to Make the Doughnuts."  Well, in that spirit I say to you, "It's Time to Plant the Tomatoes" and that is exactly what I am doing.  I received an AeroGarden as a gift a few years ago.

My Aerogarden is the compact size, having only 3 growing pods (as you see above).  You can get them much larger as you see below.



There are even elaborate systems, such as you see here, with multiple units mounted on a wall.

I love the idea of being able to grow herbs and vegetables indoors in this soil-less system.  This approach at growing without soil is known as Hydroponics.

hy·dro·pon·ics/ˌhīdrəˈpäniks/

Noun:

The process of growing plants in sand, gravel, or liquid, with added nutrients but without soil.

Aerogardens are little hydroponic systems.  A hydroponic system can be quite elaborate and also very rewarding.  Will I eventually branch out from my 3-pod Aerogarden to a more elaborate system.  There is a good likelihood of that.  There are instructions on various websites which will help guide you through the process of assembling and planting a large hydroponic growing system anywhere you like.  I have a corner of the basement that I think would work perfectly for one of these larger systems.  But for today, I have the three-pod AeroGarden, so let's get started with that.

I placed an order online about one week ago for my seed pod kit.  I ordered one Cherry Tomato (Red) Seed Kit (3-Pod). 

What came with the order was one seed pod insert and two seed pod spacers.  The spacers are placed in the unused slots to keep the water and nutrients inside the bowl of the unit which are necessary for the plants to grow.

I cleaned and disinfected the unit from the previous growing seasons as instructed on the AeroGarden website.  Finally I filled the bowl with water and set the timer and added the first nutrient pac, and the preparation work was all done.  Now let's see what happens.  Hopefully I'll have some pictures of tiny tomato sprouts in a few days.

Grapefruit Brulee with Vanilla Bean Creme

This evening I prepared the first of the recipes in Dana Moos new book, The Art of Breakfast.

Grapefruit Brulee with Vanilla Bean Creme

I can only say that if the rest of the recipes are this delicious, then I am in for quite an experience this year as I make my way through her book.  This Vanilla Bean Creme is to die for.  I can see many uses for it.  The sweetness is a wonderful compliment to the bitter grapefruit taste.  But I can see this being drizzled over ice cream or as a wonderful dip for strawberries and other sliced, fresh fruits.

I was really pleased with how this turned out.  Believe me, they are as delicious as they look in these pictures.  Surprisingly, this is simple to make.  Once you make the creme you can leave it in the refrigerator for up to one week.  Then when you are ready to serve, simply halve the grapefruits, add two tablespoons of the creme and two tablespoons of light brown sugar and torch immediately.  It takes only minutes to get this on the table but everyone will think you've been in the kitchen for hours.  I will post the recipe on the Food and Recipe page.

Grapefruit Brulee with Vanilla Bean Creme

This evening I prepared the first of the recipes in Dana Moos new book, The Art of Breakfast.

Grapefruit Brulee with Vanilla Bean Creme

I can only say that if the rest of the recipes are this delicious, then I am in for quite an experience this year as I make my way through her book.  This Vanilla Bean Creme is to die for.  I can see many uses for it.  The sweetness is a wonderful compliment to the bitter grapefruit taste.  But I can see this being drizzled over ice cream or as a wonderful dip for strawberries and other sliced, fresh fruits.

I was really pleased with how this turned out.  Believe me, they are as delicious as they look in these pictures.  Surprisingly, this is simple to make.  Once you make the creme you can leave it in the refrigerator for up to one week.  Then when you are ready to serve, simply halve the grapefruits, add two tablespoons of the creme and two tablespoons of light brown sugar and torch immediately.  It takes only minutes to get this on the table but everyone will think you've been in the kitchen for hours.  I will post the recipe on the Food and Recipe page.

A Quick Update

A quick update on the air conditioner insulation panels.  I received them in the mail this week and installed them yesterday.

Here is an actual picture of my air conditioner before the installation.

And after.  The material is gray in color and is a sturdy, dense foam that is quite substantial.  I decided to cut the panels to fit snugly inside the extension panels on either side of the unit.  I thought this made for a neater look.  I will tell you that I noticed a marked improvement immediately.  It has been cold here this weekend; some of the coldest temperatures we've had so far this year.  I could feel the cold air seeping in around the extension panels but when I installed this foam insulation, that all stopped.

I am very pleased with this purchase and I would recommend these to anyone who has a window air conditioning unit that you do not want to take out of the window each winter season and then have to reinstall again each summer.  If you are interested in purchasing these insulation panels, see my previous post for where they can be purchased and the price.

Now I'm off to make my first dish from Dana Moos new book, The Art of Breakfast (www.artofbreakfast.com/.)  Watch out for a post on that later today.  Stay warm everybody!

A Quick Update

A quick update on the air conditioner insulation panels.  I received them in the mail this week and installed them yesterday.

Here is an actual picture of my air conditioner before the installation.

And after.  The material is gray in color and is a sturdy, dense foam that is quite substantial.  I decided to cut the panels to fit snugly inside the extension panels on either side of the unit.  I thought this made for a neater look.  I will tell you that I noticed a marked improvement immediately.  It has been cold here this weekend; some of the coldest temperatures we've had so far this year.  I could feel the cold air seeping in around the extension panels but when I installed this foam insulation, that all stopped.

I am very pleased with this purchase and I would recommend these to anyone who has a window air conditioning unit that you do not want to take out of the window each winter season and then have to reinstall again each summer.  If you are interested in purchasing these insulation panels, see my previous post for where they can be purchased and the price.

Now I'm off to make my first dish from Dana Moos new book, The Art of Breakfast (www.artofbreakfast.com/.)  Watch out for a post on that later today.  Stay warm everybody!

Additional Winterization Tip

My post yesterday dealt with protecting HVAC systems that are exposed to the elements during the winter.  Today, I'm moving inside.  I found this wonderful product (which I ordered this morning) that is sure to help all of us with window air conditioning units keep the warm in and the cold out during these blustery winter months.  These are simply called "Air Conditioner Side Panels" and are available from a company called Taylor Gifts (http://www.taylorgifts.com/). 

The description on their site states as follows:

"Air conditioner insulators install quickly over side panels to increase efficiency, decrease noise, keep cool in, heat out and vice versa as seasons change, allowing you to leave your window unit in year round. Save time, money and eliminate strain from heavy lifting. Cut foam for custom fit. Side rails adhere in seconds. Polyurethane foam, 18 x 9 x 1 3/4". Set of two."

If you are interested, they are item number 36356 and are $14.98 for the set of two.  I am anxious to get these installed and I will be posting on how effective they are later on this month.  If they work, then you could easily save the cost of buying them in just a few electric bills.

Additional Winterization Tip

My post yesterday dealt with protecting HVAC systems that are exposed to the elements during the winter.  Today, I'm moving inside.  I found this wonderful product (which I ordered this morning) that is sure to help all of us with window air conditioning units keep the warm in and the cold out during these blustery winter months.  These are simply called "Air Conditioner Side Panels" and are available from a company called Taylor Gifts (http://www.taylorgifts.com/). 

The description on their site states as follows:

"Air conditioner insulators install quickly over side panels to increase efficiency, decrease noise, keep cool in, heat out and vice versa as seasons change, allowing you to leave your window unit in year round. Save time, money and eliminate strain from heavy lifting. Cut foam for custom fit. Side rails adhere in seconds. Polyurethane foam, 18 x 9 x 1 3/4". Set of two."

If you are interested, they are item number 36356 and are $14.98 for the set of two.  I am anxious to get these installed and I will be posting on how effective they are later on this month.  If they work, then you could easily save the cost of buying them in just a few electric bills.

Winter Preparations

We have been very fortunate in the Mid-Atlantic this year to have had a very mild winter.  The temperature this past Saturday reached 68 degrees in D.C.  That is absolutely unheard of on the 7^th of January in most any given year.  To say we did not enjoy it would be untrue.  Sunday was another beautiful day, but not quite as warm.  I fear that old man winter will eventually visit and when he does, he may try and make up for lost time.

With the gift wrapping and social events during the Christmas season, I did not make my way outside to take care of certain things that need attention when we are entering the winter months.  So I decided to take advantage of the weather on Saturday and Sunday and get the air conditioning systems buttoned up.

I have two air conditioners at Crest Avenue.  The first unit is the main unit that sits outside of the house.

This is a ton and a half unit that I installed shortly after I closed on the sale of the house in 2001.  While this unit is certainly ample enough to cool and dehumidify the air during our hot and humid summers, last year I installed a second window unit in my bedroom.

This smaller, window unit helps the larger unit run more efficiently and actually saves money on the cooling costs in the summer.

As you see in the first photo and again here, I wrap both units with Duck Brand, heavy duty plastic covers.

These covers seal out weather, dirt, ice, leaves, moisture and debris.  They are reusable and the securing straps and fasteners are included to keep the cover secure throughout the season.  Installation is a breeze and can be done solo.  The covers range in price from $3 for a small window unit cover to $7 for the larger cover for the whole house unit.

I highly recommend taking some sort of preventative measures for your outside HVAC systems when not is use during the winter months.  Whether you use the Duck Brand or another product of your choosing, a little maintenance now can you save you big later on. 

Winter Preparations

We have been very fortunate in the Mid-Atlantic this year to have had a very mild winter.  The temperature this past Saturday reached 68 degrees in D.C.  That is absolutely unheard of on the 7^th of January in most any given year.  To say we did not enjoy it would be untrue.  Sunday was another beautiful day, but not quite as warm.  I fear that old man winter will eventually visit and when he does, he may try and make up for lost time.

With the gift wrapping and social events during the Christmas season, I did not make my way outside to take care of certain things that need attention when we are entering the winter months.  So I decided to take advantage of the weather on Saturday and Sunday and get the air conditioning systems buttoned up.

I have two air conditioners at Crest Avenue.  The first unit is the main unit that sits outside of the house.

This is a ton and a half unit that I installed shortly after I closed on the sale of the house in 2001.  While this unit is certainly ample enough to cool and dehumidify the air during our hot and humid summers, last year I installed a second window unit in my bedroom.

This smaller, window unit helps the larger unit run more efficiently and actually saves money on the cooling costs in the summer.

As you see in the first photo and again here, I wrap both units with Duck Brand, heavy duty plastic covers.

These covers seal out weather, dirt, ice, leaves, moisture and debris.  They are reusable and the securing straps and fasteners are included to keep the cover secure throughout the season.  Installation is a breeze and can be done solo.  The covers range in price from $3 for a small window unit cover to $7 for the larger cover for the whole house unit.

I highly recommend taking some sort of preventative measures for your outside HVAC systems when not is use during the winter months.  Whether you use the Duck Brand or another product of your choosing, a little maintenance now can you save you big later on. 

A New Year and a New Project

Happy New Year everyone!!  A new year brings with it new ventures and new opportunities.  A fresh start.  Put those things away that were unpleasant and cherish the good things that happened.

One of the "good things" that happened in my life last year was meeting Dana Moos.  Dana is a very busy person.  One of her many projects last year was the publication of her newest book, The Art of Breakfast.

I was quick to get a copy of this book.  I particularly liked the idea that she decided to devote the subject to one particular meal of the day, and many times the most overlooked meal of the day.  We are all so busy and breakfast is something that has been relegated to the back burner (pun intended!!)  I spent a good deal of time with the book and after reviewing it from beginning to end, I approached Dana and asked her if she would be open to a collaboration between us in which I would go through the book and prepare each recipe and then blog about it.


Many of you will remember the movie Julie and Julia which was released in 2009.  In the movie, blogger Julie Powell takes on the challenge to cook all the recipes in Julia Child's first book.  The storyline was:

"Julia Child and Julie Powell - both of whom wrote memoirs - find their lives intertwined. Though separated by time and space, both women are at loose ends... until they discover that with the right combination of passion, fearlessness and butter, anything is possible." Written by Columbia Pictures. 

I would not say that Dana and I are at "loose ends."  However, I would agree that "fearlessness and butter" can make anything possible!  So, it is with this spirit that I announce my intention to prepare each recipe in The Art of Breakfast over the next year and to share each of these delicious creations with you.  This will be a fun project and I hope that each of you will enjoy reading my posts as I make my way through this wonderful book.

A New Year and a New Project

Happy New Year everyone!!  A new year brings with it new ventures and new opportunities.  A fresh start.  Put those things away that were unpleasant and cherish the good things that happened.

One of the "good things" that happened in my life last year was meeting Dana Moos.  Dana is a very busy person.  One of her many projects last year was the publication of her newest book, The Art of Breakfast.

I was quick to get a copy of this book.  I particularly liked the idea that she decided to devote the subject to one particular meal of the day, and many times the most overlooked meal of the day.  We are all so busy and breakfast is something that has been relegated to the back burner (pun intended!!)  I spent a good deal of time with the book and after reviewing it from beginning to end, I approached Dana and asked her if she would be open to a collaboration between us in which I would go through the book and prepare each recipe and then blog about it.


Many of you will remember the movie Julie and Julia which was released in 2009.  In the movie, blogger Julie Powell takes on the challenge to cook all the recipes in Julia Child's first book.  The storyline was:

"Julia Child and Julie Powell - both of whom wrote memoirs - find their lives intertwined. Though separated by time and space, both women are at loose ends... until they discover that with the right combination of passion, fearlessness and butter, anything is possible." Written by Columbia Pictures. 

I would not say that Dana and I are at "loose ends."  However, I would agree that "fearlessness and butter" can make anything possible!  So, it is with this spirit that I announce my intention to prepare each recipe in The Art of Breakfast over the next year and to share each of these delicious creations with you.  This will be a fun project and I hope that each of you will enjoy reading my posts as I make my way through this wonderful book.