Neglect and bounty

I have been very busy and very happy the past few weeks. I have travelled to Chicago with friends and to Michigan with fifth graders, visited classrooms and read my book, educated and entertained farm visitors, gotten sore and sunburned in the garden, bought some exceptionnally hot pepper plants, met and re-met many wonderful people, and made some darn good food. I think I only rested on my laurels for one day, maybe less. All of this is the reason that last week my deck was full of leggy, neglected transplants that should have gone in two weeks before.

Every day has been so different and I am loving the variety and challenges. If this spring has taught me only one thing (which it hasn't) it is that I am without a doubt a person who needs to WRITE IT DOWN. Keeping it all balanced (mostly) is part of what is making me feel so fulfilled and accomplished. And there is no way I could do that without a calendar. Actually three to five calendars at any given time.

Last week I donated a meal to Permaganics, a non-profit that employees disadvantaged youth to work in a garden in Over-the-Rhine. I plan to volunteer there regularly this summer after school lets out. That morning I was also applying for a funded position for next semester, which kept me busy until I went to work.

I can't believe I haven't used the lobster steaming basket that came with my seven-and-a-half gallon stockpot more often.

Not to mention the stockpot itself!

Okay, I do use it quite a bit, but this was the first time I used to soak salad greens. Revelatory! The pot continues to be one of my better purchases in life.

I love that no matter how neglected and out of control my garden is it still produces impressive amounts of food. Dave and I feel there is a lot of potential for moneymaking given this phenomenon, which he has also experienced.

P.S. I have an interview for a Zoology TA so I am hopeful!

The garden, my love

 My garden 2012: converted cold frame edition. Photos are from late April, but phenologically I think our area (and others) may be somwhere around early summer. Then again, there was a frost less than a week ago. I'm so confused.

Red Russian kale, mizuna, tatsoi, Osaka purple mustard greens, arugula. Flea beetles are here, but were seriously stemmed by late frosts.

The pvc is a remnant from covering last year's cold frame with a blanket.

Claytonia, co-star of the last post.

My dependable darling, perfect for frittata, pasta, pizza, salad, and egg sandwiches.