Compost...... the new clown

I used to enjoy stuffing clowns (AKA drunken friends) into a car to see just how many I could fit. But as I mature and become a man, I have not lost my love or skill for stuffing. There are unbridled amounts of joy in stuffing a nice box, or a chicken. I sometimes like to stuff my own bags at the grocery. Our garage is a prime example of my stuffing skills.
But I am very proud to share with you all my best stuffing job of 2009.
Our 4-runner shown above, is loaded with several yards of compost. Hot and earthy goodness. Just crying to be turned over and planted. After a questionable experience with my friend Michael's hillbilly flatbed, I decided to seek an alternate means of compost transport. A canvas tarp for protection and $20 at the car wash (including a big tip for the vacuum girl) I have found that thinking outside the box will always pay off.
The garden is a few weeks from completion. There will be a post loaded with pics when it is complete.

Equiptment upgrades

Yes indeed.... the eyes have it. That is a brand new pitchfork I am holding. This is a proud moment in history.... mine anyway. When you grow up and get your own fork, then you will understand.

Now when there is mulch to toss and compost to turn.... I will be prepared. No more will I toil with a mishapen tool not meant for the task at hand. I now have the power that few can appreciate.

You may be saying to yourself..... "self.... why is he so happy about a garden tool? I wish he would just show us those sweet melons again.... stupid blog."

To those of you that know me well, you are used to this. I am often excited about things most people find to not be worthy of second thought. Or things which I waste my time on when I can buy it at the store.

Well friends, the end of the civilized world could crash down at any given moment. It will be at that point that you should seek out those with pitchforks and chickens and follow. We will be there with our eggs and vegetables to help. I cannot confirm that there won't be an "I told you so" waiting, but we will have eggs and trash can skills to sooth you bruised egos.

In other news there has been alot of interest in the TCPGA. While waiting for the annual membership drive, you should find a nice can and dig out those spuds that are in the pantry from the last time your mom bought you groceries. We will post a photo journal in a few weeks.

Potato Crops DOWN!

This is the newest yield of "trash can potatoes". "Potato yield is 50% of what it was..... we might have to give up the farm" stated a teary eyed Loosh at the TCPGA annual meeting Wednesday. For those of you who are unaware, the TCPGA (Trash can potato growers association) is an organization that promotes and supports the continuing efforts of trash can agriculture. The organization is always seeking new members. Currently the association is 1 member strong.

After the meeting, Loosh had renewed hope for the future of his trash can farm. "This season we will be planting purple fingerling potatoes. This will allow me to feel better. I mean who doesn't love a purple potato! In fact ask Obama.... I hear he has some in the White House garden. We will overcome this tragedy..... we will turn this around." A single hand clap from the associations only member could be heard in the open air meeting.

Record winning melon

Just a few days after our melon was posted, the good watermelon vine has been making an unbelievible effort. The single melon has doubled in size every day. Scientists warn that at the current rate of growth, it could block out the sun in a few short weeks.

Lucien was quoted as saying " Screw the world.....no one....and I do mean no one is to touch my melon!" Govornment officials have been warned of the dangers by the scientific community but has fallen on deaf ears in Washington.

Stay tuned to Our Family Blog for more on the effects of "melontastrophe 2009"

Watermelons take over!

Several months of training our very happy watermelon vine has finally paid off! The vine formerly known as a "good for nothing weed" has been renamed "good watermelon vine". Monday morning after several failed attemts to set a good fruit, the good watermelon vine has produced a soon to be prize winning fruit. Look at those markings! A tear slowly welled in my eye as I thought about drilling a small hole and pouring in cheap vodka. "This is truly the wonder of nature. It amazes me that this melon has the lifegiving power to turn the cheapest vodka into smooth melon scented goodness!" Loosh thought to himself. That is a feat better than turning water into wine........ Maybe the good watermelon vine is actually Jesus's brainchild. All theology aside, we are very proud of the good watermelon vine for it's tenatious efforts over the last few weeks. We will continue to report on it's progress in the future.

New "Wonder Tea"

On every third and 14th Monday here at Our Family Blog we share ...

"RECIPES FROM THE YARD"

Today we bring you JAMAICA TEA

Jamaica (pronounced ya-mike-a) is the dried sheath of the Hibiscus flower. It is common to find them in Mexican and Carribean stores in your local barrio. While your there pick up some pure sugar cane........It's not code and don't ask Jesus the friendly mexican clerk or you could get more than you bargained for. It is a dark brown block and hard as a rock. If youhave a hibiscus tree you can hang the flowers to dry in a breezy area. Boil some water (6 cups) and add 4-5 tablespoons of the sugar cane to it. Toss in 10-12 dried sheaths and a pinch of sea salt. Let it roll hard untill the sugar cane breaks up and disolves. Chill well and pour over ice. Think to yourself "Beuno" and enjoy. We like to throw in a little fresh ginger or a sprig of basil. The occasional pimento berry (Allspice) finds it's way in too. It is a little earthy but you'll love it.

Look forward to an introduction to Yerba Mate......."WHOOOOOOOOA! This Stuff will Boogie woogie on your lazy brain!!!!!

Potato menace caught and jailed

For days leaves from our trash can potatoes have been vanishing. The garden crime investigation team worked hard with no possible leads for hours. The snails were questioned and released ...... kind of ..... into the fish pond. With no outward signs of wilt or wierd flies sucking on the leaves the file was placed into the cold file.

Sunday after a heartfelt plea from the vegetable community with support from the ornamentals and common herb coalition, the case was reopened.

Later that evening by chance the investigator on duty recieved a tip from a street onion speaking some serious chive. The onion was passing by the can when he heard the cries coming from within.

He hurried to his cousin Leeks mound and called in the tip.

Lead investigator Loosh rushed to the scene where he found the criminal and arrested and jailed him.

The Catapillar is being held in a glass jar with no bail set at this time.