We went to the great outdoors this weekend. Took advantage of the 20 degrees cooler temps in our local mountains.
We like this campground, only about 30 miles from the desert and have been there several times for day trips, once before to camp. When we arrived there were apparently several groups taking advantage of the 100 plus spaces, group spaces and the trailhead to a mountain biking loop. We were pretty lucky to get there early on Friday and get a spot. Pretty crowded but still not full.
As we set up though we began to notice the big daddies of camping arriving - Trailersaurus. Or in the plural, Trailersauri.
So here is the question: If you need to have lighting, a bed to sleep on, a kitchen to cook in, a TV, a VERY loud stereo system, a roll up door in the back with plenty of storage for your ATV and/or ALL of your children's bikes and motorized scooters and probably a full bathroom with shower while you are IN the woods, what are you in the woods for again? Isn't there a very lovely bed and breakfast just up the road that you could drive the car you are towing behind your Trailersaurus to and save thousands of gallons of gas in the process? And can you give the generator a rest for christs sake! That thing is loud.
Peace. That is what we are here in nature for! Not to listen to your generator running all day and to the country and western you just can't live without for one flipping day! We're in the wilderness people! For God's sake put the iPod down and smell the pine trees!!!
Monday, June 30, 2008
Sunday, June 8, 2008
So Far, So Good
Lawn Implementation 2008 is, so far, going fine. We have had patches of brown and a few large chunks that completely died. But Jose came by to see what was going on, adjusted the pressure of the sprinklers, and the time. That, along with about a week of spring-like temperatures, and the lawn took off. Not all brown completely gone but green is starting to peek through in most of the problem patches. But apparently most of it was doing great because we even got mushrooms! Backed off on watering a bit and we seem to have reached a happy medium for this time of year. In 3 weeks or so we will adjust again.
So, 3 weeks in. We thought it would struggle, so skeptical were so many garden experts I'd asked out here about this particular kind of sod. But in fact, we had to buy a lawn mower weeks ahead of when we planned and have cut it twice!
And you know, it looks very pretty. It is a deep, dark green with beefy blades - unlike the almost translucent, skinny blades that most summer lawns in the desert sport. I am wondering why no one had tried this before? I seem to be met with skepticism and surprise by every garden enthusiast and professional I talk to about my lawn. "What kind of grass again? Never heard of it. Who sells it?" Even the lady at the sod company when I made my order had to double check that I was calling the right office and ordering the right product. It is so unheard of here, that of the dozen or so people I have spoken to about it, not one has heard of growing this type of sod in the desert.
Perhaps more accomplished gardeners than I have tried and failed and everyone knows something I don't. We have, afterall, only just reached 100 degree temps for days in a row. The brutality of summer is not yet here. But then if they have never heard of it...? Maybe I am a trailblazer. Maybe I will see my foolish ways when the 120s arrive. Who knows. But so far, so good!
So, 3 weeks in. We thought it would struggle, so skeptical were so many garden experts I'd asked out here about this particular kind of sod. But in fact, we had to buy a lawn mower weeks ahead of when we planned and have cut it twice!
And you know, it looks very pretty. It is a deep, dark green with beefy blades - unlike the almost translucent, skinny blades that most summer lawns in the desert sport. I am wondering why no one had tried this before? I seem to be met with skepticism and surprise by every garden enthusiast and professional I talk to about my lawn. "What kind of grass again? Never heard of it. Who sells it?" Even the lady at the sod company when I made my order had to double check that I was calling the right office and ordering the right product. It is so unheard of here, that of the dozen or so people I have spoken to about it, not one has heard of growing this type of sod in the desert.
Perhaps more accomplished gardeners than I have tried and failed and everyone knows something I don't. We have, afterall, only just reached 100 degree temps for days in a row. The brutality of summer is not yet here. But then if they have never heard of it...? Maybe I am a trailblazer. Maybe I will see my foolish ways when the 120s arrive. Who knows. But so far, so good!
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Green Gardening
I know, I know. It sounds like an oxymoron. But it really is a goal of mine. Thus the composting, thus the multiple visits to local nurseries to pick brains, ask questions, etc.
But right now we are on Lawn Implementation 2008 - which is the culmination of Lawn Quest 2008. I was searching for a grass that would grow under our wild temperature extremes - 40s to 120s. We don't get many cold temperatures, certainly not for weeks in a row. But we do get hot temperatures for weeks, months in a row. What other climates call summer we call Spring. The only area in the country that is hotter is Death Valley! But lawn we must because children need. So, what I gathered during Lawn Quest 2008 was that in order to have an efficient water use lawn is that you need several things: a deep root system; and efficient watering system whereby you can water without waste for longer periods thus encouraging the deep rooting; thick blade that can withstand the heat and will grow longer in summer to protect the root; and - here's the kicker - I DID NOT want to lawn scalp or as some people say 'reseeding'. But it is really not as lovely a process as 'reseeding; sounds.
Let me describe: In September or early October you stop watering your grass for about a week to ten days. Then, once it is completely dead, your gardener or yourself puts your lawn mower on the lowest setting, set to dig if possible, and you lop off the head and shallow root of the entire grass system, kicking up the worst possible dust cloud you can imagine and all the pollen, fertilizer you have put on the lawn all year and (if you garden really evil) herbicide to kill the grass before this process. Thus the term 'scalping'. It is really awful, what the hubby and I call Migraine Season. Worse than Spring, worse than pollen alone. Imagine pollen, mixed with the finest of sand - whioh our 'dirt' really is here in the desert - mixed with chemicals and whatever desicated bug juice and parts got swept up in the process. Now just imagine this fine particulate floating around the Coachella Valley that is shaped like a giant bowl - kind of like Mexico City - catching and holding in all this particulate. It gets everywhere, your car, your clothes, in your house, in your lungs! Indeed awful.
So, even though I only have 900 sq ft of grass I did not want to add to this process. (BTW just FYI there are over 120 golf courses in this valley ALL scalping, so when I say I am making a small impact I am exaggerating really, I am making a minute impact) I found what, hopefully, will be the best, albeit not prettiest, solution. See, my theory is that everyone here wants their lawn to look like the golf course. But you pay the scalping price. I just want lawn that will thrive during Fall, Winter and most of Spring, and survive the summer - because really in 110 degree heat the kids are not romping on the lawn.
We went to Earth Day at our local zoo and spoke to the water district and they told us about the most efficient sprinklers on the market. We asked our gardener, Jose, to put them in. It was the first time he had used them, they are so new. So impressed with their efficiency he says he wants to put them in his own lawn! Then this weekend we sent Jose's son off to collect the sod on Saturday. Saturday afternoon, temperatures reaching 113 degrees in Palm Springs Airport where they measure, Jose and his guys install. Not the best time to lay down sod on the hottest of days but what are ya gonna do. The weather often does not cooperate.
So far it is still more green than brown although there are patches that are failing, not getting enough water. The hubby is home babysitting it since he is currently jobless and making sure it gets added water as needed. The meteorologists promise temps will fall to the 80s in the next seven days.
Hang on grass!
But right now we are on Lawn Implementation 2008 - which is the culmination of Lawn Quest 2008. I was searching for a grass that would grow under our wild temperature extremes - 40s to 120s. We don't get many cold temperatures, certainly not for weeks in a row. But we do get hot temperatures for weeks, months in a row. What other climates call summer we call Spring. The only area in the country that is hotter is Death Valley! But lawn we must because children need. So, what I gathered during Lawn Quest 2008 was that in order to have an efficient water use lawn is that you need several things: a deep root system; and efficient watering system whereby you can water without waste for longer periods thus encouraging the deep rooting; thick blade that can withstand the heat and will grow longer in summer to protect the root; and - here's the kicker - I DID NOT want to lawn scalp or as some people say 'reseeding'. But it is really not as lovely a process as 'reseeding; sounds.
Let me describe: In September or early October you stop watering your grass for about a week to ten days. Then, once it is completely dead, your gardener or yourself puts your lawn mower on the lowest setting, set to dig if possible, and you lop off the head and shallow root of the entire grass system, kicking up the worst possible dust cloud you can imagine and all the pollen, fertilizer you have put on the lawn all year and (if you garden really evil) herbicide to kill the grass before this process. Thus the term 'scalping'. It is really awful, what the hubby and I call Migraine Season. Worse than Spring, worse than pollen alone. Imagine pollen, mixed with the finest of sand - whioh our 'dirt' really is here in the desert - mixed with chemicals and whatever desicated bug juice and parts got swept up in the process. Now just imagine this fine particulate floating around the Coachella Valley that is shaped like a giant bowl - kind of like Mexico City - catching and holding in all this particulate. It gets everywhere, your car, your clothes, in your house, in your lungs! Indeed awful.
So, even though I only have 900 sq ft of grass I did not want to add to this process. (BTW just FYI there are over 120 golf courses in this valley ALL scalping, so when I say I am making a small impact I am exaggerating really, I am making a minute impact) I found what, hopefully, will be the best, albeit not prettiest, solution. See, my theory is that everyone here wants their lawn to look like the golf course. But you pay the scalping price. I just want lawn that will thrive during Fall, Winter and most of Spring, and survive the summer - because really in 110 degree heat the kids are not romping on the lawn.
We went to Earth Day at our local zoo and spoke to the water district and they told us about the most efficient sprinklers on the market. We asked our gardener, Jose, to put them in. It was the first time he had used them, they are so new. So impressed with their efficiency he says he wants to put them in his own lawn! Then this weekend we sent Jose's son off to collect the sod on Saturday. Saturday afternoon, temperatures reaching 113 degrees in Palm Springs Airport where they measure, Jose and his guys install. Not the best time to lay down sod on the hottest of days but what are ya gonna do. The weather often does not cooperate.
So far it is still more green than brown although there are patches that are failing, not getting enough water. The hubby is home babysitting it since he is currently jobless and making sure it gets added water as needed. The meteorologists promise temps will fall to the 80s in the next seven days.
Hang on grass!
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
Toy Season
It is our toy season number 1. Our second toy season of the year is, of course, Christmas. But come May and June we have two birthdays. The upside of birthdays a month apart is that you get them (i.e. party planning) over with and don't have to dread for months another one approaching. The downside is that because they are so close together there tends to be (and don't ask me why because I would have to admit to my bad parenting skills) more toy purchases. And we all know that with toy purchases comes trash.
So, what to do with cardboard that is covered with pieces of tape and plastic bits? It is the juice box dilemma all over. Technically, not recycleable. But practically, come on, shouldn't it be? But who wants to sit on the kitchen floor and peel all the tape off cardboard? I understand that packaging is now meant to be theft proof (and rough sea journey from China proof as well, no doubt) but do they really need THAT much tape and invisible rubberbands, and plastic covered wire holding pieces in, and plastic anchors? Each toy brings along 20 pieces of trash!
Who wants to write a letter to China asking if they can make all those pieces recyleable with me?
So, what to do with cardboard that is covered with pieces of tape and plastic bits? It is the juice box dilemma all over. Technically, not recycleable. But practically, come on, shouldn't it be? But who wants to sit on the kitchen floor and peel all the tape off cardboard? I understand that packaging is now meant to be theft proof (and rough sea journey from China proof as well, no doubt) but do they really need THAT much tape and invisible rubberbands, and plastic covered wire holding pieces in, and plastic anchors? Each toy brings along 20 pieces of trash!
Who wants to write a letter to China asking if they can make all those pieces recyleable with me?
Sunday, April 20, 2008
How it works the wrong way
When we think of consumming less we naturally think of consumming less bad for you things, like beer and ice cream, or always buying the latest fashions in shoes and clothing and tossing last year's wear in the trash...
But apparently Americans - at least those here in our area - are consumming less knowledge. I suppose that is conservation of a sort.
My excellent hubby is a geography buff and had been enjoying teaching our 5 year old son countries on his little globe. Having practically mastered all the 'big' (geographically speaking) countries he wanted to get him a bigger globe. He had seen one that was half way in between our small one and the regulation sized at Target. But when we got there it was no where to be found. Hubby asked an 'associate' who at first did not know what he meant.
"What is this globe you speak of? What does it represent? Oh, you say an orb that is a map of the earth! How novel!" his perplexed look seemed to say.
So clearly there is a problem... but then we ran into another associate who said that globes were 'seasonal' items. Clearly Target places an emphasis on geography comprehension only at certain times of the year...
Undaunted we drove across the street to Mervyns. They had no globes. Our daughter did get a nice new Hello Kitty backpack for when she starts school. I know, I know, consumption. We could have just as easily gone to the thrift store or passed down her brothers backpack. She doesn't actually need one, it is all part of my scheme to get to her learn to use the potty - part of the bribery and cohersion part - no potty, no school. Hello Kitty backpack = enthusiasm for going to school. With our son school was enough. But either she is very clever or not as interested...
I digress. So hubby leaves us at Mervyns to browse and goes over alone to the dreaded Toys R Us. No one in their right mind actually takes children there! But there is one shoddy little talking globe without even all the countries and questionable scale and mapping.
Still undaunted he drove back across the street to Office Depot. There, was one, lonely globe on the shelf... which we now own.
So the question is, don't people own globes anymore? I owned a globe for years even after school just to look at and ponder! I highly doubt if all the available globes had been hungrily snapped up before we got there...
Yes, Jay Leno pokes fun at Americans for not being able to find their own country on a map and other global ignorances. I used to always think they tossed out the smart people to the editing room floor and kept the numbskulls. But what if I am wrong about that and actually most people are ignorant of their world. Scary thought.
So while I normally say Consumme Less, in this regard I have to say we all need to consumme more. More knowledge, more information, more understanding. Afterall the world is always in style... although it could possibly go the way of last year's pumps... yikes.
But apparently Americans - at least those here in our area - are consumming less knowledge. I suppose that is conservation of a sort.
My excellent hubby is a geography buff and had been enjoying teaching our 5 year old son countries on his little globe. Having practically mastered all the 'big' (geographically speaking) countries he wanted to get him a bigger globe. He had seen one that was half way in between our small one and the regulation sized at Target. But when we got there it was no where to be found. Hubby asked an 'associate' who at first did not know what he meant.
"What is this globe you speak of? What does it represent? Oh, you say an orb that is a map of the earth! How novel!" his perplexed look seemed to say.
So clearly there is a problem... but then we ran into another associate who said that globes were 'seasonal' items. Clearly Target places an emphasis on geography comprehension only at certain times of the year...
Undaunted we drove across the street to Mervyns. They had no globes. Our daughter did get a nice new Hello Kitty backpack for when she starts school. I know, I know, consumption. We could have just as easily gone to the thrift store or passed down her brothers backpack. She doesn't actually need one, it is all part of my scheme to get to her learn to use the potty - part of the bribery and cohersion part - no potty, no school. Hello Kitty backpack = enthusiasm for going to school. With our son school was enough. But either she is very clever or not as interested...
I digress. So hubby leaves us at Mervyns to browse and goes over alone to the dreaded Toys R Us. No one in their right mind actually takes children there! But there is one shoddy little talking globe without even all the countries and questionable scale and mapping.
Still undaunted he drove back across the street to Office Depot. There, was one, lonely globe on the shelf... which we now own.
So the question is, don't people own globes anymore? I owned a globe for years even after school just to look at and ponder! I highly doubt if all the available globes had been hungrily snapped up before we got there...
Yes, Jay Leno pokes fun at Americans for not being able to find their own country on a map and other global ignorances. I used to always think they tossed out the smart people to the editing room floor and kept the numbskulls. But what if I am wrong about that and actually most people are ignorant of their world. Scary thought.
So while I normally say Consumme Less, in this regard I have to say we all need to consumme more. More knowledge, more information, more understanding. Afterall the world is always in style... although it could possibly go the way of last year's pumps... yikes.
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
Composting, negative 101
In an effort to try to do more to save the earth from mounds of trash, (I'm super keen to see one) I decided when we moved into a house (with solar by the way, it's something at least) with a backyard, that I would compost. I could have done the under the sink composting - with worms - that's right live worms under your sink! Or as the Master Composter who taught the class indicated, dead worms, at least until you figured out how not to kill them... But I don't love the earth that much! Hey, wasn't putting up with cockroaches and mice (or could have just been really large cockroaches, possible, it is the desert) in my walls for years enough?
So, anyways... we now have a compost bin in our backyard so nothing goes in the trash that could go in the compost bin. I finally seperated out the almost there stuff (looking good by the way and our future tomato plants will love it) and started a new mound as we are getting ready to put in our irrigation and backyard lawn. OOOOOOHHHH! Blast! Lawn... that's right... in the desert. If it makes you feel better it will be terribly small and actually played on by a couple of happy children. Unlike the lawns that line the streets here in the desert, the lawns that no one walks on, that get watered incessantly so they look like golf courses, the lawns that get scalped every fall shoving dust with plant, chemical and probably animal particulate into the air for all passersby and local residents to breathe.
My search continues for a type of lawn that will withstand the heat and not need to be reseeded! They can put a man on the moon but they can't find a grass that can withstand the sun and the cold???
So, anyways... we now have a compost bin in our backyard so nothing goes in the trash that could go in the compost bin. I finally seperated out the almost there stuff (looking good by the way and our future tomato plants will love it) and started a new mound as we are getting ready to put in our irrigation and backyard lawn. OOOOOOHHHH! Blast! Lawn... that's right... in the desert. If it makes you feel better it will be terribly small and actually played on by a couple of happy children. Unlike the lawns that line the streets here in the desert, the lawns that no one walks on, that get watered incessantly so they look like golf courses, the lawns that get scalped every fall shoving dust with plant, chemical and probably animal particulate into the air for all passersby and local residents to breathe.
My search continues for a type of lawn that will withstand the heat and not need to be reseeded! They can put a man on the moon but they can't find a grass that can withstand the sun and the cold???
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