I had a long weekend at home because of Thanksgiving holiday. I finished all grading before the break and also created a to-do list. My goal was to not overwhelm myself with too many tasks, but tackle few things that I had been postponing.
The first thing on my list was to clean the car. I vacuumed the seats and the carpets, and organized everything in the trunk. I washed cloth produce bags and put them back in the cargo net. I removed old maps from the glove compartment and bundled frequently used maps together.
Then I moved the newly painted dresser to the bedroom. I ironed a stack of clothes and placed in the drawers. My bedroom looks more organized now because everything has a proper place. I also started making curtains for the bedroom and finished one panel.
Another task on the list was to try Pauline's meatball recipe. I didn't have sesame seeds and substituted ground turkey for pork, and it came out so moist and delicious. This is all I had by the time I remember to take a photo. And these disappeared soon after posing for the photo.
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| Turkey meatballs. |
I spent most of the time in the backyard. My very first broccoli florets are growing well.
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| My very first broccoli. |
Bitter gourd vines have more gourds now and I counted nine very small ones.
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| Bitter gourds. |
I picked several greens for cooking and for my morning juice. It feels so good to be able to eat what I have grown in my own backyard.
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| A basket full of homegrown greens and ginger. |
I planted Pandan, humming bird tree, squash and Tuscan kale - some in pots and some in a raised bed. I bought untreated pine wood from the 70% off bin at Home Depot to make the bed. I lined the bed with cardboard and filled it with homemade compost, cow manure and store bought garden soil. I planted Tuscan kale in the bed and also in a pot, I want to see which one grows better.
At the end of each month I check my bills and credit cards online. This weekend I spent a couple of hours updating financial records and making sure there are no mistakes on utility and credit card bills. I paid another $250 toward the mortgage principal.
So, that's how I spent most of my Thanksgiving break. I'm happy that it was productive, and I also took time to invite a friend for a meal, read a book and relax.
After a long weekend I'm ready to go back to work tomorrow.
Have a wonderful week everyone.
XX
Nil
I feel quite satisfied just reading this...it's so good to accomplished these jobs in easy steps xxx
ReplyDeleteYes Sue, when I have too many things to do it stresses me out. So I pick 1-2 tasks per day. That leaves me enough time for reading and relaxing. :)
DeleteYour broccoli is looking really healthy, Nil. Isn't it wonderful when you can bring a basket of your own homegrown food into the kitchen to cook with. I really liked how you rejuventated the furniture in your last post too. It all looks great! Meg:)
ReplyDeleteThank you Meg. I can't wait to taste the broccoli. :)
DeleteYou must feel so good getting all of that done. Sounds like your veggies are set up very well. Congratulations on your first broccoli. It looks perfect.
ReplyDeleteGreat weekend you had.
Kylie
Yes Kylie, it feels really good to get things done when I'm home. Weekdays don't allow me a lot of time for gardening. I think I should be able to pick broccoli in a week or so. :)
DeleteNil, I'm jealous of all those greens; they are beautiful! We are quite a bit cooler here. We've been freezing at night but today was warmer so hubby was able to til the garden before winter. In spring we pile the compost on and til it in before planting. Quite a bit different from the south, but a fresh green salad sounds divine.
ReplyDeleteOh Lady Locust, here I'm thinking our nights are too cold. You have real winter! Do you grow root vegetables in winter? Or is it impossible to grow anything when it's cold?
DeleteHi Nil, That sounds like a wonderful weekend. The meatballs and home grown vegetables look delicious. It seems like you have a very healthy diet. Congratulations on the broccoli. Mine were all stolen by some animal during the night...along with six cauliflower plants.
ReplyDeleteOh Stephenie, I'm sorry to hear about your stolen veggies. I wonder a bell or some sort of noise maker would deter animals.
DeleteYou got a lot done this weekend, but you still seem relaxed, a nice balance. Your garden greens look delicious as usual!
DeleteWhat a productive break you had, Nil. I saved some bitter melon seeds but am not sure I will plant them as I think the plant is a bit too bitter for me :-)
ReplyDeleteYour garden is so productive Nil, and that broccoli is going to be delicious when you're ready to harvest it. I'm picking a good handful of beans every day now, as well as leafy greens, such a satisfying feeling. Your Thanksgiving weekend sounds nicely balanced.
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