Monday, March 23, 2015

The Glamorous Life

We had a busy and fun weekend. Saturday night we went to a murder mystery party...way a little out of our comfort zone! The characters we were assigned to play were a glamorous actress and a famous polo player. The event was set in the 1940's. Not sure we nailed the the 1940's look, but at least we tried. Meet Matilda Gallant and Dominik Hasek. 
Each guest was given a character and a clue to share at the party. Turns out we were more like extras - our clue was that we were talking to each other when the shots were heard. We could add any non-story altering details we wanted. I decided that we had just gotten engaged after a whirlwind romance. Apparently he met me the previous weekend at the Beverly Hills Polo Club and had to make me his bride. Maybe Proposal Day put that idea in my head. I picked up this this little bauble at Walmart to make our story a little more authentic. Do you think it is too much??  Well, I am a famous actress, so... I giggled every time my husband introduced me as his fiancee...he seriously kept forgetting my name...must have been the whirlwind romance.

Sunday we spent most of the day helping my niece move. And I am totally counting that as my workout - maybe for the rest of the week :)  I made a chicken potpie for them to bake at their new place. After all that work, who wants to cook, right?  I made one for our house too, but it turns out my husband is not a potpie fan. I am taking it to work tomorrow to bake and share with my co-workers - it doesn't have hearts on it though :)  I only used a crust on the top and added extra veggies. 

Of course, with this warmer weather I can't stop thinking about the garden. Today I planted a row each of lettuce, spinach, radishes and carrots. Apparently, I am obsessed with color variety. The lettuce is a mix of several kinds of lettuce - various greens and reds. The carrots are orange, purple, white and yellow. The radishes are called Easter Egg Radishes - various shades of pinks, red, purple and white. Poor old dark green spinach is going to set off all the other colors come harvest time. The seed is from last year, so I know I like everything. Hopefully, I didn't get to far ahead of myself - if it frosts I can always replant. 
 
I thought if I put the little marker sticks right next to the wooden edge of the raised bed they wouldn't catch Millie's attention. About 30 seconds after I placed them, she strolled over and snatched the lettuce marker. And I put the rest of them in anyway - we will see how long they last. Fortunately, Millie found another delicious stick to distract her. 
We probably need something a little more puppy proof, but I am hoping for now these stakes keep Millie from digging up what I have just planted. 
This is what happened last year to an unprotected bed. Millie dug up the radishes and carrots on one end. She flung all the dirt on top of the spinach in the middle of the bed and trampled some of the lettuce. Fortunately, with some delicate excavation, I was able to save most of the crop, but I sure would like to avoid that mess again. 

When I was finished playing in the garden, it took some serious coaxing to get Millie to the door. Even then she was not eager to go inside. Prior experience has taught her that she would be separated from her beloved stick du jour before entering the house.  

The seedlings continue to grow. They are all leaning toward the sun...eager to be outside I am sure. 

I have started saving my egg shells for the garden. Apparently, the calcium in egg shells helps to prevent blossom end rot in tomatoes. Nothing is worse than turning over a beautifully ripe tomato to see the bottom rotting out...yuck!  I collect egg shells for a month or so before planting my tomatoes. Then put a handful of the crushed shells in each hole with my tomato plant. I haven't had the problem since I started doing that. 

In sad news, one of my favorite water glasses got broken this weekend. RIP, Grumpy Bear - you brought gallons of delicious cold water to my lips. I still have a Tender Heart Bear glass, but it might be time to hit up eBay for some new glasses. A girl has to have her water in a cute glass :)

I have been inspired by all the meal/snack preppers out there. I couldn't resist these little containers The outside edge has a seal to prevent leaking which is great, but the contents can leak between the two compartments, which is a little disappointing. I would like to have a couple healthy snacks at the ready.


How would you fill these cute little snack containers?

12 comments:

  1. Oh man look at your lovely garden. It was so cold here yesterday and still chilly today that I forgot it was spring. Someday...

    My friend just got a job working for a mystery dinner company. Hope you had fun at yours! At least you knew you weren't the murderer.

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    1. I planted that stuff last night and today it is super chill and rainy. I guess the rain will be good and they will sprout eventually :)

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  2. You and your husband are so cute together, seriously! Love your garden, Easter Egg radishes are so pretty! I kind of want to move in with you Anna, you're always baking yummy things and gardening. ;) Two of my fave things in life! And my late dog Natasha was a garden destroyer. She loved vegetables of any kind, so we had to be vigilant when she was outside, or the next thing you know a whole broccoli plant was being pulled up and eaten.

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    1. Aww thanks - he makes us look good :) Okay, you can move in if you don't mind all our annoying habits and you make me get off my hiney and workout. Mollie & Millie would be an interesting combo :)

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  3. What a fun party! And you guys did great with your costumes!

    Koda has a love affair with sticks as well. The funniest is when she tries to bring a large one into the house, but it won't fit through the door. The look on her face is priceless!

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    1. My "favorite" when she runs by with a big stick in her mouth and accidentally whacks me in the leg with it. Crazy pups!

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  4. I didn't know that about egg shells! What a good idea!

    Also, my dog is not a digger. I am very thankful for that!

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    1. Millie really only digs in the garden, so at least there aren't holes all over the yard. So far, the egg shells have worked great :)

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  5. That party sounds like so much fun! I would absolutely love to do something like that!!

    I'm also jealous of your gardening skills. I think I have black thumbs. ;) My husband enjoys gardening but hasn't been very successful with it yet. Maybe this year will be his year!

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    1. The party was fun, but totally out of our comfort zone. I would highly recommend the raised beds for the garden - maintenance is so much easier. And it just doesn't feel as overwhelming with the contained plots. Good luck!

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  6. Oh what fun! I love that you and your hubby had backstories with your characters! (You should totally try Dungeons and Dragons next! LOL)

    And man, your garden! I wish I could do that! Awesome job making the pot pie for your niece! You are such a good auntie!

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    1. Crazy blogger - I replied last night and it is gone! My husband was the dungeon master of his D&D group. A few friends talked about starting up again, but it might be "boys only'. Thank you for all the lovely compliments :)

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