Please Bear With Me

Chandler just can't wait!

As you have probably noticed, I'm messing around with the layout of the blog and trying to update the look.  I'd like to make it easier to use for my lovely readers (and for myself, of course.)

If you have any suggestions or things you'd like to see here, please let me know.  I'm open to just about anything!

What I See Wednesday

Garden in Progress

Mr. MoonCat has been toiling tirelessly (do I get extra points for that?) getting our veggie garden up and running.  He spent much time plotting and planning:

He consulted with the locals:

He put up fencing:

He laid out raised planting beds:

He fenced in the chicken coop and built the compost bins and a potato box:

He received approval from the overhead supervisor:

He received a well-deserved kiss from his appreciative wife - no photo!!

Sunday Selections

Be like the flower, turn your faces to the sun.

- Kahlil Gibran

Wordless Week - Almost

I've been pretty busy this week with just about everything under the sun - literally as we've (Mr. MoonCat that is) has the garden pretty much up and running.  Since I'm tired and not very wordsmithy - here's some pictures.  Have a great weekend and DON'T FORGET - Earth Hour is tomorrow night at 8:30pm local - TURN OUT YOUR LIGHTS FOR 1 HOUR!

Attack of the Killer Finches

Seedling babies hardening off before planting

Older seedlings beyond ready to plant

And even more........(last one)

Some more "fighter finch" action shots

Earth Hour 2010

http://www.earthhour.org/

Earth Hour 2010 is March 27th at 8:30pm local time

Individuals, businesses, communities, and countries can all participate by turning out their lights for one hour on March 27th, 2010 at 8:30pm local time. This is a worldwide event with over 4000 cities in 88 countries participating in 2009. The hope is to make 2010 even bigger and better!

Earth Hour is organized by WWF and begain in 2007 in Austrialia when over 2 million homes turned out their lights for an hour.  In these past three years Earth Hour has become the biggest initiative in the world for global climate change. 

Landmarks and iconic buildings all over Earth will stand in darkness for an hour as a call to action to everyone in the world to take responsibility and get involved in working our way together towards a sustainable future.  Go to Earth Hour's website and pledge your support by telling the world that you'll be joining all of us and turning your lights out for one hour this Saturday night.

Sunday Selections

Keep a green tree in your heart and perhaps a singing bird will come.

- Chinese proverb

Happy World Forestry Day

World Forestry Day - Plant a Tree

Tomorrow, March 21, 2010 is the date that has been designated as World Forestry Day. It coincides with the autumnal equinox in the Southern Hemisphere and the vernal equinox in the Northern.

This worldwide observance was a product of the 23rd General Assembly of the European Confederation of Agriculture in 1971. The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization put its stamp of approval on it later that year as they recognized the value of having a day every year (March 21st) to direct the world's attention to the importance of protecting and nourishing our forests.  Conservation is a predominant theme in the celebrations.  It promotes awareness and encourages communities to plant and manage trees that are native to the area.

Many people immediately think of a forest as just a lot of trees.  They miss out on the fact that it is an entire living community that consists of several layers and micro-communities.  The trees are the backbone of a forest, but it takes many types of flora and fauna to make it whole. 

What can you do to celebrate and acknowledge World Forestry Day? 

• Plant a tree!  
• If that's not feasible, go and visit a local forest.  Spend the afternoon walking in the woods, enjoying nature and paying attention to the diverse forms of life that a forest truly is. 
• Learn about the contributions forests make to your life.  Think about the different things that surround you that are the product of a forest.   
• Just enjoy nature.

For more information, you can visit these sites:

Bloggers Unite
Fraoch Wood
Oklahoma Forestry Services
Forest Health (this link has a really cool page about the life cycle of a forest tree)

Herbs - C is for Catnip

Nepeta cataria

Latin Name:  Nepeta of the family Lamiaceae

Alternate Name(s): Catmint

Description: Perennial herb that grows to about 3 or 4 feet high.  Some varieties are grown as annuals.  Catnip leaves are a greenish gray or green heart shape and grow opposite each other on sturdy stems.  The tube shaped flowers grow in clusters towards the stem ends and can be in various colors such as blue, pink, white or lavender.

Habitat: Catnip grows extensively and originates in Africa, Asia and Europe but is also very easy to find in the United States and the rest of North American now. 

Growing: Extremely easy to grow from seed.  To get an early jump on Spring, you can start the seeds indoors about 6-8 weeks before the last frost in your neck of the woods.  Cover the seeds lightly with soil and keep moist.  If you cover the pots with plastic this will aid in keeping the humidity up.  It is very important to not let them dry out - now or once they've sprouted.  Keep the pots in a warm location until the seeds have sprouted.  Once they're up, put them in a sunny place until they are big enough to plant outside.  It is best to gradually introduce them to being outside in the wind and sunshine.  Above all, keep them moist.  Catnip sucks up lots of water for its entire life cycle. 

Full sun is a requirement, but in areas like mine where the heat can get well up into three digits, the plant pretty much needs to sit in a bowl of water during the day or it will not perform at its best.  It will handle short periods of drought, but it will definitely affect the growth.

I have found that in our area my plant will stay somewhat green most of the winter if in a sheltered spot with a lot of light (and if I keep it watered).  I am pretty ruthless in pruning the plant back to the ground when it warms up in Spring which will make my plant come back bushier and fuller than before.  This will also help it to produce more buds.

You can also find catnip plants at local garden stores in the Spring, but you need to be sure you get the right variety Nepeta cataria as some of the plants you find might be more suited towards ornamental uses.  They don't give your cats as much pleasure as the cataria variety.  The seeds may also be labeled as Common Catnip which should be the cataria. 

I personally keep my catnip in pots.  It will reseed itself as well as come back from the previous years plant.  Because it is of the mint family, it can become invasive if not monitored.  I just prefer to keep it in check to start with.

freeherbpictures.com

Harvesting: I regularly give my cats fresh leaves from the many catnip plants I have growing around our place.  Once the plant is established (about a foot or so tall), I start harvesting from it.  The buds are extremely potent for the cats and they enjoy the heck out of them along with the leaves. 

Harvesting is best done in the early mornings after the dew has evaporated and before it gets too warm.  Depending on what I'm going to do with it, I will usually cut several stems with leaves and buds and hang them to dry.  I bundle them up and tie them with string or a rubberband and then I use clothespins to hang them in a large closet to dry.  It is a good idea to have somewhere secure from your furry friends to dry catnip as they can do amazing feats to get to a bunch hanging above them.  Once dried I will store the bundles in labeled glass canning jars until I have need of them.

Uses: To provide our domestic felines with a legal, euphoric high.  Most cats will start rolling in, eating, and drooling over catnip or catnip toys.  They will play and have bouts of craziness until they flop over and sleep for an hour or two.  Some major studies are being conducted to determine the effects on the big cats (lions, tigers, jaguars, etc.). 

Catnip has been shown to be an insect repellant for humans.  It is being used in many natural preparations and where DEET is not desirable. 

A lovely mint tea can be made from catnip.  It is interesting that it tends to have a soothing effect like chamomile for us instead of the over-caffeinated buzz that the cats get from it.

Notes: The photos of the kitties above are from a recent treat I gave my furbabies.  I have a few different varieties of catnip/catmint and was experimenting on which they like the best.  It proved for me that the Nepeta cataria is definitely the one with the most "juice"!  The cats LOVE it.  Actually, 8 of 9 endorse it.  My old cat Sheena will have nothing to do with it. I just wish I'd taken a photo of them all sacked out on the futon after this episode.  They were all passed out in a row for about an hour.  Quiet time for Mommy! 

Check out my article: Catnip - Crank for Cats for some more personal insight on kitties & catnip

I will be offering some of our organically grown catnip as well as our homemade cat toys in the near future.

But for now, a quick and easy cat toy that will provide hours of enjoyment for your furry babies can be made in minutes.  Take an old (closely woven) sock that has lost its mate and stuff the toe with dried catnip.  Tie a tight knot in the top and let them have it.  Recycling, reusing, and repurposing at its best!  (Plus some major kitty fun)

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Disclaimer: The information presented herein is intended for educational, informational, and recreational purposes only. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, cure, treat, or prevent disease. It is always advisable to consult with your own health care provider before taking any supplements, herbs, or other substances.

What I See Wednesday

Scented Oak Leaf Geranium flower

Cailen playing in the grass

Front yard view before the grass was knocked down

Chandler on the scent

Volunteer garden resident

The Postman Rings Again and Again

There are several reasons I bake cookies for my mail(wo)men or the politically correct version:  mail carriers.  Besides taking care of getting my postal-type things off on their merry way from MoonCat Farms - they BRING me stuff!

This past week I received letters from two of my new pen pals from the Pen Pal Project at Indie Fixx.  It's fun to have new friends to swap cards, letters, and goodies with.  I'm enjoying forging these new relationships via the good old USPS.  Speaking of goodies; look what else came from the lovely mail carrier:

How cute is this????

I was a winner in the Halloween Queens Castle Bootique grand opening giveaway at the beginning of the month.  My lovely prize came from Lorraine at PieCaKe PRiMiTiVeS.  Isn't this ornament adorable?  As soon as I'm finished with the sewing/craft/office room (a whole 'nother blog post to come), this little cutie will be hanging up in there, making me smile.  Please be sure to check out Lorraine's art dolls - they are really unique and very creative.

~~~~~

The 2nd lovely postal surprise came to me from our neighbor to the great white north. Look at this beauty:

I have always adored owls

This would be great all on its own, as it is fabulous.  BUT, my prize from the OWOH drawing was inside: 

Smoky Quartz, Blue Sapphire, & Chalcedony

This very lovely prize package came from Anna Lee of Ga'hoole Tree Designs.  I was amazed at how much prettier this is even in person.  I'm looking forward to wearing it this weekend when Hubby & I actually get to go out!  Be sure you go by and check out Anna Lee's gorgeous designs.  She is very talented and has a really nice shop full of pretties.

~~~~~

Thank you so much Lorraine and Anna Lee!  (and lovely mail carrier..)

Photo Tag Fun - But No Green Poop

Petey and his "boo-boo"

This photo is Pete (or Petey, Hollywood, or Peteypoo). I took this the day after he cut the bridge of his nose while destroying his automatic waterer. Yes, I should add "Destructo-Horse" to his many names. He is one of our family favorites and is also a son of our stallion, Sunday Sailor.

Now we need to play photo tag! I was tagged by The Wizardess Epi who predicted my photo would probably have something green in it.  (You should stop by her blog and check out the adorable hedgehog photos and the great info about them.)

Here are the rules:

Open your first photo file

Scroll to the 10th photo

Post the photo and tell the story behind it

Tag five more people.

My Tagged Are:

Nancy at Lemon Verbena Lady's Herb Garden because she inspires  & encourages the heck out of me

Sandra at Thistle Cove Farm because I want to go live with her and Dave

Nancy at The Strawberry Mallard because her nature photography is absolutely gorgeous

Jaz at October Farm because Teddy's antics bring us all joy & the cooking makes us the ones who drool

Sheila at My Empty Nest is Full of Cat Hair because she's a quilting cat-lady & her blog title is the bomb

I could easily keep going, but the game says only 5 so there they are!  Check them out & enjoy..

Thanks Wizardess Epi for tagging me!

BTW... here's the photo of "something green" that she predicted I would have as my #10. (Pete usually has green poop stains on his lovely sorrel & white hide - but I don't think manure is what she was referring to.) 

This "green" photo was actually in the 2nd folder, photo #10! It's one of my herb pots that is starting to show life again after this cold, wet winter.

Sunday Selections

It is at the edge of a petal that love waits.

- William Carlos Williams

Thrift Store Goodies

I am supposed to be down-sizing and getting ready for our own mega yard sale next month.  We have waaaay too much stuff and I've really been doing good - I promise, I really have.  But, I love our little local thrift store.  It benefits the local hospice organization.  This is the same hospice that is helping us care for Mom and also assisted us during Gramma's last days.  They are such a wonderful group of people.  We are very much in awe of and in grateful debt to them.

But, back to my lovely finds.  I just couldn't convince my truck to drive on by the thrift store once we saw they were having a clearance sale, so I let him turn in to the parking lot.  Below are my prizes for allowing this little trip:

I could NOT resist this once I saw the kitty quilt - especially for .50 cents!

I am currently making (attempting) a pinwheel quilt so I had to have this for .25 cents

(The best part was that the address label showed it belonged to an old family friend!)

This is a Mikasa stoneware butter dish for $1.00

Too cute in a pot on the front porch - .50 cents

So there you have my recent thrifty treasures.  While I'm trying to refrain from buying anything right now,  $2.25 total was a pretty good bargain in my "trying to be frugal" world.

Set your clocks forward tonight - daylight savings is here - whooptydooo (insert  sarcastic tone)

What I See Wednesday

My hydrangea actually survived my neglect & the big freeze

One of Mom's MANY frogs/windchimes

One of Mom's geraniums in bloom

I'm sorry, but if I was a bird this birdhouse would terrify me....

My strawberry babies are thriving

Spring is Almost Sprung

With the slightly warmer weather we were having, I have been on a kick to get our patio and backyard "party ready" for this Spring and Summer.  My ultimate goal is to design a very "liveable" outdoor living space.  I have recently been drooling over some fabulous home bars from CSN Stores that will fit this plan perfectly.  They have an extensive selection so the biggest problem I am having is narrowing it down to only one favorite!  Their prices are quite competitive and since they have over 200 stores with just about anything I could possibly use for this growing project, I am spending a lot of time making my list(s). The fact that many of their products also include free shipping just adds to my drool pool...

So.... imagine how tickled I was when I was given the chance to review an EarthBox Garden Kit from CSN Stores.  Needless to say, I jumped at the chance with all fours and will be giving you an in-depth opinion very soon!  I'm looking forward to testing this planter as it looks like it will be another time and labor saver in my gardening adventures/endeavors/mishaps.  Plus, you know how much I enjoy trying out different products and sharing my take on it; the good, bad or ugly.  Stay tuned and I'll fill you in shortly.

Vintage Sheet Fat Quarter Swap - Rosey Little Things

Rosey Little Things

I recently participated in a Fat Quarter Swap hosted by Jen at Rosey Little Things.  I had missed the first one due to our move so I was thrilled to get to join in on the fun for this one. 

The requirements were to send between 5 and 20 fat quarters cut from vintage 100% cotton sheets (as in pre-1980s).  I was thrilled to find a few of these pretty cotton sheets at our local thrift shop in great condition so I cut them into several fat quarters and sent in a total of 17 for my swap packet.  The photo below shows the patterns of the ones I sent:

This photo shows the great variety of 17 patterns I received back from Jen & the 37 or so other fabric lovers who played along for the swap:

Mom and I are enjoying ourselves trying to decide on what quilt pattern we're going to use for her new lap quilt.  She's decided that several of these lovelies will be perfect for it.

Thanks Jen for hosting the great swap and all the work you put into it.  I'm looking forward to next time!