Hot Daze of May

 

It's not often that we see this kind of plant growth from seed around here in mid-May. 

In fact, I think yesterday's small radish may have been the earliest ever that I've plucked from the soil and eaten. 

The radish marked three items from the ground so far that have gone in the mouth:  rhubarb, asparagus and now a radish. 

We've had excellent gardening weather, and I took advantage of the situation yesterday by putting out most of my tomatoes. 

Actually, I think they were in a better setting out in the garden than in the greenhouse where heat has done a number on them. 

Now, if we can avoid a freeze.  One must always have a contingency plan with North Idaho weather.  

Anyway, yesterday's tilling and transplanting was very satisfying and hot.

I enjoyed a personal victory yesterday with my vacuum cleaner.  

I fixed the problem that caused it to regurgitate all the dirt it was supposedly picking up and then spitting back on to the floor. 

It was very satisfying to take the cleaner to the shop at a time when it hadn't just dumped piles of dirt around my kitchen floor. 

That's not a good time to fix vacuum cleaners.  

In the calm setting of the shop where I could stand at eye level to the machine rather than playing geriatric contortionist AND without the urgency of having to get the mounds of floor dirt it had spewed all over cleaned up, I could actually think and calmly so. 

Carefully taking piece after piece apart, I finally figured out that a doohicky which is supposed to plug into some holes was off kilter.  

I have a feeling this part has a lot to do with the motor working correctly and telling the vacuum to suck up rather than spit out. 

Once that connector was back in place, I put the other parts back on the cleaner, plugged it in, and, by golly, it sucked up several dozen flies from the shop floor. 

Success! 

Now, I can proudly proclaim that my vacuum cleaner sucks! 

And for one who is constantly in combat with machinery that goes bad, for once, I was very happy to have figured out the problem on my own. 

Today it's gonna be hot again, and with luck, I should finish up most of my planting, except for most of my cucumbers which will stay inside until the next round of warmth comes. 

While all the planting is proceeding, the dandelions will enjoy another day of growth, as will the grass. 

So, you can guess what's on tomorrow's agenda.

  Never a break during this time of year, but those flowers and shrubs keep getting prettier. 

Tomorrow's agenda also involves some elections in our county.  If you're local, I encourage you to participate and enthusiastically suggest voting for the candidates listed in the graphic below.  

Thank you. 

Happy Monday.  Stay cool.