Straw bale gardening

Embarking on a new adventure. I decided to try straw bale gardening this year. Why, you might ask? Last year's traditional garden did not produce as I had hoped. We have a new spot that is in a low spot. ALL the rain from the neighboring hillside washes across the garden. We tried reroute get the water, but, during downpours, it didn't help. I started reading and came across straw bale gardening. What a concept. So, I asked the hubby to get some straw bales for my garden adventure. He was not so fond of the idea but did it anyway. Now I have 16 straw bales across the back fence. I noticed that the bales are not exactly like they are supposed to be. Per instructions 1) position bales so that the strings are around the sides of the bales, NOT on top. Check 2) straw in bale should be vertical so the water and fertilizer will be pulled into the bale and excess water drains out the bottom of the bale. What? Mine are the opposite. So back to google. I found a post that stated, even if the straw in the bale is not position right, still keep the strings around the sides of the bales. Ok, I have been fertilizing and watering the bales per instructions. I have been checking the temperature of the bales with a meat thermometer. My bales still have not reached 120 degrees like post stated. So, back to google. I found yet another post, where she was conditioning her bales in February as well. She said she took a rod and poked holes in the bales prior to fertilizing and watering. Why reinvent the wheel. I poked holes in mine, fertile days and watered in hopes to get the temp up to 120 degrees. I will update the post as I live and learn. I haven't kept track of the amount I have spent thus far. I will try and go back and get this data. Benefits of straw bale gardening for me -> they are raised, making it easier on this seniors knees and back. There is supposed to be less weeding (I actually love to get my hands in the soul, it's like an antidepressant). No tilling required. My hubby should like that.

We have a sign.

Rex put his construction sign Across a The Way a couple days ago. Trusses are supposed to arrive today. Guess what? Raining. Yep, that's right. Snow, rain, whatever to delay construction.

Across The Way

My lot is still sitting there untouched. Snow is still on the ground. There has been some melting today. Oh me, hurry up spring.

Maybe next week

Glenn talked to our contractor yesterday. He may get started next week. (Weather permitting). We have missed every winter storm so far this year. Maybe the one predicted for next week will miss also. I'm anxious to get started.

Still no construction

The contractor dropped by last week and brought some paperwork. He said he got tied up on a job in Paducah and he should be getting to us soon. I'm ready to get this behind us. However, it will be spring break soon and I should have more time to do some of the little things. On a separate note, I am looking for a new church. I went to Community Fellowship in Hickory last Sunday. This may be my new church family. Prayers for guidance.

New house update.

I'm still sitting in my house looking 'across the way' at a vacant lot. No construction yet. It is freezing cold now so I'm not about the concrete slab. I think it needs to be above freezing to por concrete. But, my husband and I have both been sick so I'm not sure we would have felt like doing anything with the house. My 'Pinterest' boards are full of ideas. The plan itself has been decided and can't be changed (trusses have been ordered). The exterior colors were picked long ago and I haven't changed my mind on that. I've found the cutest cabinet knobs that have the craftsman flair. Can't wait to order them. I've been going back and forth on the backsplash. I don't want these really cute tiles that stick out from the wall. That seems like a cleaning nightmare. I'm leaning toward a stenciled design that also has a craftsman look. I thought I wanted a solid door but found a really cue door at Lowes. It's a crafstman door with a small window at the top and the grids are silver. Hopefully construction will start soon and I will post a progress report.

Post frame home

We are getting ready to embark on a new adventure. My husband and I are selling our home that we built when we first married. Over the years we remodeled and added on several times. Now we need a home all on one level. So, like many older folks, we have decided to downsize. Our youngest son will be buying our house and we will be building across the way. It has been a process trying to pick a plan and gather bids for everything. We have decided on a post frame metal building with concrete floors. We have selected Rex Gilbert to build the shell of the building. He expects to start sometime next week. So the adventure begins. More posts to follow.