ness

I did the audiobook of Atlas Shrugged a couple years ago. It was a struggle for me to get through.I think the format was partly to blame. I didn't want to commit to a book that big, so I took the easy way out. I figure since I didn't pay my dues and read the book, I haven't earned the right to spout off about how deep and meaningful it is. Plus, I didn't get large parts of it. Seemed part Econ class, part soap opera.

I hear you, JD. I'm not an organic nazi, but I do try to minimize the chemicals. My cabbage and collards we just devastated this year. Too little, too late on the Sevin, and I pulled them out today. Loopers, slugs and pill bugs all through them.

It's an old heirloom. Good flavor and pretty reliable-- if I get them started early enough and keep them watered. I've done white icicle several times -- they're good too.

Dang -- there are a few good folks left in the world! Congrats on getting your stick back.

Yep, Wayne. From a few weeks ago -- my favorite radish: French Breakfast Here's a few things from today: Raspberries coming on: Beets fer pickling Shallots

Wasn't it about a year ago when everybody was yakking about the A-rig?? Old Plug -- I see where you're coming from. There's nothing new under the sun.

She ain't dead. You thinking of Joan Bayou-ez?

Yeah, scraps on a bun have been around a while. SOS is a variant, right? First NC style I remember around here was at the old KC Masterpiece.

I figured you'd pull something out of your bum to show me up.

I'm pretty much with you, Wayne. I've had Carolina style and I like it, it's just not my favorite. Not to take away from what RPS did, for sure. There's probably a little bit of KC pride mixed in there too. I used to think slaw on BBQ was just a bad idea, and refused it for a long time. Then one day I tried it -- and it's darn good. Things are changing though -- 25 years ago you wouldn't see pulled pork in a KC joint, you wouldn't see burnt ends outside the area, and definitely no coleslaw on a sandwich.

...keep going

I don't think float tubes on moving water is a good idea, period. There's just not a lot of ability to propel and/or control those things. Get your foot hooked in a tree or something and that current is going to take you down. Plus, getting in and out requires relatively shallow, calm water -- and even then it ain't always pretty. Add what's been said above, and I don't think it would be very wise.

This really ticks me off. Who does Davy think he is? He didn't invent that knot! That's a bull's hitch -- Spanish herders used to tie that knot on the ring of the bull's nose to drag him away from the ladies, if you know what I mean. Been around for centuries Seriously -- looks like a possibility. I may give it a try.

But are they big enough to hold 40s?

I've been using Sevin spray, need to get more dust. Seth -- I start as much of my own stuff as I can inside. Usually maters, peppers, onions and herbs in January, other things later. Stuff gets transplanted or planted according to its particular needs. Onion and lettuce transplants in March. Pea, beet, radish, spinach seeds in mid-March. Average last frost date here is Tax Day, so maters and peppers are transplanted out no earlier than that. Actual day depends on how much hardening off I've been able to do and what the short-term forecast says. This year they went out April 27, and I planted beans and some other stuff then too. We got a late light frost 5/18 but it wasn't too bad. But, hey -- I'm not harvesting beans and peppers, so what do I know??

Cewl. I read today that they expected an excellent season for salmon. Not sure what makes that happen, but sounds like good news. Looking forward to your updates.

^That.

That's certainly unique. 125 pounds is pretty heavy...

I don't have any peppers or beans close. I planted collards for the first time this year, and they are being eaten alive by the bugs, even though I've sprayed several times. The plants are way bigger than I wanted too. I think I'll probably pull them out this weekend and give more space for the bush beans and cabbage nearby.

Sounds sweet, and a nice write up too.

Nice bark -- looks tasty.

Inspired by your post, I bought a cheapie hummingbird feeder and hung it up in the yard. No takers yet, but I'm sticking with it. Fascinating little creatures. Nice shots Marty. Haven't seen butterflies sharing a feeder with hummingbirds before.

Gotcha. I'm only on year two with a decent harvest of gooseberries. Did a freezer jam with gooseberries and strawberries last year so I didn't cook them much. I did go to the trouble of taking off the stems.

What are you doing with your gooseberries?

Good for you. Nothing beats a homegrown tomato for taste.