JUNE 24, 2014

I’ve had a couple of little dirt projects I’ve been wanting to do–because dirt makes me happy, and happy days are good–but I was out of dirt. You read that right. What a bizarre world we live in where we have to go buy dirt. It would be so cool to walk out the door, dig up a yard, and plant. But, uh, I don’t have a yard. Part of city life for me. While at the hardware store in Winslow, I saw the bags of potting soil, and bought some to haul back to OC. And yes… they sell dirt in the OC. I just never remember to get some.

ANYWAY… while I was up in our kitchen making coffee, I stepped out onto the patio to check on the plants since we were gone over the weekend, and lo and behold!! The Anasazi Beans Brian planted a week ago SPROUTED! When he said he wanted to try growing some from beans, I thought he was nuts. Turns out, he wasn’t!

Inspired by the bean success, I went out to the truck in my falling-down-track-suit, and grabbed the bag of dirt. At last I’d be able to cut a few succulents to plant in the oh-so-cool muffin tin my pal Cynthia gave to me (and became a happy day post #41 all on its own).

And lastly, I FINALLY got around to planting the sugar pumpkin seeds our friend Mark sent us months ago! First time growing these for me! I’m super excited to make a pie out of this beauty. (I’m thinking optimistically.)

 THE NEWS DAY:

So the day started out right, and continued to have a pleasant tone. First assignment of the day, the naming of a site in Huntington Beach to a historic registry, “11 Most Endangered Historic Places, 2014,” significant because it was a farm owned and operated by Japanese Americans who were interned during the war, yet managed to keep their property. The woman hosting the press conference–Mary Urashima–authored a book on the family, and was kind enough to give me a copy. Given my love for the history of buildings, I’m really looking forward to reading the book. Click the picture if you’re interested in checking it out.

It’s interesting this came on the heels of our latest Route 66 Adventure. In both Ashfork and Seligman, I spent time looking for any remnants–like building footings, or slab–of the Harvey Houses. Both towns fought valiantly to save them, and lost, Seligman just in 2008. I’m so pleased to see there are organizations out there fighting for these properties. It’s tragic to see them go.

I could write more, but it’s dinner time.

Until tomorrow,

Later gators!