Garden Update

Me trying to add some more sheep manure to my yucky clay soil.

My first garden ever has definitely been A LOT of work to get started. After turning over the sod, and making the drills, and realizing that the soil is a hard, mucky, red clay I've spent hours - and  a lot of money - trying to get the soil enriched with nutrients, and air. Sheep manure, peat moss, compost, compost-tea.... it's never ending. I have planted all of my transplants and seeds.

 I'm happy to report, despite the less-than-marvelous soil conditions, everything is growing!!!!

-corn is thriving and I planted my pole bean seeds around each corn stock on Saturday

-peas are about 8 inches tall now and really starting to fill out

-my carrots and turnips are coming along.... I hate having to thin the little carrot sprouts out.. I feel like I'm killing them, and I get a little guilty feeling :)

-my spinach, lettuce and cabbage are all up

-beets are just showing themselves

-my onions and garlic are just taking over.... they really are shaping up and I'll be getting a good harvest from them

-potatoes are getting stronger each day.... and my compost pile has 15 potato plants growing in there that are the healthiest things. I'm going to try to keep them in their and harvest from there at the end of the summer

-and many seeds are just planted and should be sprouting up this time next week

There is something so satisfying about planting a garden and watching it actually grow. I feel like it's my therapy... even though it's a lot of work, I find it relaxing, and a great time to pray. Happy gardening everyone :)

Meet Jack - My 1 Year Old Flatcoated Retriever

The 2nd pee break on the 14 hour drive from Ottawa to Moncton, on the first day we got him.

 It's hard to believe that Jack has been with us for almost 8 whole months! He has grown so much (as you can see from these pictures). From the day we picked him up from Knightcastle in Vankleek Hill, Ontario, to watching him sleep soundly beside me on the floor as I type this now. He sure has come a LONG way! He has captured our hearts and really has made us a family. I love you Jack :)

Jack's first swim at the Enclosure in Miramichi, NB at 9 1/2 weeks. 

Jack's first trip to the Sackville Fall Fair. He loved the cows :)

Our little Jack-O-Lantern

An autumn walk on the Dobson Trail.

November on the Dobson Trail.... 4 1/2 months.

He plays hard and sleeps harder. Oh... and he's like his dad... he LOVES Mickey Mouse.

Jack loves the snow... when he gets all covered in snowballs we call him Jack Frost

Snow-shoeing is his favourite winter activity

Jack sure loves his dad. March = 7 1/2 months

An early spring trip to Richie's Wharf. 8 months.

Walking along Moncton's boardwalk beside the Petticodiac River in the rain... 10 months.

Finally back in the water. He loves the little creek in behind our subdivision... especially when he gets to chase sticks. My little Lumber Jack.

I grew up with a beautiful Golden Retriever, Abby, who lived 16 years. When it came to get another dog I knew I needed another Retriever. I love their spunk and energy. So, we got a Flatcoat. Flatcoats are definitely a lot more energy and a totally different type of dog than Goldens. They are affectionately known as the "Peter Pan" of the dog world... forever young. I love them, especially my Jack.