Indoor Gardening: Let's Give It a Try

A friend of mine recently began working as a rep for a company that produces some really great self-watering pots. I was so inspired by her winter garden that I've decided to start an indoor garden and grow some of my own food.

The tricky part? I live in an apartment with no real outdoor space. Our patio is almost completely enclosed by overhang, solid railing, and a sturdy concrete floor. And if that weren't enough, we have cloud cover to block out any remaining sun.

My first attempt at growing will be a twist on hydroponics with a soil base so that I don't need to run a filtration system for the growth solution. This is where the self-watering plants come in, filled with a very light soil mix and organic fertilizers.

The next addition will be fluorescent grow lights. Thanks to all of the pioneers in the illegal growing industry, these are now readily available in various sizes and fairly inexpensively. And you thought the pot smokers weren't doing anything ...

Step One: Clear out this under-utilized space in the dining room.

Forks and Knives? Whaaaat?

More knitting pics soon but in the meantime, here's a fantastic movie about food and its effect upon our health.

Watch it - Steve Nash did. 

Let your food be your medicine! 

Kumquat Marmalade

We have a beautiful tree loaded with ripe kumquats that are begging to become marmalade. I found this recipe and decided to give it a try. 

So far I have learned that cutting up teeny weeny little citrus fruits and getting "some" of the seeds out is quite a chore! 

This recipe evolves over several days so I have a little time to find my perfect canning jars. I think I will head to City Farmers Nursery for them - they have everything there! 

Hmmm... Just Imagine...

Mortgage Interest Tax Break No Longer Sacred?

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Land of the Midnight Sun

We just got back to Palmer after a quick trip to Fairbanks. That is roughly San Diego to San Francisco and back again.
Fairbanks isn't quite to the Arctic Circle but I am pretty sure Sarah Palin can see it from there. What that meant for us is long summer nights; I fell asleep after 11 and it was still full light.
What didn't look so fun is that everywhere you go: university parking lot, hotel and restaurant, even the Super WalMart, there are electrical outlets at each parking space. These are for your engine block warmer. Just get out of your vehicle, grab your cord, plug in. Everywhere. Everytime. Because if you don't, your engine will freeze. Solid. Sounds like fun, eh?

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