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2022 Frozen Tundra Farm Report

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lighter:
All the steps involved in gardening..... you're putting in the time and effort, Amber.  Keep us updated.

Lighter

Hopalong:
I'm finally focusing a little, since taxes forced it. Mine are so simple they only took a couple hours. Free IRS file and paid $15 for the state, which I didn't even need to file. Couple years back I was paying an accountant $350, but since retirement things are simple enough for me to plug it all in. My goal next year is to NOT wait until 9pm the day it's due at midnight!

Love your garden step reports, Amber. Vicarious pleasure for me for sure. This year I'm putting the veggie beds to bed and letting the soil slumber in compost pyjamas. Bit sad about it but not too much. Once I get the medical go-ahead I hope to get back to it. Meanwhile, I can at least stick some flower seeds in my big patio pots. And I still have a plan for front-yard sunflowers for Ukraine. Ordered 20 packs of seeds and give them to everybody who wants to do it.

hugs
Hops

sKePTiKal:
Tired, but am making headway on the garden work, on schedule for a change. Fell on the bucket, trying to climb into the bobcat - nothing serious, a scratch no bruise - but oh, my OTHER muscles feel it. Today is my day to return to the beast - which I've forgotten how to drive - and get wood chips & mushroom compost spread. At least piled in the garden to spread - rain is coming in.

Sunday, S got back from work and Hol took off for a serious pay bump (she solved her vehicle issue and he bought a new commuter car)... so during this cold snap, he's working on the truck problem and getting his old car ready to sell. Greenhouse is just waiting for both of them to be home at the same time. B is dealing with the hold-up in getting a callback from people to move his surgery appt along... and trying to undo the effects of the last forced steroid shots while preparing for the next load to move. Another of his oldtime buddies stood him up after promising to come stay a couple days and help.  :rolleyes:

My tax situation went from annoying to painful to my wallet. Turns out this fancy Covid employee retention credit is considered "income" by the IRS. That is so backwards and pretzel-logic it hurts my head to try to think of it. CPA promises this is going to result in some sort of refund... someday... but it depleted my "pin money" for projects and decorating ideas to dangerous levels. So I'm glad Hol is making NYC-level pay at least for these few days she's working. And S got a promotion too.

Next week, Mike's D turns 40, so Hol and I have a party to attend over the mountain. I hope we don't embarass her too much - being the red-headed stepfamily, LOLOLOLOL. Depending on the vibes, we may not stay long but we will make an entrance. Hol made a small casket from some of her scrap wood... as the "gift box". I think I'll paint "Its all downhill from here!" on it.  :evil grin: Mike was (in)famous for his tacky joke gifts, so I think she'll get it. I've collected a lot of little "midlife" survival items for her... and a sash & tiara...

Pollen season is taking it's own sweet time arriving this year. There are candles on the pines, but they're not in full assault yet. Oaks haven't started at all. Next couple days, we have nights in the 30s again... so I still can't put my babies out in their summer habitat yet. That gives me time to finish getting the dirt amended (greensand and rock phosphate already spread and soaking in with the last snow) and tilled up. High tomorrow is gonna be in the 50s so I may move the babies inside tonight sans grow lights.

I'm watching way more YT than is good for me. And struggling with the various projects/maintenance around here that doesn't require throwing big money at it.

Feeling very alone (even tho S is here and now we talk some without tension/anxiety) with Hol & B gone. If it's gonna get done - I gotta do it. Still waiting on last contractor for the shop to get here and blow in insulation in the ceiling. Jack is helping some - he doesn't seem to want to be an outside kitty again. Freddy is still not accepting him - even though he was neutered a week ago. Weird cat behavior. Jack wants his playmate Stinks to come in -- and he's gone awol so far this morning. Stinks is now HUGE and strong as all get out. He was having a case of the zoomies outside yesterday and he MOVES fast.

But other than that, all is well on the farm. I think Hol will back later this week, and can give me a hand hitching up the cursed disc to blend in the compost in the garden.

Hopalong:
Can't imagine anything but happiness in Mike's D's heart to see you and H show up! And the gift box is great. Hope you have a great time.

Sorry for the currently lonely breeze, but when your loved ones get back it'll be balmly again.

So amazing to read about all the large volumes of good stuff you're able to add to your slice of earth-pie. Have to admit I envy it! A big bag of worm castings many years (and garden attempts) ago was the only earth-changing amendment I did. Plus some compost, too. But that year, with the worm stuff? Plants were leaping out of the dirt.

Taxes are such fun. I don't get if they needed to be withheld from employee paychecks or what. But it does remind me of my one tax scare years back. I'm glad it's a transient thing, and knowing you're secure in your life even if there's some belt-tightening necessary, is a good thing.

Does it call up any inner questions about the long term?

hugs
Hops

sKePTiKal:
No inner questions Hopsy. Just a resolve to use my brain & mouth to better purpose than I've done recently. I've become way too trusting of people I don't actually know, of late.

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