Our goal for March is to continue pulling weeds. The recent rain we've had this year has brought in oodles of weeds, ALL OVER!
Front yard, green house {explained in a bit} and side yard where the garden is located are just covered. We've been slowly plugging away at pulling them, it's a vicious circle. We will also pour boiling water on the weeds, this works just as well as any harmful herbicides that I refuse to use.
After we get the weeds pulled we'll start putting veggie seeds and some starts in the ground.
Can't wait for some fresh veggies. Our winter garden didn't really take off this year. I attribute it to the fact that I injured my leg and haven't been able to get out into the garden and fertilize, everything just seems to be growing so slowly.
Our herbs that we potted are doing fabulous, even the strawberries are hanging in there. We have two peach trees to plant yet, need to figure out placement for them. Our Border Collie has other ideas for our main backyard so most of our garden will be planted on the side yard where the girls were. The trees can go in the main part of the back yard, but will need to be Border Collie proof.
Our greenhouse still needs to be completed. We've decided that since 4 of the seven councilmembers are against chickens we just as well use that space as a greenhouse. We still own our property, but they get to dictate what we can and can't do on it. The hen house itself will make a nice storage and potting area. We can put shelving units in the main area outside of the hen house to start seeds during the cooler months.
We'll also start trying some veggies in the front yard, sort of integrate them into our landscaping, per code, we can do this as it is considered landscaping.
We'll be putting bush beans, cucumbers, zucchini, okra, tomatoes, artichokes, and lots of peppers. Probably some others I can't think of off the top of my head.
Enjoy the weather and gardening, it's going to be a beautiful time to get our gardens going.
M & S
Uptown Grange
Showing posts with label arizona. Show all posts
Showing posts with label arizona. Show all posts
Sunday, March 5, 2017
Saturday, February 18, 2017
Overthinking ~ Chickens
This past weekend we've been going to Coop Camp. Coop Dreams is a television show that follows Brad Hauter and his experience raising backyard chickens. There are presenters talking about various issues with chicken keeping whether it be backyard chickens, breeders or farming.
It's been very informative. Topics from chicken feed, chicken treats, chicken enrichment, treating sick chickens, rare breeds among many others have been discussed so far. I was very lucky and was nominated for a scholarship and then Coop Camp went over and above and offered a discount to the members of our Facebook group Glendale Backyard Farmers Movement.
After we got home tonight I started thinking, pondering, you know smoke coming out of the ears kind of thinking. Our city turns a blind eye to some families they know are harboring illegal backyard chickens. In the words of the Code Enforcement Director, code will not enforce backyard chickens unless there is a complaint and that is handled like a barking dog {this is false}, they won't look over a wall nor will they try to see if there are chickens through a fence.
Now say a person has a neighbor who will call code and complain about their neighbor having chickens. Whether it is a nuisance, odor and just to nark. If the neighbor who was complained on is asked to removed their chickens and they refuse, they could face a fine. Here is the hiccup I have an issue with, how could the city impose a fine on someone who was complained about and not on those they may know about and are turning a blind eye on?
Would it be considered unfairness to those harboring illegal chickens in to city of Glendale who have neighbors that complain vs. those who have neighbors who are okay with their neighbors harboring illegal chickens?. Shouldn't it be all or nothing and not a sort of picking who they enforce the code and fees on? Would this be considered a sort of discrimination?
What do you think?
M & S
Uptown Grange
It's been very informative. Topics from chicken feed, chicken treats, chicken enrichment, treating sick chickens, rare breeds among many others have been discussed so far. I was very lucky and was nominated for a scholarship and then Coop Camp went over and above and offered a discount to the members of our Facebook group Glendale Backyard Farmers Movement.
After we got home tonight I started thinking, pondering, you know smoke coming out of the ears kind of thinking. Our city turns a blind eye to some families they know are harboring illegal backyard chickens. In the words of the Code Enforcement Director, code will not enforce backyard chickens unless there is a complaint and that is handled like a barking dog {this is false}, they won't look over a wall nor will they try to see if there are chickens through a fence.
Now say a person has a neighbor who will call code and complain about their neighbor having chickens. Whether it is a nuisance, odor and just to nark. If the neighbor who was complained on is asked to removed their chickens and they refuse, they could face a fine. Here is the hiccup I have an issue with, how could the city impose a fine on someone who was complained about and not on those they may know about and are turning a blind eye on?
Would it be considered unfairness to those harboring illegal chickens in to city of Glendale who have neighbors that complain vs. those who have neighbors who are okay with their neighbors harboring illegal chickens?. Shouldn't it be all or nothing and not a sort of picking who they enforce the code and fees on? Would this be considered a sort of discrimination?
What do you think?
M & S
Uptown Grange
Tuesday, February 7, 2017
A Pause In Our Quest to Legalize Backyard Chickens
Today the City of Glendale council decided to not move forward with the ordinance change ZTA 16-02, which was to expand and legalize backyard chickens in zones R1-4, R1-5, R1-6, R1-8, R1-10.
Aldama - Yes
Clark - Yes, but with many restrictions, she wouldn't compromise with getting neighbors permission. She was stuck on lots no smaller than R1-10 (10,000 sq feet or larger only). So basically a no, unless she got her way.
Hugh - Yes
Malnar - No
Tolmachoff - No
Turner - Yes
Weiers - No
Their reasons for no varied between the life, liberty and pursuit of happinesss for those that are against backyard chickens being more important than the few that would actually get chickens. To if people want chickens they can buy a property that allows them, as if most people in the city can afford to do that, we are one of the poorest cities in the Phoenix Metro area.
What it really boiled down to was the 3 definite no's being concerned with their voter base. Most of the voter base is in the northern part of Glendale & they live in HOA's...and a stubborn council member not wanting to budge on what she already set her compromise on.
Staff created a map of the city if the chicken ordinance were to go through. They changed it from a few zones to many more, but no guarantee ALL of those families would get chickens, so the map was sort of deceiving.
What I learned today, it doesn't matter how well you know a council member or even if you are friends with them you can't trust them as far as you can throw them. They will betray you even if you just went and helped them with yard work or are on a personal level with them. They are only concerned with their ego and equality only applies to those with affluence.
Ironically, Coop Dreams Camp is being held at Sahuaro Ranch Park the weekend of February 17. We plan on going still, a lot will be learned and this fight isn't over. I received a scholarship to attend the weekend and Coop Dreams offered a deep discount for members of our group.
Our journey is not over, but is on pause until we can regroup and figure out what our next step will be. We've already reached out for another possibility, but it will be a lot more involved.
M & S
Uptown Grange
Aldama - Yes
Clark - Yes, but with many restrictions, she wouldn't compromise with getting neighbors permission. She was stuck on lots no smaller than R1-10 (10,000 sq feet or larger only). So basically a no, unless she got her way.
Hugh - Yes
Malnar - No
Tolmachoff - No
Turner - Yes
Weiers - No
Their reasons for no varied between the life, liberty and pursuit of happinesss for those that are against backyard chickens being more important than the few that would actually get chickens. To if people want chickens they can buy a property that allows them, as if most people in the city can afford to do that, we are one of the poorest cities in the Phoenix Metro area.
What it really boiled down to was the 3 definite no's being concerned with their voter base. Most of the voter base is in the northern part of Glendale & they live in HOA's...and a stubborn council member not wanting to budge on what she already set her compromise on.
Staff created a map of the city if the chicken ordinance were to go through. They changed it from a few zones to many more, but no guarantee ALL of those families would get chickens, so the map was sort of deceiving.
What I learned today, it doesn't matter how well you know a council member or even if you are friends with them you can't trust them as far as you can throw them. They will betray you even if you just went and helped them with yard work or are on a personal level with them. They are only concerned with their ego and equality only applies to those with affluence.
Ironically, Coop Dreams Camp is being held at Sahuaro Ranch Park the weekend of February 17. We plan on going still, a lot will be learned and this fight isn't over. I received a scholarship to attend the weekend and Coop Dreams offered a deep discount for members of our group.
Our journey is not over, but is on pause until we can regroup and figure out what our next step will be. We've already reached out for another possibility, but it will be a lot more involved.
M & S
Uptown Grange
Monday, January 16, 2017
Spring Fever
It's been so nice the last few days, a bit of rain, but still nice, low to mid 60's all week. Normally I'd be freezing, but I can feel spring in the air. Yes, I know technically there is still two months before spring is officially here, but that doesn't stop me from dreaming and catching the fever. Even Grangeman has the fever along with Doodles.
We ran to Summer Winds Nursery today. I like that nursery over the big box hardware stores because they get different plants in that you can't find in the big box stores. We ran there because I was after some strawberry plants, lemon balm and Thai basil. I got two out of the three and then some....
We also got a tomato plant that we will plant under the orange tree on the side yard where the girls were. Right now it is the only place to plant as we have a puppy and he runs through our raised beds, there is no way we would have any plant left if we put in one of those.
We also got a tomato plant that we will plant under the orange tree on the side yard where the girls were. Right now it is the only place to plant as we have a puppy and he runs through our raised beds, there is no way we would have any plant left if we put in one of those.
Lemon Balm is the top plant AKA Melissa, a very expensive essential oil, the lower plant is Stevia.
Japanese Giant Red Mustard is the top plant, this plant tastes a bit like horseradish/mustard combined, it will get pretty little yellow flowers on it, on the left are Chives & the lower right is Italian Oregano.
Rosemary
 Thyme |
 Basil Grangeman just recently planted this basil, we had numerous self seeded basil plants here, but they were getting rangy and more woody than plant so they got replaced.
We decided to put these in pots to determine where there best placement will be once it starts getting hot outside. We will also be able to move them inside of the house if need be, I'd like to try to keep them rather than replace each year.
I know we will more than likely get a few more cold snaps before spring officially gets here, but I just can't wait. Spring is my favorite season! M & S Uptown Grange |
Wednesday, January 11, 2017
Garden – January 2 0 1 7
It's been too long....
December was a very eventful month. Not only was it the Christmas, but my father fell and broke his hip. Thank the Lord he is okay, he had surgery and is getting settled into his rehab and a new living situation.
I planted seeds back in late September, well, the broccoli and brussel sprouts came up nicely, we are still waiting for them to produce, hopefully soon. We had one swiss chard, one cauliflower & one kale come up and that was it. A few beets came up, but were a sorry excuse…
Part of the problem was I took a tumble in mid-October and injured one of my knees. I already have OA in both knees, but this compounded the pain and it was very difficult to get out to the garden, walk or even do anything (including laundry). I am doing physical therapy to strengthen my core and legs at home, and am now on some meds (much to my displeasure) for the pain and inflammation. In February, hopefully my insurance will approve it, I will be getting injections to add cushion to my knees.
But I digress…
Anyhow, the meds are working a bit, so I was able to get out into the garden and get some seeds planted this past weekend. I planted carrots, spinach, beets {golden & detroit}, swiss chard, kale, bib lettuce & cabbage. After they were planted I took some of our homemade compost and sprinkled it over the top, this should add extra nutrients to the ground and the plants as well. I also sprinkled it around the veggies that are already up hoping to give them a boost.
Grangeman started some Carolina Reapers & I started some artichokes inside of the house, they are starting to take off as well. It’s always an adventure, sometimes in futility but not always, you don’t know until you try.
Living in Arizona, we are blessed that we can garden pretty much 365 days a year. Some Arizonans baby their plants through the hottest parts of the summer {late June through July} to have fall and even winter crops, we’ve not had much luck with this, but of course, we are still learning the ins and outs of having a backyard farm, what works and doesn’t work and because we both work full time it can be a challenge to stay on top of things, but we do the best that we can.
There is a bit of news regarding legalizing backyard chickens where we live, but will save for another post.
Happy Trails
M & S
Uptown Grange
Sunday, September 4, 2016
Apple Picking
We had the opportunity to pick apples this weekend. Date Creek Ranch, which is located about 20 miles outside of Wickenburg, AZ, had their 50th anniversary this weekend. Each Labor Day weekend they allow the public to come and pick their own apples. We wanted to go last year, and were planning on going one the 2nd day, but they announced that all their trees were picked before we had an opportunity to go so this time we made sure we got up early and made it up there in plenty of time, we were the 2nd family there.
Keeping in mind I've never had the opportunity to pick fresh apples before, this was a fun adventure. Doodles went along with us as did my mom. It was a nice morning, the weather was beautiful, for late summer in Arizona.
I made sure we had our own containers to bring the apples home in, they did have boxes to use, but I wasn't sure if we would be able to take them home. And not having picked apples before, I figured I'd just bring our own baskets. I knew I wanted to make a bunch of different types canned apples, so I made sure we filled up our two baskets. Well, uh hum, 80 lbs later, I think we have enough apples to make a bunch of different types of canned apples!
You could say I got a little overzealous!! It's s good thing I love apples!
I'll share pictures and recipes!
M & S
Uptown Grange
Keeping in mind I've never had the opportunity to pick fresh apples before, this was a fun adventure. Doodles went along with us as did my mom. It was a nice morning, the weather was beautiful, for late summer in Arizona.
I made sure we had our own containers to bring the apples home in, they did have boxes to use, but I wasn't sure if we would be able to take them home. And not having picked apples before, I figured I'd just bring our own baskets. I knew I wanted to make a bunch of different types canned apples, so I made sure we filled up our two baskets. Well, uh hum, 80 lbs later, I think we have enough apples to make a bunch of different types of canned apples!
You could say I got a little overzealous!! It's s good thing I love apples!
I'll share pictures and recipes!
M & S
Uptown Grange
Wednesday, August 17, 2016
Post Planning Meeting August 17, 2016
The meeting didn't go as well as I had hoped. I knew our neighbor would be there to put in her 2 cents worth about why chickens shouldn't be allowed and she didn't disappoint.
Pro-chickeners were outnumbered by a group of older people who weren't still at work, trying to support their families.
Their concerns varied from chickens bringing in coyotes, rats and smells to that they moved into an HOA to have rules and that this would supersede those CC&R's, and even going as far as having feral chickens and being allergic to chicken feathers. (snort)
Pro-chickeners were outnumbered by a group of older people who weren't still at work, trying to support their families.
Their concerns varied from chickens bringing in coyotes, rats and smells to that they moved into an HOA to have rules and that this would supersede those CC&R's, and even going as far as having feral chickens and being allergic to chicken feathers. (snort)
- If the coop is enclosed the coyotes don't have easy access to them
- Chickens eat rats, bugs and other annoying pests
- Chickens don't smell unless their feces are in a moist environment, in our climate they only smell for a very short time, nothing compared to dog or cat feces
- According to what was released, this would not change any sort of HOA CC&R
- If you clip chickens wings on one side regularly they are not able to fly over any fence
- I guess everyone will have to remove bermuda grass, ash trees, and anything else that causes allergies from there yards
Of course there are always two sides to any issue. Everyone is entitled to their opinion. Those that spoke were very passionate about their feelings. However, most of those against will not be around as long as those that are for allowing chickens.
It was a real eye opener.
M & S
Uptown Grange
Planning & Zoning Meeting August 17, 2016
Tonight is the neighborhood meeting with planning and zoning legalizing backyard chickens.
The City has scheduled a public meeting to discuss this proposal for Wednesday, August 17, at 6 p.m. in the Council Chambers located at Glendale City Hall, 5850 W. Glendale Avenue. All who attend will have the opportunity to share their thoughts on this issue. The projected timeline for future meeting is:
· August 17, 2016 Neighborhood Meeting @ Glendale City Hall (6 p.m.)
· September 1, 2016 Planning Commission – Workshop
· October 6, 2016 Planning Commission – Public Meeting
· November 1, 2016 City Council – Workshop (The City Council will be provided with neighborhood meeting and Planning Commission input and will be asked to provide a policy direction on this subject.)
· TBD (If necessary) City Council Meeting (The City Council, at their Voting Meeting, would conduct a public hearing on a proposed Zoning Text Amendment that would allow chickens in residential neighborhoods subject to certain conditions.
M & S
Uptown Grange
The City has scheduled a public meeting to discuss this proposal for Wednesday, August 17, at 6 p.m. in the Council Chambers located at Glendale City Hall, 5850 W. Glendale Avenue. All who attend will have the opportunity to share their thoughts on this issue. The projected timeline for future meeting is:
· August 17, 2016 Neighborhood Meeting @ Glendale City Hall (6 p.m.)
· September 1, 2016 Planning Commission – Workshop
· October 6, 2016 Planning Commission – Public Meeting
· November 1, 2016 City Council – Workshop (The City Council will be provided with neighborhood meeting and Planning Commission input and will be asked to provide a policy direction on this subject.)
· TBD (If necessary) City Council Meeting (The City Council, at their Voting Meeting, would conduct a public hearing on a proposed Zoning Text Amendment that would allow chickens in residential neighborhoods subject to certain conditions.
M & S
Uptown Grange
Sunday, July 17, 2016
We're Home
We had a great day in Yellowstone National Park. Grangeman loved the beauty of it and Doodles thought it was okay. We got home Friday, and passed the atlas off to Dude who is heading to Alabama for 2 weeks with his fiancée and to spend time with his grandpa.
My new phone isn't cooperating so at the moment I don't have any pictures to post.
Our garden is still alive, well parts of it. The summer heat is really hard on veggies. The pumpkin is still thriving, it appears as though it may have choked out the bush beans, which I am not happy about. The tomatoes under the shade have done well.
We lost the plum tree, it was under shade, but didn't look too good before we left. I wash hoping it would pull through, but looks as though it will be returned to the store we purchased it from. Our Golden Dorsett apple tree has all brown leaves. We've revived this one once, I'm hoping we can revive it again.
Grangeman has been irrigating most of the afternoon. The grass was crispy in some spots and green in others. I ran the lawnmower over it this morning, it's bermuda grass so I know it will perk back up within a week so not too worried about it. However, it has taken over a few of the raised beds again, so we will need to find another solution for clearing it out once and for all, next to purslane it is the bane of our existence.
We're glad to be home, but so glad we had the opportunity to go on this vacation and see family we haven't seen in years and to even meet a few. With no chickens to take care of it seemed the best time to do it.
Will post pictures when I can access them.
M & S
Uptown Grange
My new phone isn't cooperating so at the moment I don't have any pictures to post.
Our garden is still alive, well parts of it. The summer heat is really hard on veggies. The pumpkin is still thriving, it appears as though it may have choked out the bush beans, which I am not happy about. The tomatoes under the shade have done well.
We lost the plum tree, it was under shade, but didn't look too good before we left. I wash hoping it would pull through, but looks as though it will be returned to the store we purchased it from. Our Golden Dorsett apple tree has all brown leaves. We've revived this one once, I'm hoping we can revive it again.
Grangeman has been irrigating most of the afternoon. The grass was crispy in some spots and green in others. I ran the lawnmower over it this morning, it's bermuda grass so I know it will perk back up within a week so not too worried about it. However, it has taken over a few of the raised beds again, so we will need to find another solution for clearing it out once and for all, next to purslane it is the bane of our existence.
We're glad to be home, but so glad we had the opportunity to go on this vacation and see family we haven't seen in years and to even meet a few. With no chickens to take care of it seemed the best time to do it.
Will post pictures when I can access them.
M & S
Uptown Grange
Wednesday, July 13, 2016
Free Ranging Heading Home
We will begin our journey home tomorrow.
My phone crashed on me last week and just figured out how to get into the blog to post. Will be posting when we get settled tomorrow night.
Sad that we have to leave beautiful Montana, but we know we will soon be returning.
Grangeman got to fish in Big Horn Lake and took some beautiful pictures.
My phone crashed on me last week and just figured out how to get into the blog to post. Will be posting when we get settled tomorrow night.
Sad that we have to leave beautiful Montana, but we know we will soon be returning.
Grangeman got to fish in Big Horn Lake and took some beautiful pictures.
He also got to fish the Yellowstone in Hysham.
 |
Above picture has some Eagles.
He caught and released between the 2 days about 23 small mouth bass. So he was finally able to go catching instead of fishing.
We had a nice vacation and hate to go, we've so enjoyed visiting family and meeting some new family members.
M & S
Uptown Grange
Wednesday, July 6, 2016
Free Ranging - Day 6 Final Destination
We left Rapid City, SD around 9:30 in the morning and headed to Mount Rushmore. The drive was beautiful and cool. The road was winding as well, but the beauty was worth it. There were several one car tunnels with u-turns which was fun.
After Mount Rushmore we headed to Deadwood, SD.
What we thought was going to be a short driving day ended another 10 hour day. We were pretty exhausted by the time we made our final stop on Billings, MT.
Grangeman & Doodles at the Montana border. Montana was the final state Grangeman needed to reach every state west of the Mississippi.
We arrived around 8:00 Tuesday evening.
On Wednesday, we walked to the Yellowstone River from my cousins house in Billings, it's about 2 blocks away. Doodles found some cool rocks for his collection.
We went to lunch at Pug Mahone in Billings, the home on the big pork chop sandwich that was on Diners Drive-Ins & Dives. Huge portions or food there and reasonable priced.
After lunch we went and visited my parents house in Lockwood, MT.
Tomorrow Grangeman is going fishing Thursday & Friday while Doodles and I go antique shopping.
Will share more adventures as time allows. Lots of relatives to visit here.
M & S
Uptown Grange Free Ranging
Monday, July 4, 2016
Free Ranging Day 5 - Up The Missouri River
HaPpy 4th of July!!
We love America so much that we decided to go through 7 states of it today!!
Left Ponca City, OK at 5:00 am, just outside of the city we noticed fog. Ponca City is maybe 20 miles from the Kansas border.
The fog was much thicker in Kansas especially just at daybreak. And hung on a good portion of the morning, even into Missouri.
Was overcast all the way until Minnesota where we got little bits of sunshine into South Dakota. When we were at least half way through South Dakota it actually got up to 96°. Got a little bit of rain just before hitting Rapid City. There was a wrong turn made, so rather than going to Luverne, MN we ended up in Worthington, MN...about a 60 miles detour.
This was at least a 14 hour day...a long long day. Now we are off to one of Grangeman's high school friends house for dinner. At least we can sleep in tomorrow a bit before getting our day started!
Grangeman: Kansas, Minnesota, South Dakota...so far....only one more to go for him and he'll have all the states west of the Mississippi.
Doodles & I checked off Oklahoma, Kansas, Missouri, Iowa, Minnesota & South Dakota on our places that we've now been. We've already been to Montana, although Doodles doesn't remember.
M & S
Uptown Grange - Free Ranging
We love America so much that we decided to go through 7 states of it today!!
Left Ponca City, OK at 5:00 am, just outside of the city we noticed fog. Ponca City is maybe 20 miles from the Kansas border.
The fog was much thicker in Kansas especially just at daybreak. And hung on a good portion of the morning, even into Missouri.
Was overcast all the way until Minnesota where we got little bits of sunshine into South Dakota. When we were at least half way through South Dakota it actually got up to 96°. Got a little bit of rain just before hitting Rapid City. There was a wrong turn made, so rather than going to Luverne, MN we ended up in Worthington, MN...about a 60 miles detour.
This was at least a 14 hour day...a long long day. Now we are off to one of Grangeman's high school friends house for dinner. At least we can sleep in tomorrow a bit before getting our day started!
Grangeman: Kansas, Minnesota, South Dakota...so far....only one more to go for him and he'll have all the states west of the Mississippi.
Doodles & I checked off Oklahoma, Kansas, Missouri, Iowa, Minnesota & South Dakota on our places that we've now been. We've already been to Montana, although Doodles doesn't remember.
M & S
Uptown Grange - Free Ranging
Sunday, July 3, 2016
Free Ranging Day 4 - Newkirk & Pawhuska, OK
Today was the day we went to the cemetery in Newkirk, OK to see the grave marker for Grangeman's paternal grand parents. Lots of different types of grave markers here, there are about 5,000 resting souls here. His grand parents were spread at sea, this is where they are from so it was decided to put a marker up here.
After we went to see the grave markers, we decided to explore a little around Ponca City. I did some research because I knew Ree Drummond - The Pioneer Woman lived in Oklahoma. Well, she lives about an hour away from Ponca City in Pawhuska, OK, so we went on an adventure to see if we could find her place and the mercantile store they are opening in Pawhuska.
I didn't have any expectations in finding their actual place. But, we struck gold! We found the ranch, and took a picture of their ranch sign.
Just as we were leaving we saw her maroon truck pulling up and turning down the road under the sign, what were the odds of that happening, and it was coming from the direction we had just come from. We couldn't believe it. We don't know if it was her, but it was her truck. We were beside ourselves with excitement. Doodles wanted us to turn around and ask her if her could meet Charlie, but we let him know we shouldn't intrude. Seriously, you can't make this stuff up.
We continued on to Pawhuska to find the merchantile store, found it after passing it a few times and I'm not kidding we saw Marlboro Man's truck exiting from behind the building and turn in the direction we were going to be heading on the way back to the hotel.
Doodles again really tried to convince us to stop by, but again, you can't just do that....right?!?
Tomorrow we leave Ponca City for our next adventure. We are driving up to Luverne, MN along the Midwest states borders. The route we are taking will allow us to hit, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Iowa, Minnesota and our goal on the fourth of July is Rapid City, SD. We will visit Mount Rushmore and try to hit Crazy Horse as well.
Stay tuned.
M & S
Uptown Grange - Free Ranging
After we went to see the grave markers, we decided to explore a little around Ponca City. I did some research because I knew Ree Drummond - The Pioneer Woman lived in Oklahoma. Well, she lives about an hour away from Ponca City in Pawhuska, OK, so we went on an adventure to see if we could find her place and the mercantile store they are opening in Pawhuska.
I didn't have any expectations in finding their actual place. But, we struck gold! We found the ranch, and took a picture of their ranch sign.
Just as we were leaving we saw her maroon truck pulling up and turning down the road under the sign, what were the odds of that happening, and it was coming from the direction we had just come from. We couldn't believe it. We don't know if it was her, but it was her truck. We were beside ourselves with excitement. Doodles wanted us to turn around and ask her if her could meet Charlie, but we let him know we shouldn't intrude. Seriously, you can't make this stuff up.
We continued on to Pawhuska to find the merchantile store, found it after passing it a few times and I'm not kidding we saw Marlboro Man's truck exiting from behind the building and turn in the direction we were going to be heading on the way back to the hotel.
Doodles again really tried to convince us to stop by, but again, you can't just do that....right?!?
Tomorrow we leave Ponca City for our next adventure. We are driving up to Luverne, MN along the Midwest states borders. The route we are taking will allow us to hit, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Iowa, Minnesota and our goal on the fourth of July is Rapid City, SD. We will visit Mount Rushmore and try to hit Crazy Horse as well.
Stay tuned.
M & S
Uptown Grange - Free Ranging
Friday, July 1, 2016
Free Ranging ~ Day 2 New Mexico, Texas & Oklahoma
Nothing exciting happening in New Mexico, except rain, there were some really pretty mountains that almost looked like they were painted {sorry no pictures}. Oh yeah, the Super 8 off of Juan Tabo is a renter beware type of place. The staff was nice but the rooms left much to be desired.
Leaving New Mexico arriving in Texas there is about 100 yards of no man's land, we joked with Doodles that that land must not be owned by either state, he promptly said, we'll then I'll take it. So Doodles has claimed it as his with a population 2, him and his dog.
In Texas on I-40 there was a lot of windmill farms {I don't know what they are called} and nothing but flat brown land. There really wasn't anything exciting that happened here, we were just thankful it was the smallest part of Texas we had to go through.
Another little fact we forgot about is time zone changes, as soon as we hit the Texas border our clocks changed, so now we are now 2 hours ahead of Arizona, boy did this really throw us off. Our bodies aren't ready for bed but our clocks are telling us, it's time for bed.
Just before entering Oklahoma Doodles and I swapped seats, he was doing the chicken head bob in the front seat. Poor guy did not look comfortable. When we swapped seats he stretched his legs a bit and ran into his first pile ever of what appeared to be fire ants, he promptly walked back to the truck. Another thing we aren't used to is the humidity ...OMG...it was humid and miserable...my hair just is not cut out for this weather.
Just inside of Oklahoma there is one of the nicest visitor/rest stop EVER. The workers were nice. I think western Oklahoma is beautiful, muggy, but beatiful and green. So glad we came and that I can check this one off my list!
Doodles got a kick out of the trashcans at the rest stop. They looked like saddles, for horses, not sure why he is riding it like a bill.
We hit 1000 miles away from home today just outside of Kingfisher, OK. Here is a bit of trivia it is the birthplace of Sam Walton. Just in case you wanted to know, Grangeman is a very distant relative of his as far as ancestry.com indicates.
It was about an 8 hour drive to our first destination in Oklahoma in Enid. One of my dad's cousins lives there and she and I haven't see, each other since we were both about 6 years old. Yes, my dad has a first cousin 30+ years younger than him, that's what happens when your parents have large families... I've been dying to re-meet my great aunt. I can't say how much that short visit tickled me and how much it meant to me. I have to admit, this surpassed standing on a corner in Winslow, AZ for me.
After Enid our final destination in the first part of our trip...Ponca City, OK. We arrived safely, the scenery is absolutely beautiful. I guess this was or is a big refinery town and some big wigs live or lived here.
Tune in tomorrow for more about that, as I'm not entirely sure what else we are going to do other than stare at each...that's no fun.
M & S
Uptown Grange ~ Free Ranging
Leaving New Mexico arriving in Texas there is about 100 yards of no man's land, we joked with Doodles that that land must not be owned by either state, he promptly said, we'll then I'll take it. So Doodles has claimed it as his with a population 2, him and his dog.
In Texas on I-40 there was a lot of windmill farms {I don't know what they are called} and nothing but flat brown land. There really wasn't anything exciting that happened here, we were just thankful it was the smallest part of Texas we had to go through.
Another little fact we forgot about is time zone changes, as soon as we hit the Texas border our clocks changed, so now we are now 2 hours ahead of Arizona, boy did this really throw us off. Our bodies aren't ready for bed but our clocks are telling us, it's time for bed.
Just before entering Oklahoma Doodles and I swapped seats, he was doing the chicken head bob in the front seat. Poor guy did not look comfortable. When we swapped seats he stretched his legs a bit and ran into his first pile ever of what appeared to be fire ants, he promptly walked back to the truck. Another thing we aren't used to is the humidity ...OMG...it was humid and miserable...my hair just is not cut out for this weather.
Just inside of Oklahoma there is one of the nicest visitor/rest stop EVER. The workers were nice. I think western Oklahoma is beautiful, muggy, but beatiful and green. So glad we came and that I can check this one off my list!
Doodles got a kick out of the trashcans at the rest stop. They looked like saddles, for horses, not sure why he is riding it like a bill.
We hit 1000 miles away from home today just outside of Kingfisher, OK. Here is a bit of trivia it is the birthplace of Sam Walton. Just in case you wanted to know, Grangeman is a very distant relative of his as far as ancestry.com indicates.
It was about an 8 hour drive to our first destination in Oklahoma in Enid. One of my dad's cousins lives there and she and I haven't see, each other since we were both about 6 years old. Yes, my dad has a first cousin 30+ years younger than him, that's what happens when your parents have large families... I've been dying to re-meet my great aunt. I can't say how much that short visit tickled me and how much it meant to me. I have to admit, this surpassed standing on a corner in Winslow, AZ for me.
After Enid our final destination in the first part of our trip...Ponca City, OK. We arrived safely, the scenery is absolutely beautiful. I guess this was or is a big refinery town and some big wigs live or lived here.
Tune in tomorrow for more about that, as I'm not entirely sure what else we are going to do other than stare at each...that's no fun.
M & S
Uptown Grange ~ Free Ranging
Thursday, June 30, 2016
Free Ranging ~ Day 1, New Mexico
We left around 1:00 today. Stopped got out drinks before hitting I-17. We saw 2 Austin Martin distributer cars, really neat, the 2nd one we saw had two younger guys driving in it, I bet they would have a blast if they could let it loose.
First stop was Maguireville rest area, {76° outside} Grangeman and Doodles went in first while I guarded the luggage...yeah right, how am I going to stop someone. While I was waiting I saw this kid almost fall head first into a trashcan, he decided he needed to walk on the wall. I just chucked to myself. When it was my turn I walked to the restrooms and I noticed a worker raking the rocks and doing it so lightly just to get the pine needles out, lines were perfect in the rocks, you can get row of pine needles towards the bottom of the picture.
There was a decent amount of rain on the way up to Flagstaff. When we arrived in Flagstaff it was a beautiful rainy 61°, so nice and relaxing.
Leaving Flagstaff going East on I-40 there was a lot of traffic, but got to see parts of Flagstaff Doodles and I haven't seen before. On the stretch between Flagstaff and Winslow we got a semi truck to honk his horn, now did that bring back some memories. Doodles had never tried it before and he got a kick out of it...memories being made right there.
Finally made it to THE corner in Winslow Arizona. You would think being a native I would have visited or been here before. This so far is the highlight of my trip. There are a few knick knack sort of shops on the main Route 66. Met a nice old man who probably could have told us the history of Winslow...
Stopped at a Flying J for gas and a break. I always looks for Big Hunk candy bars at truck stops because they usually have them and they are my favorite. Was bummed that this one didn't carry them. I did get my Route 66 sticker though.
The rest of the trip into New Mexico we just sight saw and played tag with cars. They would pass us, we would pass them.
Once we hit New Mexico, we started getting giddy. We were like a bunch of kids having a sleep over, laughing over the silliest things.
We discovered that at 7:00 on in and around Grants, NM, they either close shop and roll up the streets because we tried a few places to stop and get something to eat and they were all dark or the power was out in the area. We got a kick out of it the rest of the trip joking about about it.
Doodles divided that he knows the history of everything and declared himself a historologist, later he became something else....well, he is something else.
We made it safely to our motel room in Albuquerque, NM around 8:30 Arizona time.
Tomorrow will be an easier leg of the trip, since we'll be leaving in the morning. Good Night.
M & S
Uptown Grange ~ Free Ranging
First stop was Maguireville rest area, {76° outside} Grangeman and Doodles went in first while I guarded the luggage...yeah right, how am I going to stop someone. While I was waiting I saw this kid almost fall head first into a trashcan, he decided he needed to walk on the wall. I just chucked to myself. When it was my turn I walked to the restrooms and I noticed a worker raking the rocks and doing it so lightly just to get the pine needles out, lines were perfect in the rocks, you can get row of pine needles towards the bottom of the picture.
There was a decent amount of rain on the way up to Flagstaff. When we arrived in Flagstaff it was a beautiful rainy 61°, so nice and relaxing.
Leaving Flagstaff going East on I-40 there was a lot of traffic, but got to see parts of Flagstaff Doodles and I haven't seen before. On the stretch between Flagstaff and Winslow we got a semi truck to honk his horn, now did that bring back some memories. Doodles had never tried it before and he got a kick out of it...memories being made right there.
Finally made it to THE corner in Winslow Arizona. You would think being a native I would have visited or been here before. This so far is the highlight of my trip. There are a few knick knack sort of shops on the main Route 66. Met a nice old man who probably could have told us the history of Winslow...
Stopped at a Flying J for gas and a break. I always looks for Big Hunk candy bars at truck stops because they usually have them and they are my favorite. Was bummed that this one didn't carry them. I did get my Route 66 sticker though.
The rest of the trip into New Mexico we just sight saw and played tag with cars. They would pass us, we would pass them.
Once we hit New Mexico, we started getting giddy. We were like a bunch of kids having a sleep over, laughing over the silliest things.
We discovered that at 7:00 on in and around Grants, NM, they either close shop and roll up the streets because we tried a few places to stop and get something to eat and they were all dark or the power was out in the area. We got a kick out of it the rest of the trip joking about about it.
Doodles divided that he knows the history of everything and declared himself a historologist, later he became something else....well, he is something else.
We made it safely to our motel room in Albuquerque, NM around 8:30 Arizona time.
Tomorrow will be an easier leg of the trip, since we'll be leaving in the morning. Good Night.
M & S
Uptown Grange ~ Free Ranging
Friday, June 24, 2016
Uptown Rambling Around
In one week we will be going on a Rambling Adventure around most of the state's just west of the Mississippi.
We're excited that we get to see state's that we've never been to and Doodles will be able to mark several states off on his map as well. Dude will be staying behind to take care of the dogs and the garden.
We hope you join us on this adventure of Rambling Around!
M & S
Uptown Grange
We're excited that we get to see state's that we've never been to and Doodles will be able to mark several states off on his map as well. Dude will be staying behind to take care of the dogs and the garden.
We hope you join us on this adventure of Rambling Around!
M & S
Uptown Grange
Wednesday, May 4, 2016
Being Placed on the Back Burner
Each month I faithfully call or e-mail our council members office to find out where we are at in the process of getting the ordinance changed to allow backyard chickens. Sometimes I get a generic response and other times I get no response, and I have to follow up again. I don’t mind, it’s the nature of the beast, I know they have other more important things on their plates, however, a time frame would be nice.
When I inquire, I ask when/if there will be any community input meetings prior to the change and have continually been told that they know staff is working on it, but they do not have any information at this time to share and that they will check with staff and get back to me. Well, I’m still waiting.
With council summer break approaching very quickly I would like the following questions answered:
1. Are there going to be any community input meetings at all?
2. Is there a commission or board working on writing, reviewing or making recommendations for the new ordinance or is staff doing this?
3. If there is a commission or board working on this then what commission or board is it?
I’ve asked if there are any meetings that I can attend to gain information about this change and have not been advised of any such commissions or boards.
This may not seem important for everyone and even insignificant for most, but for those of us who wish to own chickens legally in the city of Glendale this is an important issue.
In all honesty, this cannot be the first time that a city ordinance or zoning has been changed. There are other cities in the valley that allow chickens, and have recently changed their codes to allow them.
When I inquire, I ask when/if there will be any community input meetings prior to the change and have continually been told that they know staff is working on it, but they do not have any information at this time to share and that they will check with staff and get back to me. Well, I’m still waiting.
With council summer break approaching very quickly I would like the following questions answered:
1. Are there going to be any community input meetings at all?
2. Is there a commission or board working on writing, reviewing or making recommendations for the new ordinance or is staff doing this?
3. If there is a commission or board working on this then what commission or board is it?
I’ve asked if there are any meetings that I can attend to gain information about this change and have not been advised of any such commissions or boards.
This may not seem important for everyone and even insignificant for most, but for those of us who wish to own chickens legally in the city of Glendale this is an important issue.
In all honesty, this cannot be the first time that a city ordinance or zoning has been changed. There are other cities in the valley that allow chickens, and have recently changed their codes to allow them.
Staff & Council have been aware of this since June 23, 2015, it took staff over 5 months from this item being requested as an Item of Special Interest on August 4, 2015 to compile information to bring to council. The information that was provided was what any person could compile, like I did for the June 23, 2015 meeting, yet it took staff over 5 months to gather it and present. It took me less than a month to gather the information and 1 day to prepare my request for council for the June 23, 2015 council meeting.
What is the hold up? This is an honest question and one that needs to be answered by staff to council, without any excuses. If this was something that a staff member wanted I can guarantee that it would have been fast tracked.
Meanwhile, Grangeman is working on a new chicken hen house and run for some new girls when the time comes. There is still some work that needs to be completed like the hard wire cloth for the top, finishing the west side wall and then some cleaning up.
On a side note, have you noticed anything missing from Sahuaro Ranch Park? Like a certain 2 legged creature? Apparently, a citizen complained about the chickens. The city contained them in an area and determined that it was costing them about $500 a month to maintain their food. There were over 30 chickens (that is not a lot). They were getting about 19 eggs daily. Did the city maybe think that well, we can donate the eggs to a food bank, or we could SELL them at a farmers market to recoup a portion of the cost of maintaining them?
M & S
Uptown Grange
Sunday, April 3, 2016
Spring Garden ~ 2 0 1 6
We've been working on the Spring Garden 2 0 1 6 for a few weeks now. We've planted Cucumbers, Zucchini, Okra, Bush Beans, Jalapeno, Ghost Chili, Green Chili, Banana Peppers and Tomatoes {yes, we have a ton from the former chicken yard, but the more the merrier}.
We've weeded, weeded, weeded and weeded yet again. It's like someone sprinkled weed seeds in both of our yards {probably our neighbor who turned us in for having chickens}..lol There is still more weeding that needs to be done, it's. Never. Ending....
We get all of our vegetable seeds from Baker Creek. We've been very pleased with the quality of seed and the reliability of them as well. One of the other perks of ordering from them is they always throw in a free seed packet. They are also real responsive to any questions or concerns that you may have about your seeds.
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| Cucumbers {in the back ground is the bane of our existence PURSLANE} |
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| Zucchini {either Fordhook or Black Beauty, I love zoodles and sauce, we also love zucchini sliced and on the grill} |
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| Bush Bean {we planted these in the Lasagna Planter we did in the fall} |
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| One of our volunteer tomatoes, no idea what type, but looks tasty. |
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| We did buy 3 tomato plants {the one on the far right is a San Marzano grown from seed last spring, it survived the winter}
We did order some of the cucumbers we grew last year as the ones we planted this year are looking a bit sad, so we have some as a back-up. We also order Fordhook and Black Beauty Zucchini seeds, I've already put some more in the ground.
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Saturday, February 6, 2016
Winter Garden 2 0 1 6
This January we took a small chance and decided to try some to grow some veggies from seeds that we've never grown and some things we have been having a hard time growing.
We planted everything in the former chicken yard on the west side of the house. We planted brussel sprouts, turnips, butter lettuce, broccoli, napa cabbage and peas. Everything took it time coming up, at least 2 weeks, but finally about a week ago things started popping up, everything except the brussel sprouts...of course, I can't seem to win with them. We'll see how well everything does for the next month or so, before we have to pull everything to put in our spring garden.
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| the swiss chard patch doing well along with some volunteer tomatoes... looks like I need to do some weeding out though.... |
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| the peas |
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| Turnips (we've never grown these before) |
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| the kale and volunteer tomoatoes.... |
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| Volunteer tomatoes, thank you girls! |
We are zone 9 and have had our share of freezes and freeze warnings the past 2 months. We knew we were taking a chance, but we really didn't have anything to lose. With this garden being on west side of the house and between houses we haven't had to cover anything, we've been pretty lucky.
The cabbage and the spinach that we planted in the fall are growing a bit, but for some reason they never took off and grew into normal size plants. We'll see if they change their mind before we need to put in the spring garden as well.
Everything in the ground except the tomatoes will be yanked by the middle of March.
If you live in the Phoenix Metro area, the city of Tempe is having a free compost day. See this link for more information. It's open to all valley residents. City of Tempe ~ Free Compost
...the feast of the harvest, the fruits of thy labors... Exodus 23:16
...the feast of the harvest, the fruits of thy labors... Exodus 23:16
M & S
Uptown Grange
Wednesday, January 20, 2016
City of Glendale, AZ to Allow Backyard Chickens!
We Did It!
Councilman Turner requested that there be a "Chicken Moratorium" while the city works out the details. His request was that unless chickens are reported as a nuisance that needs to be investigated (i.e., noise or odor complaints from the neighbors), that no chickens be "evicted" from the city. He also requested that this move in an expedited manner since the family that requested this has waited long enough.
We have waited close to 7 months for just this first step. We are on cloud 9 that we will be able to have backyard chickens again.
Now we have to wait for Planning and Zoning to create or change the existing ordinance. There is no telling how long this next step will take, however, staff was instructed by council to expedite this by several council members. Trust us, we will not let this slip through the cracks, we will be checking in regularly with council to make sure this is changed and finalized.
I’ve included the link for the workshop and the portion regarding backyard chickens starts at about 33 minutes in to the meeting: City of Glendale Council Workshop 1/19/2016
I’ve also included the link to the item number that includes the slide show that staff presented to council for anyone else wishing to try to change their city ordinance regarding backyard chickens: City of Glendale Council Workshop Minutes & Slide Show
This article was published on Thursday, January 21 regarding the council meeting on January 19th: Glendale Star Article
Another article published on Thursday, January 28 regarding backyard chickens in the Glendale Star, yes we are the homeowners that Mr. Turner is referring to in this article.
This doesn’t change existing HOA rules or bylaws that do not allow backyard chickens. Anyone who resides in an HOA will need to petition their HOA to allow backyard chickens. It has been done several times over the last few months with success.
Our next step is building a house and run for our next flock of hens and deciding what types of chickens to get, we have some ideas, but will do a bit more research.
We hope that you will follow us in our next adventure! We can't wait!
M & S
Uptown Grange
M & S
Uptown Grange
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