Welcome March ~ 2 0 1 7

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

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.

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

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

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

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)

1. If the coop is enclosed the coyotes don't have easy access to them
2. Chickens eat rats, bugs and other annoying pests
3. 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
4. According to what was released, this would not change any sort of HOA CC&R
5. If you clip chickens wings on one side regularly they are not able to fly over any fence
6. I guess everyone will have to remove bermuda grass, ash trees, and anything else that causes allergies from there yards

One person even mentioned, the individual concerned about HOA CC&R bring over ridden, that property values will go down, the funny thing about that is is that I've heard of people not moving to Glendale because chickens aren't allowed.

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

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

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. 

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

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.

Cucumbers {in the back ground is the bane of our existence PURSLANE}

Zucchini
{either Fordhook or Black Beauty, I love zoodles and sauce, we also love zucchini sliced and on the grill}

Bush Bean {we planted these in the Lasagna Planter we did in the fall}

One of our volunteer tomatoes, no idea what type, but looks tasty.

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.

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.

the swiss chard patch doing well along with some volunteer tomatoes...
looks like I need to do some weeding out though....

the peas

Turnips (we've never grown these before)

the kale and volunteer tomoatoes....

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

M & S

Uptown Grange

City of Glendale, AZ to Allow Backyard Chickens!

We Did It!

In a unanimous decision on Tuesday, January 19, 2016 council instructed staff to create or change existing ordinance to allow backyard chickens. The support the council showed for this special item of interest was overwhelming to us. Each council member had something positive to say about backyard chicken keeping. With their support we knew we had made the right decision to push for allowing backyard chickens. Unless something unforeseen happens this will be approved.

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

Swiss Chard & Kale Kimchi {Fermented}

Our swiss chard and kale are still thriving, we were trying to figure out a way to preserve them so that we can start getting the garden bed ready for other veggies. As I was researching “preserving swiss chard & kale" I ran across several Kimchi {Kimchee} recipes. I then noticed the health benefits and it seemed like everywhere I turned Kimchi was being recommended for leaky gut, IBS and a general immune system boost. I thought to myself, well, why not, rather than using napa cabbage we can use swiss chard and kale, I found several recipes and sort of combined them.

We gathered a basket full of mixed swiss chard & kale and 2 random radishes that were in with the kale all fresh veggies from our garden.

We then rinsed all the veggies in the sink and let them dry on the counter on top of a clean dish cloth. Once dried we started chopping, cutting, slicing, grating etc. all of our veggies that we were going to add to our Kimchi.

Once everything was chopped, cut, sliced and grated {into 2 bowls} we sprinkled with salt and started working everything together with our hands. The salt, even the little bit that we used in both bowls, really melts down the swiss chard and kale. We started with 2 large glass bowls and ended up being able to combine the bowls and it barely came halfway up the bowl.

Grangeman wanted a spicy spicy one so he added simbal to his Kimchi, I only used whatever red pepper flakes we added prior to mixing the veggies.

Swiss Chard & Kale Kimchi Recipe

1 lb. swiss chard
1/2 lb. kale
3 carrots
1/2  daikon radish
2 red radishes {not required}
1 T ginger
1 T turmeric
1 T garlic
1 bunch green onions
2 T pink himalayan salt or sea salt {do not use regular table salt}
1 T red pepper flakes {more or less to your taste}
1 – 2 T cayenne pepper {more or less to your taste, we did not add this this time around}

You can use pretty much any veggie, other options are zucchini, cucumbers, cabbage, and napa cabbage {which is the traditional}

Instructions

1. Mix all of the above together until wilted down. 
2. Place mixture into your container of choice {we used regular canning jars for our mixture} and leave at least 1 inch head space at the top
3. Push mixture all the way down until covered in its own juices {brine}
4. Put lids on loosely so gas can escape {otherwise your jars may explode} 
5. Place jars in a cool area in your house 
6. We placed them on a plate in case they overflowed from their short fermenting process. 
7. Shake jars each time you walk by them {don’t forget to tighten lid for shaking then loosen when done}
8. After day 1 you can taste your Kimchi, if it is not to your liking you can leave it out for another day or two, place in refrigerator after no more than 5-7 days.
9. Enjoy for up to 3 months
10. Incorporate about 1-2 t a day depending upon your preference, go slowly and increase the amount as you feel you can handle the reason for this is each person is different and your body may not agree with it right off the bat {gas, bloating}

We used colored ball jars except the small one that is is the front.

Health Benefits of Kimchi & Other Fermented Foods

Fermented foods are a natural probiotic, there are claims that Kimchi and other fermented foods can prevent cancers, help/cure leaky gut, prevent heart disease, help lose weight, boost your immune system {70%-80% of your immune system is in your gut}, help to lower cholesterol, help your skin & hair, and even help slow down the aging process.

So make your gut & body happy and eat fermented foods. {Consult your Dr. if you have high blood pressure or other health concerns before you start enjoying Kimchi}

...the feast of the harvest, the fruits of thy labors... Exodus 23:16

M & S
Uptown Grange

HaPpY NeW YeAr! 2 0 1 6

As the New Year is upon us all with hopes anew, here is to wishing you and your family good health, promises of a brighter tomorrow and wonderful year ahead. 

We are hopeful that we are able to raise backyard chickens again, bountiful vegetable gardens, good health for us & our loved ones and peace.

While we don't have our girls any longer, this is still one of my favorite photos!

Happy New Year from Uptown Grange!

M & S
Uptown Grange

Making Your Own Laundry Soap

Several years ago {like 8} I became more aware of what foods, chemicals, environment and other unavoidable toxins can do to your body. Since then I’ve tried to become more aware of the foods I eat and to avoid toxins whenever I can feasibly do it. {Like I never microwave something in a plastic dish}

One of the items I decided to change in our family was our laundry detergent. I bought a name brand and it seemed to work just fine, but then I started reading ingredients that I couldn’t even say and started hearing more about what these ingredients can and are doing to our bodies. 

I decided that I wanted to start making our laundry detergent. Now, it is more dense than the laundry detergent you buy at the store, but it was worth it to me in the long run. No, our clothes don’t have that nice smell anymore, but I know they are clean. 

I use Borax, Baking Soda and Zote’ or Fels Naptha. On occasion I will add Biz.

RECIPE (you can use your own judgement too)

4 Cups Borax

2 Cups Baking Soda

1 Cup Biz

1/2 Bar Zote’ or Fels Naptha (grated as finely as you can get it)

Mix together with a whisk or wooden spoon in a large bowl. Once completely mixed together put inside of a jar or container that you have chosen to store you homemade laundry detergent in.  I rescued a small scoop from another detergent and that is what I use to put the soap in my washing machine.  We have an HE washer and dryer so we don't use as much detergent as we used to.  Plus you don't need as much to wash your clothes with this homemade laundry detergent.

Knowing that it is healthier for my family makes the difference for me.  

M & S

Uptown Grange

First Fall Garden {Former Chicken Yard}

 Back in September we planted beets, swiss chards, carrots, radishes, kale and green beans in the former chicken yard. We were afraid that since this yard was recently vacated by our 8 girls that there might be too much nitrogen in the dirt. 

Well, the radishes, swiss chard and kale and doing wonderful, in fact they exceeded any expectations exceeded any previous time we’ve planted them. Baker Creek seeds really do provide very good seeds, and we couldn’t be more pleased with the results of these three crops. 

Kale surrounded by tomato plants

From Left to Right: radishes, carrots, swiss chard and beets

The beets and carrots however, did not fare as well. They did get big beautiful tops, but did not provide much in the form of beets or carrots to eat. We were afraid that this was going to happen with these 2 crops, but it was definitely worth the shot. We did learn a lesson and you can’t learn without trial and error. 

When we pull the garden, we will share what we ended up doing with everything. I believe that they will all be blanched for the most part, but I’ve also heard a lot about kale chips and I wanted to try to make some of those.  {the carrot tops already made it into the composted}

The green beans really did climb well, but they haven't produced any beans to date.

Oh yes, lets not forget about our volunteer tomatoes in the former chicken yard. We have several that have blossoms on them. Once all the other crops are pulled we will put them in tomato cages and cover them so they can be in a sort of greenhouse. Hopefully we won’t need to plant any tomatoes this coming spring, just depends upon if they end up being indeterminate tomatoes or determinate.

Bottom left is our Kale and behind the tomato was our little radish patch.

M & S

Uptown Grange

The Hunt….Quick Update!

Unfortunately there were just as many people there when they returned later that week as there were when they left on Saturday.

So lesson learned, put in for an earlier hunt in a less popular area.  Have your own camper, travel trailer or pop up so you are not at dependent upon the individual who owns the travel trailer and their timeline.

Oh, yeah, and listen to your wife when she says to head up a day earlier than necessary, you’ll get a better camping spot, and can scout out before everyone else shows up and spoils the hunt for everyone.

M & S                                  

Uptown Grange

Tidying Up…I’m Overwhelmed!

I had such grand plans and such motivation. There is the room of doom, Dudes bedroom {it’s very messy}, the linen closet, the laundry room, the pantry and the other pantry that all need to be more than tidied up. They need MAJOR de-collectioning!

When I think about tidying up, I am excited, I have the motivation, I even get a bit of a rush, "YES, I AM GOING TO DO THIS!", but when it comes to doing it, that’s another story. I’ll get to the point where I walk into the room or open the door and my motivation just deflates….COMPLETELY!

Sometimes I have the determination to get the cleaning done, but normally that is because I am at my wits end or I am expecting company. Since these areas are not seen by company I am not as determined.

Like right now, I feel the determination to get these areas cleaned and de-collectioned, but the thought of actually doing it makes me feel overwhelmed.

I’ll read a book and feel the determination and then the same happens….deflation.

I guess I will have to put on my big girl panties and just dive in and get it done! Make an agenda of what I want accomplished and give myself a deadline of when I want it completed for each task.

I wonder if I give myself a small treat for each accomplishment completed by my deadline if that would work.  When everything on my original agenda is de-collectioned I could treat myself to a pedicure or manicure, something I don't usually treat myself to.

Is this the weekend that I finally conquer my anxiety with my collections?  I've saved some boxes up from work so I have something to put stuff that I no longer need, items to donate and trash in!

I’m going to give the agenda and treat idea a shot, I’ll let you know what happens.

M & S
Uptown Grange

Baby It's Cold Outside...It's too CoLd For Us...

I know two posts in one day, I am making up for missing a few weeks and I found some motivation last night!

They say the threat of freezing temperatures is over, for now anyway, and we are glad.  We are not equipped for this cold weather in Arizona especially in November; we had to dig out our winter coats long before we put up our Christmas tree.  The weather we are seeing now is our normal January/February weather.   

We're ready for regular fall weather, well actually that’s a lie, we’re ready for spring weather and spring gardening.  However, our basil is going crazy and so are our roses. We decided 4 days too late that it was time to cover the plants at night, so hopefully we don’t lose any due to frost/freezing.  It is only supposed to get down to 41 degrees tonight but given our location sometimes it dips a bit below that, so we will cover again tonight.  We will also water the plants as well as that has helped in the past to keep them from freezing, again 4 days too late.

As I’ve said before, we are not a cold weather family.  We like the heat and warmth of spring and summer.  And of course, we love the spring veggie gardens!  AND hopefully this year we will be able to have some spring chickens! xoxox

Come on SpRiNg!

M & S

Uptown Grange

The Hunt Is On…Literally!

Grange man and Dude were drawn for late season bull elk in 5b up near Lake Mary, AZ. The season is from the Friday after Thanksgiving to the following Thursday, so only 7 days. From what I’ve been able to see Arizona Game and Fish issued 590 tags to this same area for this time frame. While 6A just across Lake Mary road they issued 825 tags for the same time frame.

They went up on Thanksgiving Day after we ate our dinner, made camp about 4:00 p.m. and started scouting. Grange man said there were people camping at every corner. The decision was made to come home on Saturday evening after they had tried all day, and that they would head back up on Tuesday or Wednesday after most of the campers left {hopefully}. They saw a total of two bull elks and only 7 hanging while they were up there.

Wednesday was the day, the are leaving around 3:30 in the morning so that there is at least 2 full days left for hunting.

Send good hunting juju or vibes, we could use them.

M & S

Uptown Grange

Item of Special Interest {Backyard Chickens} Council Workshop – Postponed to January 19, 2016 Glendale, AZ

I spoke with Ryan Lee {assistant to Bart Turner} today. He advised that the workshop scheduled for December 15th to discuss backyard chicken keeping has been postponed until Tuesday, January 19, 2016. See below e-mail from Ryan:

Hi Shelly,

Staff is currently researching and preparing a report to the City Council regarding allowing chickens as pets in residential neighborhoods. We were informed last week that the report will be shared with the Council on January 19, not December 15. We apologize for the delay and look forward to seeing you at the Council Workshop on January 19.

Best regards,

Ryan Lee
Council Assistant, Barrel & Cholla District
Glendale City Council
623-930-2250

If you haven’t had a chance to contact your council member you still have over a month to do so, this also means that we have the extra time frame to reach out to more city of Glendale residents.

Please spread the word about the meeting change, I know there were a few individuals including us that were planning on the meeting this month.

We have also started a petition on change.org to allow backyard chickens.  If you reside in Glendale or are thinking about moving to Glendale please sign it.  If you've decided not to buy in Glendale because of the backyard chicken restrictions you can sign it also, please click on the below link.

Make Backyard Chickens legal for all city of Glendale, AZ residents

Not sure who your council member is? Please see below map.