Almost Spring

We were hit with lots of snow and frigid temperatures like a large part of the United States 3 weeks ago. Not only snow, but inches of ice on top. Because it's been so cold, the snow has not melted. Only small amounts when the sun is out. Supposedly next week we may be out of this deep freeze and travel and getting out of the house will be easier. Thankful for grocery delivery. Haven't drove my car since the storm and didn't care. It's nice to be retired and not have to worry about getting to work and home with this weather. This has been our coldest winter in years. A real winter.

My Chinese Evergreen is still alive. Living the longest and healthiest of any I've ever owned. It does lose some lower leaves but it putting out many new leaves on top. Wish I figured out before I killed so many that in my home it requires additional light.

Hyacinths didn't do well this year. I forced 15 bulbs and only 1 looked like a hyacinth should. These 2 not so much and they don't smell as sweet and fragrant. Another blogger I follow that forces hyacinths every year said only a few of her bulbs out of 200 forced did well. Maybe it wasn't a good growing season harvested. This year I'm going to order from the company I usually do. Last year they sold out before I got my order in.

Time to start some seeds. I purchased them in the Fall.

Used Jiffy Seed Starting Mix. I like to add hot water first to get the soil moist before sowing seeds.

Finished another puzzle and have started a larger one. It's been harder and is taking longer to finish.

 

Forced 10 paper whites and haven't had 1 bloom. I may remove them and put them in soil and see how that does. They only ones that have leaves are below but does not have blooms.

Liatris now dry from a bouquet. I wonder if the seeds from it would germinate? May not be worth the effort. All the liatris I've seen is grown from bulbs.

I lost one plant but didn't dig it up in the hopes that it will regrow. Would like to buy another pot and have one large pot of it now that I know how to actually keep it alive.

The current puzzle is called Grandma's Garden. This one came from the second hand store. I hope all the pieces are here.

A large salad for lunch. I've been eating like I'm on vacation since I retired. Have to start making better choices. It was delicious. Ate it all except for one fork full. Can't wait for summer vegetables. Store bought tomatoes don't taste good in winter as they're out of season here.

Sowed about 10 trays. Many have germinated except the ones still on the heat mat.

I was painting my living room ceiling and crown molding on my last post. Got tired of all the plastic covering everything and the mess so I've taken a break. I painted half on the room. Hope to start on the other half next week. I needed to start my seeds and spring will soon be here and I'll be gardening outdoors. Won't be painting then although I still have my dining room and kitchen to do. Retired now and there's plenty of time.