Spring?

Despite winter's continued icy grip, spring is still forcing it's way in. Some photo's from the homestead...
Pear tree

Ferns

Flowering Currant

Hyacinths and Pansies

Gooseberry blossoms

Make it warm

The latest report from Cliff Mass (http://cliffmass.blogspot.com/)we have only had two days over 55 degrees since Feb. 1. That doesn't really work for me. My tomatoes, started inside at the proper time are ready to go out.
So today I built my first hoop house. It was a cheap, quick project to do. I have had the plastic laying around for a while, picked up at a yard sale. The 10' PVC pipe was only $1.65 a piece, the rebar was $1.99 a piece (kind of expensive for a 2' length, but I have no real way to cut it at home.) I bought a 12 pack of jumbo binder clips for $3.99.
So for $11.27, I made this really cool hoop house, which will hopefully let me put out my tomatoes now instead of waiting until June, or whenever the weather starts to warm up. I plan on making a couple more for squash and maybe trying some melons again this year.

New boot break-in

Bought new boots with my REI dividend check. I haven't worn actual hiking boots for years, as I find the make my hips hurt. But after some embarrassing ankle turns last summer I have decided to try again. My current trail shoes are Merrell's and I love them, so I am giving these babies a try Merrell Moab XCR, (http://www.rei.com/product/754666.) Living in Seattle, waterproof-ness is a big issue, even in the summer it is often wet, not to mention all the streams you have to cross. I tried the higher version of the Chameleons I have now, but I could tell immediately they would rub my ankles the wrong way. I have the type of feet that if you look at them the wrong way I will get a blister. If they rub in the store I am unwilling to try and break them in. I actually have scars on the backs of my heels from past blisters.
So far the Moabs have been on a walk and helped to wash some dishes. They seem pretty comfortable, with a little numbness in the bottom of my foot, which I always get with new shoes. I think the numbness is more a lacing issue than a problem with the boot. Hopefully, I can get them comfortable enough to wear on the first big hiking trip of the year to Eastern Washington at the end of this month.