One of my most exciting Christmas presents this year was cinnamon tree seeds. Beth found them somewhere on the Internets. I have always dreamt of seeing a real, live cinnamon tree. Someday I’ll visit a plantation in Madagascar or Sri Lanka. For now, I’m just excited to have some seeds. I didn’t plant them right away because I didn’t want them to sprout too early. Summer is still a few months off.
As it turns out, I shouldn’t have worried. The package says they can take up to three months to germinate. Sheesh! How will I tell if they’re sprouting or just slowly decaying? Fortunately, Beth got me three packages, for a total of twelve seeds. I have planted them all in a seed sprouting tray. The instructions say to keep the soil between 75 and 85 degrees. I got a heating pad from the pharmacy and put it under the seed tray. I don’t know if it makes the soil 75 degrees, but at least it’s warmer than nothing.
I’m not worrying about light for now. If When they sprout, I’ll move them to a sunny window (or outside if it’s warm enough by then).
Here’s hoping the seeds don’t all just rot!
I did a few useful things yesterday, but the most noticeable thing was cleaning my dresser off. It’s really been a wreck for a long time. I suppose because it’s a flat surface and it’s there when I’m done for the day I just would dump stuff on it.
My problem now is that I had stuff on my dresser that I don’t know where else to put: old watches, toys, safety pins, magic items… you know, the usual guy stuff. What’ll I do with these things if they don’t stay there? For now, I’ve put it all into a cardboard box. Maybe I’ll get a cool looking box from Pier 1 or something and keep it all in there in the bottom of my closet or something. I could just throw it all away, since its only value is sentimental, but my guts still hurt from the basement storage giveaway debacle. I’ve already lost what was left of my grade school mementos; I’m not prepared to also lose the first seven years of my time in this house…
The cleaning started when I decided I’d collect all the change from around the house and take it to the bank. I had already scooped the change out of the green ashtray in the picture below and realized I had just started cleaning off my dresser, so I took a “before” picture. There’s more stuff here than it looks like. The stack of books is actually a lidded box with drawers.
I know… I’ve got a bunch of different browns going on now: the door trim, the dresser, and the valet box. But really, I’m the only one who sees this ever, so I’ll keep it like this for now.
I have had my run-ins with the post office in the past. That’s why I was a little suspicious of the note I got two days ago. It said a package couldn’t be delivered because there was postage due on it. The amount? Seventeen cents. My suspicion is that I might be on a double-secret list of people who should be inconvenienced because they’re troublemakers. I say “yes, sir” and “yes, ma’am” when I see them, but perhaps they can see in my eyes how I truly feel. Or perhaps they’re monitoring Bradaptation.
Whatever the case, I had to get this package. I took seventeen cents to the post office yesterday. Seventeen cents worth of PENNIES! Ha! That’ll show them to mess with Brad!
The package ended up being for Denis. It was a memory card for his new Palm T/X PDA. He has such marvellous toys.
IN OTHER NEWS: School is closed today because of some snow, sleet, and freezing rain. I’m excited for the time off, but actually being at school is getting harder and harder. I’d like to just have a five day week again so I can get back into the groove.
I guess I’m still adjusting to having a dishwasher, even though it’s been over a year since I got one. I have trouble remembering to put stuff in it right away, so there are often dishes in the sink or on the countertop. My bigger problem is that when I do put stuff in it, I run out of bowls or spoons before the dishwasher is full. I’m not sure if there’s a rule about running your dishwasher when it’s not full. I guess I’m afraid Al Gore is going to bust down my door and throttle me or something. Don’t tell Al, but last night I ran my diswasher with a half-full silverware basket, a three-fourths full top rack, and a one-fourth full bottom rack. I need spoons.
If I should just be washing things in the sink instead, then what’s the point of having a dishwasher? I’m so confused…
The seed and plant catalogs have been steadily streaming in. I got the Burpee catalog yesterday. It is gorgeous! There are many new selections featured.
It’s getting harder and harder to shop for plants because my garden is getting so full. I’m getting to the point where I have to be choosy. If I really like a plant for some reason, then I can get it, but it’ll have to squeeze in with the others. And the ones that are already in my garden are on notice. If they aren’t wowing me, they go. Because as you know, in the garden, one season you’re in, and the next, you’re out. Auf wiedersehen.
This winter, my attention has been caught by unusual tomato varieties. Burpee offers a cherry tomato that they say has a honey aftertaste. I’m very curious. They also offer a black-colored cherry tomato, and a white one. I want to grow all of them, but the best season for tomatoes here is July, right when I’m in Nebraska. I still may grow them, just so I can scrounge for leftovers in August.
The perennial that’s really catching my eye is a variegated forsythia called “Fiesta”. I haven’t grown a forsythia up till now, because they seem kind of like weeds to me. But this one has wonderful splotchy leaves. My curiosity is piqued…
Here is where all my catalogs and magazines come to rest: beside my bed.
