It's officially an Idaho spring!

Any sign of snow in this area at this time of year easily brings serious laments even from the most hardcore of Idahoan.

This area has officially set a record for the most snowfall in a season. I think it is a cruel April Fool's joke. Here I am getting ready and excited to plant my garden, and I can't even see it.

Okay, but enough whining about snow. I am just going to stay inside by the grow lights and pretend I am in Florida sunning myself. I do have the sunburnt tummy to show for it. Today is a good day to sip mojitos by the seedlings, and dream of jumping off the rocks at Tubb's Hill into the refreshing lake water on a very hot day. It is great having a vivid imagination.

Idaho spring garden

My friend, Amy, helped me get a jump on gardening this year by loaning me a simple, but very efficient, indoor growing system she put together. Since she is going to school full-time, she doesn't have the time to invest in her garden (which I used to go raid in the summers... she is a good gardener). 

I got my seed and planters, and wasted no time getting things started. I am so excited. If I were to plant everything growing in my dining room, I could probably feed most of Post Falls this year! My plan, if I am successful at keeping these little guys alive, is to donate my over-plantings to the community garden in Coeur d'Alene.

Meanwhile, I get such joy from watching stuff grow... if it can't be outside, I am happy to see it every morning. And I anticipate being able to plant my cold-weather crops outside in a couple of weeks (spinach, kale, collards, lettuce, radishes, and cilantro).

I decided all the seeds I purchased this year would be organic or heirloom, and I was able to find an abundance of seeds with a short season. I want to avoid the genetically-altered seeds so that everything that comes out of the garden is healthy and wholesome.

And with the help of Amy, I expect to have some delicious tomatoes, cucumbers, corn, peppers, squash, with some pretty nasturtiums and sunflowers mixed in.

So if you are hungry this summer, come on over!

First signs of spring...

... in a winter-weary yard.

The snow is gone. The sun is out. Let's celebrate the first day of spring!

The adventures of a true Irish leprechaun

It was a cold, snowy St. Patrick's Day in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho when I met the coolest little leprechaun, Lynne McWiggen.

We decided to have a St. Paddy's day adventure. And, knowing how truly Irish we intended to be, we took a cab. We had planned on riding the bus (and really being green) but the weather talked us out of it since the City Link did not make stops where we were going.

Our first stop took us to the Fort Ground Grill, a traditionally wild place for the Irish on March 17. Since we were there so early, we didn't see anyone wilder than us.

Our next stop was 315 martini and tapas. We caught a ride with some of Lynne's friends, so we once again didn't have to catch a bus. Club 315 is our new favorite place to go. And tonight was not disappointing... live Irish music, green specials, great comraderie. 

Our luck of the Irish held out once again when Kevin came to pick us up, saving us a cab ride home. Keep your eyes peeled for Miss Lynne McWiggen next March 17. I am pretty sure just being in her presence is the best of luck.

Posted by fellow leprechaun and consistent partner-in-crime, Ali O'Shute!

Update

Just an hour later... we are up to 6"! This sucks. Rylee and I just took a walk in it. He kept burying his head in the deeper pockets of snow and burrowing through it. Funny dog.

More damn snow

I don't know a single person who isn't frustrated beyond belief that we are getting more damn snow (except for Conor who lives for snowboarding). Today we have gotten 2"+, and it is still coming down. I am SOOOO done with it. The whole world is white again.

Atleast you can see Rylee in it very clearly. Beth, you are so lucky not to be here anymore. I will see you in Florida in a few minutes.

Another snowy day in paradise...

I have a theory: spring cannot come to Idaho until it has hailed.

Today it hailed buckets! The wind was blowing hard, and it was so cold... bitter cold. So I am thinking this is the lion, and the lamb can't be too far behind.

So, what does one do in Idaho when the weather is so crappy! SHOPPING! I received my bonus checks from Costco, and went to spend them, loading up the freezer with food and getting my little self out of the house.

Just a little side note: 

Happy Birthday Beth! Let me know how 50 is cuz I am right behind ya! I hope you are having a GREAT day. You deserve a great day.