Remember Gratitude

Monday
Today before work I ordered a new composter for home along with some onion and garlic sets. The composter will live at home, but I would not have bought it right now if I didn't have the plot, so I will be counting it as allotment spend. (Total spend £134.97). Over the week I have added all my seeds to the spreadsheet and looked in books to plan things I want to sow in March.

Sunday
Today was a perfect example of why you should take the time to be grateful and how easy it would have been to end the day in a funk because I absolutely did not achieve anywhere near the list of things I wanted to. At least I only spent £13.50 on compost, and to be totally honest I was in a funk until I sat down with my diary and reflected on the day.

Reflecting made me remember that....

I got to the plot to find some awesome elves (Dad and friends), had added wood chip to my paths and what is even better is that they added a gravel entrance way. The gravel was added into some kind of lattice matting so it can't escape. It has made such a difference. My niece and nephew visited the plot and helped me out. That did take some extra time, but it was fun and they enjoyed themselves. They even brought cups and hot chocolate with them to make use of the excellent little kitchen.

I did a variation of dig a stripe, weed a stripe. This version is dig a stripe, sieve a stripe. I managed to do just under a third of the roots bed and mixed in compost. With that section ready, and with the help of the small ones I planted 2 rows of garlic, 1 row of onions and 2 rows of carrots. I was not organised with plant labels, a little oversight on my part.

The carrots were a variety that has been put onto seed tape. They were very simple to do with he small folks. When they left it was just me and the Doggo, who actually settled quite nicely attached to the plum tree. Each time I walked out of our patch to the tap, or to grab a trolly he did a couple of "have you forgotten me" barks before laying straight back down. Will have to sort him out a proper spot with some shade.

Another great thing is how helpful people are. I found a second hand watering can in the discarded pile of things. The allotment guy reminded me that the stuff there is free to keep not just borrow. I told him that all I needed to do was get a rose, I asked if there were any in the shop, but there weren't. Not two minutes later however, Mark found a spare rose, and with the help of a cable tie to keep it firmly attached I had a working watering can with sprinkle function. After a quick sprinkle of the patch I packed up. Leaving boards over the two carrot rows and the watering can in the tree.

And that is not even everything, my bother delivered fleece, weed matting, canes, loads of straw and four more books. Also my other half visited the plot and had the tour. I hope to be able to show him my progress soon. So all in all a positive day. I might have to find some time for an after work visit, or just get out early next weekend. It is getting a little late to put in the garlic and onions.

Mood Word: Reflective
Spend: £148.47