Hi--I posted here a little bit last year but not nearly as often as I would have liked so I thought it would be best to re-introduce myself. Username is Niere and I live in the northwest corner of RI. I had to scale my gardening down a bit this year as I didn't have the opportunity to get my garden soil up to snuff last fall (came down with lyme--still taking meds for it but doing much better now). After a ton of work this spring and I did manage to get a small veggie garden in and my windowboxes and some containers planted. I've been enjoying reading through the threads here and I look forward to learning so much from all of you.
Long story short I can't post any pictures at the moment but I hope to have that taken care of soon. In the meantime a big hello to everyone. :)
Oh--and a small watering tip that has worked well for me-- a farmer friend of mine is adamant about not watering his plants with cold water, because he says it shocks the roots too much. I've tried to kill two birds with one stone with this--I have a small kiddie pool for my children and the morning after it gets used I fill my watering can from that. Obviously I clean and refill the pool as needed--just thought I would throw out the suggestion in case anyone was interested. :)
Re-introducing myself to the forum
Welcome back to NEGF
Sorry about your lyme disease.Take it easy until you are completely well.
Your kiddy pool is a good idea.
Hi Niere, good to have you back! Hope your feeling much better this year and there is always next year to plant bigger!
Hi Niere,
Glad to have you here.
Donna
Welcome back, Niere. I think that the cold water shock is not really that big of a problem, but ambient temperature rainwater is certainly best. I have rain barrels but often use the hose since it's so much more convenient and quick.
Welcome back, Niere. Glad to hear the meds are working for you. I do the same thing with our kiddie pool.
I assume you never saw any rash, Niere? My son had it three years ago but luckily we saw the rash and it was no big deal - antibiotics and he never had any symptoms. Adults often do not see any rash and just start having symptoms.
Thanks for the warm welcome everyone. :)
ge--Thanks and me too! ;) I'm pretty good 95% of the time but I have no problem taking a break when I need too. The kiddie pool was just a natural progression of my friend advising against ice cold well water and looking at day old water in the pool. Just seemed a shame to waste it. :)
Pixie--thanks--I'm feeling great and I already have plans to nearly double the garden next year. :D
Thanks Donna--glad to be here. :)
Flowerjen--thanks, and doesn't it just make sense? I think I'll still have some sort of kiddie pool for the same reason even after the kids grow out of it.
Victor--I agree hoses are so much more convenient and last year when my garden was going gangbusters I did use the hose because it was far more practical. I did use the warmer water however when the garden was just getting started and everything was much more manageable. I'm sure next year this time I'll be using the hose for major waterings and the warmer pool water for some of my containers. As for the lyme, without boring everyone with a big long story I believe I was probably bit numerous times and I never did see a rash. Long story short after two years of symptoms which no doctor could explain with a clear diagnosis I finally did my own research and I now am being treated by a lyme specialist. I'm doing 95% better and can't complain at all. Oddly enough when cleaning up the garden debris this spring (which I was too sick to do last fall) I got bit again and had my first ever bullseye rash. Because I was already on medication it only lasted a day and I was glad I got a picture of it. But you are right--many people never get the bullseye rash, or if they do it's on a part of the body where you wouldn't see it (I have a feeling my initial bite(s) were on my scalp.)
But enough about me--so glad your son got the bullseye and prompt treatment! Getting it treated quickly and with a long enough course of antibiotics is the key to nipping it in the bud. It's when it goes undiagnosed for lengthy periods that it becomes difficult (but not impossible!) to treat.
So everyone--keep clear of the tall grass and do your tick checks! :D
Welcome back!!!!.... feel better soon!!!
Allison
Hi and welcome back. Hope you continue to recover and can post some pics soon. Welcome. :)