A New Use for the Weedeater

Why is it that for the past 3 summers, I spent countless hours in the sun, pulling weeds from the yard and garden, only to go out to the plant nursery and pay exorbant amounts of money for plants that will only last for about 3-4 months. I couldn't count all the dandelions, chicory and lamb's quarters that I've trashed, just to make room for some lilly livered lettuce or brocolli that will only last a few months, if it survives to begin with.

Did you know, all parts of a Dandelion plant are edible, as is Chicory and Lamb's Quarters? Not only that, you can't kill them. And to think, I've pulled so many of these pesky weeds up by the roots to throw them out.

Dandelion and Chicory roots can both be made into tea and coffee, if roasted. The leaves make a wonderful salad, as do the flower petals. Not only are they edible, but also VERY healthy. We spend thousands of dollars to eat healthy, when some of the healthiest vitamins are growing right in our own backyards. Of course, if you spray chemicals on your weeds, then that renders them inedible, otherwise, you have a vitamin store growing outside your door.

Life in the Big City

So I live in a busy city about 2 seconds from a major interstate... How is it that I always enjoy a long weeks vacation, yet I never leave my address? About 4 years ago, I decided I gave too much money away to other people to live in their apartment. I had no yard, no space for my babies - Peanut and Fehrah (Chihuahua and Cat, nor could I just do with the space whatever i wanted.

So, I set out to find a place to call my own. One night, while scrolling through MIBOR.com I found the cutest little house with so much personality, just begging me to come visit. I talked to a realator friend of mine and we set up a time to go see it. Well, she's a wise woman and wanted me to see several other places, as well. So, we looked at a few others, but they didn't have any character.

She wasn't very keen on the house for me, becuase I was a first time buyer and the house needed a bit of tidying up and work. It hadn't been lived in for about 2 or 3 years, but recently had a bit of work done in the kitchen. We started bantering back and forth with the owner, and within a month, we were closing the deal.

I was so excited to have my own place, but it was a bitter, cold February... I tackled the painting and a few things inside the house with a little help from friends and family. But when the first sign of Spring sprung, i headed straight to Menards and bought lumber, dirt and seeds... I had a raised garden even before Mother's day, that year.

Three years later, I'm still harvesting tomatoes that volunteer to come back every year from the starters my sister gave me that first summer. I have Cilantro and Parsley coming back, as well.

Can't wait to share more with you about my life on this, oh about 1/4 of an acre in downtown Indy.