Blueberries? They couldn’t be blueberries! I’d never seen blueberries in the desert, or for sale in a Tucson farmer’s market, or in anyone’s garden in this town. And I certainly hadn’t planted them in my garden. I went in closer. The plant was loaded with little fruits, purplish-black, the size of blueberries or even slightlyContinue reading “Post 75: My Black Pearls”
Tag Archives: DIY
Post 74: What’s a Little Hard Labor Among Friends?
This is the second of a two-part story. For part one, see Post 73. We were, perhaps, close to halfway done digging the trench. At this point it was a little scary. Based on what we’d done so far, I was starting to believe It could happen. But the space we had to dig throughContinue reading “Post 74: What’s a Little Hard Labor Among Friends?”
Post 73: Retrenchment
Weeds were growing everywhere now, and starting to turn brown. I always checked the water meter box in the alley to make sure it was clear of them; otherwise I might get another reprimand from the city. This time it was clear of weeds. But the ground around it was wet, and the concrete boxContinue reading “Post 73: Retrenchment”
Post 72: Pain or Plastic?
Even before I sold my car eighteen years ago, I liked riding my bicycle around town—to get places and to get exercise. So I thought the Camelback was a cool invention, though I’d never tried one. A soft plastic bag within a small backpack with a long, flexible straw coming out of it, so youContinue reading “Post 72: Pain or Plastic?”
Post 69: Are You a Winter Wimp?
I am! I hate being cold, even just a little bit. You’d think growing up in Minnesota would have toughened me up a bit, but no. As soon as I was old enough, I escaped to a warmer place: this Sonoran Desert. (We still have winters here, but they’re mild—nowhere near as cold as theContinue reading “Post 69: Are You a Winter Wimp?”
Post 68: A New New Stuff Sucks!
This post will be a little different, for a couple reasons: One: I lost more than a week due to illness—not Covid, but a debilitating infection. I’m okay now, though. I’m so thankful we still have antibiotics! Two: With this post we’re kicking off a new feature of the blog: Each post will feature aContinue reading “Post 68: A New New Stuff Sucks!”
Post 67: Is There Really a Goddess of Reuse?
This post is about the Goddess of Reuse. You have to wade through some text to get to her, but it’s worth it. I was still young and good-looking when I installed my gutters. It was 1998, and my permaculture teachers had just answered a question I’d had since moving to Tucson: Was it worthContinue reading “Post 67: Is There Really a Goddess of Reuse?”
Post 60: People Bought These 10 Items! You Won’t Believe What Happened Next!
Not buying stuff adds up to real money. It doesn’t always seem like it, when the refused purchase is something small, but it does add up. I was able to retire at age 49—even without Social Security and Medicare. It wasn’t like I was making the big bucks; I think the most I ever madeContinue reading “Post 60: People Bought These 10 Items! You Won’t Believe What Happened Next!”
Post 55: My Top 10 Best Alley Finds Ever (Outdoor Edition)
Looking at the examples below, you might think I spend my days prowling the alleys. Not true. It’s great exercise, but I also go for walks via the neighborhood streets. I hit the alleys maybe once every couple of months, adding an extra trip if I’m looking for something in particular. On those occasions IContinue reading “Post 55: My Top 10 Best Alley Finds Ever (Outdoor Edition)”
Post 53: Punished for Our Purchases
A couple weeks ago, Terry and I had to buy some new stuff. Once in a while, as I’ve said, it’s unavoidable. At least we could still protest the shopping trip by biking to the store instead of driving there. The temperature was in the three digits, but it was only two miles away andContinue reading “Post 53: Punished for Our Purchases”
New Stuff Sucks 