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Ladybugs and tiny tomatoes

After planting the garden two weeks ago, the girls decided we should try something a little different.  They asked if we could add ladybugs to the garden.  How did they get such an idea I have no idea but I found the request to be both interesting and possibly fun.  In life I have found there are many things asked of us that are not possible so when I come across those that are I do my best to oblige.

I did think this request would be easier to fill than it turned out to be.  Madison and I jumped into the car last week and headed to a local garden center.  We looked around a little and then asked a woman at the desk.  She looked at me as if I were a bit crazy and said no they did not carry them.  Back to the car and a little bit of a longer ride to the next center.  Right to the desk this time but same result, no ladybugs.  This center did carry them “maybe 2-3 years ago” but no longer.  Interesting, with the rise of environmental awareness that no one in my local area would carry a natural garden insect control.

So to the internet and within seconds many options appeared.  We placed our order with the promise of live ladybugs arriving through the mail.  Madison found this to be rather taxing to think about.  The questions flew, How would they ship them?  How do they get the bugs into the box? Would they still be alive? Are ladybugs really all ladies?  Hmmm on that one :-).Image

Saturday the package arrived in the mailbox.  1500 little red bugs ready to be set free.  We  followed the directions and set the out into the garden.  There were many who did not make it through the trip but even more did.  They scurried everywhere as did we.  With all of the movement in the garden we thought it best to just get out-of-the-way so they new residents could settle in.  While releasing them we did notice the beginnings of cherry tomatoes on two separate plants.  We may be eating from our garden before July!

Image 1I checked the garden today and indeed many of the friendly little bugs are still around.  It is yet to be seen if they will have an affect but we will was with great interest and enjoyment!

 

A great day!

IMG_4244Happy Mothers Day to all!  

What a nice day I had today!  It got off to a slow start with a morning filled with light recovery from a festive end of season soccer party yesterday.  We had the entire team and their families for a late night filled with  laughs, drinks, good times and a few fireworks.

The morning started with the girls giving me cards and crafts made at school, all very nice and thoughtful. They included cute things on “I love you because…” and little “helping hands” of items that I can cash in for help over the year.  I think one of my favorites was the card from Madison which was a recordable card.  I did not expect to hear he little voice telling me that she loved me as I opened it.   I also got flowers and a gift card to the hair salon which will come in very handy this Wednesday when I once again will wash the gray away.

Frank got us take out from the diner for breakfast which was very tasty.  After the girls and I laid on the sofa and watched a Harry Potter movie.  IMG_4266

An extra special event of the day was Madison’s first attempt to ride her bike without training wheels.  She prepared by putting on both knee and elbow pads explaining to me that she was nervous that she may fall. She headed outside with Frank as I went to grab some shoes.  I put on some flip-flops and headed out the front door just in time to see my baby pedal by.  I could not be more proud! IMG_4273The day wrapped up with Frank cooking dinner and the girls helping with the dishes.  Not a bad day at all!  I have come to realize that it is the little things that make life exciting.  Seeing my daughter overcome her fear and conquer a training wheel free bike, a hand written card filled with love or those moments just holding my girls while watching a movie.  These are the things that are important in life and I cherish every one!