Xcel "Smart Grid" Comes to Town

Our power company is in the process of installing a new energy tracking system that is going to allow us to notice our energy usage as we go throughout the month and adjust it.
I think that's the plan, at least.

To do that, they had to make sure all the utility lines are clear of tree branches that have invaded the right of way over the years. Tree trimmers from all over the company are in town chopping and sawing and chipping the mulch to make way for the new system. Asplundh trimmed ours and did a good job.

Just up the street, these people weren't so lucky with the contractors. I actually did a double take when I saw this and had to turn around to get a picture. This heart of this tree is gone! There used to be a trunk right about where that telephone pole it. Wouldn't it have been better to just chop it down? With our hurricane-force winter winds, this poor thing doesn't have a chance. Arggh.

The problem with Compost

I'm gardening big time this year so I got my Yard Man to unearth the bottom of a years old compost heap for my corn patch.  He's such a dear and did it without any nagging from me.

I got out there in plenty of time before the rains and planted some corn, some beans and even some okra. When I saw the sprouts, there were locust trees germinating from beans that were composted years ago. ?!? The  little plant in the top photo growing tall and true? Yep, that's a tree.

There are lots of other things sprouting that I don't remember planting. I am not a bookkeeper. I am a digger and composter and waterer.

We'll see. The corn was a gamble, what with raccoons and partial shade. Primarily, I wanted to make a statement about growing food or to prove I could do it. I'm really crossing my fingers for the okra since I love the flowers (think Hibiscus) and the beans, well, beans aren't hard to find in the summer. Updates to follow.

Time out for Graduation

I took a few hours off from gardening last week to attend my son's graduation and here are some turtles from a pond on campus.

I was going to mention a tree tour that the University offers in the fall but can't find any evidence of it online. I did find the Colorado Tree Coalition's Notable Tree Tour which includes Andrews Arboretum (pdf file), a sweet slice of acreage in Boulder.

So much wonderful life to explore.