Bike Night.
Aug/100
There is a group of guys at my work who all own bikes and are very in to bike culture (we all have different types of bikes and like to commute when possible).
One of these guys decided it would be an awesome ministry to get older bikes donated to the church, which he (and some other volunteers) would check out, tune up, and then give away to some kids and adults in the city that wanted a bike for enjoyment, or needed one for transportation.
A few weeks ago, Kristi and I decided to stop by for one of the evening sessions to try our hand at bike repair. It was good that a bunch of other people showed up, too — because there were over 50 bikes waiting for us!
It was a really fun night getting to take bikes apart to switch out parts (or build Frankenstein bikes out of whatever components we could find). There were definitely guys there with more bike knowledge than me, but it was good to get my hands dirty and work on building my skill set.
We can’t wait to go back again to fix more bikes and, maybe one day, tag along during delivery to see the people who will be blessed with two wheels.
Me working on a bike:
I was super proud of Kristi who, even though it was her first time working heavily on bikes, swapped out a set of brake pads to get a bike in riding (and stopping) condition.
Test riding the bikes was always a blast. It looked funny when grown men were wheeling around on kiddie bikes:
Over 20 bikes were repaired and ready to give out to kids the following Tuesday at Serve the City:
Errands by Two Wheels.
Aug/100
This past June, Trevor received two panniers as a birthday present. These bags hang on either side of the rear wheel of his Surly, and allow him the ability to transport stuff via bike.
One of his first legitimate uses of these panniers ended up being a grocery shopping errand. Not only do we live close to a grocery store, but now we can pick up small amounts of groceries with two man-powered wheels instead of four gas-powered ones.
Other handy uses of these bags will be for Trevor’s commutes to work, allowing him to bring a change of clothes with him from home, and pack his lunch on his bike. Or just bring an extra Arnold Palmer to quench his thirst.
Deck Decoration.
Aug/101
New(ish) DIY plant arrangement, purchased with a birthday gift card to Sunshine Grow Shop.
This basket hangs from our deck railing. We opted to put it on the inside of the deck because it is easier to see and enjoy for those sitting outside. You can also get a nice view of it through our sliding glass door in our main living space. We hung it with a few zip ties, which can hold and support the weight of the basket sufficiently well.
The plants included are variegated vincas (I love the trailing effect over the sides), three different varieties of coleus, and wax begonias which are heat-loving flowers.
I picked out and assembled the arrangement myself, with some plant input from Trevor. While pre-made arrangements in the same size and type of metal basket cost upwards of $60 or more each, I made mine for nearly half the cost! The biggest expense was the metal basket frame, which cost about $20. The great thing is that it is reusable. The cocoa liner, however, will need to be replaced each season. The liner costs around $10-12. We already had the soil and plant food on hand. The plants we got at a discount because we shopped later in the season, when they went on sale. The variegated vincas were the most expensive, at $4 a plant, while the other flowers we got for $1 each or less! It pays to DIY.
While it still cost around $40 or $45 to make this basket, next year it will probably only cost about $15, the cost of a liner and perhaps a few flowers. Most of the plants we purchase are perennials, so they will come back year after year. We opt to buy annuals mainly for our front porch pots, as they are cheaper and allow for some variety each year.
Community Garden, Midsummer.
Aug/101
Now that we’re midway through the summer, the community garden at Southland has really been flourishing. Since we only work at the garden twice a month, every time we come back there are always so many changes.
Here’s when Alyosha came out, trotting beside the garden to go say hi to the neighboring horses.
We make the occasional friend at the garden.
Corn is being harvested this week.
Some plants – zucchini and squash – have been getting so big they are taking over the walking paths and even clobbered a few tomato and pepper plants. We’ve tried to redirect the creeping vines elsewhere to keep them from suffocating more neighboring plants.
We have veritable basil bushes, and a host of other wonderful-smelling herbs. I harvested a meager load of basil and made homemade pesto to give away. (Trevor is nearly convinced we need to replace our front bushes with basil… pretty, edible, and nice smelling.)
The tomatoes are getting huge.
There are even splashes of unexpected color – from the sunflowers and marigolds, to these bright stalks.
What is perhaps most amazing is that this garden is pesticide/chemical-free, and is still doing so well. We are amazed more critters have not turned the garden into a big feast for themselves. So far, at least.
Join us on a future Saturday and get your hands dirty!
Sunflowers.
Aug/100
The Community Garden is thriving… and sunflowers are just one example of how things have really taken off recently!
Oh, and did I mention that yours truly was accepted to the Fayette County Master Gardener Program this fall? I’m a little excited. Classes start after Labor Day.
Happy Friday!
10K Training
Kristi's Training Mileage:
Trevor's Training Mileage:
Good Reads
Kristi's read shelf:
Trevor's read shelf: