8 Things You Need To Start Container Gardening

Tomato and peppers in buckets

Recently I started my seeds in three buckets I had laying around the home. I planted sunflowers, spinach, and watermelon. I couldn't find the rest of my seed packets. I looked everywhere.

Collar greens, peppers, and tomatoes in containers.

Lucky for me, a local flower shop was giving away vegetable plants. I missed the first day of the giveaway. I was able to go the very next morning after picking my daughter up from summer school. Customers were able to grab as many vegetable plants as they wanted. Being this late in June, there are still vegetable plants that can be planted late in Ohio and still produce a bunch of yummy vegetables.

Click photo to enlarge.
Planting in containers

I went from having three buckets of seeds planted to all of this. I ran out of containers to plant in. What I had left I placed in the flower bed out front in between the boards of a small pallet. 

I was able to plant several varieties of tomatoes, spicy peppers (Habanero, Tabasco etc.), collard greens, sweet bell peppers and more. It's not everything I wanted to plant this year. I can't complain. It is more than what I had when I started. I feel blessed.

8 Things You Need To Start A Container Garden

1. Containers: The first thing you need is to collect your containers. You can plant in any type or size of containers. The bigger the plant, the bigger container you will need. You also need to decide if you planting one plant per pot or several in one to save space. Containers also make moving the plants indoors easier if you want to get more produce when the colder weather starts to set in.

2. Drainage Holes: Most containers come with drainage holes. If not, you need to make your own drainage holes. You can use a drill to add holes or use a screw driver to pound holes with a hammer. Too wet of soil can kill different plants. The plants will drown.

3. Stones, Rocks, or Soda Cans: These items will help with drainage. They help cover the holes to keep the soil in but allow extra water to drain out. Plus, they help take up extra space instead of using so much soil. Clean soda cans work well in larger containers for two reasons. They are light weight if you need to move the container after planting and can hold water.

4. Soil And Or Mulch: Your plants need plenty of soil to allow for root growth and to help keep your plants standing upright in a strong wind. Instead of blowing over or being uprooted. Mulch is a great cover on top of the soil to help support the plants. Mulch also works well as the soil. If you run out of the soil and only left with mulch. 

5. Seeds or Plants: Whether you start with seeds or go to your local home & garden center to get plants, you need to start with a list. That way you know what you have and don't have. Carry your list and mark the seed or plant off when picking them out.

6. Seed Or Plant Tags: Keep the plant tags to place in the containers you are growing them in. If you don't have any, you can make your own by using popsicle sticks or plastic spoons. Write what each seed or plant is on each tag you create. That way you know what you planted. This is great if you plant several varieties of the same plant or seed.

7. Fertilizer: Some people choose to buy soil with fertilizer already in it. For those who don't or those who use the dirt from their backyard, fertilizer is great to help the growth of your seeds or plants. I tend to use a slow release fertilizer. As to much fertilizer can burn the roots. 

8. Sunlight: Most of all you need adequate sunlight. The more sun your seeds and plants can have, the bigger and healthier they will grow. I like to place mine in an area that is sunny with no to minimal shade.   

Is there anything you can add to what one would need to start a container garden?

Photos ©Sandy KS unless otherwise stated.
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She is a Child She Is Not To Blame

This is the continuation from where I left off at "He made my daughter get in the car." 

I just found out my ex-fiance had made my special needs daughter get in the car down at the bus pick up. By this point my nerves are shot. I had to make a decision and fast. Every bad scenario was flashing through my brain. I kept thinking what was I taught to do in case something like this happened. 

When my son came home, I told him to go to his room. He did not have to shut his door. He could listen to what I had to say to his sister but I didn't want him to say a word. As I wanted my daughter to feel comfortable enough to tell me what was going on. I could see the confusion on his face as he shook his head in agreement and went to his room. He left his door open.

Luckily, my daughter came strolling up the street before I could complete my thought process. Those few minutes was probably the longest minutes I have ever experienced in my life. Relief washed over me.

As soon as my daughter walked through the front door, I let her know we needed to have a serious talk. I started asking her the same questions I have asked her countless times before. Such as: Has anyone touched you in your private spots? Have you touched anyone in their private areas? Etc. All questions came with a swift no. Yet, I knew better because I saw the videos. 

I finally decided to get the point. I told my daughter,"I know what happen. I know he made you get in the car." She started crying. At that point she knew I was aware of what had been happening. I asked her what my ex-fiance said to her in his car. She told me he had told her to say it was Brain, his brother. Not him. I looked at her and asked her if she thought I was dumb as I started playing the video. I asked her if she thought I couldn't recognize my own daughter or what my ex-fiance's member looked like. 

I kept my voice calm the entire time I was questioning my daughter. She was crying and getting defensive. She started screaming I was blaming her. I quickly reassured her that I was not blaming her as I gave her a hug. That she was not to blame. That she was the child. He was an adult. He knew what he was doing was wrong. He did not care about her or me. He cared about himself. I did not blame her. As she was not the one in control.

I asked her if she wanted me to call the police. She said no. I asked her why not? As she stared at me I asked her if she wanted the same thing that happened to her to happen to another little girl because it would if we didn't call the police to stop it. She said no. She was scared. That is when I told her she doesn't have a choice. That I had already called the police. I was waiting for them to show up. My daughter ran to her room. 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I am going to stop writing for today. I will continue tomorrow. This is therapeutic writing but it is hard and relieving the ordeal does take a toll on me. I am writing this in hopes to help others. Even if it is as simple as letting them they are not alone. If this is happening to you or your family. You must speak out and speak up to get it to stop.

All photos are from Pixabay.com, a free use photo web sharing website.

He Made My Daughter Get In The Car

I think back to the day I found out my ex-fiance was sexually messing around with my special needs daughter. I think about how I reacted and what I did. What I should have done differently. I wish I could go back and fix my mistakes.

The moment I heard the Amber Alert. I turned it off on my phone. I still heard another going off. I searched for the phone. I found an old phone that can only be accessed by wifi hidden inside the couch. I turned the Amber Alert off and started going through the phone. I want to mention if you have it set up on your phone for Amber Alerts, your phone will give an alert even if the sound is turned off. That was the only way I found out what was happening to my daughter.

I started going through the phone when I came across several videos that showed my ex-fiance messing with my daughter. I will not go into detail about what I saw in those videos. As those videos will haunt me for the rest of my life. I will tell you my whole body started shaking like crazy. My whole world came crashing down.

The first mistake I made was sending my ex-fiance a text saying I saw the videos. He texted back asking what videos. I replied you know exactly what videos I am talking about on the old phone hidden inside the couch. He immediately called me. The same thing was said over the phone as it was in the texts. Except he told me he was coming home.  I should have never tried to confront him. I should have never sent him that text. I should have contacted the police right away.

After I hung up the phone, I realize my mistake. I immediately called the local cops. I told them I found a phone with videos where my fiance was messing with my special needs daughter. I was told someone would be out to the house. 

During the wait, I was freaking out. I was wondering what if my ex-fiance got to the house first. He would deny it and destroy the phone. I was trying to think of a way to still have proof if my ex-fiance destroyed the phone. What did this momma do? I used my phone and recorded each video. You can clearly see my head in the video as I explained I was going to video the videos and why. That was probably one of the smartest things I ever did. 

As I looked at the time, I was freaking out and shaking like crazy. As I was wondering who would be at the house first: my ex-fiance, my teenagers or the police.

My ex-fiance was the first to arrive at the house. He came in and wanted to see the video. All he kept saying was it was his brother over and over again. His brother and his brother's girlfriend was arrested a year prior to this happening by the FBI and local police in my living room. That is another story for a different time. I asked if it was his brother why was my daughter saying his name over and over. He tried to tell me I was hearing her wrong. She was saying bat not Matt. I knew better. So, I asked him if his manhood looked exactly like his brothers. His response was classic. He tried to tell me it was and he would prove it if he had pictures. I laughed because I knew he was lying and trying to trick me. He also kept telling me to break the phone. I wouldn't. He grabbed the phone. I don't know what he did with it.

All this lead into a conversation while he stood in the doorway. I don't remember everything. I do remember telling him he had to leave. As he kept asking when he could come back home. I told him I had to talk with my daughter first, to hear what she had to say. It took everything I had to sit on the couch and let him think he was in control.

He asked if he could get some of his stuff from the bedroom. I said no. As I knew there were guns in the bedroom. I was shot by an ex-husband and I kept thinking if I allowed him to go to the bedroom. He would kill me to cover all this up. I was afraid as I stood my ground about him leaving. I had the same feeling wash over me as the night I was shot by my ex-husband. I was relieved when he left.

Within fifteen minutes the teenagers were getting off the bus. My teen son walked through the door and informed me that my ex-fiance had told him to walk home. As he told my daughter to get in the car. The thoughts and fear going through my head were unbelievable. Fear was no longer for me. I feared for my daughter. I was debating on what to do next.  

That is all I am writing about today. As I notice the time. I need to go pick my daughter up from summer school. 

Back To Writing

I am slowly getting back to writing blogs again. I plan on doing a little writing each morning. The past few months have been extremely rough around my home. I took a break from blogging because I did not have the energy and could not get my thought process to think about anything but the pain. I am determined to not let the past defeat me or define who I am. I am a blogger, photographer, a mother, and a woman.

A little recap: A few months ago, I learned my ex-fiance and the perfect man was a monster in disguise. He had been sexually abusing my daughter for several years. The only reason I found out is thanks to an Amber alert going off on an old phone he took several videos on. If it wasn't for that Amber alert, I would have never found out.

A week or so before finding out, I started praying to God. I had tears in my eyes and shakiness in my voice. I prayed to God that I wanted my little girl back. I knew she was screaming for my help and attention but I had no clue what she was trying to tell me. I got exactly what I asked for.

 When you say a prayer, make sure you really are looking for the answer because God will give it to you. It may not be in the way you choose or a way you would even think of. God will answer your prayer just the same.

I'm not trying to make this a religious post. As I know not all my readers believe in God or believe in the same things as I do. Heck, my teenage son doesn't believe in God at all. he chooses to believe in Science. I am trying to tell my story from when my world came crashing down around me to the point where I could do nothing but cry. I was broken. I still am broken. Yet, I choose to put myself back together. Even though I know it will get worse before it gets better.

Til another blog, where I will divulge more. 

Photos from Pixabay, a free use photo sharing website. 

Beef Sausage Served With Kale And Veggies

One day I was out and abound running errands all day long. I wasn't able to grab something to eat along the way. By the time I got home I was hungry. I was running on low. I needed to get some yummy food in me. I did what I do best. I looked through the refrigerator to see what meat I had thawed out. All I saw was the beef sausage link. I grabbed it and sat it on the table. I looked in the deep freezer and noticed a bag of Kale with veggies I had previously bought from the Schwan's man. I grabbed it and sat it on the stove. 

Next, I grabbed a cutting board. I got the beef sausage out of its package and started slicing it up. I added it to a frying pan. When the beef sausage was cooked halfway through I added the bag of kale and veggies to the pan and a little olive oil. I mixed it all together and covered the pan. Every five minutes I would lift the lid and stir the ingredients together, overturning to make sure nothing would burn til the veggies was nice and tender. I removed the pan from the hot burner and served the meal on styrofoam plates. 

You can make your own version of this meal with the recipe below. As I always make a homemade version of any grab and go meal. As I like to know what I put in my meal to make it healthier when I can.  

Beef Sausage Served 

With Kale And Veggies

12 to 16 ounces of Beef Sausage - sliced

1 1/2 cup Kale - chopped

1 cup of carrots - chopped but longer slices

1/2 red bell pepper chopped or sliced

1 cup of lima beans

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon ginger

1/2 teaspoon of olive oil

Fry the beef sausage half way before adding all the veggies to the same pan. Cover pan with a lid. Stir every 5 minutes till the meal is done to prevent burning.

Note - You can add different vegetables to the mix if you like. 

Photos ©SandyKS aka rusty2rusty.

Starting Over Doesn't Mean You Have To Throw Away Your Bucket List

It is no secret I am single again and starting over. My whole life turned upside down and plans changed. I can't say I am to down about it because I am not. Or at least it hasn't hit me yet. I am told it is the denial stage. I don't know, I'll have to see how things play out. 

In the meantime, I have got rid of my 30-gallon bag full of good clean clothes of his. I donated them to a drop box for clothes and shoes. I also gave away a bunch of frozen meats to my eldest son I will not eat. Nor will my teenagers. Plus, a bunch of other food and juices to one of my sisters. I had too much and knew there was no way I could consume it all. I had to give it away before it spoiled. 

I have bagged up two more bags of clothes to donate of his. I need to bag up the clothes in the dresser, bedroom closet, hanging in the living room closet, and laundry room. Plus, I need to sort through the shed in the backyard. I am going to sell what I can. I plan to do it cheaply to get rid of it all. As I don't want any reminders fo him being here. 

I still plan do things on my bucket list that we were supposed to do together. This time I will do it alone. As I am sick and tired of being promised things that never happen. Instead, I am going to do some traveling and possible soul searching on my own. 

My Bucket List

1. Visit Niagra Falls - I have never seen a real waterfall.

2. Go on a Haunted House road trip.

3. Go to several concerts.

4. Visit Italy some day.

5. Go to Colorado, I have planned to go there roughly 20 years ago. I haven't made it thus far. 

My bucket list is longer. Yet, these are my top five things I want to accomplish before I die. 

Do you have a bucket list? If so, what is something you have listed on your bucket list?

Party Animal Dog Food Recall

The company Party Animal has issued a recall of two of their can dog food. As they have tested positive for pentobarbital, a euthanasia drug. 

The Products Affected Are 

Cocolicious Beef and Turkey 12 ounce can.
Lot number 0136E15204 04
Best used by July 2019

Cocolicious Chicken and Beef 12 ounce can.
Lot number 0134E15 237 13
Best used by August 2019

Party Animal issued a statement to the public on their website explaining more in detail how they found out about the issue - Party Animal Public Statement

If you have any questions or concerns, consumers are welcome to contact the company by phone at 855-727-8926 or by email at info@partyanimalpetfood.com

U.S. citizens are urged to contact the FDA to report any complaints about FDA-regulated Pet Food or products by going to  the website FDA.gov/petfoodcomplaints

Experience Four Seasons And Activities

Funny thing I noticed when I Googled the words 'four seasons'. Every link shared on the first page is the Four Seasons hotel, resort, restaurant, or a band. I wonder why is that when there another four seasons not mentioned. 

A season is part of the year, divided up by the changing of the weather. The four seasons that are experienced in certain parts of the world are spring, summer, fall, and winter. 

I live in NW Ohio, where I experience all four seasons. Not ever part of the world can experience all four seasons like Ohio can. Let me tell you a little bit about each season and the different things I have experienced with each of them.

Winter

Winter is the first season of all four seasons of the years experienced in my area. Which would be the months of December, January, February, and March. Many animals will migrate or hibernate. People will dress to stay warm, consume hot drinks like hot chocolate, coffee or tea.

Activities During The Winter

Sledding
Skiing
Making snowman
Snowball fights
Building Snow forts
Making snow angels

Of everything in the winter, I like doing the least would be shoveling the driveway or sidewalks.

Spring

Spring is the second season of the four seasons experienced in my area. Spring arrives late March to early April. The funny thing about Spring in Northwest Ohio, you never know what type of weather to expect from day to day. One day it can be 65 degrees and sunny, next day 45 degrees and stormy, followed by hail or snow will low temperatures. You get to experience a wide range of weather. It can get windy in the Spring, where you must watch out for Tornados.

Spring is when the trees start to bud, flowers start to grow, and grass starts to turn green in the areas that turned brown. The ground will be moist, damp and in some areas covered with water. Animals start to come out of hibernation, migrate back from warmer parts of the USA, and birds will build a nest and lay eggs. Many animals are born throughout spring and summer.

Activities In The Spring

Planting flower or vegetable gardens

Fly a kite

Cleaning up local parks

Riding a bike

Spring cleaning
Opening windows or doors to allow fresh air in
Kayaking or canoeing

Summer is the third but hottest of all seasons to be experienced in Northwest Ohio. Temperatures can rise from the 70's to low 100's. People wear less or thinner clothes. Like shorts and dresses. Instead of boots, they will wear sandals and gym shoes. School's are let out during this time. Families do a lot of traveling during the summer. People look for ways to stay cool while staying busy.

Activities In The Summer

Hiking

Swimming
Camping
Visiting local parks
Traveling

Attending gardens

Fishing or hunting

Autumn

Autumn also is known as Fall is the last of the four seasons you will experience in Northwest Ohio. Autumn is the transition from summer to winter. Where the earth prepares nature for winter. As the day and nights gradually get colder and longer. Leaves on trees start to turn colors and fall off. 

Activities in Autumn

Preparing a garden for winter

Canning foods grew in the garden
Roasting smores over a campfire

Carve pumpkins

Go to corn mazes or haunted houses

Go on hay rides

What season do you experience where you live? What season is your favorite?

Once Upon A Time Holy Bible and Storybook Bible Book Review

I was excited to have the opportunity to review the Once Upon A Time Holy Bible and Storybook Bible. I received both books for free in exchange for an honest review based on my opinion. All opinions are honest and based on my personal experience.

My daughter is special needs, ADHD and issues with her cognitive learning. Her reading level in behind compared to her age. She was delighted with the storybook bible. As she could read and follow along. She had a little trouble with some words but thoroughly enjoyed learning what they were and what they mean. 

I have recently started attending church service again with my daughter. My daughter takes the Once UpOn Time Holy Bible with her while she attends church. She has shown it off to her friends and to the church Pastor. She will show them off to anyone who will listen to her. 

My Review

For one I want to start off by saying the Bible is real. The stories are real. They are produced for younger children 8 -12 years old to be able to understand and possibly learn in some way. Both books are based on the Christian belief. Neither the Once Upon A Time Holy Bible or the Storybook Bible are considered a form of entertainment. These books are a teaching tool to help children with the Christain principles and lifestyle. It is a way to introduce children to God. 

I have read several reviews written on these books that seem to be nick picking them apart for small things. Personally, I find the illustrations and covers to be beautifully done. I find it to contain 33 well-known stories from the bible. I remember hearing them when I was a child. I noticed the stories started with 'Once Upon A Time' and always ending with 'Happily ever after' like the fairytales. The difference I found was the bible verse that followed each 'Happy ever after.' Which the children could easily look up to reinforce the message the stories were sending. I believe this helps children understand and can connect the dots between a story and a principal to live. 

I noticed the Once Upon A Time Bible is not a study guide but a Bible to read for when the children do not need extra help or understanding. 

I like the fact I could use these books to show the difference between fairy tale and fact. With each storybook bible story read, I use the verse provided for my daughter to read it from the Once Upon A Time Holy Bible. We would talk about the story and how it would relate to something in what is going on right now. Questions would be asked and we both had a greater understanding of God after we were done. 

To learn more, visit the official websites at -

Once Upon A Time Holy Bible

Storybook Bible

Buy link 
http://media.harpercollinschristian.com/page/onceuponatime

You can purchase the Bibles where books are sold and the Storybook Bible is currently available at Sam’s Club or wherever books are sold.

2 Different Flavors Of Beef Ribs On The Grill

Yesterday I hosted a mini BBQ party. First, my daughter and I woke up and attended church. It lasts about two hours.

After leaving there we stopped off at Walmart, Chief's and Dollar General to pick up things for the party.  A bunch of people showed up to the BBQ. All of my children were there and their families, my nephew, my mom, his dad, and a bunch of friends.  

My grandson had a blast playing with a plastic ball, blowing bubbles and using chalk on the cement. 

As for the beef ribs, each was covered in butter and baked for over an hour in the oven. The biggest beef ribs were covered in Baby Ray's BBQ sauce. The smaller set of beef ribs were covered in a Teriyaki sauce. 

Why the two different types of flavors on the ribs? Well, everyone knows BBQ sauce is made with tomatoes. I am allergic to tomatoes. So, we had to choose something I could eat. That is why there were two different flavors. I couldn't tell you what kind of spices were used on the beef ribs. As my the person who was grilling would not tell me. He does not share his recipes like I do.

Food At BBQ

Beef ribs - BBQ and Teriyaki flavors

Cheeseburgers

Small steaks

Grilled french sesame bread with butter

Potato Salad

Macaroni salad

White cheddar mac and cheese

Green beans

Corn

Cheesy noodles

German Chocolate Cake

Every last bit of food was eaten. Even the cake had no leftovers. When I went to go get me some ribs, there was only one teriyaki rib left. I saw it and pointed out to everyone standing around to not touch that one. It was mine. As I could not eat the other kind. I am allergic to the BBQ sauce. I grabbed it real quick before it disappeared. As the food was so good it was disappearing as soon as it left the grill. That or everyone was too hungry to wait til someone hollered out food's ready. As I never got a chance to. 

How was your weekend? When was the last time you grilled out? What kinds of food do you normally grill?