When The Chips Are Down

I'd like to just fast-forward straight to the weekend if I may. I'm sure no one would protest?

This is one of those weeks when Mamas should be paid danger money (for all the stinky nap-naps, snotty noses, late nights, co-sleeping with legs askew and just plain gross things we have to do). I'm sick of this week and am saying so long suckaz to it.

If I had to come up with a highlight I'd be totes scraping the barrel at saying I've really enjoyed the discount on Lindt chocolate at my local IGA ($2.99 a block -yeeehaaaw!). I mean, if that's the best this week has to offer, then something's definitely wrong.

So in a bid to oust the sickness, boring-ness, and just plain fuddiness, the Doctor, Tiny and I visited the nursery to bring a little green into our grey-ness.

I've been blatantly snaffling cuttings of neighbour's geraniums (a la Cath at Chunky Chooky). I know geraniums are not for everyone, but when I think of Paris, I think of looking up at those high apartments with the flower pots in the windows, with colour oozing out. And that's what I want in our home. Except we're not in Paris. And we're not living in an apartment.

So I've doused the stems in hormone powder and bunged them in a pot. This is a no-brainer. A confidence builder.

The Doctor and I also bought some cherry tomatoes. My Mum told me that they were pretty simple to grow, so we're having a go at those too. And some basil. Anyone for some bruschetta in a few months?

Stupid Things I Do In My Spare* Time

I am punching myself in the head as I type. I just did something really, super incredibly stoopid.

I am the proud and lucky owner of three Phalaenopsis orchids. I am a lucky gal. And by no means a green thumb. My Mum and sisters can attest to this.And so can each of the orchids because none of them are flowering. NONE OF THEM! But I try and look after them (the orchids, not my family - though I do try and look after them too), and they are very leafy, lush and green. But no flowers = no cigar.

I visited my local nursery today, gleaned some tips, came home, inspected them, struck a few geraniums in the meantime and then I set to my orchids.

Firstly, word on the street, I had been using the wrong fertiliser. Which is for certs not my fault because someone at said nursery sold it to me. HMPH! So I got the right fertiliser.

I checked the stems and saw a nice little bud on one stem. I was excited. Like I said, no flowers for yonks. And then I bloody well cut it off in a stupid, distracted moment. ERGH! What an idiot. I need Peter Cundall.

Please tell me something stupid you've done. Just to make me feel better. Feel free to make something up.

image via - where there are some good tips!

* I use the term 'spare' loosely