After just one week of planting seeds, the seedlings for almost all of them have gone up like crazy. I already need to transplant some of them before they fall over!
The rest of the plants have also been doing quite well in this cooler, but still warm and comfortable weather. π
My BF went away during the week off that we had vacay, while I stayed here. He brought back some goodies and the cutest was a German gingerbread house – Hansel & Gretel was one of my favorites and this brought back happy thoughtss!
I haven’t been writing much about work because I try to pretend that it doesn’t exist when I am at home. However, there have been some interesting activities worth taking photos of….
It’s been a couple of months since I last posted about my container gardening. So, here’s an update.
I transplanted most of the seedlings and that has been going pretty well. Of 8 tomato plants, 6 have survived so far. About three of them are really growing well (pic will come later). Here are pics of them after a week of transplant –
The carrots are questionable as to whether or not they will take as it was a bit of a learning curve with those. I’m hoping that with some TLC, they will eventually take hold.
I transplanted some basil plants I bought from the store and they are looking a bit on the droopy side. I imagine they need more water and yesterday I moved half to another pot, so we’ll see if that helps.
The last two pots are of mixed herbs and they seem to be going strong.
All-in-all, I’m pretty happy with the progress of my little garden considering that it’s all been from seeds.
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Yesterday, I planted a whole new set of seeds for zucchini, green beans, snow peas, cucumbers, lavender, sage and celery. Once they pop up with some greenery, I’ll post pics. It’s a long labor of love, but I know once I see some veggies coming, I’ll be giddy!
This time of year is a busy one in Abu Dhabi with events like Formula One, which bring in big names for concerts after the races.
Although I hadn’t planned on going to many concerts this year, I already feel like a music groupie.
When they announced that Britney Spears was coming to town, I did not lament at the thought that I might miss it since only race ticket holders get general admission to the concerts. However, when they offered a contest to win free tickets I signed up twice using two email addresses. I mean who wouldn’t try to win free stuff?
In the end, nearly half the city, it seemed, won free tickets and so I won 4, which I passed on to three friends.
We made it a night with dinner and then headed to the show. It fulfilled my girlie quota for a while, but I did have fun. The concert itself was okay. Britney put on a good show and looks good, but still not the biggest fan….
Anyway, here’re some videos and pics –
The last few days have been quite full with socializing and enjoying the free events on offer in the city. So, I will try to catch up here a bit.
I got my haircut and highlighted, so I feel better with my hair as it had grown quite a bit.
Then, I met my friend and we had lunch at the mall. Then, we saw “The Rum Diary“, which was a pretty entertaining film. After that we shopped a little bit and then headed home. I was pretty tired, but decided since it was holiday, I should go out to the free music on the beach.
It was totally worth it! Wyclef Jean was awesome and the other acts before were pretty entertaining as well.
The next day was a bit rough as I was pretty tired, but I met some friends for lunch and had a nice long chat over coffee with another friend. Then, I went for a much deserved and needed 4-hour spa treatment at Chi, The Spa in the Shangri-la’s Qaryat Al Beri area. This may be my new favorite place to go for some pampering.
From there, I went back down to the Beats on the Beach to see the acts for the second day. Sadly, none were as good as the first day. Still, it was good to get out to enjoy the event and meet friends. However, I was so tired that it was nice to just go home a little early.
So, that’s my catch up for the last official days of holiday. The weekend events are uploading as I write. π
Wow, I have been busy and am tired….
Will write in more detail tomorrow. π
Why do the days have to go so quickly??
Today is my first full day off – I’m heading out for a hair appointment, meeting up with a friend whom I haven’t seen in … a while … for lunch and a film, then I might come home for a rest before going to the Beats on the Beach event that is kicking off tonight for the F1 weekend.
Last night, I managed to get out with some friends. We tried to take advantage of Ladies’ Night at Relax@12 in the Aloft Hotel nearby. The drinks weren’t very good, but the ambience and company was nice. We got to sit outside, which was fantastic! Sadly, no pics…. π
T’is all!
It’s been a quiet day today, which is good.
I went to bed early last night and got a full eight hours of sleep, which still had me up at 6.30 this morning. π
Since my headache was gone, I attempted to try running outside this morning, but the neighborhood is not exactly conducive for running and perhaps I was a hamster in my other life as I just prefer the treadmill. It allows me to not have to think too much other than keep my feet running…
It’s been a cool and breezy day, so I attempted twice to swim, but instead just soaked up some sun in the afternoon for a little bit.
Staying in means that I made some stew and fresh sourdough bread. Plus, watched a couple of films, tv shows and finished another academic book. So, that makes me feel content and happy.
Also, I marked a couple more essay drafts, but feel like I might shoot all of my students when I see them next. They have plagiarized not just parts of the paper, but some just copied from the Internet for the entire paper! So, I’m a little frustrated, but tried to remain objective when making comments/notes. It’s going to be a long remainder of the semester….
Anyway, I am going out tonight with some friends. Should be nice to get out for a bit.
Also, I’m a little bit concerned that my monitor on my MacBook Air is going out…need to dig out my receipt and box. Luckily, I am pretty certain it is still under warranty. However, I will need to backup the hard drive… bleh!
Well, that’s my boring update on my day. ;D
One night with not enough sleep and then having to wake up earlier than desired today has led to a tired Tara. Also, I’m wondering if the cloudy weather has triggered my migraine today or if it’s from being tired or a series of sources. In any case, it’s not very convenient for vacay! π
After the cleaners left, I took some meds and a nap. Sadly, I had to cancel plans for lunch with friends and to pick up a CSer from his hotel. Luckily, lunch was rescheduled and the CSer found his way here on his own. My headache dulled long enough for me to get out to both the Abu Dhabi Mall and the new Mushrif Mall.
At AD Mall, I found a 260cmx220cm duvet. Little known to most Americans, there are sizes larger than a King for bed covers. In America it’s called the California King, which is actually slightly smaller than the Super King size, which is European. So, going with the European size, I bought a new duvet and covers for the bed. Investing in a new duvet also means investing in new bedding, which is a bit pricey. However, if it means that there will be fewer nights waking up without covers, it will be worth the cost. π
At Mushrif Mall, I got some groceries and then attempted to do some reading at Mugg & Bean. Unfortunately, my migraine tried to return cutting my time short. It did remind me of the good ol’ days when I used to spend hours at a cafe studying. However, learning to study at home is definitely more economical. π
It’s been a quiet evening at home in hopes that an early bedtime and rest will get rid of the headaches. I watched a movie called August Rush from 2007 and loved it. I’m not sure why I had never heard of it before, but I’m glad I saw it. It was cute and sweet. π
Thus has been my day. The time is flying by rather quickly…too quickly!!!
