Aromatic Shower Disks

Vicks made these shower disks (from Frugal by Choice, Cheap by Necessity) for a short while, and I was enamored with the soothing sensation they evoked. I don't think they make them anymore. After hearing that that they're v. easy to make, I had to give it a whirl. I desperately miss the eucalyptus steam room from the gym, so I needed a little something to make up for it.

You can use whatever essential oils you like, but I highly recommend eucalyptus, tea tree oil, and/or rosemary. Even if you're not sick, they are refreshing and rejuvenating. Just plunk them in the shower, and they'll melt away down the drain. You could probably also use them in the bathtub. And since they're made with baking soda, water, and essential oils, you don't have to worry about sending toxic pollutants into the water system.

Canning Tomatoes

Several weeks ago, Jason and Crystal kindly invite me to their house to can tomatoes. I am now the proud owner of seven quarts of tomatoes. Unfortunately, we ran out of time to make dill pickles, but Jason generously shared six pints that he made later. (They were also sweet enough to bestow kale, potatoes, pears, and peppers on me; for awhile, I was absolutely swimming in produce.) We ended the evening with a marvelous eggplant Parmesan for dinner. Thanks to the Daleys for re-introducing me to canning--I hadn't done it since childhood--and recommending Ball's Blue Book Guide to Preserving. (Jason L. got me a copy for my birthday, so now I'm ready to preserve at the least provocation. ;))

Heating the tomatoes to loosen the skins

 

The tomatoes are plunged into an ice bath after being heated to faciliate removing the skins

Mr. Daley preventing air bubbles

The ebot monitoring the processing

The finished tomatoes put up in my cupboards

Sandy Orifices

Reading at the beach

This summer, I've discovered the beach at Governor Nelson State Park. I think we've been three times. I love it because even if it's busy, it doesn't seem crowded. The beach area is quite large. Others, like the beach at Vilas, get overcrowded quickly. I even bought us floaties at Target, so we could form the world's smallest flotilla and soak up the rays while still being in the water.

Look at my crazy peg leg!

I've also gone for two whole bike rides this summer, which is two more times that I've ridden since I got my new bike about two years ago. I have a bit of a biking phobia, so this is a major accomplishment.

La Fete de Marquette

In early July, a bunch of us hit La Fete de Marquette to celebrate French culture and music. Held at the corner of South Dickinson and East Washington, the free festival benefited the Wil-Mar Neighborhood Center. Despite the oppressive heat, I donned my stripey green halter dress, drank beer, and even burned up the dance floor a bit. I was very sweaty and a bit dehydrated by the time we left. (As most of you know, I imbibe so much that bottled water could easily bankrupt my retirement fund. Because I go through so much plastic, I also feel like I'm personally responsible for heightening our petroleum dependence. Next year, I vote for a drinking fountain somewhere where I can at least refill a purchased bottle.) The music was impressively good, and we were surprised that the stage was so large. I had fun and met some new people.

Just Deserts?

There's lots to love about Phoenix: funky architecture; geography, flora, and fauna vastly different from the Midwest; a vibrant vibe; marvelous restaurants; great hiking; and tons more. One thing that concerns me, though, are the lawns and the golf courses. Lush, artificial environments requiring lots of maintenance and resources (read: water) should not be plunked in the middle of the desert.

Water has always been a major issue in Phoenix, but massive population growth (one figure said the city has grown 77% since 1980) and a persistent drought over the past two decades has made it even more pertinent. Phoenix receives its water from four sources: the Colorado River (34.5%), surface water (from lakes, streams, and rivers other than the Colorado)(17.2%), groundwater (35.8%), and effluent water (water mixed with waste that can be reused (12.3%). The drought particularly affects the surface water levels. To sustain surface water, the area relies on precipitation. Melted snow from the northern part of the state and rain feed surface water suppliers such as the Salt River and the Verde River.

And where is the water being used? According to the Phoenix Department of Water, the majority of usage is not for drinking. Instead, 2/3 of water is used for residential purposes, including landscape irrigation, and more than 60% of Phoenix' overall demand is for outdoor water uses, mainly landscape irrigation.

Doesn't xeriscaping make more sense? Xeriscaping is a portmanteau of xeros (Greek for dry) and landscaping. It's defined as utilizing plants that require less water, especially in arid ecosystems. Here, that means rocks and sand as filler instead of grass and plants like yucca, cacti, agave, and a host of others.

Why do people insist on having grassy golf courses and green lawns? My guess is status. As in temperate climes, a manicured lawn is a marker of status among certain groups. And using an inordinate amount of resources is also a way that many groups express social dominance.