The Greenhouse

One early February Friday evening we turned into our Cutchogue driveway when the headlights swept over a massive pile on the front porch.  I said, "What is that!!!", to which Amy replied, "Happy Birthday".  There were three multi-strapped eight foot long cartons each weighing over 150 pounds labeled "Easy Grow Greenhouse".  She's always wanted one, finally found one with a major discounted sale price, had an excuse (my birthday) and had an available guy who sorta knows his way around a screw driver.  A fourth cartoon showed up the next day.


Saturday, eager to check out my new erector set project I opened a carton and started stacking "like" pieces called "profiles" together, for instance, each profile who's part number began with an L as in L104B, L278R, etc.  As there was snow on the ground this happened in the living room eventually spreading into the dining room making casual comfort no longer possible in those hazardous areas for nearly two months.  It did serve a purpose though.  On the first page of fifty-seven large pages of small instructions in English it said in Section 1 Part 1 Step 1 to make sure that I received all of the pieces listed below and yes, among other parts there were indeed 198 S02s which was one size of screw.  It also said that only a screwdriver and pliers were required for easy assembly, notably omitting hacksaw, band saw, exacto knives, table saw, hammer, channel locks, soft head mallet, duct tape, clamps, drill and drill bits of various sizes, aspirin, bandaids and contractor's glue to name a few off the top of my head.  These guys are funny!  So is the stated fact that two handy people could assemble the greenhouse in a day...  Hilarious!  I figure I spent a day's time simply removing the labels and their sticky gunk from each piece as it was assembled. That chore eventually became easier by discovering a solvent called KRUD KUTTER.  No home should be without it.

EASY GROW IS NOT TO BE CONFUSED WITH EASY BUILD!

A few minor problems were encountered during assembly.  Some profiles were too long, some holes were too small, some profiles were mislabeled,  some of those were reverse labeled, R for Right only fitting on the left side, and visa versa for the Ls, proof positive that dyslexia occurs in China.  Some of the panels were too wide (table saw) and the one most important and complicated roof profile, the one to which both roof vents were to attach wouldn't accept the vent hinges when the time came. I found out the profile was incomplete as shipped and was supposed to be a factory preassembled piece according to instructions on page 51.  I thought and thought and could not figure this one out.  Humbled, I called a nice lady at customer service who had a pleasant voice and jolly disposition.  When asked where I was in the project I told her Section 17 Part 8 Step 3.  "WOW, you really got far without calling" she boomed excitedly into the phone.  She described the pieces that should have been attached and I located them both, very small pieces really, on the living room floor under the coffee table most definitely not preassembled.  She happily went on to tell me that there was a quick fix to get them where they belonged which started out, "Got a pencil?"  "OK, good." "First, remove the back wall..." etc., etc.

To make a very long story short, the greenhouse is complete enough for now with five S02s left over and a few other small shiny thingies.  Oh, I forgot to mention that I installed 111.5 meters (about the length of a football field) of weatherstripping one quarter inch at a time, by main force, cramming it in with a screw driver, only puncturing my opposing palm once by an accident type I like to call "slip through".  Always keep your tools clean, you'll heal faster!

I'm very happy with the base I added as a fore thought.  I don't have to duck at all to get inside.  I'm thinking one of these kits would nicely extend the growing season of our neighbors to the North.

6X6s cut for lap joints

Finding level

4' Rebar
Do not doubt that she wields a mean 5 lb. hammer

(the stake is where the new fence will be)

Pleasantly reminded of my erector set days

Back wall with panels, this is going to be easy!

Skeleton on base

Section 17 Part 8 Step 3  Can't be done!

Cedar mulch floor

Vent hinges secured finally

Starting seed in a warm cedary smelling place

THE REST OF THESE ITEMS WERE
NOT PART OF THE KIT.

Home made screens

Electric feed

Water feed

Faucets and riser

Misters

Spray, really

The End!

Birthday Boy

Nine Kreiders gathered for a big birthday party.  The Birthday Boy was the center of attention . . . and an angel.

Some moments with Yuri

It was fun waking up to our first day with Yuri

this morning. He energetically pushed a chair around while

Bill steered it, helped Kay get organized in our guest room, and

really enjoyed lunch.

First Luncheon on the deck (March 31st)

There was an ever-so-brief window of warmer weather and sunshine last Thursday, so I surprised Janice by setting up lunch on the protected back deck.  It was windy, and within an hour or so the good weather moved to gladden hearts elsewhere.  This is our usual lunch:  homemade soup (my chicken broth with an onion and noodles), sliced cold veggies, bread, jam, peanut butter (the sole reason I eat carrots and celery).  Simple.

The card table and chairs were our wedding presents from Janice's parents nearly 46 years ago.  We resolutely keep using them, though each table leg requires that final extension once the table is in position.  The table cloth is a gift from our wonderful cleaning lady/friend, the grape trellis (above) was built by Aaron and me, the deck by Sig and his late son (and me), the garage is a pull-down for sure, and Janice is trying to keep the table cloth from blowing off.

Bonkers' Vigil

While cleaning up some of my photo library I came across this shot taken from a bedroom window four weeks ago.  It's Bonkers sitting in the boat seeming to know there will be NO fish head treats until this darn snow is gone!

My Favorite Asian Grocery

This is my "go to" store for all things Asian.  The first time I went in I was searching for fresh lemongrass, found it and discovered that there was a bakery on the premises that made  both roasted pork and sweet bean bows not to mention coconut pie.  I've come to know the place pretty well by now and go there nearly every week as it's the best place for super fresh inexpensive fruit and veggies and they have so many different kinds of frozen dumplings and dim sum to choose from it's staggering.  I still don't know what half of the items are as many of them have no English labels.  Sometimes I can kind of tell what something might be but not whether it is mind numbingly hot tasting or not!  Drop by our place in Bayside and if you like, I'll take you on a tour of the store.

Lots and lots of greens

Dried Fungi

Jelly Anyone?

Garlic

Everything but the Squeal

Seafood

The duck I was telling Paul about...
thirty four in each layer

These cookies must be very good!

Shellfish

Sauces and Dips

Black Chicken... go figure

Would anyone like a little egg for breakfast?

Fish Counter

Many, many dried mushrooms

Big Foot and Razor Clams

What am I?

Times to Remember

A dear old friend, Gary Lake, re-posted this video on Facebook.  It is text only and doesn't need the music.  I think it's better silent.

Click here, then click on the big black box, then click on the arrow to start it.

 I like the part remembering when nobody was prettier than Mom.   XOXO Mom!

Crocuses in Back Yard on February 27

(I just couldn't resist sending these images. The snow will be gone tomorrow.)