We left this oleander at our old house and I was kind of sad to leave it.  Even though it was on the side of the house and really no one ever saw it but us, I liked it.  I liked it’s pink blooms and how it stayed alive when we failed to water it the entire winter.  We even discussed digging it up but honestly we were lucky just to get all of our crap out of that house.

After we had already bought the house we went for our last look before move in and that is when I noticed this monster in the backyard.  When we looked at the house we did go back there but so many things were running through my head that I didn’t even notice or care what it was.  Look at this thing!!

That is our back fence that is around oh 6 foot tall and that oleander is taller.  It hasn’t bloomed yet so I’m not sure what color it is, but I love it already.  I like that they are evergreen and add a little life to our otherwise very brown yard.  It’s in need of a trimming but that will get done eventually.  I’m just so glad that it’s there and it makes leaving that little oleander behind a little easier.

Tags: Gardening by Shala
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I’m so confused.  Here it is January 19 and the weather we have been having is more spring weather than winter.  It was in the 70s the past two days and is supposed to be for the rest of the week, on Thursday even getting up to 76!  People in other parts of the country are dealing with snow and ice and we are getting outside enjoying the nice weather.

We have a nice large sun-room that has been housing all of our potted plants for the winter and on Saturday I moved them all outside.  They have been a little neglected, ok a lot neglected, since we moved so it was time for a lot of trimming and pampering.  After I got them all moved outside (which was no easy task) they all received some water mixed with liquid seaweed to give them a little boost.  After one day of being in the sun they all looked so much better.  It’s hard to believe that we still have months of waiting before we can move them outside permanently.

Getting to be outside with the plants for a bit really got us into gardening mode again.  Our new backyard needs A LOT of work, I mean a lot, so we are leaning toward a container garden this year.   We have one whiskey barrel and are thinking of grabbing a couple more of those to house some of the veggies.  We also like the look of these raised beds and will probably end up with some of those along with the barrels.  We like to plant a lot so we will need a lot of room!  I think that gardening this way this year will be easier for us.  It will be easier to maintain as far as weeding and watering, giving us some time to work on the rest of the yard and get a nice garden area set up for next year.

I’m soo ready for spring.  I used to love the winter time, but now I can’t wait for some nice gardening weather.   We seem to feel so much better when we can get outside and do some work in the yard.

Anybody planting something new this year?  We need some variety!

Tags: Gardening by Shala
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This past weekend we made it to Michael’s Charcoal Grill here in Midland Texas.  Local folks likely have eaten there more times than they can count.  Honestly, I am not the biggest fan in the world of this establishment – however it does have some style about it.

The Aviation Atmosphere

The entire place is based on aviation, from the model planes hanging from the ceilings, to the pictures of fighter jets and pilots covering the walls.  That part is pretty cool, gives you some eye candy to enjoy while your waiting on your food.

A Long History in Midland 

Now when I first moved to Midland (10 years ago), I thought this place was the top of the top.  I love burgers.  Let me get that out of the way first.  This place had a few good ones and I enjoyed going there for that reason alone.  As the years have gone by, I have eaten some of the best burgers in town, state & out of state… so these burgers now pale in comparison to past burger experiences.

However, Shala ordered ribs and they were decent and I am going to start branching out as we end up there from time to time.  I just don’t want people to yell at me, because Michael’s is their favorite and I’m talking trash.  I’m not talking trash, I like the place – I just am not that into it as much anymore.  I’m hoping that trying a few new items will cure this problem, as I really do like the atmosphere and the people are always nice.  Also I like when they yell the order back to the griller…

“Rell EYE – sumtin’ sumtin’” – I dunno what they really say, sounds like that though.

The KING of Condiments

Now usually, if a burger is good enough, no need to add anything.  Set me up with my beer and burger/fries and I will be good to go.  Michael’s gives you options though.  You want pickles, spears, jalapenos, bbq sauce… hell just walk over to the mile long bar of condiments and start adding it up.  Just don’t go too far, you gotta get your mouth around it.  Definitely a good selection of additions for those that like to expand their palette.

Now… The Beer

My beer brain is forever tarnished with the massive mugs at Murray’s (that folks, is alliteration), so seeing anything smaller… even though that is normal – has made me shed a tear (in my beer) ever since.  The good thing about Michael’s is, they serve pitchers of beer.  Now this isn’t usually a big deal in some places – but it seems as if our city eating establishments have shied away from this frosty goodness and Michael’s is an exception.  So needless to say, we took two frosty mugs and a nice big pitcher to wet our throats while we waited for a grillin’.  A+ as far as beers go.  AMEN to the pitcher – I hope they never change that.

Tags: A Boy And His Beer, Big Beers, Food, Reviews by James
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