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A Few of My Favorite Things for Travel

Planning the perfect trip is not an easy task. Neither is packing for the perfect trip and least of all traveling on said trip. But, there are a variety of items and apps that can make these tasks so much easier! In this post, I’ve complied a few of my favorite things for travel. I hope they become some of your favorites too!

Luggage and Packing

Let’s start with luggage. For an easy get-away I prefer to use the largest (and lightest) carry-on as possible. Luggage size varies depending on the airline so, to play it safe I use a case no bigger than 22 x 14 x 9 inches. My current suitcase is the Tumi V4 22-inch Expandable Spinner Carry-On. With spinner wheels, TSA lock and weighing in at just 7.1 lbs this case is super easy for me to handle. I also use the Tumi tote bag (matching of course) which I absolutely love because its got plenty of pockets for organization and an easy luggage sleeve that fits perfectly on my suitcase. Now for packing!

First of all I love to use the PackPoint app when prepping for a trip. This app will organize what you need to pack based on length of travel, weather at your destination, and any activities planned during your trip. You can also customize the templates. I also use Pinterest for inspiration for outfits. Just type: in something like, “packing for Italy in the spring” and see what comes up! Things that are always on my packing list are my , sleep mask, travel charger, and my airpods The two modes of listening on the airpods, noise cancelling and transparent, are invaluable.

Two things that changed my life when packing are packing cubes and YouTube. A set of packing cubes is a must! Duchamp has a good set. Fold your clothes as small as possible and place in a cube. When you arrive you can use the cube as a drawer! A video I watched on YouTube was another game changer. A trip savvy girl showed me how to wrap each of my shoes individually in plastic store bags and then fit into the suitcase. I let go of trying to keep shoe mates together in the suitcase and place individual shoes in areas like the dips between the ribs of the hard case cover which created so much more space for packing. I mean they are all going to the same place! I should also mention my new friend, the hat carrier. Never will I wear a smashed hat again!

My favorite toiletry bag is the TUMI Voyageur Madeline Cosmetic Bag. This bag combined with 1.5 oz Soft Silicone Travel Bottles ensures that you will have all of your necessities on hand. For added fun, I used my Cricut to create labels for each of my travel bottles so I can easily find what I need. Please note that if you are carrying on you WILL need to transfer all of your liquids and gels into a clear 1-quart bag. This is commonly known as the 3-1-1 rule: “Each passenger may carry liquids, gels and aerosols in travel-size containers that are 3.4 ounces or 100 milliliters. Each passenger is limited to one quart-size bag of liquids, gels and aerosols.” (TSA/Travel/FAQ)

“Cricuted” labeled toiletries in Tumi Voyageur Cosmetic Bag

Travel Apps

I already mentioned PackPoint and Pinterest but there are a few other apps on my favorites list. Most of these apps are only available for a smartphone.

  • Soduku + – I love this numbers puzzle and keep it on my phone to play while waiting for or on a flight.
  • Airline apps – Whatever airlines you choose you’ll want to download their app for easy access to tickets, changes, bookings, and inflight entertainment.
  • Rome2Rio – This app is the best for finding the quickest and cheapest transportation options when on or planning your trip.
  • Trainline – Perfect for purchasing train tickets, checking timetables and finding train stations globally.
  • TheFork – For finding and booking reservations at restaurants throughout Europe.
  • Resy – A growing app for finding and booking reservations in major cities.
  • OpenTable – The original restaurant reservation app. Used throughout the U.S. and a bit in Europe.
  • Amazon Kindle – Allows me to take my books across all of my devices.
  • Splitwise – The app makes traveling and sharing expenses with friends and family super easy and less awkward.
  • Hopper – I think the best feature of this app is “Flight Watch” which allows me to put in parameters for a flight and Hopper lets me know when its the best time to to purchase the ticket.
  • Uber – Find a driver to get you where you are going. I’ve successfully used this app in Italy, France, and Spain as well as in the U.S.
  • Lyft – Similar to Uber but limited to the U.S.
  • Capital Bikeshare – If I’m in D.C. I’m probably on one of these bikes.
  • Kayak – The app is great when comparison shopping for flights.
  • Airbnb – This is my go-to app for finding lodging when traveling with friends or family.
  • Netflix and Max – These two entertainment apps allow me to download shows and movies to watch while waiting in an airport or on a flight.

So there your have some of my favorite travel things. I wish you safe passage wherever your travels take you! Bon Voyage!

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Monaco & Italy in Fifteen Days

A trip with three other couples to the Monte Carlo Tennis Open in Monaco inspired my husband and I to extend our trip for a beautiful tour of Italy. This would take us 15 days to complete with stops in Paris, Nice, Monaco, Cinque Terre, Lucca, Pisa, Florence, and Tuscany.

Itinerary Summary:

  • Paris – 2 Days
  • Monaco – 3 Days
  • Cinque Terre – 3 Days
  • Florence – 6 Days
  • Paris – 1 Day

Day 1 & 2 – Paris

Personally, I think Paris is the perfect way to start (and end) any trip but logistically it was easiest to fly in and out of Charles de Gaulle (CDG) airport to head to Monaco and return from Florence. Our Airbnb in Paris turned out to be a real gem! We stayed at Sourire Boutique Hôtel Particulier bed and breakfast in the 16th arrondissement of Paris. With five bedrooms and five baths there was more than enough room for our group of four couples. We were delighted to find a gorgeous rooftop and winter garden at the top of the B&B which was perfect for happy hours and unwinding after dinner.

So much to do in Paris! In order to do it justice you need to stay more than the short time that we were there on this trip. We happily spent our short time in Paris shopping, taking in some art and of course eating and drinking at Cafe du Centre.

Day 3 – Travel to Monaco via Nice

On this day we took a quick flight from Paris (airport code: ORY) to Nice (airport code: NCE) via Air France and then caught the train to Monaco (Gare de Monaco Station). We stayed at a beautiful Marriott property, Le Méridien Beach Plaza, right on the Mediterranean Sea and within walking distance to the Monte Carlo Country Club where the tennis open is played.

TheTrainline.com proved invaluable on this trip. You can download their app here.

Day 4 & 5 – Monte Carlo Open

If you don’t know already, the Rolex Monte Carlo Masters is the first clay ATP 1000 Masters event of the year and probably the most picturesque event of the entire tour. The Monte Carlo Country Club is situated right on the French Riviera in the Principality of Monaco. The view from the seats is almost as impressive as the players. This mid-April tournament begins in mid-April with over €5,000,000 in prize money.

Day 6 – Travel to Cinque Terre via Train

Our next stop, via train, were the charming villages in the area of northern Italy called “Cinque Terre”. Cinque Terre literally translates to “five lands” meaning the charming villages of Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore. If your looking for hiking and a taste of rural Italian life this is the place for you! All of the villages are linked by rail, so you can easily visit as many as you like with a short train ride. The trains run every 15 mins every day and stop at each of the villages so getting around the area is super easy. More information on the Cinque Terre express here.

Day 7 & 8 – Cinque Terre

We decided to make the village of Riomaggiore our home base for our stay in Cinque Terre and found a lovely hotel, I Limoni di Thule” with stunning views. Aside from swimming and soaking in the atmosphere of unspoiled fishing villages, the most popular activity in the Cinque Terre is hiking from one village to the next along centuries-old goat paths, which are now maintained as a national park. Trails meander through vineyards and groves of olive and lemon trees and loom over seaside cliffs, guaranteeing heart-stopping views of the coast and the charming little villages ahead in the distance luring you to come and visit. The hikes are well marked from village to village and range in difficulty and length. Most of the trails are free but the two most popular trails, Monterosso to Vernazza and from Vernazza to Corniglia require users to purchase a Cinque Terre card to hike. You can find trail maps and more information on the Cinque Terre hiking card here.

We happily spent our days in Cinque Terre exploring all five village via hiking and rail. Also not to be missed is a boat tour of all five villages. The view of the villages from the water is phenomenal!

Day 9 – Travel to Florence via Train

We departed Cinque Terre by a train bound for Florence but not without stopping first at Lucca and then again at Pisa. We stashed our luggage at the Lucca train station and rented bikes to spend the morning exploring this gorgeous walled medieval city. After a delicious lunch in Lucca we got back on the train to Pisa where we again stashed our luggage to explore the iconic tower. Once we had our fill of photos we caught the next train to Florence. We settled into the beautiful Westin Excelsior in Florence for the last leg of our trip.

Day 10 – 14 – Florence & Tuscany

Early tickets to see the statue of David at the Accademia proved to change the course of our first day in Florence. After David, I had planned for us to visit the Uffizi Gallery followed by Gelato and a tour of the Bolbi Garden but my best planning neglected the fact that it was Easter Sunday–in Florence. Turns out Easter Sunday is quite a day in Florence Italy!

After exiting the Accademia we were drawn in by the sounds of a slow drum beat and the sight of a crowd forming in front of the Duomo – The Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore. After making our way to the Duomo, we were delighted to learn that we were about to witness a centuries old tradition, the Scoppio del Carro, or the Explosion of the Cart.

For over 350 years on Easter Sunday, a giant cart standing two to three stories high is paraded through the streets of Florence to the square between the Baptistry and the Cathedral by a pair of white oxen decorated with garlands. The cart is accompanied by an large processional of people all dressed in elaborate costumes, some on horseback, some playing drums, others carrying large flags. The processional was so colorful and the costumes so varied I didn’t know what to look at!

The Cart was placed at the doors of the cathedral where mass was already in progress and broadcasted to the square. At around 11 am, during the singing of the “Gloria” inside the church, a lighted dove–shaped rocket came flying out of the church down a wire and collided with the cart in the square. This set off a spectacular firework display because, (to our surprise), the cart had been loaded with a literal arsenal of fireworks. This proved to be one of the highlights of our trip.

Other recommended activities for Florence and Tuscany are: A vespa tour of the city; a cooking class in Tuscany; and a wine tour in Tuscany.

Day 15 – Travel to Paris for Flight Home

Our trip ended with a short flight back to Paris where we spent the night to catch our final flight home. We of course spent our day in Paris shopping and then drinking and eating at our favorite cafe!

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When Your Celebration Calls for Sabrage

Nothing screams CELEBRATE like popping a bottle of bubbly. Especially, when the bottle is opened with a saber. Truly special occasions such as graduations, milestone birthdays, anniversary’s, and holidays, demand a little extra attention and warrant the time honored art and tradition of Sabrage. In the sabrage technique, the saber appears to slice the neck of the bottle open, separating the cork and the collar from the rest of the bottle. I say “appears” because (as we shall see) the opening is actually caused by physics and not a slice at all!

We recently had an extra special event in my family, the marriage of my daughter, so it was time to whip out the saber. The sabrage was to be executed at the wedding reception by my husband following his “father of the bride speech”. Upon lopping open the bottle he would then fill a tower of champagne glasses and we would all toast the happy couple. Sounds picture perfect doesn’t it? Ah, but only if you follow the science.

The Science

Champagne is made from a mix of grapes, typically pint meunier, pinot noir and chardonnay grapes. The grape mixture is crushed and the sugar in the juices allowed to ferment in stainless steel tanks or oak barrels for several weeks at 64-68°F. The fermentation process produces alcohol and carbon dioxide and may be represented chemically as shown below.

C6H12O6 → 2CH3CH2OH + 2CO2

The fermented grapes are now wine, (called still wine) and are combined with reserve wines to create the base wine of the champagne. The base wine is poured into a champagne bottle, mixed with yeast and sugar, and sealed. These three ingredients: alcohol , yeast, and sugar provide the reactants for a second fermentation producing more alcohol and carbon dioxide inside the bottle. The sealed champagne bottle is placed horizontally in a cool cellar (55-60°F) until it is ready for consumption.

The carbon dioxide gas, CO2, produced during this second fermentation not only provides the bubbles in the bubbly but also builds pressure inside the bottle. Typically in 5 – 6 atm of CO2 gas is dissolved in the champagne. When released all at once that’s 90 psi or 620 kPa of pressure–KABOOM! Champagne is basically a bomb waiting to go off!

All of this pressure must move through the narrow neck of the champagne bottle, which is only about 18 millimeters in diameter. So much pressure moving through such a small space creates a force of about 160 N which pushes on the neck of the bottle and the cork. This force creates stress on the glass bottle in two places. 1. At the lip of the bottle and 2. On the vertical seam running down the body of the bottle.

The glass is weakest at the point where these two stress concentrations intersect–the lip of the bottle and the top of the vertical seam. When this weak point in the bottle is hit by a saber, or by any blunt implement for that matter, the impact forms a crack which extends around the neck. The transferred momentum from the saber and the pressure inside the bottle sends the cork flying along with the top, or collar, of the glass bottle.

The Directions

Step 1 – Chill a bottle of champagne. I used an Italian and a California asti spumante for this post. However, for the best results, use a French or Spanish champagne as they have  thicker glass for a cleaner break.

Step 2 – Insert the chilled bottle of champagne upside down in a bucket of ice (the freezer will work nicely as well) for 20 – 30 minutes. The neck of the bottle must be 38oF – 40oF. At this temperature the glass particles will slow down and get a little closer together making the glass more brittle and easier to break.

Step 3 – Remove the foil from the bottle.

Step 4 – Remove the cage from around the cork.

Step 5 – Hold the bottle with your non-dominate hand placing your thumb in the “punt” of the bottle (Yes, that’s what its called, the punt.) Tilt the bottle away from your body at about a 45 degree angle. This position keeps your fingers out of the way of the incoming blade. Make sure the bottle is not pointing at anyone standing by!

Step 6 – Rotate the bottle until you find the seam in the glass. Hold the bottle so the seam runs along to the top. The seam and your arm should be in a straight line.

Step 7 – Place the blade on the bottle perpendicular to the seam. You’re aiming for the weakest point on the bottle–the spot where the seam and lip of the bottle meet. This is where you’ll get the clean break. Blunt edge or sharp edge—it doesn’t matter. Remember this is science! The pressure is going to do the work, NOT brute force.

Step 8 – Tip the blade up slightly to hit the lip at a slight angle and not perpendicular to the lip. Swing up along the seam and through—do not stop at the cork. If you’ve performed the task properly, the cork (with a little ring of glass around it) will fly off the end of the bottle about 5 – 10 meters. Ta-da!

Step 10 – Capture the escaping bubbly with your champagne flute and offer a witty toast.

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2021 Garden Plan

Like so many others, I began gardening last spring during the pandemic. (See my previous posts for garden building tips and my 2020 garden plan.) Although, I got my garden started late I still had a decent harvest. Not that the yield mattered because—I GOT THE GARDENING BUG! I started out just wanting to get out of the house and try something different but somewhere along the way it became my religion. With the sun on my skin, and the dirt in my hands I found a calmness and peace that I so badly needed during this insane pandemic.

I also learned a few things about gardening! For example, all plants are not alike and do not go into the ground at the same time. Also, there is this pesky moth in my area that will ruin your cabbage, brussels sprouts and cauliflower. This spring the gardening journey continues! Here’s what I will be planting in March, April, and May:

March Plants (Or Whenever the Ground Thaws Plants)April PlantsMay Plants
BeetsLettucesBeans
CarrotsPeascucumbers
KaleCorn
RadishPumpkins
SpinachSummer Squashes
Winter Squashes
Watermelon
Peppers
Tomatoes
Broccoli
brussels sprouts
Eggplant

I plan to put my plants in six raised beds. I’ve placed companion plants next to each other in the same bed. Yes you heard me, I just threw out a gardening term–“companion plants”. (Look at me using the gardening terms!) According to my extensive gardening research, plants grow better when they are near certain other plants, termed “companion plants”. Companion planting is a strategy used by gardeners (like me-HA) to maximize plant growth. For example, I placed the beets next to the kale and the carrots and peas with the peppers. I am SUPER excited to share with you (trumpets playing) my 2021 garden plan below!! TA DA!

Now the fun begins! This year I will beat the moths, create a new pea trellis and conquer composting. What will you do? Happy gardening!!

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Fences Make Good Gardens

Robert Frost’s poem advises us that “fences make good neighbors”. This is especially important when your neighbors are of the furry foe to include deer and rabbits. These insurgents will infiltrate your garden and wreak havoc. Although they are super cute, these troublemakers must be kept out.

When designing your enclosure it is important to consider what types of animals may be attracted to your bounty. There are numerous fencing options online to fit your anti-critter needs. For example, to protect against deer, a fence with a 1.77 by 1.96 inch mesh will give you the most protection. However, it’s the height of the fence that really matters since deer can jump up to eight feet! A fence height of six to eight feet will protect against these air assaults.

Another common garden pest, rabbits, can be deterred by adding chicken wire to the bottom two feet of the fence. Chicken wire with 1/2- to 1-inch mesh is ideal however, any material that with a small grid will suffice. Because rabbits are known to tunnel underneath the fence, the chicken wire should extend at least six inches below the ground or be secured to the ground to keep the bottom edge tight. Instructions to create your own garden fortress and a few fence construction pictures are below.

Materials Needed:

  • 6″ X 6″ treated wood posts
  • Fencing
  • Wire cutters
  • Concrete
  • Fence nails
  • Post hole digger
  • Fence stretcher
  • Tape measure
  • Garden gate

Assembly

  1. Determine the linear footage by measuring the length of the perimeter.
  2. Dig three foot holes for posts at corners and spaced eight feet apart on edges.
  3. Plumb and set posts in concrete.
  4. Nail horizontal support posts between vertical posts.
  5. Nail the fencing to from top to bottom of the the first post.
  6. Run the fencing along the length of the perimeter to opposite end.
  7. Use a fence stretcher to pull the fencing tight while nailing the fence from top to bottom of each post.
  8. Repeat steps 6 and 7 for each side of the enclosure.
  9. Install gate.
  • Digging holes for 6″ X 6″ treated posts.
  • Posts plumbed and set in concrete three feet deep.
  • Posts braced every eight feet.
  • Fencing stretched until taunt and nailed to each post.
  • Chicken wire added to the bottom to keep out the bunnies.
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Spring Cleaning the Fridge

Here in Michigan, winter loves to hold on just a little too long. Like my husband with a hole in his sock. Like company that won’t leave. Like my dog with a pair of underwear. Like my reoccurring chin hair. Anywhoo, right about March I find myself slipping into the abyss. Thats when I start cleaning!

I love to clean my house from top to bottom and give winter DA BOOT! Sadly, my refrigerator has always left me wanting. I’d throw out the expired foods, wipe down the surfaces, and put everything back but there was always something missing. This year I found the missing piece–STORAGE BINS!! Yes, storage bins take refrigerator chaos and turn it into culinary charm.

How to Organize your Refrigerator Using Storage Bins

Step 1 : Purchase clear plastic storage bins in multiple sizes. I got mine from Amazon. (Vtopmart large and small refrigerator organizer bins.)

Step 2: Take everything out of the refrigerator.

Step 3: Throughly clean the shelves, doors, and interior walls.

Step 4: Throw out the expired foods. Wipe off everything that is left.

Step 5: Organize remaining items into basic categories such as: dairy, condiments, yogurt, leftovers, meats, cheese, fruit, veggies, etc.

Step 6: Place items into appropriate sized bins.

Step 7: Label bins and place in refrigerator.

Step 8: Order dinner out tonight, you deserve it!

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It’s Not About Winning–Until It Is

We like to engage in a little friendly competition on our lake each 4th of July with a boat parade. The decorated boats parade around the lake to the delight of residents young and old. The parade ends with judging at the sandbar. In addition to a bottle of bubbly, and a dollar store trophy, last years winners become next years judges. My family and I have participated in this fun filled fest the past three years. My family’s 2018 entry was “Happy Birthday America“. In 2019, our contender was “Stars & Stripes 4-4 Ever”. This past 2020 4th of July we entered “Red White and Brew BBQ”.

2018 Boat Parade Entry: Happy Birthday America

2018 was our first year participating in the North Lake 4th of July boat parade and we were not sure what to expect. We constructed a birthday cake using two kiddie pools and pool noodles purchased at the dollar store. We deck out the boat with the usual 4th of July decor and blasted the Beatles “Birthday” from the stereo. We were beat out by a boat decorated as the U.S.S. Constitution, but hey its not about winning!

2018 Boat Parade Winner: The U.S.S. Constitution

In 2019 we upped our game with “Stars and Stripes 4-4 Ever”. This boat had us dancing the parade away as stars waiting to be sown onto the American flag by our own Betsy Ross. There is a funny family story behind the phrase “4-4 Ever” which involves a stoner and a microwave cook timer, but I digress.

2019 Boat Parade Entry: Stars & Stripes 4-4 Ever

Unfortunately, we were beat out by a boat decorated as an eagles nest with eaglets. AGAIN, its really NOT about winning.

2019 Boat Parade Winner: God Bless our North Lake Nest (whatever)

This year, 2020, we rejected several Covid-19 theme ideas which included: giant toilet paper rolls, covering the boat in a giant mask and/or constructing a giant bleach syringe. Opting instead to go all in with a whimsical theme, “Red White and Brew BBQ”. The boat was covered in red gingham to act as our picnic table where we danced as a couple of beers and picnic food amongst a chef barbecuing and a few giant balloon ants. (It may or many not be a coincidence that the beers look like Corona.) The food items include: a hot dog, ketchup, mustard, watermelon, strawberry, a s’more, and a bomb pop.

2020 Winning Boat Parade Entry: Red White & Brew BBQ

This was the one! We finally–after three attempts, won the North Lake, 4th of July, boat parade!! I know I said its not about winning, but I LIED. Now we proudly display our major award on our fireplace mantel and will become the 2021 judges! (We also occasionally sing “We are the Champions–of the Lake”.) So happy!!

Our Major Award
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Planning a Vegetable Garden Party

Last year I planted my first garden and like Ricky Nelson sings in the Garden Party song, “But it’s all right now, I learned my lesson well,” I learned a wheel barrel full! Probably the most import lesson is, have a plan! The plan should include: plant selection, garden layout, and a garden calendar.

The key to a good garden layout is to decide which plants you would like to grow and group them according to similar planting schedules. For example, my chosen plants are:

  • Beans
  • Beets
  • Broccoli
  • Brussels
  • Cabbage
  • Carrots
  • Cucumber
  • Eggplant
  • Kale
  • Lettuce
  • Onions
  • Peas
  • Peppers
  • Radish
  • Spinach
  • Squash
  • Tomato

The planting schedule is located on the back of the seed packet or may be found at your favorite gardening resource. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic I was unable to start seeds in March or April but many of those cool weather plants can be planted a second time in August for a fall harvest. Considering the planting schedules, the plants may be grouped into three groups: May Plantings, June Plantings, and August Plantings.

May Plantings

June Plantings

August Plantings

  • Beets
  • Butternut Squash (seed)
  • Carrots
  • Cucumber (seed)
  • Eggplant
  • Muskmelon (seed)
  • Onion
  • Peppers
  • Radish
  • Tomato
  • Zucchini (seed)
  • Beans (seed)
  • Beets (seed)
  • Broccoli (seed)
  • Brussels (seed)
  • Cabbage (seed)
  • Kale (seed)
  • Lettuce (seed)
  • Peas (seed)
  • Spinach (seed)

These groupings are based on when the plants can be transplanted outdoors in Zone 6. With the exception of the squash and melon, the May plants will be purchased as plants to transplant directly into the garden. In June the bean seeds will be sown directly into the garden every two weeks until the end of June. The August plants will start as seeds indoors in July before they are added to the garden. My gardening calendar looks like this:

May

  • Plant cucumber, squash, and melon seeds after frost date (May 14).
  • Plant transplants of peppers, tomatoes, eggplant, beets, carrots, onion, and radish.

June

  • Thin May seedlings to proper spacing.
  • Plant bean seeds every two weeks until the end of the month.
  • Harvest beets, carrots, and radish as they mature.
  • Stake tomatoes.

July

  • Thin seedlings as necessary .
  • Harvest eggplant, cucumber, zucchini as they ripen.
  • Cover carrot shoulders and onion bulb tops with soil.
  • Plant kale, broccoli, brussel sprouts, spinach, lettuce, and cabbage seeds indoors.

August

  • Transplant kale, broccoli, brussel sprouts, spinach, lettuce, and cabbage to garden.
  • Plant beet and pea seeds in garden.
  • Harvest onions, beans, spinach, squash, and melon as they mature.

September

  • Harvest peppers, tomatoes, broccoli, brussel sprouts, kale, and lettuce as they mature.

October

  • Harvest beets, cabbage, and peas when ready.

The back of the the seed packet also gives the spacing and yield of the plants. Use this information to draw out a sketch of each raised bed. My beds are 4′ x 10′. Once I was satisfied with my sketch I finalized my drawing using Google Drawings.

Raised bed layouts. Upper Left – May transplants, June bean seeds, Cabbage transplants. Upper right – May tomato transplants. Lower Left – May seeds. Lower Right – August transplants.

Now I’m ready to start the party! I hope you are getting out there with your garden plan which may be different from mine. Again, like the song says, “You see, ya can’t please everyone, so you got to please yourself”. Fingers crossed for a fruitful harvest!

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Game Night in Lockdown

We all know that staying home is the best thing we can do to slow the spread of covid-19 and ease the burden on our healthcare systems. But, as stay-at-home orders are extended we are all looking for ways to NOT GO OUT OF OUR MINDS! I mean, how many jigsaw puzzles can I possibly do? We all miss socializing with our friends and family. Thanks to Zoom and Jackbox we can once again come together to play some silly games.

Family Game Night Across the Miles. Wigs Optional!

Jackbox has a wide variety of digital games that are sure to tickle your funny bone and make you forget about #pandemiclife for awhile. There are 30 games to choose from including interactive drawing games, trivia games, to everything in between. Each game challenges the players to be be as crass and as clever as possible with their answers. (Usually borderline vulgar and asinine!) Some of the games may be purchased individually but most are bundled into “Party Packs”. There are six party packs available.

Jackbox Games may be played using just about any digital platform. Purchase and download the game(s) to your Xbox One, PC, Apple TV, Fire Stick, etc. Once you’ve bought a game or party pack, you own it and may play as much as you want but you cannot switch platforms. Up to eight players may play along with you and do not need to purchase the game. Once the game starts, they will be given a url and a code to play using their phones or other web-enabled devices as their controller.

In normal times, everyone would gather around the tv (or other screen), open a website on their phones, and start the party. With social distancing, a few more steps are required. The directions below are for play using an ipad while streaming the screen with Zoom. We have managed to laugh away many hours together using these techniques. I hope you are able to have some fun with this and forget about lockdown for awhile!

How to Play Jackbox Games on an iPad Zoom Meeting

  • Go to the App store on your ipad and purchase the Jackbox game(s) or party packs you want to play. Note: you only have to buy the game once—your friends and family can play for free, even if they don’t own a copy.
  • Download and install Zoom onto your ipad.
  • Create a Zoom account and start a Zoom meeting by clicking “New Meeting”. Note: You can also share your ipad screen to a Zoom meeting on your computer. Directions to do this are given below.
Select “New Meeting” From the Zoom App
  • Before the meeting starts, open the Jackbox party pack and go to “settings”. Turn the volume control way down. (For some reason the volume is extremely loud for the participants joining the meeting.)
Turn Game Volume Down in Settings
  • When the meeting is open, click “Invite” to send invitations to anyone you want to join.
  • Select “share content”. Select “Screen”. Select “Start Broadcast”.
Select “Share Content”. Select “Screen”. Select “Start Broadcast”
  • Boom! The ipad screen is shared into the meeting. Note: you may want to turn off your notifications on your ipad or they will be shared as well!
  • Swipe up to return to the Jackbox app to start the game. Unfortunately, you won’t be able to both share your screen and see all of the players but you can still hear everyone in the meeting.
  • Direct the players to go to Jackbox.tv, and type the four-letter code displayed on the shared screen. Once everyone is in the game and can see your screen, you’re ready to play!
Url and Four Letter Code Displayed and Shared on Screen

How to Play Jackbox Games on an iPad Shared to Computer Zoom Meeting

  • Go to the App store on your ipad and purchase the Jackbox games or party packs you want to play. Again, you only have to buy the game once—your friends and family can play for free, even if they don’t own a copy.
  • Download and install Zoom onto your computer.
  • Create a Zoom account in the installed app on your computer, and start a Zoom meeting by clicking “New Meeting”.
  • When the meeting is open, click “Invite” to send invitations to anyone you want to join.
  • Select “share screen”. Select “iphone/ipad”. Select “Share”. If this is the first time, you will be prompted to install the plug-in for sharing and iphone/ipad.
Select iPhone/iPad
  • Connect ipad to the same WiFi as your computer.
  • Swipe down from the right on the ipad to access the control center. Tap “screen mirroring”. Choose Zoom-your computer option.
Select “Screen Mirroring” in Control Center on iPad
  • Voilà! The ipad screen is shared into the meeting. Note: Again, you may want to turn off your notifications on your ipad or they will be shared.
  • Tap and swipe up on the ipad to access the game app. Open the game. Your ipad becomes the controller for the game with the game video shown in the zoom meeting.
Game Video Shown in Zoom Meeting on Computer
Ipad Becomes Controller for Game
  • Direct the players to go to Jackbox.tv, and type the four-letter code displayed on the shared screen. Once everyone is in the game and can see your screen, you’re ready to play!
  • Using this method the person sharing the game is able to do both – See everyone in the Zoom app and the game screen. However, there is some lag time in the game response which can suck the fun out. I think this is an internet issue and may be avoided with faster internet speeds.

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Building a Pandemic Garden

During WWI Victory Gardens were created when Americans were called to “sow the seeds of victory” by planting their own fruits and vegetables so that more food could be exported to our European allies. Many Americans answered the call planting 3 million new garden plots in 1917 and more than 5.2 million in 1918. Even children were recruited as “soldiers of the soil” as gardens took over every available space — rooftops, fire escapes, empty lots, and backyards. These efforts generated an estimated 1.45 million quarts of canned fruits and vegetables.

Fast forward to today when limiting our exposure to the covid-19 virus requires requires careful planning and limited trips to grocery shop safely. With stores selling out of basics, and unemployment rates rising, gardening may help reduce fears of food scarcity. Pandemic Garden, Doomsday Garden, Stick It to the Virus Garden, call it what you want, but planting a garden during the lockdown is the perfect opportunity to take back some control in our lives. Spending time outside can also help reduce depression, anger and stress which is something we all have a lot of right now. So grab a shovel! The sun is shining. Let’s take charge and start growing.

Part 1 – The Site

The site for the beds should be fairly flat with at least six hours of direct sunlight daily, typically afternoon light. Ideal growing beds are raised, with lumber, above the ground and measure eight feet by four feet. This allows just enough space to reach across for maintenance and weed control. Two feet wide walking paths allow access and separate the beds. The walking paths should be covered with mulch or pebbles over a weed barrier such as landscape fabric. The soil is a 60:30:10 mixture of topsoil, compost and potting soil that will be added to the beds once they are in place. Lastly, if there are deer or other critters around, the garden site will need a fence.

Part II – Building the Beds

Materials Needed:

  • Three 2-by-12 boards, each 8 feet long
  • Circular saw
  • Soil to fill the finished frame
  • Screws w/ cordless drill
  • Soil (60:30:10 mixture of topsoil, compost and potting soil)

Assembly:

  • Cut one of the boards into two four foot long boards. These will be the ends.
  • Prop one side and end piece up at a a 90 degree angle and screw the boards in place. Repeat with the remaining side and end pieces.
  • Remove grass and/or weeds and loosen the soil in the area where the bed will sit.
  • Put the assembled bed in place and fill with soil to within an inch or two of the top.
  • Repeat for the number of desired beds.
  • Install walkways around and between the beds using landscaping fabric and mulch or pebbles.

Part III The Fence

In order to keep deer out of the garden a six to eight foot fence is required. There are numerous fencing options online. If there are rabbits in the area, the bottom two feet of the fence will need a smaller grid to keep them out. Chicken wire with 1/2- to 1-inch mesh will suffice. To prevent rabbits from burrowing under it, the fencing should extend at least six inches below ground or be secured to the ground to keep the bottom edge tight.

Part IV – The Plants

Tomatoes, zucchini squash, peppers, cabbage, bush beans, lettuce, beets, carrots, chard, and radishes are the typical vegetables planted. What is important is timing when to plant since most vegetables are either cool season or warm season crops. Find out what USDA hardiness zone you will be gardening in. This will allow you to determine the plants that will grow well in your area as well as determine when to plant them. Online sites such as the National Gardening Association provides hardiness zones, spring and fall planting strategies, and planting calendars by zip code.

For example, my zip code resides in zone 6 on the USDA hardiness zone map which means that I can plant cold crops like broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, lettuce and spinach from seeds as early as the ground can be worked in mid-March. Warm weather vegetable seeds like beans, corn, and squashes are safe to plant around May 1st, once the soil is near 60° F.

Part V – Layout

Once you’ve determine which vegetables you’d like to grow, group them according to their growing season requirements. Use the back of the seed packet to determine spacing and yield of each plant. Draw a diagram of your garden layout. Use companion planting to get the most out of your space. Companion planting puts plants together that use different growing spaces. For example, planting beets between cauliflower and radishes between tomatoes works well because the beets and radishes grow below the ground while the cauliflower and tomatoes grow above the ground. This allows for less spacing between these different plants. If drawing a layout for your garden seems too overwhelming there are some great garden layouts available online.

Resources

There are many online resources, some of them are suspect or promotional. A great resource is your local agricultural college or university. Michigan State University has some great information, useful videos, as well as online webinars for gardeners. The National Gardening Association, listed above, also has a wealth of information. Pinterest is a great place to get ideas for garden layouts and fencing.

Many garden centers, where permitted, are offering curbside service to minimize customer contact. Seeds, tools and supplies are also available from online retailers including: