My puny watermelon vines in the early morning sun
FACT: I have never been a morning person.
FACT: Had you said I'd be getting up at 6am and liking it, I would have thought you were nuts.
FACT: Maybe I'm nuts.
I have been getting up at 6am for the last few days, in an attempt to change myself into a morning person. I was tired of getting up with nary seconds to spare in my morning routine before having to leave for work. It just sets an ugly tone for the whole day. I am not pleasant in the morning + coworkers = a bad mix.
I got up early this morning and took a picture of my watermelon vines in the sun. This shot represents hope in 2 ways:
One, I hope my damn watermelon (cantaloupe, squash) vines actually get large enough to produce this year. It's like they're a month behind. Chris blames the lack of automatic watering - which I can see because once we rigged up the sprinklers in the back, everything started growing. I tend to be a notorious underwaterer. Hey, we have water issues here in NorCal. Trying to do my part.
Two, I hope I can continue getting up early. I have only gotten up early for 5 days, and not consecutive. There was that whole bit about vacation and being in someone else's home where I allowed myself to sleep in... But I didn't get up early yesterday and I felt like I missed out. Like whoa. Missed out? Yes, this is still Katie talking here. I feel like I have 2 more hours in my day when I get up early, because I do. I've twittered about being frustrated and bored on my vacation, and perhaps it's because I've marked darn near everything off of my to-do list.
Rambling (how I'm setting myself up to get up earlier) below if interested
For each morning I get up early, I am making a tick mark in my moleskine. Every tick mark = $1. Big whoop, right? Well, those dollars will add up over time, and once I reach the specified amount, I am buying a watch. Oh yeah, another big whoop right? Well, if you know me, this is the longest I've ever gone without a watch, since my dumb Timex broke last year (I previously had a series of Ironmans forever). We were at a sports store recently, and I found it. The watch I want. $59.95 = 60 days of getting up early. I can do this.
Once I have the watch, I will set my sights on doing some sort of physical activity. Going to the gym? Running/walking with the dog? Not sure yet. Once that becomes a habit, I will start getting up at 5:30am.
Blink. Blink.
5:30am? Hell yes. If I can do 6am as part of a habit, I can do 5:30am.
What in the heck does this have to do with gardening?
Getting up early allow me to get out into the garden before it's a zillion degrees. Speaking of...off to go out and enjoy the cool air now.
Happy 4th of July!
Jul 4, 2009
Getting Up Early
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7 comments:
I'm up at 6:30 each day because my little guy wakes up then. It is exhausting but I do love having the whole day ahead of me.
Have you tried soaker hoses? I am also an "under-waterer" and have found they really make a difference. My plants get watered and I'm not wasting water on places without plants. Wal-Mart has some nice flat ones (for storage) for around $12. I don't recommend their really cheap ones because the wear out really fast. That has been my experience.
Enjoy your mornings!
Your watermelons are up. My canteloupe have just broken the soil (I lost the seedpacket for a month or I might be up with you). I will have green beans this week though.
Katie,
You have to look at water and melons from a different perspective (one that was actually put forth by a high ranking member of the Department of Water Resources). First, melons need water and lots of it. Both watermelons and cantaloupe. That's the sad fact. But, don't look at it as a "waste" of water supplies. That would be wrong. What you are doing, by watering heavy water use crops, is "conserving" water. This argument has a valid point. Rather than watching water go down some storm drain (which is a waste), you're storing valuable water resources in the vegetables and fruit that you grow in your front and backyards. Think about it. You're going to either purchase melons or grow them on your own. Why not conserve your own valuable water supplies? Good luck! My melons are just starting to throw out fruit now, and I've finally got scads of bees to pollinate the vines.
I have learned to love getting up early (in the warm weather) and enjoying the peace and quiet of my garden.
I commend your determination, though I do believe that some of us just need a little more sleep. I'm toast if I don't have at least 8 hours, so I try to be in bed by 10 so I can be up around 6. Or maybe 6:30 ;->
Great photo!
when school is in session, i was getting up at 5:30 to get extra schoolwork done. i found that i've got more energy and am sharper in the the morning. and it's nice to have the house (and neighborhood!) to myself.
Becky - People are saying, "Have a kid, you'll get up early." Not sure that's what I was trying to get at! I have soaker hoses strewn about my property, but find that the drip irrigation is more consistent and makes plants do better. Plus we've got all this underground drainage stuff and water ends up seeping into it and running off (GRR!)
Ralph - No beans here yet - planted those late. Squash and melons are finally starting to take off.
Bill Bird - Oh, I'm not apologizing for watering my crops, especially since my neighbors insist on watering the sidewalk with their overspray (but they're getting better). I like the idea of my plants holding the moisture. Thanks.
keewee - I too adore my garden when I get up early. I put on the sweatpants, make coffee, and simply enjoy.
Town Mouse - If I sleep well, I can get away with 7 hours regularly. Getting up early almost forces your body to go to bed sooner, so it's a win-win.
Ani - You said it - you're sharper when you get up early. I feel the same way and don't get that mid-day slump that I usually get when we play the turn off the alarm clock 30 times game.
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