Urban Container Gardening

Another project that I'm working on for the Akiyama Wellness Center is "Urban Container Gardening".  I found a good source for 22 gallon plant containers ($5.50) and I'm looking for a donor to cover that expense. My Dad donated all his one gallon plants containers (he's been saving those for years) so another volunteer I've lined up can use them to start the seedlings.  We have the tomatoes going and working on deciding what other vegtables we should grow. I hope to make it part of the health and wellness program we are doing at the center.   

refitted flea market cart

One of my very talented and organized buddies made a custom liner for my flea market cart.  After we all complained commented about what the old liner didn't have, Patty put together a bag that had all the features we as women thought would be handy. Nice bright color so it's easy to spot in a crowd. Pocket in the back to hold the bag of kettle corn -  the all important breakfast food. Flaps on the top to cover our  valuable treasures. A removable tote bag on the front just in case.  The other great thing is the handles on the front bag will also hold the cart closed when not using it.  Now we just have to find to go to the flea market!



Knitting Circle

Looking for a few good knitters.  Well, really anyone who can  put two sticks together.  Bags and bags full of yarn has been donated to the Akiyama Wellness Center were I'm working at for the summer.  I'm in charge of putting this great donation to good use.  I would like to make caps and scarves (thinking we could make more of those than blankets) for those who will need them this coming winter.  If I knew how to knit small (I don't work well with small needles) we could make caps for babies in the NICU.  I will provided the yarn, the room and some knitting needles (I know the serious knitters have their own stash of favorite needles) if you can volunteer some of your time.  We can do a knit-a-thon or if you like to knit alone, take some of the yarn home.  Let me know if you would like to help out.

Michael Strong Stamp

This is a stamp from one of my good buddies, Michael Strong stamp collection.  It also comes with a matching die. I did this card for the ladies down at Senior Center. I'm still working on designing some more cards with this set. Finding the time is getting harder and harder.

Swarm

One of our hives swarmed this afternoon.  Hubby saw a lot of queen cells so he knew it was only a matter of time.  The girls didn't go far, just over the fence to our neighbor's yard.  It was an easy rescue and the girls will be going to their new hive this evening.  Honey bee swarming is in full swing now so please call my hubby (408) 802 1331 or your local bee guild to come out and rescue the bees.

Hero Arts Block Stamp

These Hero Arts block stamps are so much fun.  I rub yellow ink over white cardstock then stamp with light blue ink.  I then went over it again with the yellow ink.

Simple Washi Paper Card

For my card class down at the Yu-Ai Kai, I made some quick washi paper cards.  It's hard to see the pleat folding I did with the washi paper but it add a nice little touch.
It's been a very busy week shadowing the gal I will be replacing down at the Akiyama Wellness Center for the summer.  Really looking forward to developing new programs and special events.

Akiyama Wellness Center Sake Night

Azuma International Foods will be one of the big sponsors to this year's Sake San Jose night.  You will walk the streets of Japan town sampling different type of sake at all the shops and restaurants.

For you true foodies, the Akiyama Wellness Center will play host to the "Sake Premium" event. Only 120 tickets will sold to this event which will feature a high end sake tasting, a sake sommelier and some really creative culinary dishes.  The above photo is one of the dishes that will be served.  Don't freak out, it tastes great and I'm not a big fan of octopus. Wild abalone is also on the menu along with some interesting fish roe.  Here's the link if you would like order your tickets now.  I heard over 1,000 people are expected to attend, so I would spend the extra money (100% goes to Yu Ai Kai and Wellness Center) to have some great food and fancy sipping sake.

Puppy Quilt and Buzz Buttons

This quilt came up for auction last month and I'm just getting around to taking it's picture.  I thought is was too funny and had to bid on it.  It's a crib size quilt in very good condition. Since the pups don't look like Annie, my hubby said I should sell it off.  I think it would make a very fun and quirky bed cover.  Speaking of quirky, I'm looking for source for "buzz buttons" blossoms. It's a flower bud that helps enhance and cleanse your palate when you eat.  I guess it's sort of like Viagra for foodies. It's something one of the chefs would like to have for the guests at the Sake San Jose premium night. The local San Jose crop will not be ready in time for the event.  So if you know of anyone who has a stash, let me know.  Yes, it's legal to grow and eat. I plan to plant some in my garden this year.




Buzz Buttons

 

Akiyama Wellness Center

It's been a busy week for me and it's going to get even crazier.  I've accepted a temporary position at the Akiyama Wellness Center as the coordinator. The current gal is going on maternity leave for four months. 

This will be the first full summer the center will be open so all the events and programs will be (hopefully) up and running for the first time.

Instead of listing my classes on the side bar of my blog, I will post events, volunteer opportunities and wish lists. 

Right now I'm looking for a contact (to donate) fresh wasabi roots for the up coming Sake San Jose. The root is only grown in Oregon and Washington (needs fresh cold water 24/7 to grow) so if you know a farmer up there let me know.  It's not as easy to find as it sounds.

We also launched "Bees At Home". Hubby has been busy catching swarms and installing hives. I've started a blog that I hope I can keep current. Right now we are out of honey since the demand is greater than our girls can produce.

Antifreeze

I had to buy some coolant for my car this morning.  It was like stepping into another world when I walked into the auto parts store.  
Since I didn't really know what to buy, I went with the brand that was pet friendly. We lost Lucy to some type of poisoning (vet said it could have been antifreeze) I went with the bottle with the cute puppy and kitten on the label.

Flatfish Baby Blanket

I was invited to a baby shower this weekend.  The theme for the baby's room is "sea life".  Well, what else would I make but a halibut baby blanket.  It's life size but I decided to not to make it look like a real one.  The colors were too boring for a little baby. I made most of it with using a serger (the only machine I have in the house) and a little hand stitching.  I also had to wash it a few times since my little kitty fur babies kept wanting to nap on it.  Really, do you know any one else who has a halibut baby blanket?