You may think of me as a simple gardener. Sure my nails are dirty, I often have dog poop on the bottom of my shoes, but that doesn't mean that I don't have anything meaningful to say. What was I talking about? Oh yeah, I remember. Okay guys. It's that day when you put everything else on hold, contemplate the deep recesses of life and really bask in the beauty of it. No, it's not Super Bowl Sunday... Nope. Not the first day of hunting season either. This is the one occassion, other than our anniversay or our wife's/girlfriends birthday that you don't want to mess up. Yep, it's Valentine's Day. Now if you are like the myriads of men that are not prepared don't try and make excuses and for Pete's sake DO NOT, I repeat, DO NOT downplay V-day. If you have 1/4 of a brain don't say anything closely resembling, "It's just a Hallmark Holiday". Guys need to have a plan in order to stay out of trouble and since I'm looking out for you...
Here are a few DO NOT DO'S this Valentines Day:
1. Do not buy her an appliance for Valentine's. You will pay a serious and eternal price for this. Oh, unless the appliance costs less than a diamond ring. Women love saavy men. It's very important that when giving appliances you should always take the time to wrap them.
2. You didn't buy into that Vermont Teddy Bear commercial did you? Idiot! You could have gone to Opry Mills and put one together with her. I hear that there's a great new "camoflauge bear" collection for 2007. TIP: Get her a gift certificate to build-a-boar and she can take a friend with her on a more convenient day. Don't be lazy, put the gift certificate in a card and sign it. Spray the card with Aqua Velvet to increase your "chances" later.
3. Be classy. You don't have to spend a lot of money to show how much you like/love someone. Think creatively and if it can be wrapped, well, wrap it! TIP: If you're buying her a can of beer... 'wrap it' in a bag you big dope!
4. Don't be over the top. If you hope, plan on, wish that you will be with her the next Valentine's Day then don't set yourself up for failure. Eventually you will not be able to top the previous year's celebration --so play it cool, play it romantic and play it to win. Okay, the bottom line is that if you go over the top for your date--- our wive's / girlfriends will hear about it and we'll pay. Look out for your brother and back off a little, okay?
5. Do not buy her a heart shaped diamond ring. Please, I beg you. It's not too late to send it back (or if it is too late to return it, you could take a screw drive and bend it into a circle or something not resembling a heart).
6. So you think you're just going to be able to walk into F. Scott's without a reservation on Valentine's? Doh! TIP: If all else fails, Publix has a great deli --- and it's classy (see you there, Greggg).
7. Unless your date lives in Antioch, cheap lingerie does not say "I Love You". It says, "you are a tramp". So, be sure to include a box of chocolates, too.
8. Thinking about proposing on Valentine's? Ehhhh, there's a better date out there. Valentine's is not very original. TIP: April 1st is a great day for a proposal.
9. Look, V-Day is about her. If you focus on her, listen to her and look at her like she's the only woman in the room... then, later on it will be about you too. TIP: Wait 'til she gets up to use the powder room to get that babe's phone # that is sitting across the room. Remember, you've already invested a lot of dough with the date you currently have so you might as well stick it out the entire evening.
10. No, Sudoku is not an appropriate Valentine's gift or activity.
11. I am often asked, "Do we need to go out on Valentine's or is it okay if we stay in?" Feel free to stay inside since it's been 15 degrees for the past 2 months and she's going stir crazy. While you're at it, watch pay-per-view. Something like the "Best of WWWrestling" or anything with a lot of touching to stir up those romantic feelings. TIP: If you've purchased a wrestling video for her --- don't be an idiot ---wrap it.
12. TIP: Pheromones is not a noise that one of Charlie's Angels makes so don't waste your time looking into this.
13. Never, ever take serious advice from bloggers about dating relationships, love or beer. Okay, maybe the beer part is okay. Don't drink beer and drive! Take a cab, call a friend. You know the drill.
If you've got a TIP to share, leave a comment! We'd love to hear from you.
Volunteerism, Valentines and Apes in Leotards
A few years back in college a few friends were sipping coffee at a coffee shop and the question arose as to "what separated us from the apes". We joked for a while that it was 3 continents, 2 vast oceans, hand lotion, the barber, Ann Darrow (from King Kong), leotards... Finally, the caffeine kicked in and somebody mentioned volunteerism. "Huh?" "Yeah, Apes don't volunteer to help others but people do. We don't live our lives in pursuit of genetic responses that are only conditioned to find food, mate --- okay, maybe we do all that too--- but we have something inside us that either causes us to help others or to help give tools to those that help others". He was right.
I have been blessed to be a volunteer leader with Habitat for Humanity. Normally (we had a baby), on this very week that includes Valentines day, my wife and I would be taking 20 people from scattered parts of the globe to Africa to build houses in some of the shanti villages. A "shanti" is a home made of tin, car doors, glass pieces -- basically anything that can be found for free. Usually way too many people live in these homes. There is generally only one room -- the kitchen and the bedroom (one and the same). There is sometimes an outhouse out back or shared nearby. These shanti homes are set up in such a way that makes rape a bit more likely, perhaps even as a form of intimidation in gaining "control" of a household. This could be a large factor for the contribution of AIDS.
Who would have thought that Habitat for Humanity could help with issues like rape and AIDS? In Africa, they do so much more. In order to become qualified for a house, residents learn how to budget, how to work efficiently in order to keep a job, how to say "no" to outsiders who want to force themselves into a family's home. If they can make it through this program, which they can, then they are on there way to getting a house and keeping it.
Last year we built a home in a small village called Masiphumalele which means "We Will Succeed" in Xhosa. The Government has historically referred to it as Site 5. To see more photos, other than the ones on this page, that I took in Africa, visit this link. The people in 'Masi' were wonderful and while it was a few hours drive from the site we built at the previous year, we were welcomed by some of the same faces as before who were there leading us as we built. Everyone within the village was kind to us and would have given us the clothes off their back if we would let them. Amazing. We were supposed to be the ones giving, but it was really the other way around.
We took this year off from traveling due to not being able to part yet with our 14 month old. She's too adorable. But, in honor of Valentines Day and the AIDS crisis that affects many right here in Nashville, we are partnering with V's Boutique to benefit Nashville CARES who is working with families and individuals who feel those effects locally. Nashville CARES, like Habitat deals with mending hearts and minds, not through housing, but through medical and social services. Currently 2,000 people are being helped with the aid of Nashville CARES.
So, this Valentines Day we celebrate Nashville CARES by trying to raise a little money and awareness. Here's how:
For $50.00, Cupid will carpet your driveway/sidewalk with a plush row of rose petals on Valentines Day to set the mood for love or friendship.
For $20.00, Cupid will bring a cute bag of rose petals to your door to use as you like. Hint: A nice warm bath with fresh rose petals is recommended. However, a bed lined with petals or a table top for a romantic meal is good, too.
For either of these services, email us at murdock02@comcast.net by Tuesday night -- 8pm.
All proceeds benefit Nashville Cares (make your check out to them directly) or donate online to their site.
I have been blessed to be a volunteer leader with Habitat for Humanity. Normally (we had a baby), on this very week that includes Valentines day, my wife and I would be taking 20 people from scattered parts of the globe to Africa to build houses in some of the shanti villages. A "shanti" is a home made of tin, car doors, glass pieces -- basically anything that can be found for free. Usually way too many people live in these homes. There is generally only one room -- the kitchen and the bedroom (one and the same). There is sometimes an outhouse out back or shared nearby. These shanti homes are set up in such a way that makes rape a bit more likely, perhaps even as a form of intimidation in gaining "control" of a household. This could be a large factor for the contribution of AIDS.
Who would have thought that Habitat for Humanity could help with issues like rape and AIDS? In Africa, they do so much more. In order to become qualified for a house, residents learn how to budget, how to work efficiently in order to keep a job, how to say "no" to outsiders who want to force themselves into a family's home. If they can make it through this program, which they can, then they are on there way to getting a house and keeping it.Last year we built a home in a small village called Masiphumalele which means "We Will Succeed" in Xhosa. The Government has historically referred to it as Site 5. To see more photos, other than the ones on this page, that I took in Africa, visit this link. The people in 'Masi' were wonderful and while it was a few hours drive from the site we built at the previous year, we were welcomed by some of the same faces as before who were there leading us as we built. Everyone within the village was kind to us and would have given us the clothes off their back if we would let them. Amazing. We were supposed to be the ones giving, but it was really the other way around.
We took this year off from traveling due to not being able to part yet with our 14 month old. She's too adorable. But, in honor of Valentines Day and the AIDS crisis that affects many right here in Nashville, we are partnering with V's Boutique to benefit Nashville CARES who is working with families and individuals who feel those effects locally. Nashville CARES, like Habitat deals with mending hearts and minds, not through housing, but through medical and social services. Currently 2,000 people are being helped with the aid of Nashville CARES.
So, this Valentines Day we celebrate Nashville CARES by trying to raise a little money and awareness. Here's how:
For $50.00, Cupid will carpet your driveway/sidewalk with a plush row of rose petals on Valentines Day to set the mood for love or friendship.
For $20.00, Cupid will bring a cute bag of rose petals to your door to use as you like. Hint: A nice warm bath with fresh rose petals is recommended. However, a bed lined with petals or a table top for a romantic meal is good, too.
For either of these services, email us at murdock02@comcast.net by Tuesday night -- 8pm.
All proceeds benefit Nashville Cares (make your check out to them directly) or donate online to their site.
Picture of the Day -- New Orleans
New Orleans on New Years Eve at the New Millenium (Jackson Square Plaza de Armas). There were so many people piled into Jackson Square that it was like being in a mad raging current of water. Sometimes the only photo you could take was up.More photos this month in honor of Mardi Gras.
The Rise of the Garden Office
As I sit inside my warm office to escape the bitter 20 degree weather (feel-like temp in teens) you may find it difficult to understand why I can't wait to get my outdoor office. I love to be outdoors and since my gardening profession calls for that -- it's a good thing. But just like everyone else, I want the experience to be a little work and a lot of play at the same time. And a garden office is viable according to experts.
"Garden Offices" are huge in Europe and the culture of the non-fluorescent workplace is experiencing a slow but steady new growth in the states. Do a google search for 'garden offices' to see the hundreds of UK links. Many believe that garden offices are the offices of the future both for residential homes and corporate offices. Today, we'll deal with residential.
Generally, garden offices are extension offices for those who are allowed to work remotely from their regular downtown office or for those who already have home offices and want to extend that outdoors during the best outdoor parts of the year. And with the right plant/tree design, that best parts of the year to work in your garden office can be upwards of 8 months a year.
But garden offices aren't necessarily meant to be 8 hour a day offices. Sometimes they're designed to inspire the creative type who needs a change of pace. They're designed for the work at home person that loves to watch their pets or children from time to time while they work away and everyone else plays. They're designed to relieve stress for the lawyer, the doctor, the business executive who wants to be close to family but has work to do. They're designed to be used as an extension of the home office when needing to pay bills, plan the grocery list for the week.
Garden offices range from fancy structures to simple or glorified garden sheds. But with the right planning and design even the lowest of budgets can enjoy a great garden office from their deck or outdoor patio. Closed-in screen patios and sunrooms are not considered garden offices but are definite options.
Before deciding if a garden office is right for you, be aware that there are 3 types of garden offices.
1. 
The "closed" garden office. This office is always enclosed (note #3) in a small building on your property. This might be a remodeled shed or separate garage with a window air unit and plenty of windows for natural light and view. It has it's own electricity, internet and phone access -- perhaps a small fridge.
The "closed" garden office. This office is always enclosed (note #3) in a small building on your property. This might be a remodeled shed or separate garage with a window air unit and plenty of windows for natural light and view. It has it's own electricity, internet and phone access -- perhaps a small fridge.2. The "open" garden office. This office is the cozy one on the deck or patio. The walls of this office is your strategically placed landscape. It has quick access to a door if a sudden rainstorm approaches. 
It may contain an old desk or a simple patio table. It may have a material covering or nothing at all. But shade will be important not only to withstand summer heat, but also to see your computer screen. Go down further to see what you need for a low budget garden office.
3. The final type of garden office is the one that takes the best of both worlds. The versatile garden office has wide doors that swing
open (like a barn) or perhaps it's a small commercial electric garage door with large windows built in for viewing your yard when it's closed. A closed garden office can be transformed to an open garden office by rolling the desk out a few feet onto a deck or patio with ease. There are so many ways to create a versatile garden office and not everyone (or most everyone) will be able to afford this option.
It may contain an old desk or a simple patio table. It may have a material covering or nothing at all. But shade will be important not only to withstand summer heat, but also to see your computer screen. Go down further to see what you need for a low budget garden office.3. The final type of garden office is the one that takes the best of both worlds. The versatile garden office has wide doors that swing
open (like a barn) or perhaps it's a small commercial electric garage door with large windows built in for viewing your yard when it's closed. A closed garden office can be transformed to an open garden office by rolling the desk out a few feet onto a deck or patio with ease. There are so many ways to create a versatile garden office and not everyone (or most everyone) will be able to afford this option. Here's what you need for a low budget garden office:
- Cordless phone, internet phone or a really long chord
- remote internet access (or really long chord) and laptop
- An indoor/outdoor desk (or patio table) If the area is covered then the sky is the limit Preferably an old desk with drawers for pens, paper...
- A dog, cat, bird or all of the forementioned to run around and give you that much needed distraction from time to time
You will also need shade and strategically placed plants/trees/arbors to give your garden office "walls". Just as a good designer will plan your landscape to have "rooms" or unique sections your garden office needs to have that same feel. If it does, you are far more likely to use it on a daily basis.
Even if a garden office is on your list of needs this year, contact us for other great ideas for your lawn and stay tuned to this blog. You can subscribe to this blog below.
Picture of the Day -- New Orleans
I took this photo in a cafe courtyard that was conspicuously empty. Odd for this nearly round-the-clock city. More photos all month in honor of Mardi Gras --- stay tuned.Baby, It's Cold Outside
It's snowing! What will I ever do? The Churches, stores, gas stations are closed due to our .5" of snow. No mention from the "live pinprick", "accu-crud" weather forecasts of snow last night. I hate them all. (If Bill Hall is reading this please know that you are forever my first weatherman and I swear my allegiance to you for as long as we have weather. I would fall on my sword for you if I had one).But my hatred of the weather predictors is diminished by the fact that I fear dehydration and starvation as there's no more milk or bread within a 175 mile radius of Nashville. Further, I was going to start my New Year's resolution today of jogging 5 miles a day, but now I'm calling the whole thing off! I think I'll protest the snow by staying inside and playing spider solitaire --- or heaven forbid --- clean.
The good news is only 15 more days of Snowbird (Sorry, Bill). Oh, and Franklin didn't get any snow. Perhaps I can get some milk there. Of course that would mean removing my little musical piggy slippers and additionaly require me leaving my house. I think I'll stay home because I don't have a snow shovel to clear a path.
A beautiful garden or landscape can mean good mental and physical health. During the Bourgeois Movement in Old France and parts of Europe, physicians encouraged gardening and fervent usage of the great outdoors in order to promote overall good health and irridicate diseases. But also, the new work ethic began creating new health issues. People began working long hours and stress was affecting them. You can still see the effects of the Bourgeois Movement throughout Europe in large and small homes. You know your neighbor because, they too, are spending time meditating, strolling or working in their gardens.
Picture of the Day -- New Orleans 2002
All month I'll be posting pictures that I've taken of New Orleans in honor of Mardi Gras.
Picture of the Day - My Neighborhood
I meant to post this last November. A huge storm blew through East Nashville very suddenly. So fast and hard that soccer players in the park did not even have a chance to flinch. A wreck happened ahead of me and blocked traffic. I got out of my car to watch the guys playing soccer since the sun had come out and was very intense against the black clouds. Then an amazing thing happened. A beautiful rainbow formed from end to end. It was amazing. Click on the picture for more.
JAZZ IS BACK (and so is spring... almost)
This is an official post to let everyone know that JAZZ is back because I hereby claim it so. Sure, it hasn't totally ever vanquished, but like the changing of the seasons it sees its peaks and valleys.Traditional Jazz is a visual and aural sensation. Like folk, blues, bluegrass and classical music, Jazz paints pictures with tones and lyrics. The slow withdrawal of winter and the oncoming march of spring has given me a sense of musical renewal and to the roots that I love. If you haven't pulled out or bought a good traditional jazz CD recently I command you to do so (laughing)
Artists I'm currently listening to:
- While originally deemed a "fluff" jazzist, Harry Connick, Jr has proven himself to be a true jazz artist. His understanding and even innovation of jazz continues to evolve like the great masters before him.
- The Preservation Hall Jazz Band continues to give us staple product. My affinity for them is perhaps due to the many times I've spent listening to them live.
- Rosemary Clooney would be categorized more in the "vocals" area, but she's played a lot in our home, too.
- Locally you should check out Teren Bose and the Swingset or Annie Selleck. Both are top notch performers and they live here in Nashville.
What are you listening to right now? There's no right or wrong answer. Music is subjective.
WHILE we're on the topic of Jazz, we can't deny that a little jazz is coming on the horizon for our yards, too. That is if you planned ahead and planted your 
tulip bulbs last fall. Perhaps daffodils are your preference. But no matter, for some of us the jazz is near. This picture was taken in my yard last spring.
The best way to develop your yard is to journal it. In the journal note what bloomed and when. Note what performed poorly and what performed great.
Take pictures of your garden beds and date them. This will aid in knowing what type of bulbs to plant and when.
Lilies, for example, come with different bloom times. Look on the bulb package to see whether your bulbs are early spring, middle spring or late spring bloomers. If most of your bulbs are early spring bloomers, then be sure to plant middle and late ones too to keep the color coming.
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