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BOOM!

Category: Life as a Vexx | Posted: Wed Apr 15, 2009 12:37 pm

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A triumphant return from our second internet exodus!
What a magical time to be back.

Let me tell you a little about the Vexx-Porter Compound...
Since August Robbie and I have been enjoying a CHOICE living situation. In the heart of N. Salem's dilapidated underbelly lies a decent sized lot, same as everyone elses on the street. But this one is rad beyond comprehension. Why, you might ask?

Two tiny identical houses, one visible from the street and the other hidden from prying eyes and accessible only through an unnamed alleyway. Both freakishly affordable.

Our dearest friend, Porter, occupies Compound East. The "dog yard" faces the street and provides his Pitbull and Rottweiler mutts with ample space to engage in general destruction.

Behind Compound East are the communal grounds, incidentally his back/our front yard. This includes the 30X30 Apocalypse Garden East where cooler season crops will be grown in the warmer months.

Then there's Compound West, where Mr. and Mrs. Vexx reside. And yet another yard behind that where Apocalypse Garden West will grow enough tomatoes etc. to feed the masses.

The frenzy has begun, my friends. The kitchen window is brimming with indoor starts. The Radishes and Carrots are growing happily. I came home a few days ago with a truck-bed full of vegetables I didn't need, but could not live without.

And the only logical conclusion, the climax if you will, to these righteous amounts of future vegetation is our own Oktoberfest. This will have to include a strange combination of loud music, home-brewed beer from some friends, a smorgasbord of vegetarian fare and merriment with a vengeance. And Otis Redding. It's never a party until you full-tilt boogie to Otis.

One of the many benefits to our New Deal is Porter's willingness to help with the gardens. Mr. Vexx generally despises yard work and it doesn't agree with his back, so the assistance is welcomed with much enthusiasm.

After I rototill this weekend, I'll try and post pictures. It ain't pretty, by any means. What almost passed as our lawn was really 20 years of neglect and weeds, I had to kill all of it. The horizon is the back of 2 decrepit houses. For reasons I don't care to ponder, an old man pushed a very rusty shopping cart with a terrifying stuffed monkey, a gnarled hub cap and who knows what else in the driveway facing ours. I don't know if it's his house, but whoever lives there doesn't seem to mind because it's been there for a month. The image of him shuffling down the alley, with a look of distinct purpose and accomplishment as he parked his cart still haunts me.


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Moving Madness

Category: Life as a Vexx | Posted: Wed Sep 05, 2007 10:51 pm

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After months of back-and-forth between here and Salem and zero savings accumulated toward the initial plan of moving in February, Robbie and I decided it was time for a serious, adult conversation (you have NO IDEA how hard that is for me) about a solution.
The conclusion was; the only thing I ever find the time to do here is garden, I've been homesick forever, and I hate *almost* everything about being here (Rob and cats excluded, of course). The plan being: move down ASAP, get a job, save money and get a place all ready for Robbie when the lease is done in Feb. Kind of a reverse from the move here.

I had to do what every twenty-something dreads and ask the folks if my old room was available for VERY temporary usage. They have shown a frightening abundance of enthusiasm. Momma's ready to paint the room "whatever color you want and matching drapes!". Dad's so excited to have his "little Robert Plant" back for band practice at moment's notice. I love those people, but can you see how I turned out so odd?

I can't believe how much labor, love, frustration, paranoia, obsession, grass seed and FREAKIN' ROCK HAULING went into a backyard I'd only enjoy for a few months. Ohhhoho, believe you me; I'm taking the Thyme, Rosemary and favorite stones. I pity the fool that tries to stop me.

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Yard Celebration and Gift Procrastination

Category: Life as a Vexx | Posted: Fri Aug 17, 2007 8:09 pm

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Having been all over the states of Washington and Oregon in the last few weeks, I hadn't started on my twin's birthday present. In an act of desperation and stupidity, I decided to make her a pillow instead of the luxurious bath-robe I'd intended. It seemed like a thoughtful plan, as we share an insomnia that seems to peak in the Summer months.
She labeled herself domestically challenged years ago, easing my guilt of sewing her a "no-brainer" project. Well, as it usually goes for me, this supposedly idiot-proof plan resulted in near disaster and a subsequent tantrum of frustration. I'd forgotten a zipper, didn't have enough ribbon for the edges, ran out of time for fancy piping and ended up utilizing my parents sewing store, having been 50 miles from my own machine! Luckily I sought -out the aide of Gari, one of my fathers employees who I adore, and she helped me with the computerized embroidery machine. These are the results, still needing a hand-stitch at the top end:
It's hard photograph the detail of the embroidery since the fabric is fuzzy, but you get the general idea. One night without sleep, 2 1/2 pots of coffee, lots of running around my folk's store and my own tears went into this pillow. If she doesn't like it, I'll be forced to beat her up on our birthday. That's just how twins roll.
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You know that saying about a watched pot never boiling? I'd been not-so-patiently waiting for a week, and only baby weeds made their grand entrance into my soil. I left Robbie with my usual over-specific instructions on the finer points of gardening. Left Tuesday night, convinced I'd come home to a pile of dead plants and a very un-sprouted yard.
Came out this morning and saw little wisps of green popping up!!! I promptly commenced with the happy dance and rejoiced in the birthday I now share with my grass.



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