Friday, June 25, 2010

Changing our World by Sleeping Outdoors

We've been sleeping in the back yard under our grape arbor.





We planned on sleeping out just one night, possibly two, and then going back to sleeping indoors on work nights, which are during the week for us. We were worried we wouldn't get a good nights sleep, BUT, after being out there for two weeks and enjoying it so much, we are no longer worried about that.

I still find it amazing how the tiniest of efforts and just little changes can have a huge impact.

When we started this blog we were making some changes that were bringing us back to a similar way of life we lived as children and as young adults with less money. Back to a time when we rode our bikes, worked in the garden, lived without central heating and air conditioning, played outdoors, were creative, and made due with what we had. We were beginning to come full circle.

Sleeping outside is another one of those changes for us. Summers here in Sacramento are HOT and since I work in an air conditioned office all day, adjusting to the heat is difficult for me. Towards the end of winter we decided to see how long we could go without using the heater, just how cold it would have to get before we caved. That was the last time we used the heater.

Now that it's hot we want to see how long we can go without the air conditioner and it's not as easy. (Heat = grumpy!) This has brought us outdoors where, once the sun goes down, it is cool. For now anyhow. It is only June.

I want to enjoy being outside no matter what the temperature, just like when I was younger. And I know the more I'm out there the easier that will be.

Eggs and Potatoes


Brian spotted this nest hidden in one of our rose bushes. We were admiring all the materials used and how each piece is strategically placed just so. There is straw, twine, kite string, twigs...We are especially fond of the piece of turquoise yarn. Then I peeked inside and noticed there are 3 light turquoise eggs in there!


We haven't seen any birds coming around to tend to them so we are wondering what they taste like. No! Just kidding. I'm wondering if there is possibly something wrong with them.

We haven't been putting too much work into our garden, well, not as much as last year, so it is extra exciting when we are able to harvest something. Last night we went to the garden to pick some potatoes for today's lunch. Once we started digging them up we couldn't stop and ended up with quite a few in varying sizes. We did eventually stop before digging up ALL the plants so we are looking forward to another potato harvest.




Sunday, June 13, 2010

Chico Bicycle Music Festival


We went to Chico for the second annual bicycle music festival last weekend.  Bikes ruled the streets for a while.  Lots of xtracycles, cargo trailers, a couple of cargo bikes, pedicabs, recumbents, cruisers, mountain bikes, trikes, a tall bike and more.





The music was all pedal powered.


Chico locals Ma Muse playing in the park