4/5/13

Gray Day

The Portland gloom descended on us again today.  I walked with my friend Sue this morning, and except for a little sprinkle right at the beginning, we were able to get through our walk without getting rained on.  As we returned to our cars, however, a big black cloud was hovering overhead.

So, not a whole lot going on at the Three Cats Ranch today.  I did check on my tomatoes again.  Gracie went out with me. 


It's very good puddle-licking weather.

It's the first time I've looked at the tomatoes since repotting the tallest ones earlier in the week.  They are still looking pretty yellow, which was disappointing.  And now I think they have some sort of mite sucking on them.  Are there any tomato farmers out there who might recognize what this is?


Here's how the underside of the leaf looks.


I can't see any bugs, but that doesn't mean they aren't there.  Tomorrow we'll hit it with some bug spray and see if that helps.  If they don't start looking better pretty soon, I might bag the whole start-my-own project and just get some starts at the nursery.  That's what I did last year.  I was just hoping to have more say about the varieties I grow and the nursery doesn't necessarily have the ones I want.  

Also today, I got a good start on my doll quilt for this month's Doll Quilt Swap.  The theme this month is "Happy Birthday" to celebrate the one-year anniversary of the Doll Quilt Swap.  Here's a peek at the quilt I'm making for my partner.


Enticing, no?

I have all the fusing done, and tomorrow I will start top-stitching it.

So that's about it from this end.  A pretty quiet day.  Anything interesting going on at your end?

10 comments:

Lyndsey said...

Quiet day in London but did get some sewing done this evening and at least it isn't snowing today. Picasso loves to lick the puddles, it seems to taste better than the water dish.

Lynne said...

My focus has to be the sock knitting workshop I'm teaching this afternoon. I finally pulled myself together enough yesterday to revisit the tutorial patterns I wrote in 2009 -- what was then a nine page document is now 15 pages; which I'm printing as I type! I also managed to knit four small socks yesterday to test drive my "new" material!

sophie said...

It's been pretty gray around here, too :-(

My guess on the tomato pest is aphids. Check out this page, it might help your diagnosis.

Kate said...

After 3 days of rain (one with sleet as well) we had sunshine today. It has since clouded up, but it was glorious while it lasted.

Hope you are able to debug the tomato plant problem. Sorry, black thumbs here, so I'm really no help at all when it comes to anything green.

Cath said...

Gracie is so lovely....those green eyes are mesmorising. I can't say I know much about tomatoes but am interested in the outcome as I am collecting as much knowledge as possible before I eventually get the opportunity to plant some myself. Intrigued by the doll quilt. is there a link to where it all started?
Cath @ Bits 'n Bobs

Dana Gaffney said...

I love the picture of Gracie, I'm surprised she would go out in the wet with you, I'm sure it took her a while to get all clean again.

Betty said...

Gracie is so pretty. She is doing a very good job with grooming, her white just sparkles!
I'm not sure what the spots on the tomato plants are. If it is bugs, try mixing dish washing liquid in water in a spray bottle and mist the leaves. The bugs don't like it and you don't have to worry about harsh chemicals.

Anonymous said...

All's quiet here (S.E. MN). 55F, overcast, rain to the West (headed this way) BUT got my walk in, too! Altered a prom dress for #2 grandson's gf and am going to grab the dry erase board and decide what to stitch on #1 gs's grad quilt. This coming week (which had only Monday "booked") has something every day! This "retirement thing" is so darn hectic, I'm just sayin'!!!!! Generally I don't stitch on the weekends. At least the temps are more seasonal!! (For today, that is!) Have a great Sunday!! Hugs, Doreen

Diane Wild said...

My guess is whiteflies on the tomatoes. The plants need to be sprayed with a rotenone-pyrethrum spray every 4-5 days for 2 or 3 weeks. This is according to James Crocket of Crockett's Victory Garden. I'm keeping my eye on that doll quilt.

Kirsty said...

Gorgeous pic of Gracie. Those eyes are so beautiful. Good luck with the tomato plant problem. I eat 'em, can't grow 'em though.