Getting to Know All the Quirks of the Greenhouse

That's one way to install a door jam! — at Urban Arbors.

Welcome (Back) to Ohio

Moving Day

I was mansplained several time about
labeling boxes, so in true smart-ass spirit,
I'm labeling the heck out of these big blank canvases.

As I passed Runge's today I saw some of the bulbs I planted for the 2015 spring have survived despite being cut down prematurely by Streets & San.

Some crocus wave goodbye on one of my
 final walks through the neighborhood

It's really difficult to leave a place that felt like Sesame Street. I haven't yet told some of my favorite shopkeepers that I'm moving. I only mention it to Tim Runge as I pass by on my way back to the apartment, and the moving truck.

My Runge's Auto Landscaping Legacy

Walked past Runge's today just hours before leaving town and noticed some crocus bulbs blooming, leftover from the Spring of 2015 when I tried to landscape this rough spot hard! I'm happy I'm leaving behind a little bit that refuses to quit and that they sent me off with a small salute.

I'm leaving, but my work will grow on!

Last Day of Work at DePaul

Saif was kind enough to give me a ride home after I cleaned out my office. Lake Shore Drive was kind enough to give Saif's little car a flat tire :(strangers walking by keep joking we could carry the fiat to the garage on our shoulders.

Last Dirty Girlz Dinner with My Ecological Restoration Pals!

EM Pomaranc is with Lauren Glyndal U and Kim Frye.

March 14, 2016 · 

Last night we had our last dinner as a threesome all living in Chicago. Kim is off on a grand journey and a big change so we ate a pile of amazing foods and drank sparkly things.

Kim Frye

March 13, 2016 · 

Last regular dinner with the Dirty Girlz. Gonna miss these faces. — at Hot Chocolate Chicago.

First Time to the Greenhouse with Keys!

Moving my first load of stuff into the greenhouse. Just happy standing here and watching the rain fall in my greenhouse!

Moving the Plants!

I already know it's going to difficult to fit all my plants in the moving truck when the time comes. Decided to rental a car to take a special trip home to transport them to Mount Vernon.  

No losses! Some of the plants look droopy, but everyone survived the freezing temps while I loaded the car for an hour, and the 8 hour road trip through some of the worst winter conditions I've ever driven through!

Planning in Blooms

via GIPHY

Collecting Water Samples from the Chicago River

"And sometimes you catch the full spectrum of the human experience while collecting water samples, and realize you must fall somewhere between 'Be Happy' and 'Fuck Her Right in the Pussy.'"

Incredible Hulk and the Green Thumb

Some Green Inspiration!

**DISHWASHER DETERGENT UPDATE #3**

With or Without Borax

Apparently there is concern about the toxicity of Borax, particularly with dish detergent due to  the residual ingestion that comes from any leftover film on dishes. A quick compilation of concerns was compiled by Crunchy Betty: 

• The EWG’s Skin Deep Database lists it as a 5-6 (or moderate hazard), but trying to find the studies they used for their rating proved difficult, and the ones I did find were the nebulous “borax or boric acid” test studies.
• Looking through the ToxNet studies on the NIH website, I see very few that are concerning for any major danger (unless ingested in high quantities). In addition, the Material Safety Data Sheet lists borax as a health hazard of 1, the same as baking soda and salt.
• However, the FDA banned borax as a food additive, and the European Chemicals Agency added it to their “list of substances of very high concern” a few years ago. From what I could find, that had much to do with the ongoing debate as to whether excess boron in the soil harms crops.
• Borax is classified as non-carcinogenic and a mild skin irritant. The high alkalinity of borax is likely what causes skin irritation (just as excessive use of baking soda would cause irritation). There are also several studies in the ToxNet database that show its only a very mild lung irritant and causes no lasting damage. In addition, it does not penetrate the skin well, and is not considered to be bio-accumulative. (Meaning, repetitive use over time does not mean it builds up in your system.)
• The one concern is with its potential to disrupt the reproductive system. Studies have not been done in humans regarding this; however, potential reproductive issues in mice are suspected from high levels of (ingested) borax.
• Borax is acutely toxic in the same manner that salt is (in rats, it’s 4500-5000 mg/kg of body weight, which is A LOT). Ingested in moderate quantities, it causes gastrointestinal upset and nausea. Bottom line: While it may be listed as “poison” on the box, it’s only toxic at very, very high levels. (Like salt, baking soda, and even water is.)

Borax also has some critics citing high residue left on dishes when used in DIY detergents and the recipes I've attempted have definitely struggled with residue and lots of film left on the dishes, so I was game to try something new.

I took a cue from some discussions online ultimately tried a recipe without Borax and featuring a product called Lemi Shine detergent booster. 

The company (Envirocon Technologies based in Texas) could be a little less vague, but the made with label lists only real fruit acids and natural citrus oils. The bottle also advertises being manufactured domestically and no phosphates, 

I tried the Lemi Shine formula and had really good success. Dishes are clean, no film, and the glassware is clear. 

I did cheat a little though because the film and cloudiness created from past DIY detergents has had a severe legacy. After months of using vinegar as a rinse aid, I jumped at the Lemi Shine Shine + Dry when I saw on the shelf next to the detergent booster. Sorry to have confounded variables, but I was desperate to get rid of that film on my dishes. 

The rinse aid boasts similar pro and cons as the booster: 

Made with Cutting Edge Ingredients: Surfactant: innovative, biodegradable formula that fights spots and film. Fruit acids: specifically formulated to boost! and eliminate hard water minerals. Contains no dyes or preservatives.

Garden Gang Goodbye Dinner

My Admiral at the Lake Garden Gang treated to me dinner. We did it up in spirit of Mardi Gras!