Memorial Day weekend

Last weekend, my laptop started booting in Safe Mode when I was writing up an entry. I had to write the entry down on paper to save it, and then re-type it. Here it is.

I can't believe that the weekend is over already. Here's a brief recap that won't seem so brief.

I was disappointed by Bonfante Gardens. I had hoped to accomplish two things there: learn more about plants, and be transported by beauty. Neither happened. My biggest complaint is that they didn't label their plants. I talked to a volunteer who said that they were going to implement a system in which the plants will be numbered for lookup on a list. That will help. She was trying to convince me to volunteer by saying that I'd learn a lot about plants. I didn't tell her that I thought that they needed a new landscape architect. They had such an opportunity to show different types of gardens, and they showed only a few things. Why didn't they show a really formal garden? Why didn't they show a garden of grasses? Cacti and succulents? Or on a different vein, why didn't they show their concept of a really romantic garden? How about a miniature garden like those for model trains? A really whimsical garden? The place needs some Disneyification.

Three plus hours of walking around wiped me out. That's pretty pathetic.

Then I started mulling over what it would be like to be a landscape architect. I've been suddenly noticing landscaping, making mental notes of it, and coming up with some plans of my own. I investigated degree programs online, and it would take three years to get a Master's Degree. That's something to think about if I need to leave high tech. The program would be a less grueling program than a doctorate in Psychology, and I think that I would enjoy the work. However, the ability to draw is a prerequisite, so I ordered some drawing books, and am going to practice. At the very least, drawing is an interesting hobby.

I also found a Continuing Education program called Master Gardener. In the program, you take 40 hours of classes in botany, horticulture, and the like. Then you volunteer a certain number of hours to teach in the community or answer questions. I want to investigate that further.

It's been an extremely creative weekend for me. While I was in Home Depot, I came up with home improvement plans to get my condo exactly the way that I want it.

• Paint (in plan for this year)
• Replace bookcases with built-in or modular ones, such as Techline in alternating white and black.  Match filing cabinets under phone to bookcases.  (Right after painting would be a good time.)
• Replace dining table and desk (not sure when)
• Replace carpeting with maple laminate flooring in living/dining/hall and matching shag carpeting in multiple shades of brown in bedrooms (next year?)
• Reface kitchen cabinets in maple (not sure when)
• Possibly put matching or coordinating tile on the kitchen walls between the counter and cabinets
• Resurface bath, vanity countertops, and sinks (not sure when).  Reface bathroom cabinet to match.
• Replace refrigerator with side-by-side model in black to match stove and dishwasher (way in the future).

This description doesn't really convey how these changes will look.  I'll post pictures as the changes happen.

I didn't get to paint my garage.  I'm almost done with spackling and sanding.  The walls are in such bad shape that it's been taking a long time.  I dropped off the bicycle to be assembled, potted several plants, started cleaning the living room, and fed lots of tuna to Harlee.