Valley Gardening: Apartment coming along

All is good in the neighborhood!

Thanks to Ray Smith and the City street crews, all the drains on the intersection of State and Eighth are clean of ice and snow — so thankful. I, and my granddaughter, Peyton, had three of them draining and then we got to Atencio’s Market and oh, my …. more than we could handle. It was so awesome to call Ray, have his guys on the steam machine, in between jobs and be able to help our neighborhood be safe … you know, LODA, aka the South Side.

While we were working at Virginia’s place (A Cut Above), it was really cool to have her come out and ask me what Leo and Maria needed for their apartment.  Because Jennifer Jones-Kelleher had already given me a twin bed for Maria, Virginia is purchasing twin bedding.  Thanks to Judy Kelloff for bringing in towels, and bedding, that will work for Leo’s bed. She brought in the softest blankets ever!

Habitat for Humanity helped out with a love seat and recliner, as did George and Evelyn Sprouse- Rowe with a couple more chairs. The cute table and chairs were provided by the Green Spot, via the Mac McFadden family. An anonymous donor brought in a new microwave and toaster.  Pat Parker also brought in towels. Dishes have come from Anne McFadden and another set from Evelyn, so they can choose white or black dishes. We still need to come up with some curtains, pots and pans, and bath mat, etc., but all in all, Leo and Maria will be ready to move in on Sunday. It’s been a long haul. 

The folks at Alamosa Housing Authority sure have (had) a job to do — I have never seen so many signatures required, so much paperwork required, in my life, even when purchasing my home or the Green Spot. It’s bureaucracy at its finest. Kind of sad, when you think of the paperwork, multiplied by thousands and thousands of folks across the country.  Private industry could no doubt simplify some of the process. Beyond that, I am thankful, that Leo and Maria will now be safe and warm. They will be good tenants.

I attended City Council on this past Wednesday evening. I complained about the snow removal and the hazards relating to the gutter pans (that’s what I call them) on all the corners. It’s something I complain about almost every year, and it’s not getting any better. It’s sad! It is the property owners responsibility to get these areas cleaned up

I stayed at the meeting to see who was appointed to the downtown committee — can’t remember what it’s called. I didn’t apply, but I hope to sit in on meetings.  Mainly, I want to see how the South Side is (will be) totally ignored. I have always believed that if you are going to complain, you better try and be educated.

There was also a long discussion on parking at Alamosa State University. The discussion focused on the already restricted parking on Monterrey Avenue and now Sierra Avenue residents wanting their own parking spots. It’s a tough decision to make, so a work session will be planned.

The most important thing I took away from that discussion was how “if you complained long enough and hard enough” City Council will take you seriously and answer your concerns/questions. I think I have been complaining about some things for at least that long and no one has ever come and said, “here’s how I feel about that, or here’s your answer.” Guess I will need to get louder.

A lot of folks are beginning to transplant their houseplants. Spring is a great time to do this chore.  Sometimes you just have to do it when you have time.  I have been doing lots of transplanting the past couple of weeks. Did you know that getting your hands dirty is actually healthy? I hardly ever get sick, and now I know why. I love the dirt. I’d be happy to give you a lesson on transplanting if you are nervous. Come on by.

If you are doing nothing this afternoon or Monday, come on by and take a look at our little puppies. They are almost 6 weeks and just the cutest things. They are ready for some socializing.