Wednesday, July 26, 2017

Who Put That There?



take a close look...do you see the sunflower?


I just returned from a walkabout my perennial flower beds seeing how they were faring during these drought and hot days of July.  They have been better.



But, what I did notice, over and over again, is that many of my plants are those not planted personally by me.  At least, not in the spot where they are currently growing.



It seems as though many of my plants have walked from their original planting site to elsewhere throughout my garden.  Since they are green and alive, they will remain. Why waste such a beneficial opportunity.



One big surprise was a sunflower I just noticed growing in the field.



Now, mind you, I planted at least 21 sunflowers seeds along the side of the pole barn. Presently, there are only two growing.  Sunflowers are normally very easy to grow.


SMILE!

 But, there is that sunflower in the pasture that I know I did not plant.



A sunflower is a sunflower no matter where it growing.  And, I just have to smile every time I glance at it.



Who wouldn’t?

Sunday, July 23, 2017

Amazing Flavor


The cupboard is just about bare.  The freezers, on the other hand, are full of meat.



But, I need more than meat to be satisfied.



I asked Glenn to go out and see if he could find some potatoes in the garden.  He did.



The potatoes are not big, they are still growing, but…





After one bite, my mouth and stomach were begging for more.  The flavor is big, robust, all fresh potato.



Unless you have eaten a freshly dug from the garden, freshly baked potato you have no concept of full potato flavor.



Amazing!

May I recommend...plant a potato or two in your garden next year. You will be amazed, too!


Friday, July 21, 2017

The Dog Days Are Here

                                                                      

Today's early morning sunrise...
 


July is definitely exhibiting the dog days of summer.  My walks have to be completed before 8:00 AM so that I take advantage of the coolest and most comfortable part of the day.  Any much later, not only do my dogs hang their tongues, but I think mine is hanging as well.



Quickly, the temps soar into the 90’s and are sunny, humid and HOT.  As the temperatures soar, my activity level dramatically plummets.  Outside endeavors are forbidden, self-imposed, of course. But, inside is not much better.  We have no AC.  Ceiling fans bring only very minimal relief as the hot air swirls around.



My garden is nearly as dry as Death Valley.  I water, as much as possible, in the evenings just to give my perennials and veggies some relief.  I am only trying to keep the plants alive until our next soaking rain which, at the moment, is absent from the short-term and long-term forecasts.



When I feel really uncomfortable, I usually take a drive.  My car has AC.  Unfortunately, my car is in the shop for a fuel pump replacement – ugh!



Glenn has been spending a lot of tractor time on the farms. I understand quite well…the tractor cab has AC.