Photo: Great grandparents at their farm in Blandinsville, IL, with five of their six children .. my grandpa was yet a twinkle in grandma's eye. Stable boy and governess also pictured. Hodges farm, circa 1903-4

Friday, July 26, 2013

'Chasing' away the summer heat ... a day in pictures

Giving the garden a drink

blanching and canning in the great outdoors

makeshift kitchen

blessed shade

reflection of summer

Thursday, July 11, 2013

Company and Gardening

We have visitors .. my parents .. so in between being a good hostess .. and letting them fend for themselves quite a bit .. the garden is flourishing. 


Our Montmormency (sour) cherries are ready to pick. 
This past spring I made a homemade dormant oil spray (water, vinegar, coconut oil soap, tea tree oil) and applied it to our fruit trees; we have not had any insect pests on the apples or cherries .. A scarecrow, fake owl and bird netting over the tree have helped GREATLY keeping the birds from having breakfast, lunch and dinner.


We're harvesting lettuce, Asian peas, bok choy, onions, black currents, cherries and herbs galore.

With the heat last weak, I decided to try my hand at outdoor Dutch oven (D.O.) cooking.


 The Mr. has set up an outdoor cooking area complete with propane burners and a place to cook in the D.O.


 
Summer is in full swing with home projects (garden gates),
 
mini trips and family get-togethers.
 
 
How does your garden grow?