Good grief; July is lasting forEVer!!! I don't have anything against the month (other than that it's summer); two of my favorite people were born in July, after all. But it does feel like it is taking up more than its fair share of the year.
Then again, I guess that means more homegrown food. As worried as I was that we weren't going to have a garden this year, it is shaping up to be one of our best seasons here. Last night I picked the first snow peas, after thinking they were just beginning to bloom. That has happened with several 'crops,' including English cucumbers, eggplant, tomatoes and peppers. (It's amazing what you find when you wear you reading glasses to the garden! 🤣)
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| ONE potato plant has blossoms |
No glasses needed for the zucchini; it's producing abundantly enough for us, neighbors, and friends, who are all welcoming the offerings as I am picking them young and tender. Another neighbor let some get away from her, so my chickens benefitted.
Our new 'chicks' are now beautiful young birds that come running to my friend for mealworms. I was planning to bring them home week after next, but got a text from my friend tonight asking if we could move them tomorrow since she has to leave town for a funeral. Okay, then; hopefully introductions will be trauma-free! Here are the last photos Kate sent me on July 12; I'm sure they look much different now. Don't worry, I'm sure you'll be seeing that for yourself soon!
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| Dot |
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| Chippy |
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| Lottie |
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| Kate |
Last Sunday I worked on skirting fleeces, finishing all of the five reserved by one repeat customer which leaves only one to do before the Oregon Flock and Fiber Festival in October. I took photos of the first one I did (Bridget) and the last (Vienna).
I had a new perspective as I did it; I've been asked to judge fleeces in the Shetland show at the Wisconsin Sheep & Wool Festival in September. I do NOT feel qualified but have been talked into it, and while I'm in the area, I'll get to visit relatives that I haven't seen in decades, too.
This year is turning into "The Year of Extended Family," and I love it. Since the funeral/family gathering in Alaska, my cousin who lives in Salem and I have met up three times; we're really enjoying our visits. Now I get to anticipate a visit with my mom's first cousin and his wife in Wisconsin!
That's it for now from . . .
11 comments:
The chickens grow fast! They look great. And your garden looks productive.
Where is your family in WI? Not sure if I will get to WSWF. Would have loved to meet you in person. I am sure you will do a wonderful job judging the fleeces.
Gorgeous fleece! And your garden looks really good too. Everything looks so pretty.
You grow the most gorgeous looking eggplant! And everything else, too, of course. So glad to hear your garden is doing so very well this year! I know you use just about everything it produces to feed your family.
Putting on blinders in fleece section. Bridget is so tempting!
Garden looks great 👍
Your garden looks great! All of the bounty will be delicious, I'm sure!
Your chicks have really grown, and are looking very nice. I hope the "homecoming" will go well.
The fleeces are beautiful!
Your trip to WI, should be really fun for you. You'll have to do a blog about how it all went!
Yes, chickens grow fast but not as fast as all the wild birds around us, Elaine. They are indistinguishable in size from their parents in much less time. It will be interesting to see just how big my new birds are compared to the adults when I bring them home today!
Sharrie, my family lives in Appleton and has a cabin elsewhere. They are picking me up from WSWF Friday evening, so Friday is the only day I'll be at the show. If you can possibly make it that day, I'd love to meet you, too!
Thanks, Leigh!
I really like the slender Japanese varieties, Mama Pea, and they do well for me.
No use being tempted, Goatldi; Bridget's fleece was reserved before shearing! Of course, you could always reserve NEXT year's. 😉
Thanks, Jeanne. All the produce will challenge me to cook more. With the unpredictable schedules and appetites of the residents here, I've had a hard time doing much. (And you KNOW I'll blog about the trip!)
Great looking garden, and your photos are really good! Those eggplant look liscious! I think you’re going to love those hens! Have a peaceful sabbath!
Extended family is so valuable ~ enjoy every minute of your visit :-) And a fleece fest - wahoo!
(Just found your wonderful blog.)
Congratulations on being a Shetland fleece judge-enjoy!
Thanks, wyomingheart; I guess with regular watering the plants LIKE our heat this summer.
Welcome, Lady Locust! I've seen your name in the comments of other blogs I follow, so it is a delight to see you here as well!
Thanks, Donna. Like I said, I don't feel qualified but I will give it my very best!
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