Yes, friends, I'm still alive and kickin'. I took the month off from the computer, with just occasional peeks at favorite blogs and FB. Sometimes it's good to just disconnect and get on with other things.
We planted a small garden this year and I'm overjoyed to report that our summer squash and zucchini have produced!! It's been years since I've been able to make such a report. Piles of squash have appeared on my counter on almost a daily basis:
I've made numerous pans of my summer squash skillet and so far we still enjoy each mouthful. I've made multiple bakings of zucchini bread and with each batch I can't resist breathing in the wonderful aroma of the cinnamon and nutmeg as I set them on the cooling racks.
I also stumbled on a wonderful recipe for a side dish featuring the yellow squash. I got a catalog last week from a company called Through the Country Door. I ordered a couple of things and got a welcoming email from them. At the bottom was a picture of a casserole with a link. I checked it out and decided to make it Saturday. I can highly recommend Gunter Family Squash Casserole! A little bit of work, but definitely worth it.
I've been stitching in the sewing room making baby blankets for a local ministry. I've stitched satin binding to fleece for cozy blankies and embroidered flannel to make receiving blankets for the tiny ones. I love making baby things!
August has been hot and our area has been thick with smoke from the many forest fires in the west. It rained a little yesterday and today is cool and the air is clear. Hopefully firefighters will be able to use this time to whip all the infernos blazing away. A cousin lost her home and all her possessions in one fire several weeks ago. I can't even imagine. I come from a family of forest-fire fighters, with my dad, my brother and my husband all having spent many days on the fire lines. I am grateful that none of them do it any more.
So, here we are at the end of August. I turned another year older and fall is about to arrive. ♥
Welcome back! To what do you attribute the success of your summer squash plants?
ReplyDeleteWell, I was originally attributing it to the bees some new neighbors are keeping, but then another neighbor who is closer to the bees said they weren't getting any squash. So now I believe it is because we (and by we, I mean Dan) tore out the roses outside the window in his office and that's where we planted the squash. Apparently they like it there!
DeleteInteresting. I totally believe that something more than water and fertilizer is at work with things that grow. Perhaps they'll continue to bear for a few weeks yet as long as it doesn't freeze, but as the weather changes and the days grow short, they get the message anyway.
DeleteYes, the days of gardens are numbered. We've got green beans, too, and I think there are more ready to can. I'd better be spending tomorrow in the kitchen!
DeleteI was going to ask the same question as Mom, but since she beat me to it, I'll say something else.
ReplyDeleteDid you know that bees pollinate in an area of 15 miles from the hive? This is why it's hard to control the health agains systemic pesticides (if I have my facts straight). I might like to have a hive someday...it's on my wish list.
Back to the blog: those loaves look yummy!
I have a cousin who raises bees and does honey. I should ask him next time I see him. My freezer is full of yummy loaves, come have some!
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