Nearing the End of Summer

It seemed when the calendar changed to September and Labor Day was here, I immediately thought of fall.  The truth is that around here, September is a pretty warm month ... almost as if it were still summer.  I remember, as a teacher, I used to have many a sweater and sweatshirt with a fall theme.  I could never wear them until October/November because it was always too warm in September! 

Well, I've purged my closets of those things.  I've decided to enjoy summer a bit longer!  That includes wearing shorts, sunglasses and, yes, WHITE attire! 


But enough of that!


Even with blistering temperatures last week, the garden still amazed me this morning! 


 


Kale, okra, peppers, tomatoes, a cucumber and parsley!!



We don't have a big vegetable garden but the green beans and tomatoes have done very well.  The last two weeks it has really kept me busy!  After eating and sharing all we could, I started canning.  This is the first year I have had this many beans.  I've just put 54 quarts and 5 pints on the shelves in the basement! 

I also canned some stewed tomatoes and froze marinara sauce.  I'm very happy to have these for winter but am also glad this part of my summer is over...

I hope!  Think I'll have to pick again this evening!

 

 

 

 

 I also wanted to show off my mailbox clematis!  When the kids were young, after seeing it, one of their friends asked what was EATING our mailbox?!  To be honest, I'm not exactly sure which variety it is but it certainly is healthy and quite heat and drought tolerant!

 

 

 

 



 Just a few photos of the beautiful blooms!

 

 

 

 

 

 

If you know which variety it is, please let me know. 

 

Who could pull these little Morning Glories?  I know many consider them weeds but think how hard they've tried to survive through that thick mass of clematis vines!  And then, there they are; adding a gentle pop of color, just those two!  I had to leave them!  Wouldn't you?

Thanks for sharing my Amazing Monday!   I'm hoping you have a wonderful week!!

 

 

Linking to:

 

Amaze Me Monday

Tuesdays at Our House

Home{work} Wednesday

Outdoor Wednesday

 

 

 

 

 

Thank Goodness for the Garden

Well, it happened.  After our annual trips to the doctors, both Wonderful Hubby and I were told those dreaded words, "At your age, you might consider losing a little weight."  We decided to go on the Weight Watchers diet together.  If you know anything about this eating plan you know every item you put in your mouth is given a point value.  At the beginning, depending on your current weight, you are given a point goal for each day and even some 'cheating' points for times when you want or need to deviate from the plan.  Vegetables and fruits, for the most part, are FREE = 0 points!!

Yesterday began week 2 of this weight loss adventure and I think we are settling into a rhythm.  I really like to cook and all last week I felt out of my element.  But after seeking out recipes on the WW website and the internet, I think I'm ready to do this.

This morning I went out to the garden.  We were gone this weekend and I hadn't been there in several days.  What a delicious surprise!!  LOTS OF ZERO POINTS greeted me!!!

 
Green beans, cabbage, tomatoes, zucchini and LOTS of cucumbers!!!!   We shall not starve on this diet!!
 
 
 
We also have several other veggies waiting in the wings.....
 
 
In a few days/weeks we should also be enjoying: 
 
 
OKRA!

Red and Yellow Peppers!  They need to ripen up.

Squash! (I planted butternut squash so I hope that's what this ripens into!)

Sweet Corn!!!! (Ok, I know that's a point or two ..... without the butter .... but who can resist it??)

We also have a lot more green beans to harvest!  I've already canned some for winter.

Yes, that's a live trap to the left.  The squirrels are making unwanted visits.  They need to be moved some place else! 



My tomato plants didn't get in this round of pictures.  They are in the back of the garden and I was running out of battery.  They have quite a few green ones on the vine with more blooms! 



I'm so thankful our weather has been good this year.  Last year was extremely HOT and DRY!  We had to water and tomatoes were about all we harvested.   This year the garden has had plenty of moisture and the compost from the rabbits we raise has really helped. 


I will try to update you on our progress and, if I happen upon some REALLY tasty recipes, I'll share them with you.  Who cares if they're healthy, as long as they are tasty!!!

Have a great week!

 

 

Linking to:

 

Home{work} Wednesday

Inspire Me Tuesday