Summer's Bounty

I have just a small, organic garden, but it's produced a great summer bounty.  I just took a quick picture of what's sitting on my counter right now.

It doesn't include what's in my fridge.  Just goes to prove that you don't have to be an expert or have a ton of space to grow fresh veggies.

Here's before and after pictures of the garden space. It's just 3 feet by 12 feet.  The fence is only necessary if you have wildlife, i.e., rabbits or "lots of help", i.e., a 3 year old.  I felt really silly having my husband drive 8 foot posts in the ground for my tomatoes, but I've actually had to cut out some of the top branches and tie them up because they've started hanging over.

This year I added a smaller 2 foot by 6 foot space and put additional zucchini and squash plants as well as canelope and banana peppers. Obviously, the melon (my first ever) was quite happy and tasted super good!

So if I haven't been posting like I should, my garden is to blame.  I have to cook or freeze what I've grown.  This wasn't the summer to learn to can or preserve.  Maybe next year?

Summer Time!

I think this is been one of the longest times between posts since I started my blog.  What's my excuse?  Summer!  The kids are home, and if they're not off making a mess and getting into something they shouldn't (specifically my 3 year old son), they're fussing or fighting, needing a snack, complaining about being bored or wanting to go somewhere.

There was the food challenge at Duke, then Vacation Bible School.  After that, we started potty training my youngest.  It went surprisingly well, and so far no pee pee accidents.  Can't say the same for the other.  Regardless, it's a huge time commitment.  I also made a promise to Abigail that she would be able to swim the length of the pool by the end of the summer so there's been swimming lessons for her and my youngest (he wouldn't even get in the water 2 months ago) and trips to our neighborhood pool to "practice".  Can't forget the shuttling to summer camps, special outings and play dates which all require time away from the computer.  I've started a training certification program which I'll write about in more detail later.  And last, but not least, the garden.  I love having a garden, but my goodness, it's a lot of work.  There's definitely a science behind gardening, and I haven't come close to mastering it.

Anyway, I haven't forgotten you guys.  I hope you are also enjoying your summer. I really shouldn't complain, we're having a great time.  We're being inundated with reminders that school is just around the corner, and I'd like to savor this time a little longer.