I hope this finds you well. Did you have a nice summer? There is always something new to observe in the garden (if you are a gardener). I especially like summer because it is our growing season. Our garlic harvest was productive, and typically supplies us with enough garlic until March.
Xavier and I went to the horse races and it was their 70th year celebration. Xavier really enjoyed seeing the horses race, and told me he would like to be a jockey when he grows up. I'm sure my cousin will talk him out of that. lol
This is the last summer for our favorite sunflower field. The many acres of land is being sold, and the owner planted one last sunflower field. I'll always remember the joy it brought people, especially during the pandemic.
I made a small quantity of Currant Jam from our pink currant bush, and this recipe is a winner. Jam cookies Maryann Fellows WON A NEW KITCHEN from Pillsbury for developing this recipe and entering it into their contest in 1954. Her original recipe calls for raspberry jam. These are so fast to make and fly off of the plate. Thank you Mrs. Fellows! We will always remember you for your delicious cookies.
Most of the basil growing in my Earth Box was harvested at the end of July when the japanese beetles started enjoying it. Once I made the pesto, I froze it in plastic 1/2 cup containers and then popped them out and placed them in Ziploc freezer bags for use in the winter. Pesto on pizza and pasta is a favorite of ours. I also make pesto hummus with garbanzo beans, tomato paste and lemon. No tahini is needed due to the lemon taking its place.
Xavier helped me harvest "my" garlic :-) Grandpa's garlic was much bigger on the other side of our house.
My brother (far right) wanted to go kayaking on his vacation, and we chose the Moose River which is a favorite of ours in the Adirondacks. I think we have been at least 20 times.
In August, six of us enjoyed flower therapy at a local farm. After gathering our flowers, we arranged them in a shallow glass container utilizing a Eco-friendly floral design using chicken wire instead of foam.
Some of the ladies said we should do this weekly. Great therapy.
Here is my loose, wild, fresh-from-the-garden arrangement.
It's a great time to make an end of summer bucket list, just saying.
xx
Deb
Beautiful post Deb. Sunflowers are such a happy flower. How special to visit that sunflower field. So sad it is their last year. How productive your garden is. Everything looks amazing. The pesto looks delicious. Beautiful sunflower bouquets make for a happy day. How fun for your and Xaviar to go to the horse races. Looks like a lovely summer.
ReplyDeleteJudee from Gluten Free A-Z Blog: Your produce and your flowers look amazing. So nice to have had so much wonderful family time.
ReplyDeleteYou have been beautifully busy! Little Xav in his MC hat:) Too cute!Fun pics:)
ReplyDeleteYour garden is beautiful, and I am impressed with your garlic crop! How do you store it to last all winter? You look so cute with Xavier, what fun you must have with him! The flower therapy with friends sounds like so much fun and your arrangement is beautiful! I love sunflowers too, so sorry that field is being sold. Your pesto and jam cookies sound amazing! School starts here tomorrow, so it feels like summer is over!
ReplyDeleteJenna
Yes, you are a garden girl! I love seeing and reading about your beautiful garden, and the photos with your girlfriends at the flower farm filled my senses. You look fantastic in the field of sunflowers. What a fun day for you and your friends. Thank you for sharing this joyful post!
ReplyDeleteDebbie, your summer truly looked to be restorative and family-oriented, the best of times.
ReplyDeleteWhat a happy and cheerful summer you’ve had, Debbie! The garlic haul is amazing and Xavier is growing so much. He’ll be as tall as those sunflowers soon. I’ll have to make those cookies sometime with my homemade jam. Happy rest of the summer to you! 🌻😊🌻
ReplyDeleteOh Deb, I see you had a wonderful fun filled summer. I love seeing Xavier and how much he's grown, such a handsome young man. I think you had a lovely and very productive garden, such yummies you've put away for a cold winter's day. Love seeing your pretty face in the pics and the beautiful sunflower field. Enjoy this last official summer month!
ReplyDeleteSummer is always a special time as we try to cram in as much as we can! Looks like you have enjoyed every minute!
ReplyDeleteYou've had a fantastic summer, Friend! I think your trip to the flower farm with your friends IS a super therapy field trip. I'm impressed with your garden and your bumper garlic crop. :D
ReplyDeleteI hope you tick off everything on your late summer bucket list.