Summer's Bounty

Of course these photos were taken a few weeks ago, right at the tail end of July when the summer really peaks in my neck of the woods, but posting in a timely manner is beyond me at this point.

I love the summer peak. When my flower garden is flooded with color.

Even the unmowed lawn looks lovely. A field of wildflowers.

And our garden is blossoming. My favorite is the Asparagus bean, just based on the lovely blossom it produces.

We went with raised boxes this year. The native clay soil was beating us down. And I knew weeding was out of the question for me this year. So far we're pleased. But when the plant does well it just seems to attract more pests. You win some and you lose some.

And of course my absolute favorite thing to come this summer....

fresh, ripe tomatoes. My mouth is watering at the thought.

Red Tomatoes

Would you believe me if I told you we're still enjoying tomatoes from the garden? I know I know. The trick is to pick the green tomatoes off the vine before the first frost, then take them inside and wrap them in newspaper. Check them every few days and take out the ones turning red. The second trick is to try and not get sick of tomatoes!

Bad Summer Sewer

I am a bad summer sewer. It's just not in me to defeat the heat and overcome the humidity. Instead I have become a human processing machine for our garden's bounty. I've processed zucchini like it's my job, well maybe it is my job...that's just depressing.

The tomatoes are starting to ripen. They taste so sweet! I am nervous for the full crop. I've been blessed with everything I need to can this year. So I've promised myself I will can tomatoes, pickles and relish. Oh boy. I can do this, I'm just not sure I know that!

But I didn't sign on today just to tell you about my garden and how sick I am of it. I wanted to let you all know that yes, I did indeed sit down at my sewing machine yesterday! And it felt good. I just made a couple seams and voila - I upholstered a toddler bed my husband made for our daughter. Alsmost a year ago I found this wonderful tutorial at Design*Sponge, courtesy of Design Mom. I am very thankful for a handy (and handsome) husband who can help me bring these projects to fruition.

We are now on day 2 of using said toddler bed. My daughter is sleeping the hallway. Oh boy. Wish me luck...

ps - I would show you pictures of this fantastic trip back into the land of sewing, but alas, our camera is broken. I'll drown my sorrows in zucchini bread.

Growing

Just so you don't think I stare at fabric all day, here is something else I've been working on and looking at every day for the past few weeks.

mmmmm...pepper seedlings!

Procrastination

It's hard to work on this...

When there's so much of this outside...

Maybe I'll just clean the house instead.