Our Late Garden 2016

   We are several weeks late with our garden this year.  I am really not a good gardener- Jeremiah is so much better!  I do not find it relaxing to dig in the dirt and pull weeds.  It is a very dreaded chore for me and I was happy to not do it for the last couple years.  I had been going to a local produce stand that is less than 2 miles from our home.  I was happy to let them do the gardening part and with a smile on my face I would hand over cash to bring home the produce to can, freeze and process. 

Ryder's section of corn

  Well those were the days. Last week Ryder decided that he wanted to garden this year.  He wants corn and lots of it! It is a mite late to plant corn but we will see what happens. He went to work and started on tilling the garden.  That's all it took for the gardening gene in Jeremiah to explode so on Monday...a small corn patch has turned into a full garden. 

   We put in tomatoes, green peppers, green beans, red beets, carrots, radishes, watermelon, cantaloupe, spaghetti squash, zucchini and cucumbers along with Ryder's corn. 

 

   Jeremiah made a kind of raised bed this year.  He can run the tiller through the rows easier to keep weeds at bay. 

 



 
   I planted a marigold at the end of each row.  I thought it would make the garden look happier and deter small animals from coming into the garden with their smell.  We will see how that works but it does give the garden color at the moment.

  
   This photo shows the corn section in front of the garden.  They are close so it makes watering easier.  The last time this section was planted it was full of tomato plants, 50 I think! It was several years ago.  Ryder had his hands full getting the soil ready to plant.

  In the previous picture you can see one of our kitties "Meow" in-between the two gardens.  I took a picture of her since she was accompanying me while I took the photos of the garden.  She is 14 years old and a very affectionate kitty.  She will follow you around the yard and loves to be petted.  She is a loyal pet and a good mouser which is a good thing on a farm.

Wednesday Hodgepodge

1. If you could sit beside and/or jump in any lake in the whole wide world today, which lake would you choose and why? I would go to a local lake.  I just wrote about this yesterday!  Here is a link to that post! I have pictures included so you can see how beautiful it is against the mountains.

2. What's your favorite 'fruity' drink? Most anything "strawberry"! I really like strawberry flavored drinks. I did have an apple flavored iced tea last fall at a local restaurant it was delicious but I will stick with strawberry drinks. Oh wait...I did have a blueberry flavored soda at a quaint restaurant and it was beyond delicious!!  I have a post on that also. It's so hard to decide!  HaHa!

 

3. I read a list here of thirteen things to do right now to simplify your life. They were-

clean as you go, re-evaluate your relationships (cut toxic ties), unsubscribe (too many blogs and websites), de-clutter, write down your daily goals, reply to emails right away, forget multitasking, create a morning routine, re-evaluate your commitments (which hobbies and responsibilities are most important to you), say no, clean up your computer, and plan your day ahead

Which of the tasks listed do you currently find most helpful in keeping life simple? Which item on the list should you adopt in order to simplify your life this month?

Helpful:  clean as you go, re-evaluate your relationships, de-clutter, forget multitasking, create a morning routine, say no,

Should adopt: unsubscribe, reply to emails right away
 

Now my thoughts... I try to clean as I go but it doesn't always work out.

I have re-evaluated my relationships and I have a close circle of friends in whom I find encouraging and freeing. These friends allow me to be myself and accept me for who I am. 

De-clutter, that is hard for me but I try to work at it regularly.

I do not multitask much anymore.  I concentrate on one thing before going on to the next.  It works out so much better for me as I am forgetful.  

I have a morning routine that works for me right now.  I have to be flexible with it as different days have different schedules but I have found what works for me.

Say no.  I am getting good at that now.  I used to be a people pleaser and took on way too much. 

I need to unsubscribe to some websites but I just don't do it.  I really can't explain why.  I have ditched some sites that wore me down mentally.  I can overlook some ideas because we are all different but I felt that several sites just didn't come in close to my ideas and found myself thinking that the ladies who wrote those sites were idiots so instead of thinking bad about them, I unsubscribed. Problem solved. No more negative thoughts...

I am NOT good at replying to emails right away.  I will if it is necessary but some I need to think about prior to forming the email and some just go unanswered.  I was better at this years ago but I have somehow let go of quick responses.  It would do me good to get better at this.
 

4. What did you do the summer after you graduated from high school?  I got a job and worked through college.

 

5. Are you a fan of podcasts? If so what's a favorite? I am probably the only person out there who hasn't listened to a podcast.  I honestly don't think it would be all that great for me.  I don't concentrate enough to listen to one. 

 

6. Do you think today's fathers have it harder, easier, or just different than fathers in the past?  I believe it to be- just different.  Men are men regardless of time period.  I think that they want to do the best they can to provide for their family and it doesn't matter what year they were born in.  Each time period has its own set of challenges and I think that good fathers really do try their best and make the most out of every possibility for their families.
 

7. Tell us one way you're like your father? Or not at all like your father if that's easier?  I like country living and so does my dad.  It's nice to go and sit on the front porch and look out and see the lush green fields and wooded areas all around us. 

 

8.  Insert your own random thought here.  Last week I mentioned our cucumber plants in hanging baskets and several asked that I keep you up to date. I think that they are doing really well.  I am pleased so far and think that if it keeps working out like this we will do it again next year!

 

 

Sunday on the Lake

   Sunday was a lovely day for us.  Madilynne was a helper last week for Vacation Bible School (VBS) at a small, local church.  She loves to help at VBS and has been a helper for the last several years. After the week is complete the church dedicates the following Sunday to the VBS and the kids get to show what they have learned and to recognize the people that organize VBS and the helpers.  It is always a fun service.

 The weather was beautiful on Sunday afternoon and Jeremiah and Ryder couldn't think of a better way to spend the day than on the lake. We loaded up some snacks and took the boat out.  Madilynne and I usually spend the time reading or talking too much ;-) and the boys fish and join in on our chatting! 

 

We always have a great time together on the lake. Ryder caught several fish that he released to swim again.  I don't think that Jeremiah caught many/any because he was busy keeping the boat a safe distance from the shore but in a good range for Ryder to fish.

 

 

 

It was a bit windy in the open waters so Jeremiah took us into some of the coves and it wasn't very choppy.

 

 

This picture was just for fun... I don't normally take "feet pictures"! HaHa!

 

I am blessed that our family gets to spend time like this together.  I hope that you get to spend some quality time with your loved ones. What are some of your favorite ways to get spend quality time together?

Be blessed today!

 

Wednesday Hodgepodge

1. I read here a list of 13 things you should do in June. I'm paraphrasing a little but basically...

Go on a road trip with your best friend, pick fresh strawberries, host a garden party, take a morning run, treat yourself to a flower bouquet, spend a whole day hiking, discover a new coffee shop, try a new ice cream flavor, read at least one book, visit a Farmer's Market, make a swing for your home, and visit a new city. 
Which thing on the list do you most want to do? Of the activities mentioned, which one holds the least appeal? How many on the list will you attempt in June? What's one thing you'd add to the list?  I would most like to pick strawberries.  It is one of my favorite berries.  Jeremiah (I am a terrible gardener) had a lovely strawberry patch for us for many years but these past two years have taken a toll on it.  It hasn't produced many at all. 
Least likely to do- take a morning run is almost tied with spend a whole day hiking....
Will attempt in June: read at least one book and visit a Farmer's Market
Add to the list: Attend our homeschool graduation and end of the year picnic.

2. What's something you could do today to feel more peaceful?  Drink more tea!  Actually I start my day with Bible reading and prayer so my day has a peaceful beginning.

 

3. June 7th is National Chocolate Ice Cream Day. Are you a fan? Swiss mocha, rocky road, chocolate chocolate chip, peanut butter and chocolate, or a dish of plain chocolate...what's your pleasure?   This is easy...I don't care much for ice cream no matter what the flavor is. The only ice cream that I will eat occasionally is vanilla.

 

4. If you came with a warning what would it say?  Not a happy camper when hungry or hot!
 

5.What's the most interesting website you've visited in the last week?  Well unfortunately, for this question, I haven't had much time to surf the web this week or spend much time on the computer so I don't have anything to put here.

 

6. Spring, summer, autumn, winter...which season are you? Why? I guess summer because it is warm and I always seem to be warm.

 

7. "You lose sight of things...and when you travel, everything balances out." ~Daranna Gidel

Would you agree with that sentiment? Explain why or why not.  I think it depends on where you are traveling and what your level of contentment is.  This seems to be a "worldly" quote to me.  A "keeping up with the Joneses" type of statement; if you will. If you are always in a competition for bigger and better then this statement would be beneficial to you. 

 

8. Insert your own random thought here.  Madilynne, Ryder and I went to a local greenhouse Monday to get some cucumber plants that my mom had told me about.  I got two plants.  They planted cucumber plants in a hanging basket and the vines hang down and produce nice cucumbers.  They aren't huge in size (about 5-6" long and 1" in diameter) but we don't eat a lot of them so what these plants will produce will be wonderful for us. Has anyone ever heard of doing this before?  I think it is a neat idea.

Chocolate Syrup

   Ryder is our sweet tooth kid.  He is all about any kind of sweet.  One of his current favorites is chocolate milk. As a child, my mom made chocolate syrup.  She found it in a Hershey's recipe book.  I am not a fan of buying chocolate syrup from the store, especially since I can make a better version. I have been making this chocolate syrup for years and have shared it with many friends and they give it great reviews.  Several of them stated that their family members wouldn't use the store bought stuff ever again. 

   Try this recipe only if you don't want to buy the store stuff again- it's that good! 

Chocolate Syrup

3/4 cup cocoa
1 1/2 cups sugar
Dash salt
1 cup hot water
2 tsp. vanilla

Combine cocoa, sugar and salt in a medium sauce pan; gradually stir in water until mixture is smooth.  Bring to a boil over medium heat, stir constantly for 3 minutes.  Remove from heat and add vanilla. Allow to cool then pour into a container. Cover and refrigerate. Makes 2 cups.
Add 1-2 tablespoons of syrup to milk; stir until blended.

Questions

   I thought that I would answer my own questions from the Liebster Award post.  I was going to do this earlier but life interrupted. :-)  Here is another small glimpse into my world.

1.  Do you prefer to ride in a vehicle with the windows open or the air conditioning on?  Definitely use the air conditioning!  I do not enjoy the wind whipping in the windows and messing up my hair....shallow, I know!

2.  Do you prefer to swim in a lake or a pool?  I enjoy the pool.  I am not a fan of swimming in lakes. My in-laws purchased a pool when Madilynne was 2 and Ryder several months old. 
 
3.  Favorite food to eat when you are hot?  I don't have a favorite food to eat when I am hot.  I prefer sandwiches and chips over making a meal though.  I will not pass up some good sweet tea either! 

4.  Your favorite candy bar?  I am a plain chocolate eater.  I prefer a Hershey bar.  When I was younger I loved to eat Zero bars. 

5.  Cats or dogs? Cats all the way!  I am not crazy about dogs.  If I would have to choose a dog it would be a poodle but even that is pushing it.

6.  Do you prefer board games (like Monopoly/Scrabble) or card games(like Phase 10/Uno)?  I am not a board game fan but I enjoy playing Battleship with Ryder and Madilynne.  I enjoy card games like Skip-Bo and Uno.  Jeremiah loves to play games. 

7.  At home are you barefoot or wearing shoes?  Barefoot!  I don't care much for wearing shoes.  I kick my shoes off as soon as possible.

8.  You're going to make supper. Do you chose chicken or beef?  I would choose chicken. Here is a quick recipe:  I like to take a 13 X 9 pan and arrange chicken breasts on it, place uncooked bacon strips on the chicken and bake them for 30 minutes.  Add BBQ sauce and cheddar cheese and bake and additional 15 minutes. Easy dish to make.  I will pair it with mashed cauliflower or mashed potatoes.

9.  Relaxing outside, do you prefer to sit in the sun or the shade?  Shade!

10. If you were to go camping do you want a tent or a camper?  Camper.  I have done both styles of camping and hands down would go with a camper! 

11. Country or city living?  Country living!  I am NOT a fan of the city.  I don't enjoy it even to visit a city.  I would not want to even live in a small town.  At one time we lived in a small village where the neighbors were close.  I prefer my country life so much more!  

Wednesday Hodgepodge

1. Tell us about one fun thing on your June calendar.  Our home school group will be having our End-of-Year Picnic and graduation service this month.  You can't go wrong with good food and good friends. 

 

2. How careful are you in the sun? Do you tan or burn? Do you make it a point to see the dermatologist every year?  I am not careful in the sun.  I don't spend a lot of time in the sun but when I do I do not use sunscreen.  I don't think it can be healthy to bake chemicals into your skin and say its safe....Not going to have a debate on that though.  I burn and then get a slight tan.  Nothing great either way.  I do not go to see a dermatologist.

 

3. Describe a time when you wanted to 'throw in the towel'?  Our laptop will occasionally go wacky on us.  It seems to only do it when I am in a hurry or need to access something quickly.  I have to shut the system down and reboot again. It frustrates me and I am ready to say goodbye to technology.  Then it reboots and all is well again! 

 

4. What's a song you love that has a day of the week in the title or lyrics?  I can't think of a song at the moment....

 

5. Are you a fan of berries? Which one's your favorite? What's the most recent berry dish you've eaten? Which blueberry breakfast food appeals to you most-blueberry pancakes, blueberry yogurt, or a blueberry muffin?  I like berries.  Strawberries are my favorite.  While at our family Memorial Day picnic someone brought a Jello Cake with a flag design on it.  I had a piece with a strawberry on it! So good!  I enjoy blueberries also. My favorite from the list would be blueberry muffins.  I enjoy making them and apparently my family enjoys eating them as I never have many left over to have tea the next day! 

6. What's something you want to do before your next birthday?  I would like to visit the Creation Museum. 

 

7. June 1st is National Say Something Nice Day, so let's all say something nice here.  I was checking out at our local Wal-Mart Saturday and the cashier was very pleasant.  I told her that she made parting with my cash a much more pleasant experience. My former life (before kids) I was a secretary and worked with the public.  The public can be rude a lot.  I wanted to let this lady know that I appreciated her positive attitude.  She thanked me for noticing!  How about that?! 

8. Insert your own random thought here.  The temps have been cooperating and I have been running the kids to my in-laws to swim regularly.  We are hoping to go again this evening.  Enjoy your day!