Wednesday, September 28, 2016

Until Next Year September


Indeed September shares with us two seasons: the end of
summer and the beginning of fall. It gives us a little pause
time as we wind up the hot weather season with all its bright
colors and sunshine, and allows us to get ready for the cool
and breezy changing days. And with fall comes the excitement
of the holiday season.



This pause will also give us a little extra time for cleanup in
the garden and yard. How about a little help in organizing
those duties for you this fall. Depending on your landscape
you may need to add and adjust .



We don't like to let go of the growing season as the fresh taste
of home-grown veggies is always better and it's fun to grow
your own foods. Take advantage the cool-weather crops and
sow some radishes, spinach and kale, parsley, cabbage and 
leeks. To extend a harvest you also might consider a cold frame.




If you have an abundance of fresh vegetables and herbs, consider
preserving, canning, freezing and drying. How wonderful to have
some home-grown bounty for the next several months. Check out
the garden sites on your computer for some techniques and how 
to tips. 



Remember apples are in season. They're healthy and taste so
good in all those fall recipes. 



Thanks for stopping by.
Visit www.cookingthymewithdiana.com  for a new easy
blueberry pie recipe.
Visit me on Instagram… dianarn2627

Wednesday, September 21, 2016

We Welcome The Change




I'm just a little excited. Do you want to guess? You remembering
your Science? Good for you…tomorrow September 22, 10:21 a.m.
The autumnal equinox arrives…yes, happens every year about
this time, at the same moment everywhere. Autumn equinox (fall)
in the northern hemisphere, and vernal equinox (spring) in the 
southern. Forget that temperatures will climb into the 80's over 
the next few days. I'm clinging to the astronomical calendar. It 
will all work out.

Oh, I know days are shorter with less light, but I'm craving
the crisp chill of mornings, coming in from my walk and
thinking about baked apples, and putting on a pot of some
hearty soup. I'm excited to start fall decorating which seems
to shout home and cozy and warmth. 


  
I'll put away the swim suits and shorts, and start thinking
fleece jackets and sweats. I'm heading to the garden center
for my pumpkins and corn shocks. Harvest thyme is here.



"By all those lovely tokens September days
are here, with summer's best of weather
and autumn's best of cheer."



Visit me on Instagram, dianarn2627

Wednesday, September 14, 2016

Simple Amazing Joy




The caterpillar found its spot on the drying dill. I watched
it move slowly up and down the stems as if it was testing the 
strength of the slender branch. I was so excited hoping we
would see its transformation. (See the July 15th post for
the full story on butterflies.)






It was just about two weeks later. I saw a flutter. Was this
the butterfly? I approached slowly, so afraid it would fly
off. How had I missed this. Just the night before we checked
that tender bag, thinking no way would we get our butterfly.



Carefully I put my finger alongside the stem, again thinking
it would fly off. Slowly it climbed onto my finger. It felt wet
and sluggish.



I was taking pictures with my left hand. My right hand I
held steady. The wings opened and closed as it moved
across my hand.



It happened fast…off it went to a lower stem then fluttered... 
gone. I like to think it went to my zinnias or the cone flowers
enjoying its taste of freedom and flight.  I was grateful...



Thanks for stopping by….
Visit me on Instagram, dianarn2627

Thursday, September 8, 2016

September..Our Entry Into Fall




"Ah, September! You are the doorway to the season that
awakens my soul… but I must confess that I love you only
because you are a prelude to my beloved October
                                                          -Peggy Toney Horton

No, not quite Autumn yet. If I believed what some of the
blogs were saying, I'd be knee deep in leaves, sipping
cider, decorating my porch with pumpkins I've grown
and harvested, baking pies with apples strewn all over
my yard, and gazing lovingly at the fall sunsets, while
wrapping my sweater about my shoulders. WRONG!
It's hot, humid and dry. We've got some work to do
in our yards and gardens before we sail off into the
blissfully beautiful harvest thyme of the fall season.



Hubby hard at work trimming out branches from
several trees. Yard maintenance continues with 
mowing, trimming and watering the lawn as
needed. We will have our work cut out for us as
you can see in the pictures below. 


My saga of the mole/vole attack on the lower part of 
the backyard finally came to an end. Having called
in Jack from barneswildlifecontrol.com  he set the
plan of attack in motion. Traps were set, one rodent
was caught and long story short, after about three
weeks, all activity stopped. Thanks Jack!!



I even sent Sam (the Pug) in, to try and sniff out and 
possibly snuff out those horrendous creatures. 



He decided to be on guard duty and watch for any
unusual activity. Notice he's ready to strike



Fall is a good time to reseed your lawn and to work
on those troublesome spots. Weed control, grub
control, aerating should be happening this month. 
Hubby has the list, but it's break time right now,
they've been working pretty hard.





September you are most welcome, and I'm ready for fall.
The Autumn Equinox happens on September 23.
Visit me on Instagram, dianarn2627