The blackberries are ripening! Ya'll, I love blackberries. It is so hard to not just stand there and eat them all. I am trying to restrain myself (and James, as he apparently loves them too) so that I can get enough together to make some blackberry jam (another favorite).
The strawberry bed is really growing and yesterday we were able to get around ten berries. I know that doesn't sound like a lot, but the first year always has a low yield. Next year should be very abundant.
The garden is taking off and we have to hoe almost daily now. It was 98 degrees yesterday and that makes for some hot work. We wait until the late evening when the sun is completely off the garden, but it is still so hot.
Matt has a little turtle aquarium on our back porch complete with a turtle named Tim. Evidently Matt opted for deluxe accommodations for the reptile/amphibian world because last night Tim was joined by this little frog. He squeezed in through the wire, but I guess he didn't' want to leave.
FavCousin Schyler is coming to play today. I told Jennifer I would call when Abbie was through with her schoolwork so I am guessing she will be done bright and early today. They have been talking on the phone all week and from what I can hear there will be a lot of violen playing and outside water play involved.
And then on to the weekend. I have got to get some groceries bought and things in order around here. Next week is Vacation Bible School, also known as "The Week That Tires Mamas Out More Than Any Other" and I would love to have a clean house and a menu plan (hopefully involving the crockpot). I just need to sit down and think and write it through. My brain has been mush and we have had some bad news this week. A dear friend from church passed away yesterday. She and her husband were our small group leaders for the past 12 years. Yes, 12 years. It is one of those things we can't process or understand here on Earth, but my first thought yesterday when Mark told me was, "It all makes sense to her now." She is with Jesus and it all makes sense.
So today I am planning on hugging and kissing my peoples a little more than usual. I hope you will do the same for yours.
okay, i need garden help! what can i plant this late in a fairly small space in our yard?? i'm so sorry about your friend, i'll be praying for peace in this time.
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry about the loss of your friend.
ReplyDeleteI am looking forward to the "Hugging and Kissing"
ReplyDeletebring it on Mama Hen
Well, I was going to tell you how wise and wonderful your statement was about how it all makes sense to her now - what a wonderful truth- but anyway, that's what I was going to say until I saw Mark's comment and started gagging.
ReplyDeleteOH, your berries look wonderful. I have 3 blueberry bushes, which have provided a total of 2 cups of berries over the past 4 years--yep.
ReplyDeleteOur squash, watermelon, cantelope, and tomatoes are looking good though=)
Your blackberries and strawberries look delicious!
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry about your friend! I can't imagine how tough that is.