Boy, the weather can’t seem to make up its mind lately. We get a big thunderstorm and the next day the sun’s out. Then it rains again! But this rainy weather is pretty common for June in our country. And it makes the garden and flowers grow. I went out yesterday and took pictures of our big patch of lady slipper orchids, our state flower. They’re in full bloom and just gorgeous this year. Huge too! Some are the size of the palm of my hand.
This morning, between storms, we went to the berry patch and put up a stock panel for the pole beans we’re growing there this year. They’re already sending out long runners. Our friend, Dara, grew Neckargold last year and they were fantastic for her. So we thought we’d try them this year. They’re a bright yellow snap bean that simply covered her vines, making them appear gold from a distance. So far, ours are very lusty and we have high hopes. We’re also growing one of my old favorite flour corns, Bear Island Chippewa, which is getting extremely rare. It’s multi-colored and short seasoned, making it a great corn for those of us with challenging climates. And this is Chippewa country so we thought it appropriate!
Our peppers and melons in the hoop houses are doing great. Some of Will’s Hot Banana peppers already have peppers set on them. I’ve been thinning carrots and tucking tomato vines back inside tomato cages. Boy, are they growing fast! Some of the vines have wandered 18 inches out of the sides of the cages in a week’s time. Wow!
Everything in the pumpkin patch is doing very well and Will wants to get started fencing it as the deer are already wandering through “shopping.” So far, only a few nibbles on the potatoes. But we’re getting big thunderstorms today and it’s dangerous to be out when there’s lightning. A neighbor was killed by it getting into his car a couple years back and we’re very careful.
The dill I planted last year did so well that it self-seeded and is coming up all in that end of the berry patch. Cool! We love dill.
The red raspberries Will and Krystal transplanted are doing very well as are the blueberry row and the new Mac Black black raspberries we bought this year (supposed to be Zone 3). The rain and heat helps a lot.
Because he’s not able to put up fence today, Will is working on the forms for the interior slip form concrete and stone walls inside the barn. Not only will there be outer walls but interior walls as well; no rotten wood next to the manure. Ever. Nice but a lot of work! — Jackie
Sheryl,
I’m so happy you loved Autumn of the Loons, the second book in the Jess Hazzard series. And thanks for the rating. I’m told that the number of good ratings on a book on Amazon factors in on the type of advertising done for the book on Amazon so we’re always thrilled to collect more! Thanks so much.
Rose,
Awwww. What a nice story about a wonderful man. I’ll bet seeing them does bring back smiles and good memories.
Wendy,
They are very special to us! Although rare, we do see big beds of them along the roadside where hundreds of people roar by and never see them. What a shame!
Things are looking so good.
Loved the new book and rated it very well on Amazon. Keep them coming!
We are in Kentucky, and lady slipper is here, but rare. My day used to find one almost every summer and bring to my mother. A act of love from a very stoic man. It always makes me smile to see one. Thank you.
Thank you for the updates Jackie. Love hearing about life at Jackie and Will’s homestead. The orchids are beautiful. What a treat for you!
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