The Generosity of Neighbors

Pin It

We were truly blessed this week by neighbors who have bountiful harvests.  The garden goodies just kept coming through the door to our surprise.

Our neighbors knew how our summer went and have been so generous and we are ever so thankful.

Onions, snap beans and zucchini from neighbor Dave who in my opinion is one of the best gardeners I know.  This was the third time he has brought us goodies...he mentioned next will be acorn squash as he has waaaay too many for Liz his wife and himself to eat.  Yummy!  The zucchini has been frozen, the snap beans have been eaten and the onions will be used unless we get more which I will then dehydrate them.  I love using dehydrated onions in stews, soups and chili.

Next up was the 5 gallon pail of potatoes...are they not just beautiful?  Our neighbor Bill did a wonderful job this year!  He also mentioned there would be many more to come....his crop is huge and he is a single man.  I have a batch of potato chips in the dehydrator as I type this....the first time I have attempted such a thing but the potatoes were so large, I couldn't resist trying.  If they turn out well, I will make more and dehydrate some more just plain for stews and soups which we eat in abundance during the winter.  

Can you see the apples in the background?  Our neighbor John brought a bushel...they are not crab apples...regular apples which are surprisingly very sweet.  I have already made applesauce with them and it is oh so delicious!

Then neighbor Brian and his father Larry carried in buttercup squash, crooked neck squash and cucumbers!  I had never tried either type of squash so off to the Internet to check to see how they were to be cooked and boy oh boy are they delectable!  Now one of my favorites and they will be added to the seed list for next summer.  

Funny how things work out isn't it?  I was thinking that we would not be enjoying garden fresh veggies except through a farmer's market but here we are munching and loving the generosity of such good neighbors and friends.,,,for this we are truly thankful.

Remember to give your loved ones a hug!

Linking up with Amy over at Homestead Revival

Thrifty Thursday

Pin It

It's Thrifty Thursday!

Found these cute little ceramic gingerbread girl and boy platters...complete with two spreading knives each.  Cost .50 cents at a garage sale this summer with my Mom.  Perfect for holiday entertaining.

Then I found this at Goodwill.  I LOVE Dave Ramsey and his approach to controlling the finances.  I already have his books but now can watch the DVD!  Cost.... $1.99.

Remember to give your loved ones a hug!

My Poor Garden!

Pin It

Bob decided to only plant potatoes and onions in the large garden this year while I was away and the peppers, broccoli and tomatoes would be in the little garden.  He figured that is all he would be able to handle on his own.

Our large garden started out 20 by 60 feet and this is what it looks like now.....

yes, there are potatoes in there...see?  LOL

My poor garden.  It will take alot of work to get it back up to point where I can plant again next year.

Here is the small garden....he has been harvesting some items from it...we will be enjoying three stuffed peppers tonight and have been enjoying the few tomatoes as they are ready.

Well I better get at it....lots of work today.

Remember to give your loved ones a hug!

Tuesday's Tip

Pin It

Onions can be very pungent when slicing.  As cutting into one, the smell will assault the nose and the tears will start to fall which in turn can blur the vision long enough to cut into ones finger instead of the onion.....I am speaking from experience here.  :-)

There are many tricks out there aimed to keep this from happening but the best one I have found so far is to simply rinse the onion under cold water before slicing.  

I first take off the outer layer of 'skin' and then will rinse the onion under cold, running water from the tap.  This always seems to work well for me.  How about you?  Do you have a good tip to keep the tears from falling when slicing those tantalizing onions?

Remember to give your loved ones a hug!

Settling In

Pin It The old routines are returning and I am settling in.  Early morning walks on familiar trails,

time for breaks in the afternoon

and watching the gorgeous sunsets each evening.

The air has a nip to it.....I think we are in for an early autumn.  It is sad to watch as the warm days of summer come to an end but I do love crisp cool mornings and watching the leaves turn....and yes some of them are turning already.  I look forward to bundling up in sweaters, sipping hot chocolate and curling up under a quilt with my knitting though.....autumn has always been one of my favorite seasons.  I have lots to do yet before I can enjoy these activities so I best get the day started.  Some shopping, laundry, gardening and dehydrating are on my to-do list.  I hope the day brings you much joy.

Remember to give your loved ones a hug!