I had been promising to dry some of my extra basil for a couple weeks, and today finally proved to be the perfect day to do it. And boy, was it easy. Seriously, all you have to do is cut the basil, wash it and remove the stems and bad leaves. Then arrange it on wax paper on a cookie pan, and place it in a 170-degree oven for about an hour. Continue reading
2015_Day 290: A pollen buffet
Today’s post belongs to the bees, who were enjoying a pollen smorgasbord in the pumpkin patch this morning. I know they must have been enjoying it; one bee was covered in pollen. Continue reading
2015_Day 289: Another pumpkin bites the dust

Each day, it seems, another little pumpkin seems to curl up and die on the vine. I’m afraid the squash vine borer that attacked the plant in mid-September is to blame. I can’t think of any other reason why so many tiny pumpkins would form, only to wither on the vine before reaching their potential. Continue reading
2015_Day 288: Look Ma, no staples!

Fifteen days after having back surgery for a bulging disc, darn dog Chloe got her staples out today. All 13 of them. It’s hard to believe how much she has improved since then. She definitely seems like her old self, full of energy and raring to go. Continue reading
2015_Day 287: Tomatoes growing – so far

Ten days ago, I planted tomatoes I bought at the local HEB grocery store. So far, they appear to be doing well. They’re growing. Two of the three each had one tomato when I bought them. The third has caught up and now has two tomatoes. Continue reading
2015_Day 286: Tact being replaced by rudeness
2015_Day 285: Frogs join the back yard family

My patio seems to have become home to two frogs. I don’t recall when I first saw them, although I think it was around the time when I started seeds in peat pellets in a tray on the patio back in early July. It was quite humid by the tray and I remember moving it one evening, only to see a frog jump out from behind or under it. Continue reading
2015_Day 284: Love, miss glorious autumn colors

This post, found on Leaf and Twig, was a great visual for me on a Sunday afternoon when the mercury hit unseasonably high temperatures. The app on my phone said it hit 100, and while I think that may have been a slight exaggeration, it still was in the 90s, well above the average high temperature for this time of year. Continue reading
2015_Day 283: The appeal of mums

I’m not sure why, but chrysanthemums have never been high on my list of fall flowers. But in Texas, it’s hard to ignore them this time of year. They’re everywhere. In huge corsages given to high school girls by their boyfriends during Homecoming week. In every grocery and garden store. On display in front yards and local businesses. Continue reading
2015_Day 282: Leaf no stone unturned

As I was walking darn dog Chloe around the yard tonight, we passed by the garden and I got to thinking. I’ve posted so many photos of flowers on my blog, but I think I’ve overlooked the actual leaves on flowers and vegetables. Continue reading

