Gaining Twenty Five Pounds

I haven't talked too much about my garden this summer, although last year, it was a hot topic! I'm still insanely interested in growing and preserving our own food. We've expanded the garden into a sunnier area for next year. Yes, that's for next year. Now to order some good black dirt to fill up our extension. Sun has been an issue in our garden. It seems there's just not enough of it when all of the tall trees are in the way -- so the new addition will solve this. Today, I'll be canning tomatoes. This mighty bowl weighed in at, you guessed it, 25 pounds.

Backyard Artist

Wearable Weisman

I've been pretty open about my love affair with the Weisman Art Museum, University of MN. My dreams are not only about curating the exhibits and living in the building, but also about what I should buy at the gift shop! It's like trying to pick the best chocolate from a box of many. A couple of weeks ago, I spotted this in the case. What?!?! Apparently this mini-Weisman brooch and earrings had been made for the Weisman's grand opening some 15 years ago. How is it that no one scooped this up along the way? I suppose, being in art storage will do that. Upon visiting the artist's website, I was immediately drawn to Chrysanthemum and some of her other work. Ms. Kinghorn looks to be as incredible as the Weisman's beautiful views of Minneapolis. 

Frog, Forest, Flippers, Fish & Feet

Fantastically fun end of summer vacation.

Pirated Scene

A visit to the Old Log Theatre for a wonderful rendition of Treasure Island. E went dressed as a pirate!

Grill Thrill

CSA veggies plus steak. Zucchini, yellow squash, and orange peppers brushed with basil olive oil.

Red, White & Blue

First of the season.

My Garden Babies

Eating Grass in MN

Fascinating patterns. Stunning contrast. Big lovable ears.

Misato Solo

Here is the only misato rose radish that actually made it to an edible size. The flowers are from the radish plant too. So, about fifty misato rose radish plants grew to 30" tall in my garden -- which is pretty gigantic as far as radishes go. The stems were unbreakably thick with large dark leaves, flowers asprouting. The radish bulbs were very small, in fact, smaller than my pinky finger. I bet the spurts of cool weather mixed with hot weather caused the plants to shoot, and the roots to barely take hold. Extreme weather leads to extreme plants? Oh well! This sole radish was worth the experience and definitely a triumphant beauty!!!

A radishy side note:

(Most of the web sites that are showing a misato rose radish appear to be incorrect! Mine is white on outside, red layer inside, white again, with red center -- and they were from Seeds of Change.)