Veggie Garden

With all of the weird weather we've had the last few weeks, our garden is growing like crazy! Mix the rain & heat and we have all the advantages (or disadvantages for us humans) of a hot house. 

At first people laughed at our garden because we didn't plant much, but now people are commenting on how well it is doing! Looks like this city girl has a little more up her sleeve than I get credit for!

3 big tomato & 4 cherry tomato plants.

Already showing signs of a good harvest! 

Pepper plant that produces 4 varieties. 

Yellow straight neck squash. 

Peaches! 

The star of the show would have to be the squash. The 4 plants we have are doing so well and we have already started harvesting them! The tomatoes will start rolling in soon, there are already lots of green tomatoes on the vines. We also planted green & white cucumbers that are getting off to a slow start, but I am confidant they will catch up with the rest of the crop. 

I have such big plans for next year. I will admit, keeping the weeds out has not been easy and I have let the last 1/4 of the garden space we tilled up to grow back. I figured since I haven't planted anything, whats the harm right?

Back Deck - Outdoor Living

In order to get the most out of our back deck we have made a few improvements. We initially got off to a great start (you can read about it here). Since then Scott and I took some time to stain the deck to insure we get as much life out of it as possible!

It took 2 full days of work, 1 paint brush that will never see the light of day again and near heat stroke but it finally got done!

The stain not only brought out the natural grain in the wood but will protect it from the elements.

We also added a grill! After a lot of research and visiting 4 different stores for some hands on comparison, a decision was made and a grill was bought! Just in time too as we were having everyone over on Saturday for a cook out.

I even got a chair to help me with my tan :)

It is really coming together quite nicely isn't it?!

Freezer Jam

I caught strawberries on sale and bought to many to eat so naturally I made some freezer jam! I like as my jam pretty smooth so I whipped out my food processor.

I love my food processor and use it on the regular!

 The final product turned out lovely.

Mmm jam!

I have already gone through a container. English muffins, PB&J, by the spoonful... This stuff sure does go fast! 

Hickory Half Marathon

On Saturday I had the opportunity to go and support Scott's brother Rodney as he participated in the Hickory half Marathon that supports a variety of different charities in the area. I told him since no one else was able to go that I would be as loud as I could so he could feel my love and support for the whole family.

I started by making a sign with Nora (my sister) helping me come up with something to say.

A work in progress. 

Waking up before the sun, I got ready and headed to Down Town Hickory. The race started at 6:30 am so the runners wouldn't have to have the sun beating down on them. With a little pre-run pep talk I wished Rodney all the luck in the world and set off to find a place to cheer him on. 

The course was somewhat of a figure 8 around town starting and ending at the same place. That made it convenient for me as I could pretty much stay in a 2 block radius and be able to cheer (very loudly for that matter!) him on as he started, half way through and of course as he crossed the finish line. 

Rodney did great! 13.1 miles in under 2 hours and finished strong with a sprint to the end! I could not be more proud of him. Out of over 500 participants I believe he finished 132. Good Job Rodney - Looking forward to your next one! 

Murray's Mill Round 2

After church on Sunday Scott and I were able to visit Murray's Mill again. If you remember, last time we tried to go (here) it was closed for the season.

For $5 a ticket we were able to explore the grounds and go on a self guided tour of the museum that features all of the machines used in processing the wheat and making flour and other various items. Scott enjoyed weighing himself on the corn scale (which was pretty accurate) and the pond behind the dam. He kept telling me how much he would like to fish in it!

I loved all of the old machines and the freedom you have to explore the area. They also have a general store with old fashioned candy as well as post cards and cook books. It features local honey and hand crafted goods. In the fall the mill has a festival that I would love to check out!

We were also able to enjoy a little time together on a nature walk along the stream where we saw turtles (also known as cooters) bugs, fish, snakes and my personal favorite - honey suckle.

Caterpillar of some sort. 

Giant turtle. 

As we were walking I asked Scott what I was smelling that was so sweet and he pointed out the yellow and white flowers that filled the air with their wonderful perfume. Wondering if we could plant some in out yard, Scott quickly told me it would take over everything as it is very invasive. None the less, I fell in love with it.

Honey suckle in all its glory! 

Historic Murray's Mill tops the list of things in the area to show our visitors. Maybe next time we'll pack a picnic and make a day of it!

Little Friends

Scott and I have quite the collection of little critters who want to join our family. Most recently was a Frog that found its way into a bag of flower bulbs in the garage.

I was told there was a new friend for me in the garage and at first I though it was a snake!

The frog was jumping disparately to get out of the bag (still not sure how he got in) and Scott scooped him up and set him free!

Free at last! 

Unfortunately the picture of the frog didn't turn out well, but he was a cute little bugger.

We also have a  huge ground hog that has been hanging out by the tree line. He is a little to fast and I haven't been able to get a shot of him, but Scott was able to find a few of his holes.

Ground hog tunnel. 

This doesn't do it justice. The holes are huge, like big enough to lose a small child... We have located 3 so far. As long as he doesn't get into my garden we won't have a problem.

There has also been bunny sightings, deer tracks and a mouse here and there. Welcome to country living! 

Home Front

Lots of things going on here at our compound! We had someone come out and grade the front yard  where the property meets the road so we have less of a ditch. The original plan was to have just one side done, however the man working on it was a super star and ended up being able to do the whole thing for less than the quote for half!! This was one of those "Yea God" moments where you know He was looking out for us!

On the East side of the driveway there was a 15(or so) foot drop from the grass to the road which is what we had planned on fixing. Also, they way the rain water washes down the side of the driveway creates a groove that was eating away at the ground under the cement. This was Scott's main concern as we didn't want to risk damaging the integrity of the driveway if it continued to make our very own Grand Canyon.

Back filling using the dirt from the front ditch. 

Thankfully the man was able to use the dirt from the front to back fill along the driveway, not only keeping our cost down (again, thank you Lord!) but allowing him to complete it all in a day's work.

Adding the tile.

He was also able to expand the storm drain with a cement tile Scott already had to allow the driveway area to widen a bit.

After all of the work was done with the grading the real work started! Scott spread grass seed and lime (I think) before the both of us threw straw on top to prevent it from blowing away with the wind. It took a few hours of back breaking labor, but it will all be worth it when the grass grows in!

East Side

View from across the street. 

West side. 

There is still a ditch to control the rain water down the street, but the improvement is pretty amazing. On the East side is it still pretty steep, however since it is no longer just a dramatic drop it will be much more manageable.

I am anxious for the grass to grow in! I'll keep you posted on the progress!