Has it Been That Long?

Gosh! I can't imagine my last blog was in July. Where has the time gone? I know it's been a busy summer with everything going on, but really? I'm in my last week at Farmers Market

. I made alot of jams and preserves this year. The garden was a little disappointing this year, although the tomatoes and peppers are still producing. A heavy frost is coming this week so that will put an end to them. I'll let the chickens out to that side of the garden to clean up and fertilize.

 We managed a couple of quick vacations. Took the granddaughters to Glacier National Park in Montana, and Dan and I managed to get some time to ourselves on the Washington and Oregon coast.

Did some re-vamping of the front flower beds. As in digging them all out and re-doing. Still have more to add to them, but all in good time. Took a few trees on the property out. Added a few more. Tucked some shrubs in and around.

We took a train ride with some friends this weekend. The trees are just starting to turn and it was beautiful. It turned rainy and cold but it was great to be with old friends.

Our praying mantis that we hatched this spring returned, mated and laid more egg cases in the greenhouse. They pop up when we are watering and it's fun to go in there and see if we can spot them. Speaking of the greenhouse. We brought in all the plants from around the yard including alot of the houseplants that didn't fit back into the sunroom. Now the greenhouse is full. Won't leave us much room for the tomatoes and other plants we start here in the following months. Guess we will cross that bridge when we get to it. Anyone have an extra greenhouse? Or more land? It really has come to the point if we are going to continue on with the business we will have to expand and obtain more land and hire people to help out. So the question is do we stay a small hobby farm or go for it? The Christmas shows will be starting in November so gearing up for them. Betsy and I have been brainstorming ideas for new things we want to create. Trying to get a project done every evening after work. I haven't even read my favorite blogs lately. Hope everyone out there in blogland is still active.

Frost Is Inevitable !

Well, it's that time of year. A frost is right around the corner. So now we have to scurry around the yard looking for stray houseplants that have sat out all season, and plants we want to keep going just a little while longer. 
I found a Echeveria on the front porch that needs protection along with the red-blooming Mandevilla hanging out with the hummingbird feeder. I guess the feeders can be scrubbed out and put away for the winter too.

The sun room is almost finished. (I keep saying that) Last week I saw a picture in a magazine/book somewhere that showed a room with a shelf at the top and part-way up from the bottom all the way around the room. So of course I had to have that! Darling Hubby really hates when I pick up a mag or book! So I have been scouring my basement and shop for shelving pieces, spindles, and corbels I have collected over the years waiting for that perfect project. And then cutting, painting and assembling!

Anyway, I digress. After writing the last paragraph I went on a Google spree looking for different crafts using spindles and balusters. Now my creative juices are flowing when instead I should be outside cleaning up and carting plants to the greenhouse or loading the car for Farmers Market tomorrow.

The lilies are blooming even tho their leaves have browned and fallen off! And my rose out front is blooming. The grand kids have been eating the grapes but I think they are still sour. They need a frost to bring out the sugar.

The 25 baby chickens in the greenhouse are getting big. They are about 4 weeks old, so in a couple more I can release them into the coop with the older hens. They have really grown and put on their "big girl" feathers; well all except one who is behind schedule. She is half the size of the others and walks around with her eyes shut. She eats and drinks fine and is very tame because I have been picking her up alot to make sure she is okay. She jumps onto my arm as soon as I open the front of the cage and loves to run up onto my shoulder and put her head in my hair. All with her eyes shut. I know her eyes work because on rare occasions they have opened.
Well, I have procrastinated enough. I will post some pictures and then get to work. Unless something else gets in the way. But that frost is coming, one way or 'nother!

Okay, one more pic. This is the Angel Trumpet I purchased this year. I have wanted one for years and finally found a good deal on them. I bought 3 different colors, but have misplaced the tags so I don't know which color it will bloom. It took long enough, but there it is!