Bird House Gourds

I harvested the bird house gourds today. I believe four of them will made decent birdhouses if they survive the drying process. I am leaving them out in a bed on an old shutter. I have not had the squirrels taking bites out of them yet.

Turban Squash Seeds

Saving seeds is simple in theory, but my Master Gardener friend has cautioned me that cross pollination occurring tends to be high. I might end up with a cross between a cucumber or pumpkin with this little guy. Turban Cuke? Sometimes the anticipation of the growing season is half the fun.

Spring Stew

Today, I made enough Spring Stew to try out the bath water canner my neighbor gave me. I was concerned when the lids were not sealing properly, but as soon as I turned off the heat and the water stopped boiling, I heard each can pop as they sealed! What fun!! See the quinoa in the stew? It looks like little squiggles. (I was going to say worms, but that would not sound very appetizing!!)

Labels

Daughter #2 gave me a label maker. I thought, "What am I going to do with that?" I finally opened it today. I may need some type of label maker intervention. I have not labeled the salt and pepper yet, but this thing is FUN!!

Wintry Rain

It is cold and dreary outside and the beds still need more work on them to be ready for winter. Maybe next week. I want to get the rain barrel cleaned up and inside for the winter with a longer downspout on the gutter. It seems winter is just around the bend, but I am still hoping for a few days of Indian Summer.

Reading Time

I love books!!

Garlic

My garlic shipment from Seed Savers Exchange has arrived! I have one of my 4 x 4 beds ready for the bulbs, but have been advised by my Master Gardener friend to wait until just before the ground freezes. That will help keep my pesky squirrels away...maybe.