Monthly Archives: November 2009

Thanksgiving and suet time!

Chilly, rainy weather demands more food for the birds now.  During the week we had a break in the weather, perfect for getting out feeders and restocking suet.  Today a visiting flicker rewards me!  He always looks awkward, being quite large relative to the suet cage, but he prefers it to the specially designed one purchased a couple of seasons ago (forget that one).  A woodpecker came by earlier last week, more interested in picking bugs out of some dead arborvitae trunks.  A little Anna’s hummingbird is braving the rain as well, searching out different feeders in the neighborhood that have more cover.

At the moment, the lettuce crop in the community garden is worth “gold” given the steep jump in market lettuce prices.  It’s slow growing with the current temperatures, but supplies small salads, if not overly-picked.

Frost nips at the yard when there is a clear night, and the nasturtiums aren’t sure when they should officially curl up to call it quits.  I was hard-pressed to find enough intact blossoms to adorn a salad headed to a potluck.

A very dreary day, today the rain came in earlier than predicted, and it has been a constant stream, stronger than a typical drizzle; just the right temperature and moisture combination to make it officially “yucky” enough not to work outside.  Unless one has a giant umbrella.  Hey, I shouldn’t have put the patio umbrella away….

It is a fine day to be inside with the kitties, and I give thanks for that opportunity to “hunker down” for a quiet Thanksgiving, to catch up on correspondence, give the old, ailing cat more attention, and get some rest!

Hope you are having an enjoyable Thanksgiving in whatever way you choose!

Blurred by rainy netting! Wishing a happy, restful Thanksgiving to all!

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Show-offs

While fall enters its zenith and fall colors are ubiquitous, whether static, or as falling gems of gold and burgundy, a killing frost has yet to manifest, allowing cleome, sages, zinnia, and nasturtiums to show off for a longer spell.

SalviaCleomeAnemone-Fall

Fall flowers still dancing: cleome, pineapple sage, lavender, Japanese anemone

The nasturtium flowers at the front of the community bed are in full throttle, and their mild spiciness is being enjoyed in salads (akin to very mild arugula).

Nasturtiums-Fall

Nasturtiums deciding to show off

The first leeks have been picked, with a verdict of “very tasty” even if not mature, and harvested tomatoes keep ripening enough to keep our salads colorful, while still giving some away.

Garden cleanup and winter preparation continue at a leisurely pace, along with playing “musical plants” to make way for new arrivals.  After a fatiguing day at work last week I relished the task of transplanting my ‘Puget Gold’ apricot from a pot to its permanent ground residence inside the house yard.  That felt more productive than the entire workday!

Halloween Bounty

Halloween 2009

Happy Halloween!

A beautiful All Saints’ Day is dimming as I post our October bounty:

  • Summer squash:        13.5 (pounds)
  • Swiss chard:                 0.5
  • Lettuce:                         1
  • Beans:                           0.75
  • Peppers:                       2
  • Tomatoes:                  38.75
  • Eggplant:                     0.5
  • Beets:                           2 (tops & roots)
  • Winter squash:         46.5
  • Apples:                         1.5

Total for month:                109

Total season bounty:        568 pounds

Thank you plants, pollinators, and devas!