A little of this & that, and, oh yeah...SUN!!!

It's Friday! And, and......the SUN is shining!!! Well, it is not really shining anymore as more clouds are moving in and we are expecting some more rain, but the sun was shining till about 3:00 today!!! And even though the sun was out it was NOT too hot and NOT humid!!! YAY!!! So while the sun was out I used the opportunity to get some updated pics of all the stuff we are growing. There are lots of pics in this post...please bear with me.

First, this pic of my herbs was taken on 5.30.09

And this photo was taken today!!! Yes I have trimmed them and used lots of them but they are growing like crazy. I do plan on investing in a dehydrator so I can use these in my cooking this winter. I also plan on making herb cubes and freezing them. I can't remember if I read this idea or saw it on Food Network, but what you do is get some ice cube trays. You chop up the herbs and fill the sections of the tray abut 3/4 of the way with the herb(s) of our choice then fill with water or white wine or chicken stock. I plan to do some with wine and some with chicken stock. Pop 'em in the freezer, then this fall and winter while you are making soups and stews and sauces you just drop a cube or two in to your pot for instant flavor!

This next picture is my pumpkin plant. I took this photo on 5.30.09

And here is that same plant today!!!!!! Eeeeekkkk!!! I have to say this plant is probably the one plant in my garden I am most excited about, seeing as how I am such a fall addict!!! I can't wait till I start seeing bits of orange in there!!!

These next few shots are of my garden, taken today. This photo is butternut squash on the left, zucchini, jalapeno peppers, and green bell peppers.

These are more pepper plants: red, green, and yellow bell peppers and banana peppers. And you can catch a glimpse of one of my tomato plants in the top right there.

And here are my tomato plants: Roma, Better Boy, and Cherry. One thing I forgot to take a picture of is some new tomato plants we are growing in containers. They are called Brandywine tomatoes and they are an heirloom variety. My sister-in-law's uncle grows a HUGE garden and he gave us the plants. He is the one that gave us the butternut squash seeds, too. I can't wait to see what these do. He says they are so sweet and flavorful. I have to tell you even the leaves of the plant are very aromatic so I am excited!!

This is just a quick shot of the little patriotic basket that is sitting on my island. Thought I would throw this in here in honor of tomorrow being 4th of July! I have a MacIntosh Yankee Candle jar in there. It is one of my all-time favorite scents and makes my kitchen smell so yummy and autumn-like!!!

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

So, with today being sunny and all it just made such a big difference in my mood and energy level. I woke up a lot earlier than I did the last few rainy dreary Fridays. And Bailey and I were outside pretty much all morning! We did go for a ride like we do every Friday. Had to mail some stuff, need my daily dose of Dunk's coffee, and made a stop at Absolutely Everything...not like I even needed more crafting and art supplies but that has never stopped me before!

Kevin will be home shortly and we are going to grocery shopping together, which we rarely do. Grocery shopping is his thing but I just don't feel like staying home. Actually, we may take Bailey with us and I will walk around outside with him while Kevin gets the groceries. We can window shop at the other stores in the plaza! Then when we get back I am making a cheesecake to bring to our friend's party tomorrow. It is a yummy no-bake recipe, which I love even more. I am topping it with rows of fresh strawberries and blueberries for the patriotic effect. I will definitely post the recipe. It is sooo good!

I just found out the other man in my life will be here in September for a little rendezvous...woowoo!!! I just love getting inky with that man....{{{swoon}}}

I think I am going to wrap this up. I want to spend the rest of the day in m craft room making stuff. Because, I like to make stuff. Really, these cool temps we have had got me so in the mood for fall. Well, I am always in the mood for fall, but now I am really really REALLY jonesing for it!!! And there are a lot of projects I like to do for fall and Christmas so I really have to get started around now if I have any hope of finishing them and enjoying the seasons when they are actually here. Crafters are always thinking ahead.

If I don't get to post tomorrow I wish you all a happy, safe, festive, fun, fantabulous Fourth of July filled with family, friends, and frolic!!!!!!

U.S.A