The Pumpkin

You may not believe it, for hardly could I:
I was cutting a pumpkin to put in a pie,

And on it was written in letters most plain

"You may hack me in slices, but I'll grow again."

I seized it and sliced it and made no mistake

As, with dough rounded over, I put it to bake:
But soon in the garden as I chanced to walk,

Why, there was that pumpkin entire on his stalk!

by Robert Graves

Not to be outdone, this Cinderella pumpkin took my peep-toe hot pink heels with her!

Vacation

We've been on vacation. Well, sort of. Because you know a vacation isn't really a vacation with 2 small children. It was a break from chickens, weeds, laundry, cleaning, cooking, etc etc however and for that all I can say is YAY! Swimming, beaches, and gluttonous amounts of tasty food prevailed. And kid chasing. Lots of kid chasing.

I came home to a very fall garden which would have had lovely lettuces and beets and carrots awaiting our arrival had the covers not blown off and the two recalcitrant juvenile chickens had not had their way with them. I'm still working on locating their roosting spot as I can never seem to make it outside as they prepare to slumber. Tonight perhaps?

Autumn in and around the garden

Autumn is upon us isn't it! The amaranth and sunflowers have gone to seed (oops), the popcorn is dried on the stalk and ready for harvest. We're in the garden with scarves and sweaters. This scarf was made by a friend for my birthday a few years ago and my grandmother made that hooded baby sweater for my first boy so it's extra special for my second to be wearing it. Despite what I said just a few short weeks ago, I'm ready for winter to slowly creep in. I've been busy spiffing up our house and getting it ready for the {hopeful} rainy days ahead.
Freshly harvested strawberry popcorn

figs!

Lemon verbena flowers