Pickles and Peaches, Pickles and Peaches, and Family

That's the story this week: dill pickles and freezing peaches. 12 more pints tonight, and 10 more quarts of peaches. The tomatoes have slowed down to a trickle, which makes me sad but I am hopeful they will pick up again when the temperatures are more moderate. The gardens have that late-summer, worn-out, weeded-over look that cries out for a weedeater, but I'm not willing to go there yet because under all that yuck are  many good plants that are still yielding good veggies.

I'll be leaving Friday morning to spend a few days with Jaime as she recovers. She'll be leaving Assoteague Island tomorrow for the long trip home. We've worked out a schedule so she'll have someone with her and the kids for at least a week, then we'll see how she's doing and what more is needed. I think I'll be bringing the last half-bushel of peaches with me; no sense letting them rot and they can go in Jaime's freezer.

It was Jaime's son James' birthday today, and what better gift than to have his mother out of the hospital? Aunt Jennifer was there to help celebrate with a cake and gifts. Family is a special gift, especially in such times as these. I know James felt well-loved and cared for with his Dad, Mom, sister, grandparents, aunt and a cousin to celebrate with him. I'll get my birthday hug on Friday.

Other news: grandson Jared brought home his girlfriend to meet his family. She is from Boston and this is her first trip to West Virginia. I expect it's been a bit of an eyeopener, but she certainly seems to be enjoying her first taste of mountain culture.

What else is going on? Granddaughter Cassidy is singing tonight at an open mic in Shepherdstown, a cousin is in new love, and a son has some big news he hasn't shared with everyone yet, but it's good. Very good.

As Garrison Keillor says, that's all the news that isn't from this little house in the hills.

Jaime Update, and Morning

Jaime is doing better and is in a regular bed at the hospital now, expecting to be released tomorrow. What a way to spend your vacation! She wanted me to thank you all for your good thoughts and prayers. I think they will be driving home Thursday, and then we'll see how she does from there. Daughter-in-law Jennifer is driving to the Eastern Shore to see her tomorrow, which makes me feel better because Jennifer will be able to see what Jaime might need and if I need to be at her house to help out when she gets home. Whew. What a relief. Aaron has been making things as smooth as he can for his children, letting them enjoy their time at the beach and keeping them from being too worried (you know how kids can worry) while Jaime's mother, who was on vacation with them, stays at the hospital with Jaime. That works pretty well.

So this morning the humidity and heat let up for a little bit. No air conditioner running today! I am not much of one to complain about weather but this summer has worn me down. I am tired, tired, tired of being hot and not being able to work outside like I want to. There is no fun in sweating standing still, at least in my book. The flowerbeds are fried, with little bloom showing--except for those knockout Knockout roses! They are spectacular, and I am so pleased with them. For the rest--blah.

But when I walked outside this morning, I felt hopeful that the worst of summer was past us. Up on the ridge, the morning greeted me.

I loved the dense fog hanging down in the hollows and the sun bright on the hills. Aulene's house looked tiny and homey from far above.

Fall flowers are beginning to glow on roadsides and a few trees are changing color already, probably as worn out from the heat as we are.

Down off the hill, the fog lurked just behind this little cabin, ready to pounce, I think.

This evening it was still fairly nice, but the changing weather clouds are with us and rain is indicated in the forecast. Will we return to heat afterwards? I hope and pray not. I want my tomatoes to catch their breath and give us a few more good pickings. I might complain about the heat, but you won't hear me complain about ripe, tasty tomatoes on my plate!

Hoping your day was as lovely as mine, and that tomorrow brings gentle rain and cooling breezes to your neck of the woods.

Jaime's Blog

If you have a few minutes, do visit my daughter-in-law Jaime's blog.

Her recent posts about a fishing trip to an abandoned brickmaking town called Hammond are just fascinating--great photos of old buildings, rocks and the river. There's plenty of history there too.

And then there is that sexy tractor...

And recipes for making homemade seasonings, too.

You really do need to pay her a visit!

Along Mill Falls Road

(Quick post tonight because I am right tired!)

Last weekend we stayed with my son and daughter-in-law near Fairmont while I was the Mountain State Storytelling Institute. Here are a few photos taken along their road.

Daffodils dot the site of an old homestead. This place inspired a rough draft for a poem that I'm working on.

Up on the ridge the green is not so evident as it is along the creek below.

Forsythia lights the way along Mill Falls Creek.

This sycamore tree seems suspended in mid-air; the soil under its roots is washed away but the tree remains upright.

Happy Birthday, Jaime!

Here's to you, Jaime--

Great gardener

Caring mommy

Lovely wife

Creative cook

Peace lover

Home maker

and lucky me, my daughter-in-law!

Happy, happy birthday!

(Ha! Caught you looking at the camera for once! Who is that wild woman with you?)

Jaime's Garden

We visited Aaron and Jaime on Saturday, on our way to the Wine, Music and Art Festival. I had not yet seen Jaime's "victory garden." She decided to plant some vegetables and herbs instead of flowers in her yard this year, and the results are beautiful--and productive.

These are a few pics of her garden: