Garden Pests and Random Tidbits

In 2019, our garden was flooded out by so much rain.  In 2020 it was so dry the root vegetables and much of the garden died off.  This year?  Rabbits and ground hogs are a HUGE problem.  They have literally eaten the tops off of my sweet potatoes and now some greens.  Zuri almost caught one the other day.

We are getting rain off and on, and a few storms.  So thankful for a cooler weekend too.

However, we woke up to rain this morning and it was not supposed to rain today.  I'm glad things are getting watered, but sheesh.

I went on a search for my wedding ring papers yesterday.  Man oh man, I found so much paperwork that can be tossed.  I found a tote with about a dozen purses in it too. More to purge I guess.

Anyway, I found them, and I found a savings bond in one of the kids names, and a certificate of my husband's (work related).  I guess I have a lot of tossing to do next week now.

I didn't get a photo, but I made campfire beer cheese in the crock pot to try it (another new recipe from pile to file).  My husband said it was best ever, so I'll try and get the recipe up later.  I used Wicked Easy beer in it (all we had in the fridge).

The cheese would go great with homemade soft pretzels.  

I dried a round of thyme in my smaller dehydrator.  My indoor plant is doing great right now.

Daughter K had the day off yesterday, so we pretty much sat on the porch, and later grilled chicken fajitas (so good) when my husband got home.

While sitting on the porch, I saw the brightest red bird I have ever seen.  I think it was a summer tanager.  I wish I had my camera, but it was there and gone quickly.  Beautiful bird!

The Homemade Baked Beans Saga

It looks good, right?

Ha! This is why I asked what dry bean you use to make baked beans.

Oh boy, let me tell you, it was not.  I tried a new homemade baked bean recipe the other day.

I followed it to a "t".  I soaked navy beans over night.  I boiled them and simmered them for an hour.  Baked them for 2 with the lid on, and baked 40 minutes after that with the lids off.

The beans were still crunchy.  Seriously.  We baked them for another hour.  Still the same.

What in the heck am I doing wrong?! Do you use dry beans or canned beans?

I want to use pinto beans and try the same recipe, but my husband had another opinion.

I grew up with canned baked beans that were doctored up.  I just want to accomplish a homemade baked bean dish that is fantastic. 

Any suggestions?  I am going to try this recipe with new dry pinto beans.  I told my husband they were probably just older than I thought.  Everything I researched said they are either old or a storage issue.  I guess, unless I get suggestions, I'll try new dried beans.

I have cooked dry pinto beans a ba-zillion times and they have always cooked, but for some reason dry navy beans do not cook for me.

More Blooms ~ Dehydrating Sage ~ From Pile to File

 

More garden blooms.  I had a hard time getting the photos, as the lens steamed up from the humidity and heat.

I dehydrated my first small batch of sage, using my smaller dehydrator.  I learned that if you cut back your sage too much (close to fall), it will die over winter.  I dehydrate in small batches over the summer to avoid killing my sage plant.

We had another very hot and humid day.  Garden work was done early.  I needed to check the radishes and tie up more tomato plants.

I got another new recipe off the pile.  It's a healthier breakfast bake using sweet potatoes vs. white potatoes.  I added some finely diced jalapenos to it.  I also used sage sausage vs. the sausage the recipe called for (no water, just cooked it first), and of course organic ingredients.

It was very good, but the sweet potatoes released some liquid, so I would cook the onion and sweet potatoes before hand, and shorten the cook time.  Oh, and you can make this the day before and refrigerate and then bake the next.

Question - what is your favorite dry bean to use to make homemade bake beans?

Garden goodness and updates

 We both did a lot of hurkle-durkling in the morning.  Mainly due to heat, but the weed whacking was done.

By 1pm, we were playing cards and grilling out.

Basically, the only thing I made, also due to the hot day.  Garlic scape and radish dip.

The tomatoes coming on, and one cayenne pepper plant already has peppers.  I picked a couple of cherry tomatoes too.

Happy Homemaker Monday

 

The garden is getting a good soaking this morning.  It's hot and humid. Hubby is off work today, but not much will be done outside with the heat today.

I took my wedding ring in to have the prongs checked.  I cannot find my paperwork, so they are working on that.   I mean it's tough trying to find us in their system when it's been 22 1/2 years.  I just hope they can re-print our paperwork.  They said my ring looked as if it was brand new and complimented me on it.  One more thing off the to-do list.

Today I am joining Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom.

Weather . . .

93°F/73°F

How I am feeling this morning . . .

On the breakfast plate . . .

Homemade french toast, sausage, scrambled eggs and coffee

Looking around the house . . .

Ugh.  I can't believe I'm gonna say this, but I will be glad when the kids move out and my house stays "guest" friendly.

On my reading pile . . .

Pioneer Grit

On my TV . . .

Heartland

On the menu this week . . .

-grilling something tonight
-ham, homemade baked beans

-BBQ meatballs, quinoa, and a veggie

-bake a breakfast casserole

From the camera . . .

My organic heirloom thyme I planted indoors! Check out those leaves!

I am thankful for . . .

To have a Monday off for once.  Glad to have my husband home today.

I am hoping to . . .

...go camping soon, but this weather is an issue.  Storms are moving in again.

Prayer list . . .

Daughter E

Happy 4th of July!

Happy 4th of July!  We had a busy day yesterday, so today it's all about getting outside stuff done early and relaxing indoors with the AC.  It'll be a dozie of a hot one today.

We took a nice weather motorcycle ride with friends, ate somewhere new (new town), and ended the evening at another graduation party that was also his send off (military) party.  Another family member is going in the marines.

There were no fireworks to see off the front porch last night, but we may see some tonight.  It's always nice to watch them from our own comfortable home.

Have a wonderful Sunday today!  I  know we won't be doing too  much with the heat returning.  I am going to plant my cherry bomb plants today.  I'm sure they'll love the heat too.

Apple Trees ~ Handiwork ~ Radishes!

 

Our apple trees have apples this year.  However, we need to get the tree baffles made very soon or the raccoons will strip the trees.

We are having some fantastic weather lately.  I got more weeding done and more crafting time carved into my days.

I have been working on crocheted water balloons.  I have located these colors so far.  They are eco-friendly and re-useable and washable.  No mess to pick up on a hot outdoor fun day.

 

Finally!  We haven't had these bad boys since 2019.  2020 was a wash out due to a very dry season.  Of course these are up much later than usual, but we are getting them.