. . . well, it was 2/3 done when I began writing this post (sigh) and now the end is in sight. Some days, I have to tell you, I like to say that phrase differently: “The End is Insight”.
This will be a long post, I think, so do find yourself a cuppa, or even a bucket, of tea or whatever boosts your spirits, and settle in for a lengthy set of glimpses into my summer this year (so far). It’s great to have you here for a visit again; just like old times, isn’t it? I’ve missed posting (but you are about to see some of the reasons why) and I’m hoping that once the white stuff arrives I will be more settled and have time for regular posting. I’m already working on some posts looking ahead to Christmas. Only 100 days to go, you know, which will matter if you plan to make things . . .
. 
Two of the items I brought from my older storage units. The old scale lost its surface but works better than any new scale I’ve ever used. The bookcase will be holding crafty supplies now that we are nearing the end of summer.
A few of my herbs. In the round pot are rosemarie, lavender and two basil plants, as well as heliotrope (because I love the scent and that it dates to Victorian times), a marigold and the two original iris plants.
Above are only a few of the hundreds of pictures I’ve taken of the Echinacea plants. My cousin S was given two by one of her co-workers and they spent last winter buried in the ground, but still in their pots. So I transplanted them to a new bed that my cousin M helped create. To their left are two zucchini plants and to the right, five more zukes. I bought the seeds and planted them later, so I’ve only had three fruit to eat so far, although there are at least two more waiting to be picked. I mistakenly assumed these were plants that would run and had planned to train them up the side of the shed wall. However, they don;t run and therefore are likely way too crowded. But they shaded the Echinacea, so all has not been lost.
Thee have been flowers galore:
Healthy food likewise:
There has been baking:
. . . and putting by of foods (to use one of the old, beloved, terms):
Did I mention the gardening and the fruit trees? We had two long beds, one smaller square bed and assorted containers including two hard rubber bowls that were originally meant to hold grain for horses. There are three apple trees and a plum tree, as well as a cherry (the cherry will appear in the next post) Here’s a few of the gardening photos:
We have gone from the threat of flood (I posted about that a couple of posts back) to the even more real threat of fire and instead of bringing things from the storage to go through, I found myself taking my most precious things from here and putting them into the storage . . . We’re probably done with that now, but have had only one day of rain (and that was off and on), so I’m still living out of my suitcase, kept ready in case we suddenly need to leave. Some people had only twenty minutes warning; some had less.
The summer has included entertainment provided by Spooky the cat, visits to two fall fairs, a week-long visit to my one remaining Auntie, who is now 92, and a fair bit of crafting. But it’s getting late, so I will leave all that for the next time.
Thanks so much for dropping by, in spite of my long absences and irregular posting. I appreciate your visits so much! Until next time, then . . . Love and Light to each of you. You have all been in my thoughts and prayers, along with your families and friends. I know there have been huge challenges around the globe this past year.
A Random Harvest 
beautiful beautiful flowers, and a mental note to myself to plant some heliotrope 🙂
Living with the threat of imminent flood/fire must be ghastly. I do hope that is on the wane. xxx
I have always loved heliotrope; it’s just lovely. Yes, the threat of fire, especially, put a damper on my plans. But all is not lost. lol The immediate threat is over, but fires have still been happening, many sound as though they were deliberate; something I will never truly understand. But snow is coming tonight and that should put an end to it for the year.