Hot, Hot July
A full moon, called a Strawberry Moon, ended June. It symbolizes ripening, abundance, love, and fulfillment. While researching its name and meaning, I, also, found another name – Hot Moon. While most definitely grateful for another month, I’ll go with the latter name because it certainly has brought on a hot, hot July.
Full moon peaking through trees
Even with the heat, life goes on at Three Blessings Farm. The garden dealt with challenges from Mother Nature, produced small harvests when possible, and flowered gloriously.
Garden Challenges – Wind damage the night of July 1 and late afternoon of July 2 caused the Peaches and Cream corn stalks to fall down. Staking them with stones, sticks and string provided some relief.
Discovered on July 10 that two hornworms decimated the thriving tomato plants. I’m grateful for the bounty they produced in June.
The next day found a squash borer worm in my zucchini.
And on July 18, found ants were feasting on the corn.
Garden Harvests – Through it all, gratitude is expressed for the small harvested vegetables reaped this month; all born from seeds sown. Hurray for the one beautiful zucchini, two Suya cucumbers, 5 ears of corn, several Rossa eggplant, and lots of okra.
Oh, and the flowers and trees still blooming! I’m encouraged to perhaps grow flowers next year for a dye garden.
Meals – Two examples of meals prepared from those harvests. The first one shown included salad greens with garden tomatoes, pear, carrot, and raisins paired with peppered braised fresh tuna steak. The second meal highlighted was a Sunday dinner that included garden vegetables: my gorgeous zucchini, tomatoes, eggplant, okra, and one little jalapeno. They were served on a bed of spaghetti with a slice of barbecue brisket from a neighbor.
Living in my home place would not be as glorious as it is without…
Emi – Her shenanigans this month included chasing a baby frog outside and side eyeing me for my food. One minute it’s a popsicle, the next it’s watermelon. I can’t eat anything in peace.
Birds – At the beginning of the month the baby Goldfinch birds prepared to leave the nest. I was lucky enough to see one of them fly out. Yesterday, I got to see a beautiful Egret land on a Cypress tree in the pond and fly off while geese meandered nearby. I just love to see the Egret’s wings span.
Quilting – Last but not least, I continue to live my yoga through my personal quilting practice. I’m just about finished my latest art quilt piece. A small portion of it is shown here.
It looks like July will continue to be hot as hell. I’m taking a break for a few days to chill. But as always, blessings to everyone and remember to do what’s best to nurture you, family, friends and your community. Peace, wisdom, gratitude be with us all.