Gas Pains

Tom grew up in Milwaukee, bartended in Wauwatosa in the '70s and moved here in 1984.

Commentary, observations and musings about the outdoors, life in general and maybe Tosa politics and personalities will be the order of the day. He savors a lively debate as much as terrific cooking.

Friday Garden Chronicles and Garden Music

Critters, Gardening, Terrific Cooking

I know that many of you are great fans of the Wauwatosa Farmers Market. My pal Karen, who also blogs on this page, has extolled its praises

I'm beginning to get the feeling that one of these days I should consider becoming a vendor.  Because before too long I am going to be swimming in produce.  

Ordinarily anything we cannot consume, can or freeze I'd take to the day job.  My co-workers would promptly make it go away.  This year I have resolved to deliver it to my pal Mary Ann who volunteers at the food pantry.  I planted some extra rows with this in mind.

There is an outside chance of selling pumpkins, fancy gourds and decorative corn late summer or early fall to benefit the Little Red Store. We’ll have to see how the crop shapes-up and if the schedule allows. 

This is shaping-up to be a banner growing season. After struggling with near-drought conditions in prior years the heavens have brought-forth regular rains.  Not too hard and not too long – but regular-like.  So regular - that I’ve only had to water but twice this growing  season.  Once to set the seed and a second time when I knew I was going to be away for a spell. 

The weather has been sunny between rains and accompanied by those sultry warm summer nights. 

The tomatoes are coming on-line. 

Jill’s pumpkin and gourd patches are growing vigorously. 

Any green beans we’re not munching for meals or snacking are being picked, processed and flash-frozen for winter dinners. 

 

The cabbages are three-quarters of the way to being converted to kraut.  I even picked the first of the pickles. 

Earlier this week I took a larger scalloped squash – blanched it, sliced it and sautéed it in some olive oil, garlic, basil and grated Romano cheese.  

This, with a glass of Chianti, was my dinner.  I am no vegetarian but this was an excellent repast. 

The only cloud on the horizon is the return of a former foe.  I awoke the other day to discover that my tunneling nemesis Phil has returned.   Within a short 24 hours this large rodent excavated a massive den in the septic mound.  Within only 20 paces of his food source.  

My garden.

Stay tuned for more on this development. 

In closing I have some garden-related music.  

Party with your vegetables...

This site uses Facebook comments to make it easier for you to contribute. If you see a comment you would like to flag for spam or abuse, click the "x" in the upper right of it. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use.

Page Tools

Advertisement

Archives