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October 12, 2009
Catching up?
Last week was challenging, as we had an early frost. We tend to be at least 10 degrees less than the low temp in town, but Tuesday, it was almost a 20 degree difference. With a boatload of tomatoes on the vines, I didn't want to lose the crop, and picking them green would mean some ripening, but alot lost. We got the area covered with tarps, and managed to avoid losing much. The worst damage happened when the dogs got in, chasing a bunny, no doubt. They got on top of the tarps, and took out some pepper plants. Ugh! Still, we managed to make it through the chill. Things in the forecast look better for the next few weeks, so hopefully we won't have any more frost this month.
I've been able to harvest plenty of ripe, or nearly ripe, tomatoes in the last week, and have turned toward making salsas and sauces to freeze. My canning skills are still a little lacking, but it's not too difficult to boil tomatoes and onion, seasonings, peppers, etc. Give them a whirl in the blender, and voila! My tomatillo crop got hit by the frost, although I do still have some production. A friend recommended a mix of tomatillo and tomato for a tasty salsa, and I have to agree. I have a plentiful supply of habaneros, and have been boiling a couple into my salsas. Not near the bite that the uncooked pepper has. Just enough!
The frost took out my pole beans, as well as any remaining cucumbers. That will about do it for the season. We're working on an area that may be devoted to onions and such, but I haven't had much time to put into it yet. I tried to get some broccoli and cabbage going, but I guess that bunny took care of that crop.
We have 7 remaining turkeys. The first of the 8 became the first to grace the dinner table when it developed a problem with its leg. It was only 14 lbs after it was cleaned, whereas the broadbreasted bronze we had a couple of years ago was 30 lbs. That one had nearly 2 additional months to fatten. I have to say that it turned out quite well, and had very little fat. It's a different result than with a store bought bird. We have at least 3, possibly 4, Toms out there, and I'm interested to see where they weigh in and whether they fit in the oven.
Soccer is still busy. Two more JV games to go, and less than a month of season play for AYSO. Plus baseball...ds is practicing with a group of highschoolers, and serving as bat boy during their games. Mom is looking forward to a little break!
That's the news from the ranch...cooler mornings, lower power bills, and lots of domestic activity as we preserve what harvest is left. Loving the restful resting place we call home!
Blessings! |
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October 12, 2009 - Sorry for my redundance!