Lawn and Garden Gazette

"...Issue #161 August 2010..."

“Just got home from Illinois, lock the

front door, oh boy, Got to sit down, take a

rest on the porch.” 

Actually I’ve been back

long enough that “Michigan seems like a

dream to me now”...Nice, relaxing trip,

but good to be back. And who knows, a few

more weeks and I just might get caught

up..

We apparently brought some Midwest

humidity back with us. Would have rather

had a good Chicago pizza (thin crust, mind

you). Or a few fireflies... Back there

they joke about the notion of dry heat.

But the day we left I was sweating coming

out of the shower. No joke...

Best moment of the trip, hands down. Standing on the

middle of the Michigan Ave bridge just as

the fireworks were going off over the Lake

by Navy Pier. What a sight...

”The old home town looks the same, As I step down

from the train.” Not even close. Almost

needed a map to get around. And don’t even

get me started on the traffic. What can I

say, its a great place to be FROM... 

Hot days, warm winds, and long periods without

rain have the lawns struggling. If you

decide yours needs more water, add minutes

to the days you presently water, not more

days. Getting that water down deep will

help it get thru this warm spell AND those

yet to come...

Its been SO hot cows are giving evaporated milk...

 

Had your first homegrown tomato yet? If so, please don’t

gloat. I’m still waiting. Patiently. Or maybe not so much. The few cherry tomatoes

to date are delicious, but just can’t drip down your chin like a nice

Brandywine... When they start ripening, one of the first things we like to make is

caprese salad. Nothing more than slices of

tomato and mozzarella, and a little fresh

basil. Drizzle a little olive oil, have a piece

of bread and a glass of wine ready

and...um...Sorry my mind wandered there a bit...

Came home to a garden covered by

weeds and dill. (But alive, thanks to

Russell.) Tons of dill, but just a few cukes

so far. Never have been able to coordinate

those very well. Guess that’s why they

make fridges and freezers, but I digress...

Hidden under it all were the first signs

the struggle was worth it. Summer squash,

onions, pickles, beans and even a few peppers.

Truly a labor of love from here on

out...

Its been SO hot trees are whistling'

for the dogs...


Dog Days of summer? Don’t

complain, things could be worse. The Romans

use to sacrifice a brown dog this time

of year in hopes of beating the heat...

Last month’s answer was the Chicago Blackhawks.

Several knew that, but only Joe

Harris shot the puck...

Onions forming a flower on top? Use those first as they

won’t store well... I know its early, but

check those cabbage heads., and pick them

if you see any signs of cracking... 

That smile on Mom’s face no one can explain?

Simple. School’s starting soon. Time to

note those flashing yellow lights again...


Its been SO hot chickens are laying hardboiled

eggs....


Four sets of lyrics throughout.

Name the singer of any to get into

this month’s drawing... 


The evening of August 8, 1974 President Nixon quit. That

same evening a young couple celebrated

that AND their 4th anniversary. Being too

stubborn to quit, we remain married to this

day. So, in a few days we’ll celebrate 40

years of wedded bliss. Without ever having

a fight! OK, maybe a few hundred, but who’s

counting... 

Hey, leave it to the Cubs to

get the Rox back on track. A Sweep no

less.. Sweep, not broomed. Not sure who

first decided broomed was a verb...Until

next month, keep cool!


    *************************************

“I hope you don't mind that I put down in words

How wonderful life is while you're in the world”