Summer into Fall...

The summer began with coolness, in total disregard that the season had changed. Yet by August, the skies brightened their intensity, the sunsets deepened in color and the sun warmed the island. A late summer, surely welcome and yet, waning as the evening again cools and the days, simply warm now....fleeting as false a promise as it began! September comes early and the winds change, the waters ready for the storms to come... It is time now for the last dance.....of Summer.

The Promise of Garlic!

Each year, the soil is carefully prepared, dug, composted and raked and raked, it is turning to Fall. The dried Bulbs of German Heirloom Purple Striped Garlic await their turned down bed on a cool evening in October. A trench is traced into the light dark soil, each one carefully placed to face the sun's kiss as they are covered from it's view. Mulch is applied as their cover for their winter's rest. As the seasons change, the light raking uncovers their peaking tips emerging from the soil. It is magical to see how fast they grow in the sun and bathe in the rains of Spring. As all planting around them busies my hands, I marvel at their stalks standing tall at attention as the other beds feature the babies of a vegetable nature. Then the agonizing wait, while other harvests are made, the summer bears on and their scapes emerge like spears through their centers forming curls with the rounds of bulbils crowning their tips. At long last, the rounds split revealing the purple gems inside inviting the cutting of the scapes. As they are drying, the Garlic Bulbs below the ground continue to grow, their lower leaves begin to yellow. Every day they are admired and salivated over, when will it be time? Today was the time of the Garlic's unveiling! Something quite unique stood out, a batch of Garlic planted not in Fall but in January, an experiment of sorts...on the edge of a 240 foot embankment facing the water in full sun. To display proper tribute to this culinary delight the world over enjoys for it's many health benefits and unrivaled flavor....a picture is truly worth a thousand words! This is the January planted Garlic....

To begin a Garlic bed most affordably, the bulbils are planted for first year small bulbs and then those have the cloves separated for the following years yield. From 50 can spring up to 350 garlic in merely two seasons! If you wish to possess these unique hardneck Bulbils...you may click here for more information. http://www.homesteadingtoday.com/showthread.php?t=408686

A Symbol Of Freedom!

A lone Eagle soars over head, majestic and regal in it's ascent. Hardly aware of it's importance to our nation, the Eagle is oblivious to it's own graceful existence. When the storms rage over the water, the Eagle bravely sets out, riding the winds as they bend the trees, floating on the air with a mighty strength in the great expanse of it's open wings.

The Eagle stands as a solitary Symbol of our country and our freedom. It is our young men who set out against mighty storms to serve their country, through the untested waters, over unsure grounds, facing imminent dangers and yet, they set off fearlessly leaving all of those they love behind to serve. It is my honor to know such a young man and have him join our family. Jeff is serving in the Navy, sacrificing to serve his country, newly married to our daughter Michelle with a young son he will not see for six months. His dedication and loyalty surpasses that of his years not unlike those he serves with. To them and to all who serve our country, it is with my deepest gratitude, I say "Thank you!"

Island Wedding, Flowers, Sand and Shells!

The wedding cake has fresh flowers dancing upon it on it's three tiered layers, shells, flowers and sand in glass, candles float on every table. The Bride sees through soft sea green eyes shining beneath the curls and swept up hair with a single iridescent flower. The Groom's deep green Eyes mirror hers in their intensity and the love they share is apparent in the flame they ignite. Their vows are written from their hearts and said quietly as waves hit the shore behind them. A single passionate kiss, as the sun casts a brilliant shine upon them. He lifts her off her feet in his arms.

Summer fruits and harvests!

As Summer sweeps us into warm days filled with sun, fun and laughter with our families, still the gardens grow on. We water only sometimes in our climate blessed with rain. The cooler temperatures were welcomed as warm never got hot. The Royal Red Currants were first with their wickedly tart undertones into the preserves and freezer they went. The Cascade Raspberries were next with their succulent flavor, so juicy fresh or in preserves and freezer alike. Next rounds the Blackberry, a circle from a year's time. It looks to be a bounty this year, to make up for last year's fail. The Egyptian Onions graced every dish, the Strawberries were served a top a wedding fare Cheesecake for many guests. Italian Sage crowned chicken and fish, the mints were simply tead up! As Summer nears it's end, the formal stand of German Purple Striped Garlic Scapes tower in the garden with Jerusalem Artichokes standing at attention. There are pumpkins blooming and budding, low lying herbs and the odd potato volunteers of a culinary sort. Just as it seems to wind down, the Fall garden will come alive!

Spring Flowers, Lost in the Moments!

As Spring descends early at our island haven, the flowers fill the air with the sweet scent of lilacs, nuances of wild flowers and the coming of the breathtaking Rhododendrons and Clematis. The Honeysuckle will soon spread it's perfume to permeate my front yard with months of nature's finest perfume! The lovely Roses will join the event with their fragrant addition to the show!

Eagles have been soaring over breaching whales! Every day is heralded by another of nature's glimpses into the magnificence of what is!

In my modest gardens, Purple Striped Garlic and Egyptian onions are in competition in heights of an early harvest's promise. The chives and onions greens have graced my table for two months. The herbs and teas are ready to enjoy, the currants have flowered, the Plum tree and so much more! On my table sits a bouquet of Red Rhododendron and White lilac upon a lace table cloth...simply elegant. Sigh, I do so love the Spring!

April Storms on the Island!

The winds were howling, debris was flying....cozy indoors with a warm fire burning in the woodstove....CRASH! Alarmed, I rush outside, besides my trellis beside my home leaning...I didn't see anything of concern at my home or in my yard. Suddenly it hits me...that unfortunate tree, the huge Maple at my neighbor's home, the vacation home owner's, had fallen! At one point years ago, it had been hit by lightening and it bore the blackened scars. Despite some limbs snapping off and some insistent advice to take down his tree, this neighbor only comes here a few times a year. I am sure he put it out of his mind as someday...he would get around to this someday..... Life can be like this, putting off the little things filed under....SOMEDAY! We can realize that it is the sign of these times with high technology and the world at our finger tips that someday is reserved for some special inconsequential things or so we think! I once took a picture of a dear friend with her husband kissing on their boat. They laughed when I took it but...he passed on a young man quite unexpectedly and the last pic together was the one I took! Treasured by his wife, someday they might have had portraits again together but this....was what she has today!

Storms blow over but they leave the damage behind! As we watch the storm, safe inside we consider what damage this one will bring! We are assured we have taken preventative measures to keep ourselves secure but as with all things, anything could happen......but not someday!