(Part 2 of 2) The Summer Garden

So now, we've been through all the terrible trials of May and made it through the regular 82nd Legislature. It's time for gardening, traveling, weddings, arts & crafts and most importantly SUMMER! (And unfortunately, Special Session)

I started running again this weekend, I am sadly very out of shape but getting back. Lola was with me (she's a good little interval runner, I will be taking her more often now). When I was about half was through my neighborhood jog, I trotted past a woman who was probably in her 60's with a glass of wine, flip flops and a house coat on, she cheerfully greeted me, protesting "It's cocktail hour in the garden!" I decided that I needed to go home immediately and make my very own cocktail hour in the garden, and that's exactly what I did.

It was a wonderful evening including a little caprice salad and a glass of Sangria. My cherry tomatoes are out of control and threatening to take over the other two bushes, the heirloom is having a little harder time and seems to be suffering some tomato blight which I am treating to the best of my ability and all three plants have lovely little green tomatoes fattening and ripening and getting ready for my dinner table.

I know it's very sad to look at the hole where my squash used to thrive. I'll have to figure out something that can take the 100+ Texas heat.

While we are talking tomatoes, I had several friends warn me about grub worms ruining my tomatoes and until today I had not seen a single one. Then while I was inspecting the ailing heirloom I saw this disgusting creature. I once again had to put on the garden gloves to "take care of him." I could not handle simply squishing him, so I dramatically flung him to the ground and stomped him with my flip flop. Ewww!

On to the peppers, as before, the banana bells are proliferating. I still have not really figured out the best way to cook them, but I read a great recipe for stuffing them and then wrapping them in crescent rolls, yum. Also, I really thought I bought a red bell pepper, turns out it's purple. Then my orange bell pepper is still green but hopefully will continue to ripen and get bigger.