There's so much bounty from the garden right now. My dining room table is taken over with canning jars ready to be filled. More pickles, some tomatoes, and soon, applesauce. I love this time of year. Sweet September, with autumn beckoning and sumac turning red along the creek, always one of the first signs of fall. And it's my birthday month! But Indian Summer, where did you go? The skies are gray and there's a nip in the air. I'm not quite ready to slip back into socks and sweaters and close my bedroom windows at night.
I love this little vintage cutting tool. The serrated edge makes perfect pickle chips...
...and another yummy addition to the pantry.
Sometimes I find this time a year a bit overwhelming with all that needs to get done before the weather lowers the boom on us, and I'm definitely feeling that urgency right now. Like a crazed squirrel gathering nuts. Making lists and checking them twice. I'm often working on so many things at once around here. However, I do remind myself to appreciate what I have accomplished this summer, and I'm so hugging myself right now for finally sewing up some new curtains for the kitchen. Sixteen panels in all. Yes, I did have a bit of a production line going. But I spent one afternoon cutting, and a couple of weeks sewing in my spare time. I'm thrilled they're done because it was a project that's been on hold for such a long time...mainly because I just couldn't find the right fabric. Then last month, just by chance, I ran across a whopping big bolt of lovely off-white cotton lawn (at a thrift shop of all places), and I couldn't believe my luck. Plus—it was "on sale" for half-price that one day. So double-woot! Not bad for covering eight large windows for $15.
Turkey Talk:: Thought some of you might like to hear an update on Turkey Lurkey and her flock of chicks, that I blogged about a few weeks ago. They have been making frequent visits to our house, although sadly mother turkey is hopping on one leg, apparently the victim of a predatory attack. I've been sitting here watching her hop along with her crumpled leg drawn up, still diligently herding her chicks, and standing guard over the remaining five left (out of a dozen). They often nap in my flower bed. It makes me a little sad to witness their struggle to survive, but how I admire their fortitude. I know that wild turkeys can create problems when left unchecked, and we often hear such stories about that from a nearby town that is over-run with them. But I like watching them pass through, and do appreciate their foraging and feasting on those pesky summer bugs. They do seem to enjoy the cracked corn and raisins I (ahem) "accidently" toss out on occasion too.
I love those little yellow tomatoes that look like pears! Don't you think they would make great jewelry? I can so see one hanging from a chain as a necklace.
Posted by: Maria Stahl | September 16, 2009 at 05:40 PM
Never seen the little yellow tomatoes, they look yummie! Can't believe you have 'wild' turkeys walking around? I do like the sound they make.
Posted by: heleen | September 16, 2009 at 11:23 PM
So inspiring, as always.
Posted by: paula | September 17, 2009 at 02:29 AM
Your yellow pear and cherry tomatoes look awsome. I like to eat them as a snack, just pop them in my mouth as I go about my business. I'm sure you are enjoying them.
What a great find, all of that material at such a low price, and very pretty too. I realy like your new curtains.
You are such a kind heart to "accidentaly" toss the food for the turkeys. My how they have grown.
Posted by: Velma | September 17, 2009 at 06:32 AM
I really like your curtain material , an amazing bargain ! And they look perfect at your windows . Meanwhile you seem to be coping well with the danger of being swamped by tomatoes of every variety and colour . My pedestrian round red ones are keeping me busy enough . I'm eating so many I expect to wake up bright orange one of these days ! Autumn's gorgeous , isn't it !
Posted by: SmitoniusAndSonata | September 17, 2009 at 09:34 AM
I love you pickle cutter! And, I sure know how you feel about preserving the bounty - so busy this time of the year. I will be glad to get back to crafting more soon.
Posted by: Tonya | September 17, 2009 at 12:45 PM
Mmm...pickles look tasty! Yes, this time of year does sometimes seem overwhelming, but the cooler weather and sunshine is a blessing:-) We have a turkey family that passes through our front pasture everyday. Our chickens just kind of look at them like, hey who are you...LOL!
Posted by: Suzanne | September 18, 2009 at 07:09 AM
That serrated edge cutter is too sweet. I love what you've done with the pickles and everything. This is my favorite time of year, as busy as it is. :)
Also wanted to let you know that I am having a big giveaway on the blog and sign-ups last until Sunday night! The giveaway was given to RTH by the ever-inspiring author of Craft Nectar. Hope to see you there! :) http://reclaimingthehome.blogspot.com/
Posted by: Kristin | September 18, 2009 at 01:27 PM
Yes, they have grown quite a lot this summer and very quickly. Must be the raisins...hee hee.
Posted by: vicki haninger | September 18, 2009 at 04:26 PM
That is funny--I love watching animals!
Posted by: vicki haninger | September 18, 2009 at 04:28 PM
Theyr'e selling those cutters in kitchen shops near me but they are so expensive, I'm sure you got your vintage cutter for a song!
Posted by: Shivi | September 28, 2009 at 02:00 AM