To market to market......

No I'm not buying a fat pig......if you don't get it ......look here

But seriously we have had a WONDERFUL summer.   The month of July and most of August has had NO measurable rain.   This means that most Friday afternoon since it's opened we have been able to go to our local farmers market.   We go by daycare after work pick up JT and head on over.   Our market is small and I'm just fine with that.   It is around our "lake".  They are other markets around town that are huge and that to me is just silly.   We have a little bit of everything.......honey, wine, beef, cupcakes, kettle korn, flowers, veggies, gyro's, pizza, tamales, local rotating stuff like theaters, handmade pasta, bakery, soaps.....

My favorite farm is Lee Farm.  They are wonderful and save me a dozen eggs just in case I get caught at work and can't get there on time.   They also have wonderful pies and donuts along with a nice little assortment of veggies.  The bubba is one to sniff the basket when we get home in hopes of there being some donuts in there and if that's the case she stands guard at the counter where they sit. 
Starting this weekend I am only getting their veggies.  I have always started there and then filled  in at the other stand but to be honest the other stands veggies just aren't that good.   Couldn't eat the celery I got there last week it was so bitter.  

There is also some local music up on the grassy knoll.   Usually just someone with an instrument, mic stand, and a speaker.

To be honest there have been a couple of Friday's that we have been in and out quickly because its just been tooooo hot.   Poor veggies do not like that weather either.  And I hate to have the babe out in that.  And lately with everything going on we haven't made it in a while but I'm counting on going this Friday........

Its funny how at the market last summer I was pregnant, this summer JT is in his car seat in the stroller, and next summer he will either be in his stroller or walking along side us.

There are only a couple left and I will miss this little Friday evening tradition.......

Oh and make this......trust me......its all you need for a great light summer supper.....its the kind of recipe that will inspire me to freeze some summer corn before it is too late.....

Someone told me its all happening at the ......

ZOO!

This past weekend we took J on his first trip to the Zoo!  We slathered on the sunscreen grabbed our hats and off we went!  We have a nice zoo that I haven't been too in years (although they could use more parking).   I used to help my mom on her field trips many, many, many moons ago but things have changed.  You come in a different way and there are all of these 'section's now.  The weather was great - not too hot - and most of the animals were in full view.   G did a lot of "quit looking at the humans you see them all the time - see the (insert animal)".  But I have to say I agree with J - the zoo is a great place to people watch.  He loved the giraffe although I don't know if he made the connection that it looked like his Sophie and he reached out like he wanted to touch the polar bear.   Probably thought it was a giant white dog.   He also seemed to like the penguins however he was a little concerned about the boy who was crying because he had fallen. We will continue to go with him for sure and probably become a member after he turns 2..  Highlight for me was getting to see Lily - our zoo's newest member of the elephant family.   I didn't however get to see Packy our oldest pachyderm so we will have to go back.  We ended the day with a Icee and hot dog and J had a bottle before heading back home.   All in all a good day.

4th

The last 8 or so years I have spent the holiday at my parents beach house.  There have been many variations of this over the years with different parts of G's family being a part of it.   But always on the 4th we are there w/ my parents having a BBQ and watching fireworks either from the beach or from the front porch.

This year however was different.  Being that the 4th is smack dab in the middle of the week and I only got Wednesday off we spent it at home.  Largely due to the fact that I am saving every last hour of my vacation for when Lil J gets here.  We had met G's mom for breakfast on the other side of town so instead of coming home we decided to go on a short road trip....... 

Mt Hood - so pretty and still lots of snow

Timberline - I know you can't see it but there are people skiing and boarding on the mountain!  One lift was open.  The parking lot was packed.  Who would of thunk that people could spend the 4th skiing?

 

Me and my belly at the base of Mt Hood/Timberline

 

Mt. Jefferson - just ignore the power lines

After we left Timberline we drove around Mt Hood and ended up in Hood River.  Such a pretty valley.  So pretty to see all the fruit trees - mostly cherry.  Should of taken more pictures I know but I didn't.   We stopped in Hood River for lunch at a local hamburger joint that was all locals and us.

And then it was on down the Gorge to Multnomah Falls.  This place was packed, after all its something to go and do about an hour out of Portland for free.  Families of all shapes and sizes all over.  The Falls were so pretty and creating a light mist.  We toured the gift shop and read all about the history grabbed ourselves a ice cream cone and headed back to our car.

We were home by around 3 pm.   Was perfect.  Gave me time to have a little cat nap. 

One thing I realized from this little road trip.   We do live in one of the prettiest places on earth.  I know this but its always good to be reminded.   Our landscape is so diverse as well.   To think that we were never more than a couple of hours from home and yet our scenery was constantly changing.   Yes we do get a lot of rain but that is why everything is so green -  we've had a wet spring and it shows.   Keep in mind that being able to ski over the 4th is not normal but I'm sure fun for those that enjoy such things.  They say its nothing but sun for the next 10 days or so - no rain in sight.  Not sure if I believe them but will be interesting to see how it all plays out.  I am thankful we have air so even if it truly does get to 90 on Sunday our house will stay cool. 

How does your garden grow?

I did it!  I finally got the garden in!  I have to say I had my doubts but was determined to still complete the task.   This is the latest I think I've ever planted but to be honest but also we have had a colder spring so far so I don't really think I've missed much on the timeline.  I can see the edges of it from my kitchen sink and it makes my heart sing that it is out there finished and will soon have veggies for us!   G asked why we couldn't just skip it this year - silly boy.  I do need to remember however to do a better job of prepping for the winter as the beds were a mess!   Also, we need to add more dirt next year.   There really isn't enough in there this year but I was too the point where I didn't so much care about that and I'm sure it will be fine for one year.

So as of last weekend here's how it looks.......

Prepped and ready to go

This is the bed closest to the lanai.   Those are lettuce starts and the rest is filled with rows of spinach, lettuce, and chard.

Tomatoes!   I realize that one is not centered in the bed right but again my level or caring is on that kind of stuff is low this year.  Love my cages although by the end of summer you don't really see there pretty colors.

All three beds - the back bed has cukes and squash

Before the cages and drip system went in

I am so very lucky to have the drip system.   G put it in and takes care of it every spring and fall.   It allows us to not have to worry about watering and to be honest probably water more efficiently.  It also allows us to go away and not worry about things no matter how hot it is which is nice.   We won't be taking any big long trips this summer as I'm saving all my fto for when Jellybean arrives this fall but its still good not to have to worry about it. I also did the front flower boxes and will have to take a pic this weekend and will post it as well.  Now I just need mother nature to cooperate and give me a little warm weather to encourage things to grow..........