What I did on my summer vacation

I think I've broken my own record for long blog breaks. It's been a busy summer, and I'm pretty sure it has been busy for everyone. I'm not the only one who has taken a little time off to enjoy the longer days.  I finally finished this quilt, and have moved on to begin another.

 But this summer has really been all about the garden. Anyone need any basil? I have an immense 8'x4' raised bed of the lushest basil ever. Victoria and I have made several batches of pesto for the freezer and used it in every dish imaginable. Can you tell I have harvested it already?  Hmmm, I can't either. I'm sharing at work today and even then I will barely be able to tell it has had a hair cut!

 The tomatoes are doing very well, although they are still very green. I can't wait to try these. I found some heirloom plants at the farmers market and I love to try new varieties. These are Convoluto Genovese, an Italian heirloom,

 And these are German Johnson, I have grown these before and they are perhaps the best tomatoes I have ever eaten.

 And then there are the flowers. Lord, have you ever seen zinnias like this? All the zinnias I planted have these same colors, red, yellow, hot pink and orange. It has made for an amazing display.

 And then I threw in some brilliant little marigolds to round things out. I'm not usually a marigold lovin girl, but this summer may have changed that.

These rim all the raised beds, and I have loved caring for these and coming into the house with my hands fragrant from basil and marigolds. the whole garden smells heavenly!

I think it's nearly time to throw a few nasturtium leaves and petals in a fancy salad. Have you ever tried that?

 Love. this. garden.

So in short, I've spent lots of time sewing, gardening, dreaming, working, (oh so much time working ) and we have spent any time we could in the evening, just sitting at the table in the garden and enjoying our handiwork. There is still a lot to do , but so far we love the peaceful feeling in this little corner of our world.  I'll be back soon. I'm still visiting, and leaving the occasional comment, but right now just seems like the right time for more living and less time online.

I hope your summer is happy, enjoy what is left as the days grow shorter and cooler. The last days of summer are not to be squandered looking forward to fall. They are to be savored:>)