Highlight: Oh, the joys of Summer! Today, the lawn tractor and I explored all the nooks and crannies of the yard seeking out overly exuberant blades of grass. Factually, the lawn consists primarily of an exotic array of well-manicured weeds. Those weeds have the endearing trait of being able to come back every year in great abundance. One cannot expect that from high-priced, fancy grasses that beg for water and fertilizer. Nope, I’ll take my heirloom weeds over expensive grasses anytime. (Unfortunately, wondrous and adorable spouse does not agree.)

Weather: The warm/hot, dry pattern continues. Fortunately the humidity is lower. The dry weather has necessitated extra watering and attention to the condition of the various plants. 2018-07-12: High – 86º (Detailed Summary – click here.)

Plantings: The okra we had for supper last night was excellent. That wonderful vegetable, properly cooked, has become a staple here at Serendipity Farmhouse.

Now that we have two empty raised garden boxes, we decided to plant seven more okra plants. We learned last year that we could freeze okra and have it throughout the remainder of the year. Although it might be too late in the season for successful planting, the prospect of more okra for us now and for the freezer makes it worth the effort and the violation of common sense.

2018-07-12: Planted two Clemson Spineless okra plants and five Cow’s Horn okra plants.

Harvest: Nothing to report.

Weather: The warm weather continues. The official high was 89º, but our unofficial reading here once again was 91º.  Lower humidity prevailed and that made for tolerable conditions while we finished off our Spring planting. Weather Underground predicts a high of 90º for tomorrow. If we make that mark, we will have our first unofficial ‘heat wave’ of the year. (Detailed Summary – click here.)

Daily Highlight: Early Spring planting is complete! After a day of general yard work, beautiful spouse and I headed for the vegetable garden, trowels, seeds, and seedlings in hand. Here is what we accomplished:

Mr. Stripey Tomato         1 plant

Bonnie Hybrid Tomato  1 plant

Jalapeno Peppers             2 plants

Serrano Pepper                1 plant

Habanero Pepper            1 plant

Cow’s Horn Okra              8 seeds

Refugee Beans                 13 seeds

Plantings: We have now planted all four types of seeds we purchased from Monticello. So far, the Georgia Southern Collards are doing very well. Most of the Early Blood Turnip-Rooted Beets have germinated, but they seem to be struggling. We’ll have to keep an eye on them.

For a complete list of SFH plantings this season, click here.

Harvest: Nothing to report.

Weather: There wasn’t a cloud in the sky at sunrise, but soon after the noon hour the clouds rolled in. By 5 PM, there were some sprinkles of rain and the temperature began to drop. Nevertheless, reaching a high of  75º, it was a great day for being outside and cooking supper on the grill.  (Detailed Summary – click here.)

Rappahannock Plant Sale: My wondrous spouse has been looking forward to this day for some time. When springtime comes to our county, the Rappahannock Plant Sale held at Waterpenny Farm is the place to be. This is where you can find almost anything you need for your vegetable and flower gardens. (For details, click here.)

Although the particular type of tree we were hoping to buy wasn’t available through any of the vendors, we did purchase some other items. They included:

• 3 Nursturtiums,
• 1 Basil plant,
• 1 Jalapeno plant, and
• 1 Italian pepper plant.

South 40 Cleanup: Greg Williams Tree Service sent a crew of four to clear out two large brush piles and do some tree trimming. This is all a part of the ‘South 40 Cleanup’ that has been underway for some time. Someday soon, there will be a special post with pictures to explain why my life was in dire peril if this project had not been completed successfully.

Plantings: Nothing to report

Harvest: Nothing to report

Daily Highlight: While my sweet and loving wife greatly enjoyed the Rappahannock Plant Sale and considered it her ‘Daily Highlight’, I found more satisfaction in viewing the mini cattle drive on the adjacent farm this morning.

One of the many reasons why we chose to live here at Serendipity Farmhouse, is because it is situated in Virginia cattle country. In fact, there is a large herd of cattle that grazes on the farm on the other side of our river. Those steers remind me of Idaho and the view I had of a herd of beef cattle just outside my kitchen window.

Watching the herd as it was moved to a different pasture, I was reminded of my childhood when I learned how to ride horses western style. I competed in events in county fairs and showed off an assortment of riding tricks. In learning all those skills, I convinced myself that I could be a cowboy.

So, what you see in the featured picture at the top of this post should tell you something about how I think life should be – peaceful and with a purpose, but always open to a spirit of adventure.