Gathering Time

The Tulip Poplar’s leaves are shaking in the faintly chill winds.

Autumn is here.

 And with the Autumn there always comes some speculation;

when to gather in all the garden things.

Do we risk the freeze and gain a few days,

or even weeks, of growing?

We play a guessing game with the blue-sky-white-cloud days

which turn into clear, icy-starred nights that bring the first frost.

This week we gave in and gathered all that was left in the garden.

Everything that is, other than the greens, which are tougher than autumn frosts.

 There were lots of peppers to chop and freeze,

A few handfuls of salvaged green beans, 

Green tomatoes,

  

Okra,

And what’s left of the eggplant and tomatillos.

I made a new discovery this fall.  When I tried a very small underdeveloped cantaloupe

that had been sitting on an already dead vine, it tasted like a cucumber!

So I’ve been using cantaloupe in my salads!

It passed my kid’s taste tests and Nathan’s, who likes it better than cucumber

– there’s no bitter aftertaste.

Who woulda thunk it?

Our row of sweet potatoes (15 plants) produced 160 pounds of taters!

Amazing!  I hear you can use them in place of pumpkin.

Sounds like a good idea.

 The Cosmos are blooming, oblivious to the coming cold, 

But the bees seem to know what’s coming,

working as long as the sun shines.

 The “pumpkin squash” produced only three fruits.

But they’re large enough that I think that small number might be a good thing! 

 These twelve pound squash have turned into “Zach” and “Rosabelle” (Rosabelle being

one of my daughters’ favorite made up names) wrapped in tea towel blankets.

They’re being toted all around the house.

I may feel a little guilty chopping them up and cooking them. L

 We picked some crab apples for Aunt Violet.  She likes to make jelly.

I cannot bring myself to make jam other than strawberry and blackberry,

because no matter how delicious a jam is, strawberry and blackberry are still better.

Fall makes me want to do all I can, like the bees, before winter comes.

I also think of it in a deeper way and contemplate the verses

in the book of Ephesians, chapter five:

“Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise,

making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.

Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.”

Time goes on and our world does not become better.

Let’s not waste our days!
Gathering time is not only something that happens in the garden.

“For once you were full of darkness, 

but now you have light from the Lord.

So live as people of light!”

Trent and Rhonda -- Engagement Photos

She said “Yes” when he asked her. 

Trent and Rhonda definitely seem

to be made for each other!  

I was privileged to take their engagement photos

 and get to know them a little better.

Trent’s sister does chalkboard art,

and she made this sign for him before he proposed.

 Rhonda and Trent are both nurses,

and apparently coffee is an important part of their lives.

 I was just waiting for this to happen. 

These two enjoy life!

I wish you both the very best,

and look forward to your wedding day celebration! 

May God be the center of your life together.

Creedon Turns One!

Here is Creedon.  He’s my only nephew.

I soak up his cuddly boyishness every chance I get!

Most people only see his more serious side,

but when he’s comfortable his goofiness comes out.

When he smiles with those clear blue eyes you can’t help but melt!

We took these pictures in Grandpa’s cabbage patch.

It was one of Creed’s more serious days,

and no matter what we did, he wouldn’t crack a smile.

But he’s cute anyway!

 Last week Creed turned One.

When you have your First Birthday…

You play with your excitable cousin, Shayla,

(These two are such opposites!)…

 And cuddle with your Grammy

while the ladies get the food ready.

 Your Mamma has made a sweet whale cake because she’s super cool…

 And since your sister’s birthday was last week she gets a jellyfish cake.

(It’s princessy looking because she really likes that kind of thing.)

Your biggest sister discusses lose teeth with your cousin…

 Your Daddy helps you blow out your candle…

And then they let you TOUCH the cake! 

 It is nice.

 Then Mamma hauls you off to look in the bathroom mirror… 

 And washes you clean.

 Grandpa serves the chocolate whale cake 

to all the uncles and aunties and cousins.

 Then it’s time for presents!

 You get lots of TRUCKS!!!

I love you little Creed and am so happy to be your auntie! 
I pray you will grow into a passionate man of God.

"My son, if your heart is wise,

then my heart will be glad indeed;

my inmost being will rejoice

when your lips speak what is right.

Do not let your heart envy sinners,

but always be zealous for the fear of the Lord.

There is surely a future hope for you,

and your hope will not be cut off."

Proverbs 23:15-18