MUSINGS ON A
LATE SUMMER DAY

Thank God for Canada.  Yesterday and
today, we had some relief from the very
hot weather of the last month or so.

Weather systems originating in Canada
bring us reief from the summer heat, and
lovely Fall days. However, they also bring
us bitter cold, winds and snows in winter.

I have to get my emergency firewood stash
split and replentished before the snow flies.

The vegetable garden was neglected this year
while I dragged around in the heat getting
signatures to qualify for the November 2
ballot.

Nevertheless, my garden has been productive
and taken care of itself, producing yields that
more than cover the rent of  the land.

Plenty of lettuce, spinach, chives and turnip
early - but, no potatoes, for the first time in
many years.  I always plant in March, but the
snow cover was scarce and some deep frosts
occurred. No doubt, some of blight from last
year overwintered to finish off what survived
the frost.

A great yield of garlic which I had planted
last October. Also, some very nice small
tomatoes , swiss chard, summer squash , pole
beans and a small early crop of raspberries.

Plenty of Russian kale, which produces
a tremendous yield and will taste best after
some Autumn frosts.

A huge crop of late raspberries should come
in late August, early September. Also, some
elderberry

The flowers have been grand, first the
brilliant yellow of the Forsythia in early
Spring, followed by the puple and blue
if Lilacs, the red and purples of the
Rugosa Roses ,  yellow Yarrow and
brilliant orange of the native Tiger
Lillies. Now the purple Coneflowers, wild
daisies and delicate, white Queen Ann Lace.

I cut some of the hay and brush early
yesterday morning at  dawn. Next, the
land must be cleared and tilled for
a Fall Crop of lettuce, spinach, cabbage
beets, mustard spinach and purple top
turnips.

But, the heat is due to return tomorrow
making that a real challenge for a man who
functions best when the temperatures are in
the 60's, or lower, and the sky overcast.

The Red Dogwood , Forsythia, Lilac and
Rugosa Rose  bushes are overgrown and will
have wait for trimming ,  thinning  and
transplanting, til the weather is right.

The Red Dogwoods  loose their leaves
in early winter, leaving bright red branches
to contrast, with the white snow.

The birds don't mind at all, neither do
I, the bushes provide habit and privacy.

I rarely have insect or potato beattle
problems as a result.

The Maple and 2 Scots Pines are doing well.
The mosquitoes at early dawn and dusk
present a challenge, and a risk of West Nile
at those times.

The ticks disappered during the intense
heat, but they will return in force in the Fall
looking for their blood meal to survive the
Winter. Transmit Lyme disease, as well as
several other lesser known, understood
diseases.


No butternut squash or pumpkins this
year.

We will get those from Schoharie, along
with picking Ida Red, and other varieties
of apples at the orchard that allows Mick
and Paddy to go along.

I have to get some new seed garlic to plant
in October. Maybe white clover and winter
rye for cover crops.

The kale and turnips continue to yield
to as late as early December, in a good year.

However, observing the signs, I expect that
we will have an early and severe winter.

All the more reason not to ignore the
emergency firewood stash.

Well, time for a bit of tea and a bite to
eat.

Will continue musings when the muse
is in the humor again.

                                           Joe Sullivan





The Red Dogwood