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Thursday Thoughts & Tidbits

It's been a long time since I did a 'Thursday Thoughts & Tidbits' post. I don't force topics but I sure go with them when inspiration knocks!

I've been journaling a lot again and feeling better. I feel totally scattered when I'm not journaling on a regular basis for an extended period of time.

I didn't even place in that photo contest I entered last month and no lie, I'm a little disappointed, but if 'at first you don't succeed, try try again!' and I will.

When life gives me lemons, do I make lemonade?
No, I make zucchini bread!
(I march to the beat of my own drum baby!)

Our heat wave broke yesterday, it's been breezy with temps in the 70's and I couldn't resist the urge any longer. When I mentioned on Twitter earlier this afternoon that I was baking the first loaves of zucchini bread of the season, friend Lisa (of Lit and Life) said I should sell them at a local farmer's market. That stuck with me through the afternoon. Inspired me.

I don't do a lot of baking (breads, cakes & brownies mostly) but I have a lot of fun with what I do bake, especially my zucchini breads and spice cakes. I've decided to work on my different zucchini bread recipes this Summer and Fall, 'prefect' them as well as try a couple of new ones I've had my mind on and prepare for next year's farmer's market!

Now, Hubbs has been telling me for a few years now that I should make prints of my local photo's and flower shots to sell at the farmer's market so I just might do both!

Why not, right?

Despite a Cat Bird feasting on my (Brandywine) Raspberries all day long, I was able to get quite a few for myself. There's nothing quite like eating a fresh picked berry warm from the sun that you've grown yourself.

Hey now, who says Raspberries and containers don't mix?! It's definitely a lesson in patience but I can assure you it can be done. To date I've harvested 220 berries, the most I've ever (ever!) had. The number of berries I've harvested from 2006 through last year last year wouldn't even come close to that number. There's roughly 100 more forming now which will begin to ripen over the next couple of week's.

Look for my upcoming post/article on growing Raspberries in containers.

I've been reading an absolutely delightful book, "Roots Shoots Buckets & Boots" by Sharon Lovejoy (who also has a great blog) and whether or not you have children, if you garden, you should read this book!

And Now it's time for the "Tidbit" portion of our program this evening. Er, I mean, my post:

If you have Woolly Aphids in your garden, to get rid of them, you can use 1 teaspoon of dish soap (not dish detergent!), less than an 1/8th teaspoon of cayenne pepper (like a "dash") and a quart of water, mixed well and put into a spray bottle. Spray where ever you see the Aphids. (Do your best not to spray fruits and veggies directly, just their foliage). You will most likely have to keep doing this every few days throughout the rest of the season but it's a safe way to dispose of them.

I was on 'aphid death squad patrol' last weekend & today, for as long as it takes!
(This year's infestation out back is Much worse than last year's).

Another tidbit: If you have to spray flower heads themselves, please make sure it's not at a time when bees of any kind are active and pollinating your flowers as they may become victims of the spray if they go to the flowers before they've completely dried.

I hope you've all enjoyed your Thursday as much as I have!

Comments

Anonymous said…
There is nothing like a berry warmed by the sun that you've grown yourself. Glad the weather broke, and you're feeling better Jo.

On the photo contest, do try again.~~Dee
Thank you on all counts Dee. And I will try again, promise!
Mrs. Fry said…
now, do you have a remedy for getting rid of ants?

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