Now that my better-half has returned home from her trip our lives have slowly normalized somewhat.  She has returned to work after much whining and complaining and is back to her old self.  I’ve returned to my projects again after pretty much ignoring them for a week. Don’t forget her vacation was also my vacation.

The garden is growing wild and today I finally spent three hours on my hands and knees pulling weeds.  Don’t misunderstand me, I pulled thousands of weeds, enough to fill the trailer pulled by my lawn tractor.  It was extremely hot and in just a few minutes I sweat through my clothing.  I have to admit it felt pretty good to be digging in the dirt because it’s one of those times that allows my body to do it’s routine work and all the while my mind is elsewhere. It takes a good hour of this kind of work to calm me down and allow me to really relax.  It’s unfortunate that I didn’t discover this outlet a few decades earlier than I actually did.  Once again my father was right but I wasn’t listening as usual.

As you can see the frames are slowing filling with beautiful green plants of all kinds. I’ll probably begin picking, blanching, and freezing kale this week. After it’s washed and blanched I can cut it into strips and freeze it.  It’ll make for some really flavorful soups this coming winter.

I was forced out of necessity to take the pruning shears to the mint patches. They grow so damn fast and if not properly controlled will take over the entire garden.  It makes working out here really pleasant when all you can smell is the aroma of peppermint and spearmint.  From the looks of things it’s going to be an unbelievable year for the herbs.  I replanted a number of oregano plants after losing a few last winter and the way these things are growing I’ll eventually have enough dried and stored to last me for two winters.

After all of the weeding was completed I returned to the houses to take a quick shower, make a close check for any of Mother Nature’s little friends (ticks), and to rehydrate.  The next thing on the agenda was to rack off the dandelion wine once again. It’s clearing nicely and the color is spectacular. Now, if it only ends up tasting as good as it looks.  I’ve been disappointed a few times in the past when a gorgeous batch of wine has ended up tasting like battery acid.  I’m crossing my fingers again and hoping for the best.

We’re expecting a beautiful weekend and I’m sure we’ll be visiting the beach and hitting a few yard sales and flea markets.  The better-half has the weekend off for a change and we can have a little quality time together. Sunday is approaching and we’re looking forward to babysitting the grandson for a few hours to give his parents a little breather and some alone time together. It’s something all of us need.  We just have to search out those things that’ll give our minds a little peace and quiet.  I consider my self fortunate to have a number of outlets like that to clear my mind and keep me mentally calm and fresh. 

In just a few short weeks the festivals will begin in earnest.  Almost every weekend from now until mid- October has a festival of some sort scheduled somewhere in Maine.  Every small town and community has one and it’s a great way to support the local farmers and artisans.  Good food, beautiful summer weather, and communities who love to celebrate and share their community spirit with visitors.  It doesn’t get much better than that.