Independence days and a few other tidbits

It occurred to me that I haven't posted many pictures of the house recently. Here it is in all it's overgrown glory.

Looking North

It's been a busy but productive week for the Independence Days Challenge. It's not what I would like, but, considering everything going on in my life: work, house remodel, keeping up with the old house, garden, children, etc, I don't think I've done too bad this summer. The weather hasn't cooperated much either. But that I can't control.

Here goes the update for the week.

1. Plant something- Nope. I'm going to give the fall garden a pass this year and concentrate on getting the weeds under control so that next year won't be as bad- hopefully.

2. Harvest something- Tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, a very few beans, sweet corn and tomatillos.

Cayenne anyone?

3. Preserve something- Tomato sauce and salsa canned. Two gallon bags of peppers (anaheim, jalapeno and hot wax) frozen.

4. Waste not (reduce waste)- recycled, composted and used cloth bags at the store. I've been better about remembering to put the bags back in the car- we're starting to get into the swing of things here at the new house. A co-worker brought me a compostable bag made from corn that she got at the State Fair. I'm not really sure what to do with it. I got an email from one of our pastors at church (J15 and I are on the Social Justice Committee) about the annual fall coat give away for our community. This year, they are also accepting good, used clothing of all sizes. We moved several boxes of clothes that the children have outgrown with us and I really need to go through my closet since I have things that I never wear taking up space.

5. Want not (prep and storage)- Stocked up on frozen cheese ravioli and tortellini (local store brand that are really good). I know it's prepackaged stuff, but they are quick meals for busy nights. We also picked up two whole hams that I need to cut into smaller pieces and freeze. Stocked up on rice and Zatarain's jambalaya mix (yeah, it's a box but YUM-O). I made a batch of waffles for the freezer but they're already gone- it's been a while since the children have had chocolate chip waffles.

6. Community Food systems- got local cucumbers again. I still need to sign up for the herbal class. I'm struggling with procrastination again.

7. Eat the food- Let's see- stuffed chili peppers, salsa, grilled eggplant, sweet corn, sliced tomatoes and variations of all the above. Still eating our local beef. This is the easy category this time of year.

And other tidbits. We spent some time outside this evening repairing damage from the recent rains and flooding. We reseated the bridge and tried to anchor it with some concrete. We'll see if it holds the next time.

But we did find a few treasures while we were out and about.

A snake skin. 37 inches long!!

We've spied this garter snake out and about near the shop. Hopefully 37 inches is big enough that it will be eating mice. We like seeing big snakes around here. V also spotted a bull snake that we were thrilled about. Anything that eats mice we are glad to meet.

And finally, while digging around the bridge:

Crawdad etouffee anyone?

We did let it go. But there are some BIG crawdad holes in that wetland.