The First Blackberries & Frugal Accomplishments

Hello, friends.  Last week, a basket of nettles was harvested, and a batch of tincture begun with them.  J & I planted the last of the tomatoes, eggplant & pepper seedlings in the garden before a rain.  I redeemed swagbucks for a $25 amazon gift card, bought supplements with a 20% off code, and went through ebates for an additional 3% cash back.  I took advantage of a 20% off sale to stock up on lye for my soaps.  It ended up I needed 2 more tires, a full set now, as one tire sprung a leak last week in a spot that was not fixable, on the sidewall. I bought the supplies, and J changed my oil, then I cleaned and vacuumed my car at home.  At least there were some savings there, and got my car road trip ready.

On an unseasonably cool day, when I got in from work and errands, it had still not made it out of the 60's.  Deciding to take advantage of it, I got the last 6 of the Seminole pumpkins and the one remaining cushaw squash in storage, and cleaned and baked them.  With the oven going, I decided to make tomato rice loaf, and roasted green beans (using our canned beans) for dinner.  I baked brownies using some of the Seminole squash, then froze the remainder of the squash in recipe sized amounts.  The first blackberries were harvested, as well as lettuce.  I enjoyed eating the few blackberries fresh and in smoothies.

On Wednesday, I packed up orders to ship; some Father's Day items from my soap shop, two tables and  a Berkey stand.  Then I worked on painting three more Berkey stands.  Our online businesses have been keeping us busy, for which we are most appreciative. A salad was made using our lettuce and first cucumber, and home canned pickled beets.  Many flowers are blooming on the homestead.  I cut a bouquet for us to enjoy in the house.  The heat and rain has caused many mushrooms to sprout as well.

The Japanese beetles have been increasing in number.  I've been gathering them every chance I get, and feeding them to the chickens, some small consolation..  The last two borage seedlings were planted in the ground, so finally, all the seedlings are planted.  There are tiny cucumbers and squash, and one little tomato in the garden, hope of good things to come.  J found fire ants in our potato patch.  They've eaten our potatoes in the past, which is mighty discouraging.  He has treated them several times already with the highest power organic treatment we have,  but it only seems to slow them down.  He's been pondering a new method of growing to try next year. The trials and tribulations of growing a garden.  Wishing you a most magical solstice week, friends.