Dry, Dry, Dry!

Amid horrible flooding and storms in the Midwest and South, in this area we have been praying for the blessing of good steady rain. Funny how particular we humans think we can be when asking for something from God! We didn't want flooding, mind you, just some days of a gentle but soaking rain. (1, 2)

Through all of June our temperatures stayed in the mid to upper 90's with an occasional record-breaking triple digit temp. The rains we did get toward the end of May and first weeks of June were very heavy at times and accompanied by strong winds. Our green bean plants took a beating, but all the other plants were drinking in every drop. Our neighbor, Mr. Pete (Fulcher), and my sister Margaret reminded John and I that watering your crops is fine but it is not the same as "rain water." Of course they were right on and the squash and cucumbers plants took off! (3)

But we have learned much for use in the planning for next year's Giving Garden and this first attempt is providing a bounty of squash, cucumbers, some tomatoes, and some green beans.

Some of parts of the blueberry groves have burned in the heat, but the remainder of the bushes have produced some sweet, sweet berries. The apple trees appear to be dropping fewer of their fruits before they are ready for picking.

All in all, as the growing season continues, we are coddling the plants that have survived, and are thrilled passing on the fruit and vegetables to feed other! (4) l-r Andrew, Dylan, and Denise Boyles delivering bags of vegetables and blueberries to Patsy Skinner. Mrs. Skinner feeds the homeless and needy in her neighborhood once a week from her kitchen.