A Change of Season

It was a long, hot, dry summer, but the past few weeks have been literally as refreshing as spring rains . . . well or perhaps fall rains, early, but the refreshment has been sublime. I'm quite excited about some new things going on here at The Homestead. I do find myself, just pretty enthused! First, the fall garden is looking good. The green beans are standing nice and green, still short, but certainly looking hearty. The tomatoes and eggplant have been revived and the peppers just keep on keeping on. I picked peppers yesterday that could rival the appearance in the produce aisle, but . . . these had no chemicals in them or on them! The okra is really outdoing itself this year. There is just something delicious about grilled chicken and fried okra from the Homestead. Add a couple of sliced tomatoes and cucumbers from the garden and you've got a meal! Working on two more projects before the end of the month. I've got to get the Winnebago back in shape for Sukkot. My favorite part of the experience, the canopy, got ripped last year and that's going to be quite a job getting it back together, but it's doable! Last Sukkot was, well, an experience. I'm learning that in my seeking to become a peacemaker, words like "experience" and "interesting" will become much more common in my vocabulary. As I continue in my effort toward Holy Homesteading, I'm working on, really working on becoming a "peacemaker," which is not at all the same as "peace keeper." I've thankfully realized peace keeping isn't my job! Next on the drawing board, is a concept I've been mulling for a time and it's about to be implemented. I have planned, a wonderful little winter oasis. Several years ago, my Dad brought me down an old stock tank, that I haven't used for watering stock, but I've envisioned it to have a greater purpose. Not knowing what to do with extra insulation from our room additions, I realized the insulation would make great "terrain and landfill" on the north side of the tank in the greenhouse. I'm going to fill the tank with water, and fish and from what I've researched, the water should be heated by the sunlight enough to keep the greenhouse from freezing in the night all winter, oh but there's more. I'll be able to use the "fishy water" to feed my plants, and who knows, maybe the fish will get big enough for dinner! I'm planning my indoor landscaping as I type. I can already picture walking through our one big snow of the winter, to get to the greenhouse and opening the door to a quaint little bistro table next to the water tank that's surrounded by edible greenery. Doesn't that sound delightful? I'll keep you posted. Meanwhile, to everything there is a season, and autumn is nearing it's arrival.