Seed Savers Swap

Notice to all gardeners, large and small . . . (the garden, not the actual gardeners).

I will be implementing a seed swap this coming winter.  It will be open to all bloggers who wish to participate in trading seeds from their garden.

It does not matter if you have a neat and tidy garden or if you just like to watch things grow, all vegetables, herbs, and flowers will be included.

If you'd like to join in, start drying and labeling your favorite seeds.  I'm thinking batches of 20 seeds would be good.  That way folks who just have a few can participate also.  What do you think?

Until then, keep waterin' . . .

Things are certainly buzzing around here.

I've recently discovered that pumpkin blossoms only open for one day.

 Evidently the bees already know this, as they were out in droves this morning busy as, well . . . bees! 

 This guy must have had a bit too much nectar as he was lying perfectly still.

 Are there such things as twin pumpkins?  hmmmm 

Now the question on everyone's mind this morning has to do with color.  Why are some pumpkins green and yellow.

Some white?

And some totally green with stripes?

Whomever can answer this question, wins the prize and gets to spend a whole day with their favorite bunny.

The heat index was 100 degrees yesterday and 99 is predicted for today. If it's that hot in your county, please remember to have plenty of fresh water available for your critters.  Fur coats are no fun in this kind of weather.

Until then, keep stitchin . . .

The magic of manure.

Blossoms galore are sprouting throughout the pumpkin patch.

Looking more closely, I was very excited to see some becoming pumpkins.

They grow so fast.  In all directions.

This is the patch growing from the heap of cow manure. Clearly these guys are winning the race in leaf size and speed of runner growth.

 

Cow manure patch spread into a circle.  There's a definite difference in growth.  In the back, a sunflower almost as tall as me.  

Definition of Cuteness!

Old hay bale mulch covers the tater patch.  Ummm, I'm looking forward to scalloped potatoes with ham.

Four favorite letters . . . S-A-L-E

Connecting Threads is having their annual thread sale . . . along with many other items.  

 I just placed my order, but was sure to leave some for you guys.

Yes, I've been sewing a little.  One patch, on point, using 2-1/2" squares with left over muslin.  Any odd muslin that needs cutting up.




Of course, most of the time I'm chasing these wee furry critters.  Sure beats working out in a gym.


Until then, keep stitchin' . . . .

A busy, bunny-catching weekend!

 Hello, my name is Thimbelleena, but you can call me Thimbell.  I'm 10 weeks old and still very shy.   

 Something tells me these two are going to be good friends. 

Meet Buttons who is just 6 weeks old, but growing fast.

After watching her mom catch the bunnies each time they escaped through the fence, Dolly decided she needed a nap.  

Until then, keep stitchin' . . .

Phone solicitor suggestions.

I was visiting my neighbor when she received a call from The Nielsen Ratings group.  Even though she is on "the list" not to receive such calls, she gets them anyway.

Upon seeing her frustration, I suggested the following . . .

When a solicitor calls, kindly request the person's name, company name and address.

Explain that they have just interrupted you while you were working.  Since they interrupted your work, you were going to have to bill them for your time.

They get paid to talk to you so you have to get paid to talk to them.

It's only fair.

Until then, keep stitchin' . . .

Bye, Bye Sweet Nick

Recently it was discovered that Nikell was really a Nick.  And so, yesterday he went back to the bunny lady and a new little girl came home to be spoiled.  Her name is Thimbleena, but I've no pictures yet.  Soon though, I promise.

 Prior to leaving, I made sure Nick had lots of time in the newly completed bunny tractor.  All bunnies love to run and stretch, but it's especially important for the larger breeds to have room to do so.  The tractor is 7-1/2 feet long and 30 inches high.  The wheels are on the extended 2 x 3's in front of the tractor.  It's somewhat cumbersome to move around, but not terribly difficult and bunnies really love fresh grass.

 Soon I'll move Sesame and the tractor out to the south 40.  I'll be putting in a new garden patch near this one, this time using bunny manure.

I've planted pumpkin and watermelon seeds helter skelter throughout the south 40 for two reasons.  One is to aid in breaking up the clay-like compacted soil and the second is to harvest seeds for next year.  I'm sure you've noticed that seeds keep escalating in price.  With every single thing that I'm growing this season, I'll be saving seeds.  The best way I've found to do this is to rinse them lightly in a colander, remove any residue, place on a paper towel on a paper plate and leave it on top of the fridge.  When they are dry, put in zip-locks and store in the fridge.

On yesterday's trip to the Mennonite Market, I brought home 3 kinds of small watermelon and will plant as many of those seeds as possible.  Some folks have neat and tidy gardens and some of us simply enjoy watching things grow, LOL.

Until then, keep stitchin'  . . . .

On this most special of American holidays,

Please take a moment to think of our forefathers who created this nation, and hug a veteran who has helped to keep our great land free!

God Bless America and Happy Fourth of July!

From San, Dolly, and The Buns