What The Heck Blogger?

 I went to make some changes to my blog background and header and viola'...everything is screwed up and I can't make my blog look like it  used to. I hate blogger when they make changes and make it so difficult to get back to normal. Maybe I'll figure it out or maybe I'll find another way to blog.  Whatever. For today I'll just do a post and see what happens.  The truth is not much has happened at all...thankfully.  Ashland had it's annual Balloon Fest over the weekend and the weather was only good for one flyover but the rain did stay away at times so the festival on Freer Field could go on with lots of food trucks, games, and activities for families and kiddos.  We stayed away but I was glad for a successful event for the city.  After having to cancel last year tons of folks just want to go back to normal stuff.  In our little corner of the world  the gardens are growing and we're getting the Pines back into it's usual Summer mode.

Blueberries are getting ripe. We won't have tons this year but a few for a tastey snack is good.

Next to the peas I planted only one zucchini plant and it's getting ginourmous!  

The tomatoes have grown even bigger than this pic that I snapped last week.  I look forward to those delish fresh tomatoes right out of the garden...nothing better!

Our peppers are being guarded by Miss Scarecrow.  I'm not sure she really keeps the critters out but she is cute!

Beans are finally making an appearance. We had to replant and now they are sprouting next to the carrots.  That's about all for produce that will eventually be canned. I know it's easier to go to the store or the farmer's market and get fruits and veggies but there's something satisfying about doing it yourself. At least for now.  One day I'll probably give it up..except perhaps for the tomatoes?  Time will tell!

I did take the time to make some raspberry jam.   Actually it's a combo of raspberry and strawberry. I was shy one cup of raspberries for the recipe and I happened to have just enough strawberries to crush and add to the mixture.  It turned out pretty yummy! 

I brought out the icecream maker and whipped up a batch of chocolate.  So good. Some Hershey's syrup, and maybe some of that jam...double yum.  That's about all from the Pines. I hope everyone has a good July 4th. We're heading see my Sister and family and spend the weekend celebrating with them. I do hope the weather cooperates.  I took a quick pic of  the sky over Ashland this afternoon on my way home from Jack's office:

I'll call this "Angry Skies".  We had rain and some thunder but that's it.  It's been hot and humid the past few days and this kind of weather can happen at any time. Let's hope it's not happening for the 4th. Cooler temps are moving in and that makes me happy! 

Night all!