This is a small portion of our raspberry patch, we are trying the "Back to Eden" gardening method using mulch.  Here is Celia, Shalom, and Ruthie.

Greetings All!

Tom and I decided to take an early morning walk today.  It was a misty, still morning all but for the sound of the crickets, a chipmunk scolding, and acorns and walnuts falling to the road.  Tom warned me, "Watch out for falling walnuts!"  (Celia happened to get beaned by an acorn on the head the other day on our walk. Tom told her, "You must have needed it." ;) ).  We live in the country so there wasn't a whole lot of traffic, a few cars, an Amish guy riding his bike with his lunch box strapped on the back, and 4 Amish children riding their bikes to school.  The first 3 children waved and rode on but the little girl bringing up the rear waved and smiled a big smile revealing missing top teeth.  I would guess she was about 6 years old.  Very precious.  I enjoy getting up and out early before much of the neighborhood is awake and especially taking walks with my Honey.

This summer was a very busy, exciting time.  I love summer.  I've decided it is just one big party after another.  And most of it takes place outside, one of my favorite places to be.  People are alive, busy mowing, grilling, swimming, laughing, gardening, riding bikes (one of my favorite things to do), porch swings get good use, and fairs!  I love County Fairs!  Our town has a small fair we have always called the "Homecoming."  This year our Homecoming proved to be a huge hoot.  Small town "Pie in the face" contests, tractor pulls, rides, cotton candy, the whole kit n' kaboodle!  Just like any fair we have our very own Homecoming Queen.  I was actually a contestant when I was 14 years old.  I was very serious and honored about being asked to represent our local tavern. :)  I was one of 8 contestants that year.  We were judged by our individual interview with the judges at a dinner the night before the competition, then the day of the contest, our appearance, poise, and a random question we were all asked.  The girl who won had a question something like, "Who do you consider a hero in your life?"  Her answer brought the crowd to tears because she so eloquently told about her hero, her mom, who had died of cancer some years back.  The question I was asked was, "What are the advantages about living in a small town?"  Now, you would think I would have answered something equally as eloquent like, "Oh, small town living is so quaint, the advantages of having close neighbors,  blah, blah, blah,...."  But no, my answer was the very only thing i could think of, " Well, you don't get lost!"  Which brought the crowd to tears also!

This year Bethany, my mom, and I went down to the queen pageant.  My mom's beauty salon always sponsors a contestant and we always go down to cheer her on.  While the contestants were changing their clothes into their evening wear, stalling for time, the host was to honor the "Citizens of the year."  This is always a huge honor, the winner is nominated by someone in the town, they have to write a letter to the Homecoming board and explain how the nominee has touched their life and then the board votes on the best nominee.  This year the award went to two brothers who grew up in town, they have been very active coaching in the Little League for years (one of their former players nominated them).  They come from a large family who all still reside in town.  These men are in their 50's.  Anyways, the emcee announced, "The Citizens of the Year, Bill and Jack Watson!!!!  Come up front!"  The crowd goes wild, clapping, hooting, hollering!  Bill and Jack don't come up!  The emcee says, "Come on up, Bill and Jack!"  "Are they here?"  Then, out of the crowd, their very elderly mother pipes up and says, "Don't worry, I'LL GET 'em UP THERE!!!!"  Finally they make their way up front.  Maybe they're a bit shy........Later, Bethany, my mom, and I were walking through the town heading back to mom's to call it an evening, while walking by the Red Bird Tavern, right in the big front window were the Watson's, drinking beer with their brothers and their wives.  My mom yells at them through the window, " Hey, what are you all doing in there drinking?  You are the citizens of the year!"  One of the brother's wives yells back, "We're CELEBRATING!  Wanna join us?"  

We visit the big cities now and then and I really enjoy that, but I grew up in a small town and I live in the country between small towns, I must understand them a bit more.  They're a bit more comfy for me.  I love all the hoopla that comes with knowing small town people and their ways, probably because I'm one of them!  ;)

I simply must share a link with you all that has revolutionized our traditional way of thinking about gardening.  This is a must see!  When the time is right for you, grab a nice, hot, fresh_from_the_garden mug of mint tea (or a Tetley's will do) and a spoonful of peanut butter and Nutella (that's what I would do) and snuggle in for some of the best information and entertainment on gardening you've ever heard (in my opinion)!  This man boasts of "no watering, no tilling, and little weeding."  Check it out friends, you won't be sorry!  http://backtoedenfilm.com/.  (we have no affiliation or rights to this website, we just simply love it and wanted to pass it along to you).

Well, off to mow the lawn....until next time,

Blessings on finding your rich, homespun heritage,

janele :)