My post last week confused things – written quickly early Tuesday morning, in the euphoria that immediately followed unscheduled but successful surgery – I didn’t make it clear that my good-natured husband was the patient!
During this recovery week (he’s really recalled to life now), we’ve watched the season shift. One day the north wind blew, the temperature dropped, and it hailed! The autumn signals sound – mice move indoors, colds and flu shots happen. Trees blaze gold and red against blue skies, alongside the flashy colors of late season flowers like cosmos, zinnia, and lantana. Suddenly the puffer jacket and watch cap dress code applies, and what the Seattle paper calls “The Big Dark” – rain and wind and glowering skies – settles in.
The seeds Sweet Baby and her dad planted in our little patch on Mother’s Day produced 25 pumpkins and a dozen delicata squash. I harvested the pumpkins, pulled their shriveled leaves and stems, and uncovered a cascade of orange and yellow nasturtium blossoms from the seeds they also planted.
Already I’ve given away a lot of pumpkins, stored some in the garage, and made several pies, including one to pack up for Lady B and her brother – carried back to Alaska by their dad who came down to help and cheer the hospital stay and the patient’s return home.
Winter begins – with hopes for health – and pies aplenty!
So happy to have the update on Jim and the report of your garden’s gifts.
Probably I make two much of that pumpkin harvest, but I can’t get over growing all that food in a small patch of removed lawn!
So glad he’s back home. Home is the place to be during this darkening season, home with a cozy fire and the promise of pumpkin soup, perhaps.
Yes – home- and you would know about this time of year and pumpkins! Soup is a great idea, widen my horizons ~
It’s always miraculous to me how things grow from little seeds. Especially pumpkins, since they can get so large. I love your collage pumpkin, and I’m sure the Alaskans loved the pie you sent them. Glad about the good-natured husband – stay healthy! xoxoxo – Crump
Thanks Crump – yes healthy and upright – mantra for the season!