August Interlude

Not much happened this week. I looked into laptop options for T; N bought a bike, with some birthday money from us and his own money. We worked on training Rocco and Molly received adoption applications. There were more doctor appointments for some of us. It was in the 90s all week but I still pulled a ripening tomato here and there. I read my book every night.

I processed another batch of garden tomatoes. Unfortunately the blender died on me in the middle of it, but I was able to just press them through the food mill without the step of pureeing first.

I also froze some banana peppers that a client of Tom’s gave him. I just took the stems and seeds out first.

Molly kept me awake Monday night, crying to the point that I had to go sleep on the couch near her crate. (Tom put in earplugs.) But she was good the other nights. I was super tired on Tuesday.

Friday night I made it to the pool, although they have started closing at 7 rather than 8. Boo! I brought Stella Pizza and my book and had a nice swim.

I made our first college payment. Scary! Tuition is covered by scholarships and loans taken out by T. We are paying room and board, but for one year only, most likely. We were open with T that we can’t afford to pay for it all four years. My hope is that he is happy having a taste of campus life and that living there helps him get used to college. Next year he’d have to commute from home per college rules, but junior and senior years he could live anywhere — so perhaps off campus with friends, which ought to be cheaper than on campus. Assuming he likes this school and finds that college overall suits him. Anything could happen.

Lots of green tomatoes in the garden; if they all ripen at once I will have a ton on my hands to process. Also finally seeing baby green beans. The monarch butterfly has been hanging around this week.

I had a pumpkin growing out front but I neglected to make sure it was ok all the way ’round. Turns out it was completely molded out on the back. Got a few more small fruits out there so will try to coax them to completion, and put cardboard under them.

And those white flowers out front are tuning blue! I believe they are “Love in a Mist.” Aka Nigella damascena. Not native.

I’ve pulled three or four tomato hornworms off my tomatoes so far. I should probably do a thorough search of the plants. They have put holes in some of the fruits. They are quite impressive caterpillars and would probably make a great snack for chickens if I had any. I toss them in the far back of the yard. Left alone, they would turn into five-spotted hawk moths.

Yesterday, Tom, F and I hit up the Mullica Hill Amish Market, just to do something different. We got salsa, lemonade, grapes, donuts, shrimp, paprika and more. Lots of good stuff; it’s a little overwhelming! After that we dropped $90 at PetSmart on various supplies.

Back at home I searched Facebook marketplace for stuff for T and found a floor lamp for $15 and a wall hanging he liked (a map of the world) for $10. Not sure we will really be able to mount it in his dorm room, but if not, we’ll hang it in his real bedroom. We picked them up shortly thereafter, then took Rocco to the park for training, and then T and I went to Holy City Publick House again. Ended the night by finally getting to episode 2 of Department Q.

Today, I went to the Haddon Heights farmers’ market for blueberries, corn, potatoes, garlic, sourdough bread and focaccia. Had a yummy basil and mozzarella sandwich on the tomato focaccia for lunch. Later we’ve got a family birthday party. I spent some time pulling the gross pumpkin and some of those vines, but had to come inside; too hot.

We all did a lot of cleaning yesterday and today as well.

I’d say the high point of the week was making shepherd’s pie on Thursday night. Tom was craving it. I was happy that we could use three frozen items — beef broth, corn off the cob and tomato paste — to make it.

Monday: scrounge; turkey sandwich

Tuesday: bacon, eggs, home fries, toast

Wednesday: scrounge; turkey sandwich

Thursday: shepherd’s pie

Friday: pizza

Lunches: bought twice; brought leftover shepherd’s pie on Friday

Tomorrow morning, I’ll be trying homemade iced coffee for the first time! I brewed and refrigerated it today. Need to buy some vanilla and caramel syrups.

Eleven days til T starts college…