HARVEST HAPPENING NOW IN FIELDS NEAR US

 

The photos here may well be the last I take before harvest. “Thank goodness!” I hear you saying. I’m sure the same old views were boring, but I had some fun showing the rapidly ripening fields.

Once again, Mike and I loaded the Jeep for the farm, and then he dropped me off at the dentist. A tooth had chipped from its filling. A temporary filling was applied, and I have opted for a crown to be installed next week.

“By the time I’m finished with this repair and have my cleaning next month, I will have been here eight times since the beginning of the year,” I told my dentist.

“What is your stress level again,” he asked, knowing we have ongoing issues relating to Milo’s wrongful death. I responded that I had had the same thought. And then he said, “At least you’re nice about it.” I guess he didn’t see last week’s rant. Perhaps that’s for the best.

Anyway, Mike shopped Winco while I was at the dentist, and then we drove on to the farm. Hwy 12 is open now, but I believe some mop up is still going on. The Gwen Fire burned some 28,000 acres on both sides of the Clearwater from Arrow Bridge to at least Cherry Lane.

Arriving at Gilbert, we saw combines and farm equipment parked at the grain bins. It appears that only a few fields have been harvested, and we hope they will harvest here during this stay.

I opined that perhaps we wouldn’t have more excessive heat after that brief cool spell. However, it came back with a vengeance last Friday. And even yesterday (Aug. 5) was a 100+ day in the Valley. Looking at the forecast, though, it appears that temps will be more seasonable now. Today at Gilbert, it’s 86 with wind at 11 mph. It’s 82 in the house and feels stuffy. 

My zucchini is producing nicely – better than I usually get. This variety is “Burpee’s Best Hybrid.” According to the package, it brings an earlier harvest, out of this world yields, and exceptional vigor. It’s supposed to be your go-to zuke for rich, buttery flavor and refined texture. Yeah – it’s been pretty good and fairly drought-tolerant. It appears that the fruits don't grow large.

The first tomatoes to set on are turning orange. They won’t be ready for several days.

As we ate lunch, a hummer stopped by the feeder, so I filled both of them. And Mike filled the wasp traps. KW