Neglect

Webster’s Dictionary definition:

1: to give little attention or respect to : disregard

2: to leave undone or unattended to especially through carelessness

So yes, I have neglected this blog. Sorry to disrespect you little bloggy. I just got busy with other things and it fell by the wayside.

The deer and groundhog have pretty much destroyed my garden. All that is left is kale and the Georgia Candy Roaster squash. Although the groundhog is working on those. There was one squash that was as long as my arm! It was beautiful. That stinking groundhog nibbled across the entire top of it like it was an ear of corn. I was so disappointed.

Here are a few shots of the garden.

Sunflower variety called “Irish Eyes.”

Bean Rust- is a fungal disease caused by the fungus Uromyces appendiculatus. I lost my entire bean crop to this and Root Knot Nematodes.  The recommendation is to rotate away from beans for two years. Nematodes can affect most other plants grown in the garden including tomatoes, onions, carrots, etc. The nematodes also explain why my onions grew huge, beautiful tops but the bulbs were the exact same size as when I planted them. The nematodes prevent them from taking up proper nutrients. I will plant a cover crop to add nutrients to the soil. The plan is to build raised beds for next year and get a better fence.

What can I say about this bird that I haven’t said before? I love her, she’s beautiful. It makes me smile every time I see her. I will be sad when she migrates for the winter.

We had family come visit from San Diego. They own a vacation home in Canaan Valley called the Coire Taigh.

It is very close to Blackwater Falls so we went there a couple of times. I had never been there before. It’s beautiful.

Now that summer is winding down it seems we’re busier than ever. My daughter started dance and tumbling classes. She really loves the tumbling. Ever since we watched the Olympics she has wanted to be a gymnast “Like Gabby!” We’ll see how she does and if she doesn’t like dance as much we’ll just opt for the hour long tumbling class next year.