I arrived home again and was immediately faced with a deadline. Before I left for North Carolina, I had started five new Treasure Towers and assumed I would have plenty of time to finish them after getting home. Of course, I hadn’t counted on delays caused by illness, weather and general negativity. Drop-off day for the new show at the Arts Center was Monday and it took a real push to finish the towers in time. I was pleased with the results: All the papers on the correct boxes with no last minute switches or upside downs. Mistakes caused by pressure & rushing seem to be plaguing me recently. I hope the jinx has run its course. Here are the finished towers at the Arts Center. I didn’t have time to make “artsy” photos, but it gives me a record of what I’ve done.
The third tower has a print of a painting of Keuka Lake by Jane Terry on the outside instead of my marbled paper. As I was photographing these, I realized there were none with maps on the covers. I often put marbled local or area maps on the outside of the tower and these have been very popular. I wasn’t planning on it, but I should probably do another set with maps before the summer people and tourists leave in September. I hope I can find enough maps already marbled!
On the garden front, I came home to a jungle of tomato, squash and cucumber vines and even a couple of heads of broccoli. First task was the cucumbers as they spoil fastest. The cukes are huge, but still sweet and fine for making bread and butter pickles. I did two more batches, 22 pints, if I’ve counted correctly (not counting the ones before my trip) and more to come.
The cherry tomatoes are just coming on, both orange and red. They are oversized this year, but still sweet and flavorful. For the first time I’ve been able to outwit the rabbits and actually harvest some broccoli and cauliflower. I harvested one small watermelon just a bit early (still delicious) and a second will be dessert today. Again, for the first time, the acorn squash has really gone to town and I’ll have quite a few that are good-size in the fall. The potatoes are almost ready to be dug.
In spite of the late start and my intial pessimism, this looks to be my most succesful garden ever.
I am really pleased!