Faith🌱 (@fep315.bsky.social)
In case anyone wonders if Buddy still just stares at me for hours on end. Yes. Yes, he does. 💗
Part-time hermit. Often found pottering in the gardens here in my corner of Maine. Odd penchant for truth, kindness and basic human decency. Enjoys cheese.
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view profile on Bluesky Faith🌱 (@fep315.bsky.social)
In case anyone wonders if Buddy still just stares at me for hours on end. Yes. Yes, he does. 💗
Faith🌱 (@fep315.bsky.social) reply parent
Yikes! Here's hoping the price goes down as harvest time goes on.
Faith🌱 (@fep315.bsky.social) reply parent
Oh, no! Very glad you had some in the greenhouse. A small harvest is better than no harvest. Enjoy them! 😊
Faith🌱 (@fep315.bsky.social) reply parent
So vibrant!
Faith🌱 (@fep315.bsky.social) reply parent
Thanks! This is one of my most favorite times of the year. 😊
Faith🌱 (@fep315.bsky.social) reply parent
I've covered the plants tonight. Hoping we don't get a frost. 🤞🏻
Faith🌱 (@fep315.bsky.social) reply parent
Freeze 'em. Chop them up as usual, pop them into bags and that's that. I'll have enough peppers to see me through until next summer, only buying a fresh one now and again for sandwiches.
Faith🌱 (@fep315.bsky.social) reply parent
I have. The peppers always ended up watery, whether I blanched them beforehand or not. I don't usually blanch peppers for the freezer, just chop and freeze. They thaw great, so I'm not sure why stuffing whole ones didn't work for me.
Faith🌱 (@fep315.bsky.social)
Can't help posting so many harvest pics. It'll give me something to look back on during the frigid Maine winter. 👩🌾 🌱 And would you look at those peppers! They are so shiny, it's unreal. 💗
Faith🌱 (@fep315.bsky.social) reply parent
😊 Always worth the effort, especially when deep winter arrives.
Faith🌱 (@fep315.bsky.social) reply parent
So many good smells. This is a great time of year.
Faith🌱 (@fep315.bsky.social) reply parent
Doing the same here. Yours look wonderful! 🍅
Faith🌱 (@fep315.bsky.social)
Slow food and worth it. Garden to oven to stovetop to plate. It's taken since April, but the tomatoes have finally arrived and I'm making the most of every one. Picked about 25lbs today and the plants are still loaded. More sauce is in my future! 🍅🍅🍅 🌱
Faith🌱 (@fep315.bsky.social) reply parent
💗
Faith🌱 (@fep315.bsky.social) reply parent
So much bounty this year. I'm headed up to the garden again today for even more!
Faith🌱 (@fep315.bsky.social) reply parent
I thought of you, Joy, as I was tucking in all the herbs and such. You've inspired me over the years. 😊
Faith🌱 (@fep315.bsky.social) reply parent
😁
Faith🌱 (@fep315.bsky.social) reply parent
One of my favorites.😊
Faith🌱 (@fep315.bsky.social) reply parent
So good!
Faith🌱 (@fep315.bsky.social) reply parent
That's a great idea! I don't have a blender, but they process quickly with my little hand cranked food mill. Enjoy the tomatoes! 😊
Faith🌱 (@fep315.bsky.social) reply parent
Canning is so much fun. I love it. Enjoy! Tomatoes are ripening fast and furious now. I plan to make lots of sauce over the next couple weeks. It's a great year for them.
Faith🌱 (@fep315.bsky.social) reply parent
No. It's supposed to be between 40-45F, but I know the plants won't like it one bit.
Faith🌱 (@fep315.bsky.social) reply parent
I can confirm that it does. 😁
Faith🌱 (@fep315.bsky.social) reply parent
Love having them on hand in the winter. Especially those nights when nothing sounds good - there's a lasagna! 😃
Faith🌱 (@fep315.bsky.social) reply parent
That's not entirely a bad thing. And hey, I'll trade you a lasagna for a plum dessert any day. You're such a good baker! 😊
Faith🌱 (@fep315.bsky.social) reply parent
It was good the next day, too. Must make it again.
Faith🌱 (@fep315.bsky.social) reply parent
Mine are just starting to turn. I expect to be inundated next week. A good problem to have! Happy canning! 😊
SwiftOnSecurity (@swiftonsecurity.com) reposted
CRUCIAL NEWS:
Faith🌱 (@fep315.bsky.social)
The vegetable lasagnas are made and now in the freezer for winter! They're full of broccoli, zucchini, carrots, onion, spinach and garlic, all chopped in the food processor, sauted, seasoned, then mixed with a light alfredo sauce. One of my favorites to make - and eat. 👩🍳🥦🥒🥕🧅🥬🧄
Faith🌱 (@fep315.bsky.social)
Tried ajvar (a Balkan roasted red bell pepper spread) for the first time, using it as a base along with cherry tomatoes, kalamata olives, basil and cheeses for my focaccia/pizza concoction. Four stars!!!!
Faith🌱 (@fep315.bsky.social) reply parent
I'm usually on Instagram. Not enough hours in the day and even though I've muted a bunch of things here, too much political stuff still seeps in. I miss all my garden peeps though! The boys are as happy as clams. Hope all is well with you and yours. 💗
Faith🌱 (@fep315.bsky.social) reply parent
We're all just trying to survive as best we can. It's good to share when we're able to. 😊
Faith🌱 (@fep315.bsky.social) reply parent
I don't really have any green bean recipes beyond the customary cooking methods. Am waiting to have enough to roast. So good.
Faith🌱 (@fep315.bsky.social) reply parent
I have eaten so much zucchini. Love it! Need to find time to bake some zucchini oatmeal cookies next.
Faith🌱 (@fep315.bsky.social) reply parent
The deer have been here, but so far have eaten just the ones that have fallen. Nice little snacks for them and I don't mind sharing.
Faith🌱 (@fep315.bsky.social) reply parent
All excellent ideas. It's a simple base for most anything. ☺️
Faith🌱 (@fep315.bsky.social) reply parent
Beautiful! I just came inside - the sky was so pink here. A lovely evening.
Faith🌱 (@fep315.bsky.social)
Made up a recipe for a crispy zucchini & onion "flatbread", although it's not really a bread exactly. I tear off pieces for snacking, but am planning to try it for sandwiches or pizza crust. Measurements are approximate, except for the flour. I just sort of throw things in, so have fun with it.
Faith🌱 (@fep315.bsky.social) reply parent
I'd offer to send you some, but it would cost $30 a jar! Shipping to Canada is outrageous now. Ridiculous. 😕
Faith🌱 (@fep315.bsky.social) reply parent
Enjoy! 😃
Faith🌱 (@fep315.bsky.social) reply parent
Naughty deer! But it's all so tempting...
Faith🌱 (@fep315.bsky.social) reply parent
Massive apples! They're such a fun variety to have.
Faith🌱 (@fep315.bsky.social) reply parent
I leave most of the apples for the wildlife (listening to the porcupines crunching in the dark is really adorable). But the ones this year are looking really fine. Fingers crossed!
Faith🌱 (@fep315.bsky.social) reply parent
Yes. They're normally a huge apple, weighing a pound or more in size. They're an heirloom variety and famous for needing only 1 apple to make and apple pie. Excellent for baking and cooking.
Faith🌱 (@fep315.bsky.social) reply parent
Apple butter! Heaven! That will be so good on those cold winter days.
Faith🌱 (@fep315.bsky.social) reply parent
It's sooooo good. Try to find a jar. You won't regret it, believe me!
Faith🌱 (@fep315.bsky.social) reply parent
I've counted 150 bell peppers in the plants. I think I need to make more room in the freezer! So exciting! 😃🫑
Faith🌱 (@fep315.bsky.social) reply parent
💗
Faith🌱 (@fep315.bsky.social) reply parent
They're hard to resist. 😄
Faith🌱 (@fep315.bsky.social)
Wolf River apples. If the deer don't get them, we might have a small harvest this year. 🍎 🌱
Faith🌱 (@fep315.bsky.social) reply parent
I behaved! My sister and I each had 3. A feast! 😂
Faith🌱 (@fep315.bsky.social) reply parent
Ooooh! That sounds amazing! 😊
Faith🌱 (@fep315.bsky.social) reply parent
Any harvest is a good one. 😊
Faith🌱 (@fep315.bsky.social) reply parent
Loving these supper harvests. 😊
Faith🌱 (@fep315.bsky.social) reply parent
😊 Good times!
Faith🌱 (@fep315.bsky.social) reply parent
I picked 6 today. LOL I just couldn't wait. Thought maybe it would encourage the others.
Faith🌱 (@fep315.bsky.social)
Boil 'em, mash 'em, stick 'em in a stew. The first potatoes! I think it's going to be a bumper crop this year. 🌱
Faith🌱 (@fep315.bsky.social) reply parent
What a harvest! We got about a half inch of rain. Not enough to lessen the drought, but all the plants and trees look relieved. Me, too! Now to wait for the big tomatoes to ripen...
Faith🌱 (@fep315.bsky.social) reply parent
Can't wait!
Faith🌱 (@fep315.bsky.social) reply parent
We got rain this afternoon. Finally! Everything is going to grow like crazy now. 😊 How's your garden?
Faith🌱 (@fep315.bsky.social) reply parent
Yes, I've used it before and it's delicious. Much less sweet than regular frosting, which I prefer, especially on a sweet cake like this one. It spreads just fine, but you can also barely soften it in the microwave and then spread it on the cake. Also good eaten by the spoonful on its own. 😄
Faith🌱 (@fep315.bsky.social) reply parent
Perfection!
Faith🌱 (@fep315.bsky.social) reply parent
A bushel! That's a lot of work. Every jar will taste like a bit of summer this winter though. Your cake awaits! I made it a bit different than what the recipe called for and it turned out better than the original. 😊
Faith🌱 (@fep315.bsky.social)
Using this straight from the jar in place of making peanut butter frosting for the deep, dark chocolate zucchini cakes currently baking in the oven. Heaven!
Faith🌱 (@fep315.bsky.social)
I only ran up to check the snow peas. Honest. Also stepped on a ball of baby snakes sleeping under the weed barrier by the zucchini. The dirt was soft, so we were all horrified, but uninjured. I believe I set a new Olympic high jump record. 😂 Never dull!
Faith🌱 (@fep315.bsky.social)
If we'd had rain over the last 3 weeks, imagine how tall this tomato would be. 😯 Every plant is loaded with fruit. Amazing! I also counted nearly 150 bell peppers. Hoping for full freezers soon! 🍅🥒🥦🥕🥔🥑🌽🫑🌶🥬🧅🫛💚
Faith🌱 (@fep315.bsky.social) reply parent
Oh, that's a beauty! 😍
Faith🌱 (@fep315.bsky.social) reply parent
Santa has enough to deal with, trying to keep those 2 giant, furry brothers in line. 💗
Faith🌱 (@fep315.bsky.social) reply parent
I could be so much more elegant if only I had a fainting couch.
Faith🌱 (@fep315.bsky.social) reply parent
You'd never know it, but I'm often flung across a chair, drenched in sweat and in great need of a nap. 😂 Glad you enjoyed the visit. If you were here, we'd sit on the deck, eat chocolate zucchini bread and enjoy all the beauty.
Faith🌱 (@fep315.bsky.social) reply parent
I've been baking chocolate zucchini breads for the freezer. A vital winter staple. 😂
Faith🌱 (@fep315.bsky.social) reply parent
Always worth it. I love this time of year. 😊
Faith🌱 (@fep315.bsky.social) reply parent
Ah! You did see it! I'm just catching up in replies. 😊 Beans for dinner! Yum! We are so blessed! Send some rain this way, if you can. We haven't had but a tiny shower in a couple weeks. Looking forward to a rainy day.
Faith🌱 (@fep315.bsky.social) reply parent
Thanks! It's my happy place. 😊💚
Faith🌱 (@fep315.bsky.social) reply parent
We try to keep everything orderly. By the end of the season it'll be overgrown and crazy, but that's OK, too. I think it'll be a good growing year. 👩🌾
Faith🌱 (@fep315.bsky.social) reply parent
I had an excellent week. Exceedingly busy, but it's better than being bored. How was yours?
Faith🌱 (@fep315.bsky.social) reply parent
Aw, how much chaos can one fuzzy little kitten create? Get two! 😂😂😂
Faith🌱 (@fep315.bsky.social) reply parent
The garden is having a great year so far. I posted a video a couple days ago, not sure if you saw it or not. We're going to have so many tomatoes! Yaaay!
Faith🌱 (@fep315.bsky.social)
The first big dahlia unfurling. One of my favorite flowers. I'd love to have dozens of them. 👩🌾 🌱
Faith🌱 (@fep315.bsky.social)
Another week, another look at the vegetable garden. The last 2 weeks wouldn't post here, so let's hope this one finally does. Enjoy! 👩🌾💚 🌱
Faith🌱 (@fep315.bsky.social) reply parent
Ah, the sounds of summer!
Faith🌱 (@fep315.bsky.social) reply parent
😊 The best kind of morning. Hope all is well with you, Ana.
Faith🌱 (@fep315.bsky.social)
Feeling like late summer all of a sudden. Lovely, quiet morning in the gardens. I've been wandering about with a most grateful heart. Happy Sunday, friends. 💚
Faith🌱 (@fep315.bsky.social) reply parent
I think they'll look great with trailing nasturtiums next summer.
Faith🌱 (@fep315.bsky.social) reply parent
I start out with gloves, but usually by the end of it, they're in my pocket. lol The cukes have spines, though, so I wear my gloves to clean them off.
Faith🌱 (@fep315.bsky.social) reply parent
It's soooo good.
Faith🌱 (@fep315.bsky.social) reply parent
Just picked 3 more! 😀
Faith🌱 (@fep315.bsky.social) reply parent
Refreshing on a warm summer day. 🍋😊
Faith🌱 (@fep315.bsky.social) reply parent
Bring on the zucchini! 😂 Lovely roses! 😍
Faith🌱 (@fep315.bsky.social)
First harvest big enough to need the trug. Zucchini, mild, green & hot peppers, cucumbers, radishes, carrots and 3 cherry tomatoes. Supper soon! 👩🌾
Faith🌱 (@fep315.bsky.social)
Early to bed, Early to rise, Means Faith has time To bake lemon sponge pie. 🍋😁💛🥧
Faith🌱 (@fep315.bsky.social) reply parent
Me, too. If nothing else, it's fascinating to see the things people have collected over the years.
Faith🌱 (@fep315.bsky.social) reply parent
It's all looking good here, Joy. We are very blessed. 💗
Faith🌱 (@fep315.bsky.social) reply parent
Love that!