Garage Update, August

Almost done! The past three weeks have been VERY productive!

Framing done.

Walls done.

Roof done. 

Electric wired.

Dutch doors, aren't they pretty!

Siding and trim done. Doors and windows done. Insulation done. 

Next step, inspection and finish electrical work.  

-Live Simple, Be Happy-

Magnolia Holler

Garden Therapy

Life is full of stress! I believe your stress threshold and coping mechanism help shape your life...less stress, the happier you are. It's not to say you can't be happy, and have a stressful life, you just need to find a way to channel your stress...

I rarely get stressed...but I typically deal with stress by diving into books to escape reality. Which I've done now...I'm hooked on the Mortal Instruments series! However the stresses of work are more than usual right now, and on top of that my Mom is very sick. So I've found another, more productive, de stressor...Garden Therapy!

Before, gardening was just gardening. Now, its something I look forward to, as opposed to it being a chore. I'm not sure what it is, but something about digging in the dirt and smelling the fresh earth, is calming and relaxing. Not to mention the physical exertion needed to pull weeds, squash bugs, prune plants, and retrieve the bounty....are all great activities that just melt away the stress! I always feel very calm, relaxed, and renewed after having been in the garden. 

How do you cope with stress? 

-Live Simple, Be Happy-

Magnolia Holler

First taste of Cherokee Purple

This year we tried a few new tomatoes to see how we liked them. Our list of newbies include, Cherokee Purple, Rutgers, Pink Brandywine, Mortgage Lifter, and Early Girl.

Our review thus far? 

Rutgers are great producers, with a nice even shape and red-orange coloring. Great for mixing in, especially a fresh garden salsa, but eating plain by itself it lacks a big punch of flavor. 

Mortgage Lifter, mixed reviews. The first were large and slightly sweet. However, lately we're only getting small ones. Flavor is still present, but not as strong. This is the one that was hit by the Horn Worm. 

In the picture, Rutgers on the top, with two Mortgage Lifters below.

Cherokee Purple, we are very impressed with! Not only is it beautiful, look at the coloring! But the size is huge! The taste is unforgettable, slightly sweet, smooth taste. This is my favorite of the season thus far and it will become a regular in our garden!

We're still waiting for our first Early Girl and Pink Brandywine...but should be any day now! 

What is your favorite tomato?

-Live Simple, Be Happy-

Magnolia Holler

(These are our opinions, and several factors can alter the taste. So if you disagree I'd love to hear your opinion. Maybe there is a trick for growing a certain variety you can share! )