Planting is done; talking about ice fishing

It’s July 2, and I think I can safely say that planting for the first part of the season is finished. Of course, I’ll start broccoli and cabbage seeds soon that will go out for the fall crop, but at least for now all I have to do is water and weed. At the moment, I’m working on an article telling readers the many ways they can enjoy this first flush of produce from our gardens. The peas are delicious, spinach is just about finished, and the garlic scapes make this house vampire-proof! It’s also time to start thinking about the Montana State Fair, which happens at the end of the month, and I’m going to write an article on strategies to bring home the blue ribbons. Outside of the gardening and cooking arena, I recently finished an article on carp shooting, an intriguing and fast-growing sport that helps reduce the numbers of a nuisance fish (that makes wonderful fertilizer and chicken food!). I’m also working on an article on ice fishing, although winter is the last thing on my mind when all I can do is enjoy the heat. Plus, I’m looking at the highly popular world of roller derby in Montana. These ladies know how to have a good time, and I’m having a blast talking to many of them. Although the garden isn’t taking every moment of the day, there certainly is plenty on my plate.