Looking towards fall

It’s hard to believe the summer is practically over. It’s been a scorcher with very little precipitation; while some plants struggled (such as corn) others performed well. I harvested my first watermelon in Montana. It wasn’t enormous, but I still consider it quite a feat. Now is the time of the harvest, and I’m sure I’ll spend a considerable amount of time in the kitchen over the next month freezing, canning, fermenting and dehydrating everything I can. I feel like a squirrel this time of the year, but there’s nothing like having it all on hand when the snow is so deep I don’t want to run to the store.

As far as writing goes, it’s been equally as busy. Tomorrow I’m interviewing a local landscaper and artist who creates incredible spaces using boulders and plants. I’ve admired his work for years, and I’ve heard his home is incredible.  I’ve also had the privilege of writing about Tizer Gardens, the magnificent example of what really can be grown in Montana, over the past couple of weeks. We traveled to Helena twice for photos, as well as acquiring plenty of information for other projects. I’ve also worked on pieces on beekeeping, growing a winter garden, permaculture, smoking meats (now I want a hot smoker) and roller derby (just to really keep life lively!). But that’s what I love about my “job” – the topics are always changing.