In summer this is what you would normally expect to see right? Beautiful blue skies against a brilliant green grass and a swimming pool.
Unfortunately that has not been the case here in the Northeast this summer with all of the cool weather and rain. Today’s sun and relative warmth has been a day to cherish for sure! (yesterday Ken had to put a sump pump in the pool to get some of the rain water out.)
It was such an incredibly spectacular day that I decided to spend some time in the garden watching the plants smile and reach up towards the sun. If you look closely you can see our very first baby tomato and cuke.
We have had so much cold, rainy weather this summer it has really put us behind the eight ball in the garden growth department. The lettuce however has been LOVING this weather.
One of my most favorite treats in the garden this year has been the Buttercrunch head lettuce.
It is such a tender yet crunchy lettuce. It does not like the heat so I am not sure how much more we will have until late summer when we can plant again….but I am savoring every single bit of it.
Just the other day, Courtney and I went on our yearly strawberry picking trip and it was so blessed cold it felt like a late march morning, even though the sun WAS out.
Poor Courtney in her little shorts and tank top outfit was freezing her butt off, but was a good trooper all the same.
We managed to pick enough to freeze 12 pints of sugared strawberries all set for shortcake…….a huge batch for our 4th of July party and enough for this………
Yep, my favorite lettuce along with some sliced strawberries, gorgonzola cheese, walnuts and currents topped off with a light balsamic dressing……..yum!
~
The one good thing about the rain is it gives one an excuse to snuggle in with a cup of steaming coffee and some knitting.
With my Keukenhof soks finished I have started a few new projects. On the needles now is the Wing of Moth pattern in Red Hot Chili Pepper. (wow…I need to fix that picture) I may be one of the last ones to make this shawl, but I know I am going to love it.
I am also testing Anne’s Fruit of the Vine scarf pattern, using an angora/corriedale blend of handspun and it is scrumptious stuff for sure!
I purchased the roving from Chris…….and…………I think she may even have some left…..go get some before it’s all gone!
The Woolen Rabbit 
Your salad greens look great! Mine are pretty much gone – I put some shade over them, which has helped a little, but they’re definitely getting past their prime.
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We’re still waiting for summer to kick in here too…
Wings of the Moth pattern looks gorgeous!
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No, you aren’t the only one who hasn’t knit Wing of the Moth, it’s been in my queue forever! Love the color you’re using.
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I too, have Moth on the list.
I agree on the summer. Parts of the garden have loved it, parts have hated it. I’ve had container plants ROT, because they normallly love it drier. But I can’t argue with Mama Nature. Everything is so green!
Handspun Moth…mmmmmmm.
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I sure wish the temps would reach normal summer temps around here!
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The salad looks refreshing and scrumptious. Sending good vibes for heat your way. Summers half over and it feels like it just arrived.
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What a lovely post! And then to see the kind comments at the end. Thank you! I love how your Fruit of the Vine scarf is looking! Angora/corrie is what’s on my spinning wheel at the moment. Hopefully, a sweater’s worth! Imagine what winter’s going to be like if this summer is any preview.
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Be thankful for what you get….it’s GREAT weather for the very late lettuce I put in, as well as the broccoli and a few other things. You can extend the lettuce, by the way, with some shade cover. I’ve successfully pulled lettuce kicking and screaming into late (normal) July with some shade. Your pictures are great….I can almost taste those strawberries!
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Kim- No, I’ll be the last to knit moth.
I love the Buttercrunch- the good thing about all the rain and cold is that when we do get a nice day, we totally appreciate it.
PS- Jewel and I want to know when that “Hot Toddy” color will be available.
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Nope – you’re not the last for Wing O the Moth, that would probably be me (since I haven’t even cast on for one yet – hee hee)
Although I DID cast on last night for that very special one I am beginning with your yarn (love love love your lace merino!)
Your spinning is fabulous on the last shawl – can’t wait to see it.
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HI KIM -no you are not the last one to make ‘wings of the moth’ I haven’t made it yet !!!
– love your salad , its my fav kind , but I use feta cheese and pumpkin ,sunflower, seeds and almonds as well as raisins – love that balsamic too
– weather here outside TORONTO has been like yours – cherish the blue and sun
best —-pat j
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Your photo’s look so lovely. We’re in the middle of winter and I have to say that it seems to be a mild one. Not what we’re used to at all. Now I’ve probably jinxed myself! Your summery shots are a breath of fresh air.
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My lettuce got an inch high and stopped growing. I think it’s sulking because there’s no sun.
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Your garden looks delightful! That salad sounds delish. Wing of the Moth is beautiful in that colorway! 🙂
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