Please Forgive Me

I have been a baaad, baaaaaad, blogger, and have neglected you, dear readers. I hope this photo offering is enough to make it up to you!

Our growing abundance this year:

Sunflowers

Apricots

Grapes

Today I harvested the apricots: left two for the birds, since they had already helped themselves to half of them, ate five out of hand, and turned the rest in to one 8oz jar of apricot butter. And this was only the second year, first year to bear fruit! Next year should be great, especially if we take good care of our tree. A would not try an apricot, but E almost lynched me when I told her she could not have any more since I was making the butter. She forgave me when I gave her a taste of the apricot butter and told her she could have some on a biscuit for breakfast.

The two grapevines are covered with clusters like the picture above. Last year we only got one cluster and the grapes were very small but sweet. This year should be a very good harvest. A will eat these, too!

Yesterday, we went up to the mountain with the Life Learners. It was a lovely day, with the temps up there about 20 degrees cooler than down here. The spot we met at had picnic tables next to a stream and the kids had a blast playing in the water, building dams and fairy houses. It was a smaller group than we have had lately and that had it's advantages. More intimate, quieter and less kids to keep track of. C even got to come with us and that was really nice! He really appreciated the chance to enjoy a Life Learner day with us and I enjoyed not having to make the drive myself. Anyway, enjoy the pictures below: E carrying rocks for the dam.

The girls and their friend starting work on the fairy hotel by the water.


The completed hotel, with a feast laid out for the fairies.

A lovely wildflower, don't know what it is though.

I have so much more to say, but I am not up for it right now. I promise I will be back soon!