Sharon, your message came through. I'll be back in touch but please feel free to join in on this month's chatting and photos.

I'll guess Aug. 26th for the envelope to be delivered to Nicole.

Happy Monday everyone and I GOT MAIL from RUTH, the missing envelope that was mailed out on July 17th, postmarked that day, but took the scenic route and came to me today, Monday, August 5th!! THANK YOU RUTH for sending me a great swap!!

Sharon ~ let us know a little about urself!!

Since its chit chat month, any games you think is good to play, something not too time consuming? I am hosting December which is a very busy month for everyone with holidays. I am trying to get ideas because if you know me by now, my quotes of saying, "time goes so fast", you know December will be rolling by sooner than later.

No kidding - time is going by so quickly. I can't believe the year is half over.

Sharon sent her information to me and I will include it when I update the membership list - which I hope to do around the end of the month. Welcome to the group, Sharon!

Looks like storms may be rolling in again. We got by without any yesterday and so far today, but Debby will be making her presence known. I quickly mowed the lawn this morning - before there is no longer any dry time for mowing. It's not the neatest job ever, but at least it won't look like a hay field by the end of the week.

Thank you Jeanne, happy to be a part of the group!

My hubby and I live in southern Louisiana. We have four dogs and a handful of chickens. I love growing vegetables and herbs in our small garden. Winter squash, tomatoes and cooking peppers are some of my favorites to grow.

Looking forward to our future swaps together!

Sharon, welcome to FOTESS. Good to have new members.

So many of our long time members just don't join in anymore. Maybe the price of postage has just gotten too high, or as we/I get older, we just don't have the energy to garden as much.

Annie and Nicole, our temps are 100 and over right now for the most part. Time to stay inside.

Here's my recipe for French Onion soup.

French Onion Soup

4 tablespoons butter

3 Large Yellow Onions (thinly sliced)

½ cup Madeira (or dry sherry or marsala)

6 cups Beef broth

½ cup water

Salt & Black Pepper to taste

French Baguette (sliced & toasted)

Gruyère Cheese

Saute onions in butter until golden brown and caramelized. (about 45 minutes)

Add Madeira, beef broth, water, salt and pepper.

Simmer about 30 minutes.

Ladle soup into oven safe bowls, top with toasted baguette and cheese.

Broil until cheese melts

Note* Of course you can substitute: the yellow onions for other onions

Madeira for dry sherry, vermouth or marsala

French baguette for French bread

Gruyere cheese for Swiss or other

sometimes I put the soup in a Panera sour dough bread bowl. YUM

Welcome Sharon, from Southern Louisiana....

Yes, Ruth is right on.....HOUZZ/swapping is certainly not as busy as it used to be.

Ruth, love French Onion Soup, even in HOT weather.

A little break in the heat....90 ish.....however, the last 2-3 weeks have been very humid. LA and TX get very humid....Southern CA does not. It is usually very dry here.

Happy Friday...Happy weekend!!

Stay cool!

Annie

Hi Everyone! Just stopping in to say Hello! It is really hot here so not much gardening going on!

Welcome Sharon! This is a fun group! Happy to have a new member.

Enjoy your month ladies!

I recently saw this Scarlet flame bean tree at a garden and thought I would share the picture. It was beautiful and has medicinal properties.

Sending you also a beautiful Sunset. The small blooming tree is a varigated orchid tree that we grew from seed.

How is everyone doing?

Too hot here to do anything except hibernate in the air conditioning.

Just for fun, I'll post some random silly guessing things for points.

Person with most points at end of month will get a pack of seeds.

1. Monday I made 3 bean salad. What kind of beans did I use?

1 point for each correct answer

2. Yesterday I planted 2 kinds of seeds to start off my fall garden. 1 point each for what I planted, and 4 points each for exact variety name.

3. Tonight I couldn't decide what to make for dinner. I decided a sandwich would be it.

What kind of sandwich?

Oat nut bread with....

2 proteins

2 other

1 condiment

1 point for each correct answer

One guess per day, please.

1. Monday I made 3 bean salad. What kind of beans did I use?

lentils, chickpeas, and White beans

2. Yesterday I planted 2 kinds of seeds to start off my fall garden. KALE AND LETTUCE

3. Tonight I couldn't decide what to make for dinner. I decided a sandwich would be it.

What kind of sandwich? TUNA SANDWICH

Oat nut bread with....

2 proteins - EGG AND AVOCADO

2 other LETTUCE AND TOMATO

1 condiment - MUSTARD

Happy Evening girls,

Oh Ruth, I love Three Bean Salad!!

1. Three Beans used.... Cannellini Beans, Black Beans and Garbanzo Beans....no green beans LOL!

2. Fall Seeds planted yesterday....Early Wonder Beets and Bloomsdale Spinach

3. Sandwich.....Ham and Provolone Cheese, with purple onion and pickles and Mayo

Curious, I don't use my air conditioner...don't really like it. Ruth, with your heat, you must run your air continuously. If you don't mind me asking, what is a typical monthly bill for you during the heat of Summer? Or shall I guess??? LOL!!

Stay cool!!

I'm ready for some fall weather. Its been hot over here. A/C running all day and night. We finally got some much needed rain for the garden.

Ruth, thanks for the questions game!

I guess ..... I never had a three bean salad so I may be way off lol.

1. Beans: Red bean, Black bean and Pinto bean

2. Planted: Dutch cabbage and Sparkle Radishes

3. Sandwich: Ham, Turkey, American Cheese, Pickles, Mayo

Hi, everyone - I had been trying to do this for ages and got away to visit my daughter and her family in CA. Hadn't been there since before COVID began, so a really long time. Had such a nice visit! The flights there went fine but all sorts of hassles trying to fly back. I was supposed to arrive late on Wed. and didn't get in until late on Thurs. and that was after getting up at 2:45 am Thurs. morning to head to the airport for the first flight. Went through Phoenix on the way there and through Dallas on my way back. Anyway, having sort of a lazy weekend while I recover.

As you know I had to have my wonderful dog put to sleep just a few weeks ago. While I was in CA I got a phone call that my horse I had when I was in SC had to be put to sleep. So sad. She was my favorite horse ever. Only sold her because I was moving so far away and hadn't figured out a way to board her in this area. Anyway the people who bought her loved her and we were all in tears during the phone call.

However, positive news about my cat who I was worried wouldn't eat when I was gone. (She has a history of not eating when stressed.) I had a pet sitter and Delilah did great with her so there's some hope of me being able to take a trip now and then.

My guesses:

1. (Beans) Red Kidney Beans, Green beans, and Lima Beans

2. (Planted) Lettuce and Spinach

3, (Sandwich) Turkey, Colby Jack Cheese, Lettuce and Tomato, Mayonnaise on Oat Bread

1. Monday I made 3 bean salad. What kind of beans did I use?

2 kinds of beans guessed are correct. One kind has not been guessed.

Guess again

2. Yesterday I planted 2 kinds of seeds to start off my fall garden. 1 point each for what I planted, and 4 points each for exact variety name.

No correct guesses yet

Guess again

3. Tonight I couldn't decide what to make for dinner. I decided a sandwich would be it.

What kind of sandwich?

2 proteins - 1 correct answer on this – Guess again

2 other - one item was tomato (2 correct guesses) – Guess again for the other one

1 condiment - 3 correct answers, Mayo was correct answer

1. The other bean used wax bean

2. Planted Danvers Carrots and Bright Lights Swiss Chard

3. Sandwich....Swiss Cheese and Sprouts

Jeanne, so happy you made it out here to see your family.

May your horse run wild and run free.....

Happy Saturday Evening!!

Halfway through August already! Well at least my basil is loving all this heat. Got to pick a good amount to dry for seasoning later when the fresh basil is gone.

My guesses:

Bean: Green bean

Planted: Blue Lake Snap Beans and Danver Carrots

Sandwich: Roast beef, Pepper Jack Cheese

2024 Home Gardening · More Info

Annie, we're expecting a high of 107 today. And nights stay in the high 70's or 80's. I bet you'd learn to appreciate air conditioning if you lived in Texas. This month our electric bill was $200. something. Next month it probably will be at least a $100. more than that as August has been hotter. Grandson's bill is over $400.00 this month. Their house doesn't have gas and ours does (dryer and hot water heater).

Jeanne, so sorry about your animals. We have a beloved dog that's over 12 yo and not doing good at all. It breaks my heart. We love him so much.

Maybe Nicole will check in today and then I'll add up some points and maybe give some hints on some things if needed.

Sharon, my basil is still doing good also. I had homemade tomato basil soup for dinner. Okra is just starting to produce. Beans stopped producing a while back. I have a couple of loofa gourds and a couple of winter melons/gourds from seeds I got out of the Spring RR. I've never ate those and trying to decide if I want to try them.

I have 2 tiny plants popping up from my recent fall planting.

1. Monday I made 3 bean salad. What kind of beans did I use? (MUNGBEANS)

2. Yesterday I planted 2 kinds of seeds to start off my fall garden. 1 point each for what I planted, and 4 points each for exact variety name. (BASIL and BROCCOLI)

3. Tonight I couldn't decide what to make for dinner. I decided a sandwich would be it.

What kind of sandwich? (TURKEY)

Oat nut bread with....

2 proteins (ALMOND BUTTER)

2 other (ARUGULA)

Morning everyone!!

1. Monday I made 3 bean salad. What kind of beans did I use?

Garbanzo, Red Kidney and Pinto

3. Tonight I couldn't decide what to make for dinner. I decided a sandwich would be it.

What kind of sandwich?

Oat nut bread with....

2 proteins

egg and bacon

2 other

avocado and tomato

1 condiment

mayo

I'll add up points on these.

Please correct me if I miss one.

No correct answers on the fall planting.

I will post again.

Pictures of the salad and sandwich

Fall Planting: Peppers and Kale?

Fall planting Question # 2

1. Yesterday I planted 2 kinds of seeds to start off my fall garden.

Five points for first person to post completed correct answer

1. _ _ _ _ _/_ _ _ _ _ _ _/_ _ _ _ _/_ _ _ _ _ _ _

2. _ _ _ _/_ _ _ _ _ _/_ _ _ _

And here is another question.

I ordered one iris this year that I received on Saturday.

3. _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _/_ _ _ _ _ _

Annie was closest guess on the envelope to Nicole.

Annie - Garbanzo, Mayo – 2 points

Nicole - chickpeas, EGG, TOMATO – 3 points (avocado was other, not protein)

Sharon - Red bean, Pinto, Mayo – 3 points

Jeanne - Red Kidney, Tomato, Mayonnaise – 3 points

I think we start out guessing letters in the words. Not sure if I get to guess a letter for each one. Ruth, just use these as allowed. I'm never good at this letter guessing game.

For #1 I'll guess "S"

For #2 I'll guess "P"

For #3 I'll guess "A"

Guessing....

#1.......guessing R

#2......guessing T

#3.....guessing L

Jeanne,

1. 1 - S

2. no P's

3. 2 - A's

Annie

1 - 3 R's

2. No T's

3. No L's

Fall planting Question # 2

1. Yesterday I planted 2 kinds of seeds to start off my fall garden.

Five points for first person to post completed correct answer

1. _ _ r _ _/_ _ _ r _ _ _/_ _ _ _ _/_ _ _ s _ _ r

2. _ _ _ _/_ _ _ _ _ _/_ _ _ _

And here is another question.

I ordered one iris this year that I received on Saturday.

3. _ _ _ _ _ a _ _/_ a _ _ _ _

1. N

2. G

3. S

please and thank u!

Hmmm... Lets see!

1. E

2. H

3. T

Annie, sorry I missed an R on your guess # 1

Nicole

1. N (2)

2. G (2)

3. S none

Sharon

1. E (2)

2. H none

3. T (1)

Hope I've got this right.

Fall planting Question # 2

1. Yesterday I planted 2 kinds of seeds to start off my fall garden.

Five points for first person to post completed correct answer

1. N _ r _ _/_ e _ r _ _ _/_ _ n _ _/R_ _ s _ e r

2. _ _ _ g/_ _ _ _ g _/_ _ _ _

And here is another question.

I ordered one iris this year that I received on Saturday.

3. _ _ _ _ _ a _ t/_ a _ _ _ _

Ruth, I think I got it!

1. North Georgia Candy Roaster

And this is a wild guess....

2. Jing Orange Okra

Not sure about 3. Letter H?

On #3 I'll guess a B.

Sharon, good calls on your guesses!!

#3.....How about an E??

Sharon, good answers. Correct on both. 10 points

Fall planting Question # 2

1. Yesterday I planted 2 kinds of seeds to start off my fall garden.

Five points for first person to post completed correct answer

1. North Georgia Candy Roaster

2. Jing Orange Okra

And here is another question.

I ordered one iris this year that I received on Saturday.

3. _ e _ _ ha _ t/_ a _ _ _ e

Sharon

3. H (1)

Jeanne

3. B none

Annie

3. E (2)

3. merchant marine ?

Nicole, good guess. Merchant Marine is correct for 5 points.

I wanted to add a blue and decided on Merchant Marine. Do any of you grow that one?

I hate that growers/sellers only ship iris in hot months.

Not my photo below.

Very pretty iris!

Ruth, I have to read about your seed and Iris choices. They are unfamiliar to me.

Good call Nicole!!

Awesome guess Nicole! I don't know much about iris plants but its very pretty.

We built an iris bed a few years ago. I love iris, but they hate me (or Texas weather??)

Anyway, we've lost well over half of iris we've bought and I'm not exactly sure what I have left as they don't all bloom every year. I know I don't have this color blue and when I placed a High Country Garden's order in the spring, I was able to add this at no extra postage charge even though it would be shipped at a later date.

Annie, Baker Creek has both varieties of seeds. I planted the squash seeds in 2023 and they didn't make it. I cannot grow squash. The squash vine borers (SVB) get my vines every time. That's why I'm trying fall this time.

Love okra but haven't planted this variety before or planted it for a fall garden. My spring okra

(Jambalaya Okra) is just starting to make pods. Way later than normal for some reason.

Maybe I can get a couple more things planted for a couple more guessing questions.

I planted six of the candy roaster seeds. All are looking good.

No okra up yet. Maybe the seeds were too old.

Today is the last triple digit day forecasted in the next ten days. One can hope.

We had several cooler days during the week and it was so helpful - got my lawn mowed and trimmed and edged (first time with a string trimmer) and got out the hedge clippers and clipped back the hedges surrounding my mailbox. I hadn't done them for a year and a half. First it was too dry and I was worried they would stay looking bald ... and then too wet. I'll bet I put a smile on the mailman's face! Anyway, pretty worn out. Have been going for physical therapy also as of a few weeks ago as well.

I can't remember if I've posted that I might be moving later this year - only a few miles away. Pretty certain I'm ready to try independent senior living and I have a brand new "unit" on hold for me. Anyway, I'm starting to proceed with the downsize/declutter. I figure even if I change my mind, it will still be nice to have that done and if I do move - heaven help me - I think something like 60% or more of my stuff will need to go. I'm one of those people who hates to part with anything. Yes, just moved 3 years ago so all that needs to be done is still in my mind.

Ruth, I have the same problem with squash vine borers in the spring. I planted blue hubbard squash this spring and it killed all but one plant. I was able to get one lucky blue hubbard out of it all. I plant winter squash in the late summer for the fall too and have much better success and no bug problems. I never tried candy roaster but have seen it in the catalog. Gonna have to try that one. I am growing pink banana squash right now for a fall harvest.

Jeanne, happy to hear you had some cooler days to get some yard work done. The last two days we finally got some rain for the garden.

Well our cooler days are gone for now. Hitting near record highs and once again no rain, but at least I think some will arrive in a few days. We also had an air quality alert today so I tired to stay indoors for most of the day. Hope everyone has a fun and safe Labor Day weekend. Watch for the September FOTESS heading when it comes up.

My salvia plants that went in the ground this year are reblooming and I have a blossom and some buds on my Rose of Sharon. I grew it from a seed years ago and even moved it from SC to NC so I consider it one of my "special" plants. Seems like this year it got established enough to start growing again. Other than that, not a lot going on in the garden.

I meant to post that when I was in CA my family took me to Solvang. Has anyone been there? Sort of a place for tourists and established by people of Danish descent. They had lots of windmills which of course drew my attention - love them! Not the type that work but very decorative, also great shops, restaurants and bakeries. Would love to go again and see more of it. I also enjoyed seeing the farms, horses and mountain scenery on our way there and back.

Good morning ladies. Sorry I haven’t been here. I meant to plant more fall garden seeds for more of the guessing game.
Our beautiful dog Mufasa hasn’t been well in a while. Our worst fears were confirmed when the doctor confirmed it was dreaded bone cancer that is very aggressive and painful. We had to let him go yesterday and it’s breaking our hearts.
Jeanne, I’ve never been to California, but maybe someday I’ll visit.

We seem to have lots of people moving to Texas from there.

If you decide to move, will you be able to take your pets and still have a garden?

In our 10 day forecast we are expecting a little rain and highs in the 80’s after today. Yay.

I will send a pack of seeds to Annie and Sharon for winning in the games.

Would you ladies prefer flower or vegetable seed?

Sharon, please message me your address.

Ruth, I'm so sorry to hear about your dog. It's very hard especially right after it happens. I still look and listen for mine all the time and she has been gone for about 5 weeks now. The first time I heard the doorbell without a dog barking first to let me know someone was approaching the house it was odd. It's doubtful I will get another dog before I move. I'm starting to think if I can find a way to interact with a dog up for adoption for a weekend each month, that may be the way I go. I've found two shelters/rescue places that allow you to check out a dog for the weekend so they can interact with new people, kids, other household pets, etc. and get special attention. Unfortunately neither is close by but maybe I can find something closer that has that type of program. I try to walk for exercise and I have no inclination whatsoever to walk without taking a dog with me. I guess the hot weather is part of it, but I always got out to walk Sydney even when it was hot.

The place I'm moving to allows you to bring your pets and they even were okay with me having a cat and a dog. The only "garden" will be a few potted plants on my balcony so that will be an adjustment. However they are supposed to have some raised beds there but I don't know the system - if you get one assigned or all the people who like to garden help out or what. Also lots of opportunities to help with area gardens by signing up as a volunteer or through my garden club or other groups. My other option is that my daughter here is NC has had lots of success with aerogardens and growing plants under lights at her house so I'll see which of those things I stick with. I do love having my own garden and will miss having a yard to work with. Even even enjoy cutting the lawn and trimming the hedges, the whole process.

Thank you Sharon and Jeanne. Yes, Mufasa is so missed. He was the sweetest dog with a big personality and the biggest dog smile of any dog I've seen. He always met us at door with a toy in his mouth. We were blessed to have him for 10 years and 7 months.

Annie and Sharon, I'm mailing your seeds today.

Thank you all for joining in.

Thank you Ruth for hosting this month. I am so sorry to hear about Mufasa!! I know all too well when we love with our hearts and how heart broken it feels when our love ones (fur babies) are no longer here on earth. Sending you hugs!!!

Apologies....have not been around lately!

Thanks Ruth for a chitty chatty month of August.......

There are never words to say to someone after they lose there beloved pet. Mufasa, have a great time at the wonderful party in the sky.......run fast and jump high!! You can do it!!

Wherever you may be, stay cool!

I think Amy was supposed to host for September. I better check to see if she posted a swap.

Ruth, I just brought in the mail.....a lovely envelope from you!!

Thank you for the seeds.....VINCA HEATWAVE RASPBERRY

I do love Vincas.....

Ruth, thank you for the seeds! Just got them in the mail today 😀