Thankful

Today I am very thankful for being able to live where I do and having an abundant garden. I went out yesterday morning and cut chives, handfuls and handfuls of chives. Today I’ve cut them up and they’re drying.  There are bunches of basil, oregano, sage, thyme, mugwort, peppermint and chamomile drying in my kitchen too.

There’s  something soothing about going outside and spending time in the garden. Sometimes I don’t get a huge job done in the garden, its just the little things like pruning, weeding, staking, harvesting and watering that are contentment makers for me.

At this time of year when every plant is winding down and the garden is getting ready for bed, I love to pick those last few items before the frost.  There are canteen gourds still hanging out there and I’ll leave them til it frosts. Onions are still in the ground and there are still a lot of herbs out there.

I’m in a waiting game with the frost right now.  There are collards, spinach and mustard greens that aren’t quite big enough to cut but if the frost seems immanent, they’ll get cut early and I”ll blanch them and freeze them.

One of my favorite things to do this time of year, and for which I am truly thankful,  are the beautiful potted plants and flowers on the deck and front porch.  When the leaves start to die and everything green starts to turn brown, its so pleasant to see those reds, oranges, yellows and whites still happily shining.

What are you thankful for today?