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Hi Reader,

It's unofficially the end of summer here in the PNW with the kids and teachers heading back to school after Labor Day - but gardens in our climate always grow really well all through September, so the summer harvests keep to the official calendar end of summer around the 20th. 😀

Since you've been hearing a lot about this year's "season of the critters" which haven't been wins, I thought I'd share a couple of things that are wins!

First, we gave up on the string fencing around the new beds at the back of our house and invested in a motion activated sprinkler to scare away the deer - and it's working! Our small berry plants have finally been able to keep growing, so hopefully they will get established enough to produce for us next year. Plus it looks a lot better than all the string and scare tape. 😂

Then last week I shared the tiny spinach and lettuce seedlings I planted out (according to Charles Dowding's method of planting out 2-3 week old seedlings in deeper holes). Here's what they look like three weeks after being planted:

They are so healthy looking!! Granted, we've had a couple weeks of cooler than normal temps with some rain, but the last few days have been hot and they are still looking good. I'll definitely be trying this next spring, too.

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Canning & Grilling

This is what we'll be doing over the labor day weekend. Our daughter is with us and other family will join at different times. In case you're hanging out at home, too, I thought I'd share what the plan is:

​Grilled Chicken & Green Beans with Onions​ We're grilling a big batch of soy-sriracha chicken (such a simple marinade with such good results & goes with everything!) and grilling garden green beans and onions to have easy leftovers. ​

Salsa I've got one double batch of my staple quicker thick salsa done and I'd like to make a batch of this smokey chipotle salsa - it takes longer but it's a great flavor.

​Addictive Tomato Chutney​ I haven't made a batch yet this year and we're down to just 2 half pints, which pretty much constitutes and emergency. 😂

​Mustardy Garlic Pickled Green Beans​ My beans have slowed a bit, but I think I have enough to make a batch of these (the best pickled beans I've had).

​Quick Pickled Jalapeños​ There are canning instructions, but I like to fridge these to keep them crisper. They last a year in the fridge! I've got a bumper crop - another garden win!

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From The Blog

​Safe Water Bath Canned Roasted Tomato Sauce​ I've updated this classic recipe with clearer instructions and larger photos. Now is the time to get some jars on your shelf! ​ GET RECIPE HERE! ​

​Easy 3-Bean Salad for Canning - Honey Sweetened!​ I've been developing this lower sugar recipe for a couple of years and am so happy to finally share it with you. My sister said this was the best! ​ GET RECIPE HERE!

A Few More Things

We finally saw the movie Twisters this week in the theater - we were surprised with how much we enjoyed it! The writing was good with lines that made us laugh, the story was fun (though not even trying to be believable I think), and there was very little uncomfortable things about it (maybe a few swear words and not even a kiss!). If you're looking for a fun movie or to see with family this is it (though there are lots of people swept away in storms, so not little kids).

After months of looking at thrift stores for a small footed wood tray for my sink, I bought this one for a decent price. I love it - it's just big enough to hold a jar of liquid soap, a small bowl for a sponge and my pitcher full of wood handled brushes - but not to big to get in the way of working in the sink. 💜

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Here's to a lovely Labor Day weekend - enjoy, friend!

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