Riding a whirlwind

That's what it feels like so far, this new school-centric schedule. I'm sure it will get easier . . . after it gets considerably worse. First, we're planning to go horse-camping this weekend; though when we're going to get everything arranged for that is unclear. Second, one of my co-workers will be on vacation Sept. 2-13, so I need to go in every workday she's gone. =:-O

But as one of my friends (young but wise beyond her years) reminded me in her blog post this morning, you have to just keep taking bites.

Benny says, "Bites of what?"

One of the things I haven't managed to juggle well yet is meal planning. It's too late by the time I pick up Brian and get home to make supper, so I'm going to have to start doing a better job of preparing ahead. To that end, this morning I used up the last five peaches I've been hoarding in a peach pie, pressure-cooked some pinto beans, and now have a crockpot full of Mexican stew simmering for supper. All of which will yield leftovers; yay.

I also got a start on my first fall garden. Earlier I decided on carrots (seeds at the ready), garlic (the neighbor said he'd have plenty), and beets – particularly my favorite Chioggia beets, but I couldn't find any seeds in town. I finally settled for those packets of mixed beets, tore out the snap peas, and watered a strip in preparation for planting. Today I planted the prepared row and a second row, which the soaker hose is watering now. I have enough seeds for a third row, so those will go in when I can prep it.

Yes, we got a little drizzle today. Not enough to soak the ground, but the dogs still got muddy - ha. I think the plants all sighed with relief to have their leaves moistened.