A Close Encounter

    Came face to face with this interloper today as he dipped his paws into my pool and had a drink. 

     He wasn't fazed by my appearance and just ignored me as I yelled at him. Don't want him to get the idea he's welcome in my back yard! I returned with a broom and finally managed to persuade him to leave although I've no doubt he'll be back. Raccoons are usually nocturnal but often leave evidence (rather disgusting) that they have been there. 

 

   This is how he found his way into my back yard. Normally called the "squirrel highway" as they chase each other from yard to yard, it may have to be renamed!

Will They Ever Ripen?

    Loads of tomatoes, cherry, grape and full size but they have been at this stage for a couple of weeks now. I am hoping to be able to eat some next week if only they can hurry up and turn red!

   The following week I will be away most days, volunteering at the tennis tournament, so won't be eating at home. Sod's Law that is when they will all ripen!

I should at least be able to use up most off this plant as they seem to be close to being ready.

   Finished another puzzle yesterday while a storm blew through. It's been on the go for almost a month but was proving quite a challenge. However, I like a challenge and kept plugging away at it. It's borrowed from a friend and she forgot to mention how tricky it was, some very odd shaped pieces!

Another Trip Around My Garden

 The slightly cooler weather has worked wonders with my perennials which are all doing well. Here are a few samples:

 

My insect garden, Echinacea and Bee Balm (Monarda)

Two different shades of Phlox and some more Bee Balm.

And, finally fixed, the pool leak, nicely patched up. Only took six weeks to get it done! At least my next water bill will be more reasonable. The last one (for 4 months) was $300 +.

First Bowl of Raspberries

 ....and there are still lots ripening. I will have them for dessert tonight with yogurt.

I decided to try a zucchini loaf this afternoon and it turned out well. It has cranberries in it for a bit of zing. There's still some of the original zucchini left and there are two more almost ready to be harvested so I will have to come up with some more ways of using them.