What did you do to prep today?

[Sherree]

I finished using up all my ripe tomatoes.

I didn't get many tomatoes this year due to our drought. We had enough to eat fresh, but that's it. So, I'm buying cases of whole canned tomatoes to compensate. Don't like doing that, but I don't want my stock getting low.

[ChristieAcres]

I didn't get many tomatoes this year due to our drought. We had enough to eat fresh, but that's it. So, I'm buying cases of whole canned tomatoes to compensate. Don't like doing that, but I don't want my stock getting low.

Sorry to hear that. I wouldn't have had hardly any tomatoes without the hoop house over the tomato bed! I took a few days off from everything and am ready to get back in the swing...

Okay, will be doing one thing in a moment. I am cutting my Lemon Grass, so I can hang it up and dry it. She has become my living room houseplant as the Winter here would be fatal.

[Sherree]

No need for those hoop houses down here in the deep south. We can grow veggies year around down here except for January and February. It's the summer droughts that usually get us, even with all the rain barrels we have set up. Got lots of green beans for canning, though.

I'm bringing in all my houseplants from the deck today. We are supposed to be getting our first frost of the season tomorrow night. The plants out on the front porch should be ok for now. It's only supposed to be 31 degrees.

[ChristieAcres]

I am in Zone 8b, so have a long growing season. We don't get hot summers here, so the hoop house helps with that (heat lovers...). Fortunately, our dry spell last summer didn't affect our well.

[threecreeks]

Since donkeys are indispensable to people in third world countries we decided to add some to the homestead. We rescued a Jenny and her 10 m/o colt a couple of years ago. Spent some time de- sensitizing them to flapping tarps, hoof trims and other scary things. Recently bought a pack saddle with some birthday money and began serious training this week. Having a blast! They're going to be very useful in carrying tools, t-posts and supplies up the mountain where I'm putting up fence.

[keith089]

Finally picked up a Berkey and a all American solar oven at the NPS show this weekend

[ChristieAcres]

Cool about that oven! Made applesauce with my DD, using my new KitchenAid attachments, was pretty slick. I do have a hand mill, but this is faster.