Projects

 

We've been working on a few projects here at Pumpkin Patch Ranch, most of which involve Sam doing the work and Mom Virginia or I helping. 

But that's okay because he's been on Fall Break! He took apart a couple of pallets to make a platform for the washing machine. It's nice and sturdy.

Meanwhile, I cleaned out part of the raised beds in the garden and planted fall crops. I'm so happy the summer heat has finally eased up.

The cabbage plants have already been partially eaten by rodents (we need to fix a hole in the gate), but other seedlings are coming up: carrots, radishes, turnips, collards, spinach, lettuce. 

The existing plants are still producing. I've gotten lazy and don't harvest every day, which makes it seem like more. Notice how there's still no tomatoes? We have over 20 plants, but almost no fruit. 

Sam was inspired to start a project we've put off for a few months. He cut some fence slats into shorter lengths. 

To make wooden arms for two of our metal lawn chairs where the plastic arms have broken off.

He routed and sanded.

And sanded some more. 

Then we took scraps of wood and tried out the 3 colors of stain that we bought at Walmart. 

Sam did a trial run (on the right), then got really artsy on the arms for his chair. What do you think of the pattern? I haven't decided on mine yet.

Of course we aren't always working. Almost every Saturday morning we drive to Benson to visit our new friend May at Benson Donuts. She's owned the shop for years and makes the best donuts we've ever tasted. 

Here's a close-up of the birdcage on the shelf behind May. Sam tells her she'd better start feeding the leftover donuts to the bird, or he may not last too long.

One day last week Sam drove the Benson High School's volleyball teams to their games in Tucson. 

He had a good time. They stopped for a hamburger on the way home. 

Also last week Sam and I celebrated our 16th wedding anniversary with lunch at our favorite restaurant, Mi Casa. Sam brought me those beautiful flowers. 

The food is always exceptional in flavor and presentation. The owners, Andy and Santa, were finally able to set up their outdoor patio, thanks to Covid restrictions!

Here's what it looks like at night. A magical place!

This past weekend we cleaned up our magical place and were finally able to host a barbecue for a dozen friends and neighbors. 

It was a lot of fun and everyone seemed to have a good time. 

Can you tell I almost forgot to take photos again? We hope to host many more get-togethers in the coming years. 

I'll leave you with a beautiful sunrise from last week. Photos don't do it justice. 

And another glimpse of my lovely bouquet. I enjoy them so much. 

Blessings to you. I hope and pray you're all doing well.