Hard Work is Paying OffJune 21, 2026
This has been a busy week for this old woman. I may not be old in numbers, but my back has been complaining a lot. I walk like I remember my Grandpa Dink walking, odd, stiff, and kind of hunched forward. Definitely a muscle relaxer moment.
The weather has been much nicer this week, therefore I could tolerate working in the garden a lot more.
The green beans, blue lake bush, have been working overtime and I have picked every 2 or 3 days for over a week and a half. So far I have blanched and frozen probably 4 pounds in vacuum sealed bags, processed 6 pints and 4 quarts of "dilly beans" (which are pickled green beans, yummmm), and I have water bathed 6 pints seasoned with salt and chicken broth, not to mention the gallon ice cream bucket of broken beans that need washed and put in the frig till tomorrow. And, I have given several "messes" away to family and a neighbor, which feels good to share.
Today was also a "pick the blackberries" day, which happens about every 3rd day. I have picked over a gallon so far. The big thornless bushes have done wonders the last few years. So some are in the refrigerator, some I have taken to an elderly neighbor who loves them, and some have been eaten lightly sprinkled with sugar by my husband. He has thoroughly enjoyed them.
Now we can mention the zucchini and yellow squash. I have picked several, and I mean several of the green variety, and maybe around 6 of the yellow crookneck variety. We've eaten them roasted, stewed with tomatoes and onions, some bagged and frozen, and next I will probably fry some for my husband since he seems to like everything fried. Yup, rolled my eyes.
The cucumbers have just started coming on, with multiple blooms in place, but I have only picked 3 decent size ones. Those tend to be my favorite, just washed and eaten warm from the garden. Though I did save half the first one to share with my husband on his salad.
Having said all that, as long as the vegetables grow, so do the weeds. The crabgrass is trying to get a foothold in multiple spots and I have raised several blisters during the hoeing sessions in attempts to kill all I can see growing. The ones that are too close to a desirable plant have to be pulled by hand, and that adds to the aching back.
Oh, I almost forgot to mention the two heads of broccoli I have cut. One is destined to be broccoli salad this week and I look forward to that.
I do have to give a shout out to the Member's Mark Chicken Shawarma kit I purchased at Sam's Club this past week. A life saver when you're too tired to think about what to fix for supper. Definitely a winner and I will purchase it again the next time I am able to get there. We had two meals from the kit, with little time or effort needed to put it all together. My husband even said he would eat it again, which is no small feat. I'm thrilled to expand my meal variety! My sister was with me when we purchased one for each of our households, so she warned me the spicy sauce might not be for me since I am a bit of a wimp when it comes to spice, but hubby ate it and enjoyed it. He said "it has some heat". I stuck with the creamy sauce, and frankly, could have eaten it with a spoon. I'll stand by that endorsement. Now if I could figure out how to make it from scratch, I'd be golden. Goals.
As I sit here in the dark, reflecting on how blessed we have been, listening to the rain patter on the tin roof, I thank our creator for allowing our garden to thrive, the rain to keep it growing, and the countless other blessings we take for granted daily. Though I would ask for the electricity, and/or cell service, to come back on soon so I can see the radar and know when the tornado threat is over in our area. But then again, trusting in God to keep up safe and sheltered from the storm, with a little everyday courage.
