I’m giving up on monthly newsletters!

My intention was to send out a newsletter once a month to let you all know what’s new for wine kits and such. Maybe I can get back to it when the weather turns a little more chilly. Right now, I’m enjoying the outside as much as I can.

Gardening was a challenge this year. I had planned on two new raised beds (that didn’t happen) and to keep on top of the weeds (chickweed wins again!) Due to our family’s spring vacation, I didn’t start anything indoors until April and that was a bit late for a lot of things. Sure, I had peas… but they got trimmed down by the deer. Completely my fault, I didn’t put up the fence around the garden this summer. My carrots didn’t even pop through the soil, and carrots are my favourite veggie. But my zucchinis, pumpkins and potatoes did amazing this year! I finally had some edible cucumbers and the ground cherries didn’t die this time. After 3-4 years of planting corn I finally got some really nice cobs. Next year I think I know what needs to be done to have a great crop. We had fresh strawberries every day from my patch. I did get out to pick saskatoons and wild blueberries. Brooke has been perfecting her pie making!

We attended a wedding on the island in July. Skipped the Emperor’s Challenge this year as I didn’t have time to train. North Peace Fall Fair judging the wine/spirits/cider/beer categories happened again. Thanks to everyone who submitted entries! Guns n’ Roses concert in Edmonton in late August…. whew!

Now it’s September and there’s things that need canning and putting away for the winter. I’m excited for the warm days and the cool evenings. The smell of the highbush cranberries is always a sign that harvest is here!