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It was so exciting to finally get all our mesquite pods ground into flour today - our first time. We obtained about 5lbs+. We will package some for the freezer, relatives and are eargerly reviewing recipes to try. I'll keep you posted. I think mesquite brownies will be first.

We enjoyed the mesquite coconut cake at the market today and while there purchased some yummy bread, veggies and tamales. We ate some tamales at lunch and couldn't resist having them on the side our homemade chilli and hom… Continue

Well, after more than 15 years, I'm back to canning. A dear friend helped me process my largest crop ever of Golden Dorsett apples. Between us we made 7 quarts and 14 pints of apple sauce and butter - some with plum and some with rhubarb. YUM. I also dived into my mother's apple cookbook and tried Senagalese soup from Club 21 in NYC - a cold soup with curry and chicken. We'll see how the family likes cold soup. I still have more to go and will be drying/dehydrating some apple chips and perhaps a… Continue

We are busy with our routines in the garden. Here are the recaps for the week:

New plantings: Mandan Bridal flour corn, Fava and pole beans, basil, cucumber, Amish paste tomato, melon, herbs (heirloom - I forgot name, but long Spanish one from Seed Savers. I'll have to look it up), watermelon radish. My papaya is not working so far.

Latest harvest: Golden Dorsett apples (bucket loads), mesquite (honey, velvet), Mission figs, Flame grapes, French Breakfast, Watermelon and regular radishes, Chio… Continue

Wow - now that we have studied up a bit on the mesquite bean, our family's eyes opened up to the wonderful abundance of the crop that is available to animals and humans. We discovered many tasty, sweet pods in our own yard, and are enjoying picking from others behind our home. We are cleaning and drying right now and hope to try grinding some ourself to see if we can do it before October, and before the rains hit.

We are enjoying the different shapes and colors. I wonder about the red ones....h… Continue

Well, our latest hunt for the rat/mouse/critter that's been eating up our garden was a success! At least we caught one mouse. If this little critter is the one doing all the damage it is a big surprise to me. How can a little critter like that do so much damage???

I'm looking into eco-friendly mouse pellets or such as a barrier on the outside walls of our property, but they can still sneak in under the RV gate where it is cement.

We planted some jerusalem artichokes, but I have more to go. We… Continue