Monday, August 13, 2012

Nana camp


Bald Mountain, originally uploaded by cabanagirl.

Mondays are a day off for me and Nana camp for my Denver girls. "Nana Camp" includes fun activities, scrapbooking, cookie making and just a day of fun with Nana and the girls. Today we brought "Dad" along with us. We drove to the trailhead for Lost Lake and ventured out. Who knows what a hike will bring but we found this cool bridge to cross over the river. Then we found an area of the river that was full of waterfalls and fast moving water. Yes we crossed over the river on the log bridge. It was totally "AWESOME" as Ella and Kate said. We found an old 2 story abandoned log cabin with a cool porch, lots of speckled copper and red mushrooms and fabulous sticks to bring home. The hike ended with cold rainfall, a drive to Nederland and hot chocolate.
Today was a fun adventure!

along the way


Lost Lake, originally uploaded by cabanagirl.

crossing the rapids


Lost Lake, originally uploaded by cabanagirl.

abandon cabin, originally uploaded by cabanagirl.

Monday, August 6, 2012

This summer in the garden


pumpkin patch, originally uploaded by cabanagirl.
Any of you that have a garden know that it consumes your time in June and July. Now that summer in in full force the harvest has begun.
Twelve months ago I planted an apricot tree from a 10 gallon container. This year a bounty of a first year. I also have a plum tree with a first crop. I actually like them better before they are completely ripe...I love the tart crisp flavor.
Vegetables have been abundant as well. The kale amazes me. Perhaps I have planted too much. Of course summer squash. Eggplant loves this Denver heat and are now making their way to the kitchen and in to the pot for their part in ratatouille. I have begun to harvest my pear tomatoes but will have to be patient for the rest.
The biggest surprise was the pumpkin patch I didn't plant. Last year the pumpkin "waste" was put into the compost pile which then made its way back to the garden beds and without intent I soon had pumpkin vines everywhere. I pulled all but one since they take so much room and guided the hardy vine over the arbor along with the wisteria and grapes. It is the spot I sit in the evening to have my glass of wine and a few minutes of well earned rest.
Happy harvest!

Arbor pumpkin patch, originally uploaded by cabanagirl.

pumplin on arbor, originally uploaded by cabanagirl.
hanging from the cieling

tomatoes, originally uploaded by cabanagirl.
grape tomatoes getting ready for ratatouille

Indigo rose tomato, originally uploaded by cabanagirl.
Yes these are tomatoes

garlic, originally uploaded by cabanagirl.
oodles of garlic

Kale, originally uploaded by cabanagirl.
lots of Kale

Eggplant, small globe, originally uploaded by cabanagirl.
small globe eggplant

Japanese eggplant, originally uploaded by cabanagirl.
Japanese eggplant

Superior plums, originally uploaded by cabanagirl.
"Superior" plums

Apricots, originally uploaded by cabanagirl.
Apricots