Apples, Bacon

Today it is raining and cool. I slept in long-sleeved shirt under covers last night, and get to wear jeans and a sweater today. After months of trying to stay cool, it is marvelous to actually be chilly. I was wakened by thunder early this morning, and it wasn't too hot to enjoy a perfect apple croissant and coffee this afternoon. All I want to eat is bacon and popcorn and pie. All I want to do is buy school supplies and tights and stockpile gourds. I am ready to can peach jam, ready to buy boxes of apples, ready to smell autumn and simmer soup.

Pickles, Sweet

Here they are, in all their pickley glory.

Cucumbers, Dragon

Lets suffice it to say that I have a pretty all-or-nothing type of personality, and there's some type of provisioning gene in me that requires I be prepared for the most ridiculous of events. It comes in handy, most days, but is the only way I can explain the 400-some (as though I didn't actually count them all--452) cucumbers taking up precious space in the kitchen today. And the five gallons of cucumbers brining on the counter. And the 48 ball jars ready to hold pickles, and the other cucumbers, sorted by size. I'm feeling a little like a dragon. A cucumber-hoarding dragon.