Fresh Garden Tomato, Anyone?

I hope these are as delicious as they look! Of course, I feel like I have no idea what I'm doing, but today's canning experience went a little more smoothly than last time. I felt a little bit more prepared today. I must not have done much of the work when we canned when I was growing up. This takes more organization than anything. I have a TON of tomatoes from the garden than are now ripening up rapidly. It looks like I have a lot of work to do coming up! What a blast!

I Can Can

So I attempted to can something. I always thought that canning was lame, but I have found that it's all the rage in my ward - so of course I have to do it! Well, I heard about something called "dilly beans" - it's a pickled bean. Since I grew about a million beans, I thought that I'd attempt these. (I also froze some, but that picture would be pretty boring.) After the (lengthy) processing, I think it's a success - only I haven't tasted them yet. But they LOOK good, right? I may also do some tomatoes, we'll see if they ripen up enough.

General Conference

I desperately need something to do while listening to conference! I'm usually asleep by now (2:25pm.) It's usually once a year that I bust out my cross stitch or other such craft and work on it during this time. I guess I'll have to do that because I don't have any other amazing project to do (still need a sewing machine.)

The Hook-Up

Well, I go in for surgery again this week. It's my take-down. Hopefully it will all go well and I will see some major improvements afterword. I will be glad to be rid of my bag, however. I do know now that I could continue with a bag if necessary. It's really convenient in some way, but an inconvenience in many others. Well, wish me luck! (Hopefully my hospital stay is a bit shorter than last time.)

Reaping the Rewards

Look at all the beans that my little garden has produced! Wow! I went out and picked them this morning and was totally surprised by the bounty. They're HUGE too! I also have a LOT of tomatoes on my tomato plants. I'm not sure, but the neighbor has a FEW, but they're really big. I have a LOT, but not so big at this point. Will mine be okay? I hope so! I love tomatoes! I had thought that all but two of my cucumbers had died, but luckily I planted a few seed elsewhere. Those seem to be doing okay. Also, I think I'll be able to pluck some zucchini from the (vine?) soon. They're getting big. I never knew that I could have so much satisfaction from gardening.

This morning, I went ahead and pulled out most of the Morning Glory that I'd planted. Let's face it; it was strangling everything! The Nasturtiums also seemed to be doing the same thing, plus, they were much larger than I'd anticipated and you couldn't see anything else. (I filled up a huge black garbage bag with both!) I think things look a lot better in the front flower beds. (However, I do think that that Morning Glory just might end up being the bain of my existence!)

Look at my garden grow!

Look! I've got veggies! I went out to water today and saw that my peas are still very productive, my tomatoes have a few more forming and they're getting bigger too. The zucchini are also quite productive. I finally saw some beans that have sprouted - it's about time! And last, there are actually blossoms on my cucumbers. It's great! I have a green thumb (maybe?!)

Bag Lady

I tell you what; I must be the biggest idiot ever! So I have an ileostomy (bag.) It's been a bit of a problem lately. Sunday morning I changed it. Due to unfortunate circumstances, I had to change it Sunday night at about 10:30. Monday morning it looked pretty good. I was off to work. It didn't feel "quite right" on my way to work. Had to change it (at work) at 9:00. Got home from work (miraculously made it through work) and had to change it again, about 6:00. What? Another change that night at about 9:30! Can you believe it? The poor skin is so raw! The humiliation of it all! What to do? I've GOT to get help! So far, things are okay today, BUT the day has just begun. Cross your fingers for me!