Not only am I behind in my gardening, I’m behind in my posting about gardening. These photos were taken June 19th after a day of cleaning.

Things are almost moving as planned. I’m in constant battle with bugs and slugs. Since the photo, excessive rain has threatened my garlic. I keep my fingers crossed that when I pull up those bulbs, they will be large and healthy. The note in the garlic books says…don’t water during their last four weeks. Sigh. I think Southern Wisconsin has received double the amount of rain that is normal.

It is amazing how much has changed since these photos. I will take some pictures today. The recent hot, humid weather has allowed plants to double in size over night. Seriously, weeds included. But fruits are appearing on plants and vines are taking. It is all very exciting. But I must still battle the bugs and slugs, not to mention early blight. It is almost like taking care of your pets. You need to protect them from harm.

Aaron and his grandpa “papa” like putting things on their heads. Here is one of their games—words not necessary.

I guess one of the problems with having a little kid around is they get the focus of the camera. But hey…how can you resist?

As you can see, I’m two weeks behind in posting. If we get a lot of thunderstorms this weekend, perhaps I’ll catch up.

One of the main events of the weekend was Aaron’s baptism. He seemed more than ready.

Aunt Maddy and Aunt Nancy were his sponsors. The pastor was fantastic and the sermon went over without any tears.

One of Aaron’s favorite things to do is kick a ball. He enjoyed the opportunity to kick in the living room withthis beach ball. I wish I took a photo of his uncles Paul and Larry teaching him how to punt a football.

Another one of his favorite things to do was throw a ball to the dogs and these dogs were all too willing.

This could go on for a long, long time.

We hung out at the Hinz’s and Erik had a good time entertaining Aaron.

Paul spent some time getting to know Aunt Linda with her keen driving skills.

Maddy and Paul had a good time, especially falling out of the hammock.

No holiday could be complete without a trip to the band. Uncle Ken and Nancy were taking over the floor.

I love this photo!

A few of the Eagle River clan hung out until the storms moved in. I must thank Joan (Strelow) for taking us in during the storm. We would never have made it home.

Maddy has a training schedule for Athena. When I first saw it, I was very apprehensive about her “first ride” date. It was June 5. It did not seem like enough time for Athena to be ready or me to be psychologically ready. A first ride can be a while ride.

She started by lunging her to burn some energy and work out the kicks and rears.

Now is where the excitement begins. She is setting Athena up for the mount.

Saddle adjustments made, putting some weight on her without getting on, check.

She’s on. But Athena doesn’t move.

She’s a little confused as to why this human is on her back.

Finally Maddy gets her to move.

And it turns into a nice little ride.

No bucking, no kicking, no rearing. Just a nice walk, trot around the arena. Yeah Maddy!

It has been an early gardening season. The weather has been warmer than usual, so I took my chances and planted early. However, I was out of town for a long weekend and boy, not only did the garden grow, but so did the weeds. The bugs and slugs also had a field day, taking down many of my plants. But today I am going to get out there and fight back. These first two photos are from early May, during the creating beds season. The rest of the photos are from late May.

Here is the dream…setting up garden plots with the hope they will become reality. I decided to double the garden this year. Hmmm…easy decision in April, when you’re not out there working. But this is mid-May and it is time to get my act together.

Chuck is building some new raised boxes. We added about 10, perhaps more. I will count them today. But in all, I’m trying to add 12 new beds. Some of the new boxes went to last year’s beds.

The early spinach has provided us with many meals. Soon I will revamp this bed for something like squash or watermelon.

Presenlty the garlic is the highlight of the garden. Although some seriously yellowing of the leaves has me worried. We have battled many slugs. I switched the hay I had down with shredded hardwood. Now I’ve read that shredded hardwood can strip the soil of nitrogen. Something garlic enjoys. I will have to do something about that this weekend.

The scapes are coming out and doing their turning thing. Soon we will try adding scapes to our meals.

Another scape in an early stage.

The onions are doing well. I’m still trying to decide if onions are worth growing. They are so inexpensive and do take up a lot of garden space. But I like they way they look when they come up. They are an early riser and can satisfy any gardener who likes to see things coming along.

These heads of lettuce I transplanted from the hoop hut. I’m happy to say they are doing very well. These are from my heirloom variety pack I bought from seed savers. Most of the plants/seeds have come from seedsavers this year. Only a few tomatoes, peppers and the onion sets were bought locally. I had six heirloom tomato and pepper plants delivered through seed savers, the rest of the plants were purchase from the “Salad Garden” a local and wonderful greenhouse.

I transplanted my cucumbers from the hoop hut as well. They really seem to be doing great.

The bush beans are popping through, but it seems the aphids and other insects are just hanging out and waiting for them to appear. I am having a tough time with the bugs this year. All of my preventative methods have been organic so far. But I’m not sure how much longer I can hold out. Whey don’t the insects go after the weeds instead?

Here are a few of my pole beans. My other group of pole beans may not make it due to insect eating. Grrr…

My beets are not doing so well this year. I have thinned them out, but several are dying. I think something is going on at the root level. I will investigate later today. I’m heading out to the garden now. It is going to be a big day out there. I have a lot to do. Wish me luck and hopefully most of the plants will survive.

Aaron really wanted to catch a chicken. He went under the bushes to the chicken’s favorite hiding spot.

Full of determination, he tried to track them down.

Later his grandpa taught him that it is much easier if you let the chickens come to you.

Here is the first horse show of the season. I was slacking a little in my photo taking. I didn’t get too many pictures.

Maddy and Monty on the rail warming up.

Just hanging out before it is time to go in. I’m sorry to say, I did not take a ribbon shot. Next time ladies.