This week a friend told me that she actually heard the weatherman say, “today I’m going to use the “F” word.” All gardeners in my zone know exactly what that means. 🥶FROST🥶. The beginning of the end. 😩 

So far we have hovered over the frost line but not by much. Our typical “frost date” is October 10 but we’ve had snow in early October so best to be ready. Around here we have launched into winter prep at warp speed. Finalizing projects, getting plants planted, gathering and cleaning up containers for storage, finish tying up climbers, and my biggest job – taking down THYME OUT. It’s been a spring and summer of incredible fun setting up and working in this space! If you are new here, you may not know the background, so here is where we started and where we are now.

Once there was a potting bench in a cultivated area… but slowly over time the horrible, invasive Japanese Honeysuckle (link) took over and choked out all the pretty stuff. Well to be honest Japanese Honeysuckle is pretty with the fragrant blooms and pretty berries. But, it takes over and chokes out everything in its path.

Last fall I took my handy recip saw and got started clearing Japanese Honeysuckle. Little did I know that we would have so much extra time in the spring ! Our first COVID project was what became THYME OUT – my outdoor workspace. There was plenty to do, cut down trees, remove debris, stumps, bring in extra soil, put up some fencing and Mr. G added to his list — building my work tables. Let it be known… I only wanted one small table. 😳 He had extra time and as he watched me work in the space, he said you need more! Yay!!! What a gift! I practically emptied the potting shed with pots and tools! Now it’s “Thyme” to take everything back inside for the winter.

I love my recip saw!

He’s the best builder.

So much happy here. But the tables are being emptied and the tables will be covered with tarps for the long winter ahead.

Great place to keep the Topiaries in tip top form.

Great project space

Bokay Days with plenty of room to spread out.

Topiaries are finding their way to the potting shed. We have lights they should be use fine.

While we are on the subject of COVID projects…

One evening I dreamed out loud about having some small countertop size drying boxes. 

The next day Mr. G said, “What size do you want the boxes? I have some extra wood!” 😳 WOW. Having so much time at home sure changed production time! In a few days, I had these! They are 9″ x 13″ and fit in so many places!

Up in the attic, there are large drying racks that I used back in the day when I made herbal arrangements, wreaths, and Christmas Tree Decor as a little “cottage industry.” But these boxes are just the perfect size for drying herbs for cooking and for tea! ☕️

MORE DOING / LESS THINKING

This year we’ve needed less thinking time and more doing time! And, our answer to that was PROJECTS. We have always been a project family (Just ask our kids – they are project people too!) and this works for us. Were there projects that you were able to accomplish with your extra time?

I’ve always heard that when God closes a door, he opens a window. These days I  that happening over and over. While we are so grateful for what we do have, we never stopped missing our family, friends, and freedoms. And pray for the days when we are together again. 

BLOOM THYME

Don’t tell ‘The Faun’ winter is coming soon, she is happily in denial!!  #metoo 

TACKLE THE CHILL WITH CHILI

With the chill in the air, we decided to make chili. We used a new recipe from John and Donna Hefner. This is the recipe that John likes to make for Colt’s tailgating and we had the opportunity to try this chili at a chili cookoff for the Indianapolis Rose society a couple of years ago. It is so good … so if you want to try a chili recipe that has a special ingredient… here you go.

UNTIL NEXT TIME…

Friends, take care, and let’s keep getting creative with how we can safely fill our days and live out our purpose. I’d love to hear your ideas! 😘