A Treasure Close to Home: Sherman Creek Orchard

I did a post on Sherman Creek Orchard the first spring I began blogging. You can find it here. This orchard is right up the road from my house and it stretches close to Lake Roosevelt on the western shore. On the last blog post I did pictures in the spring so this time I wanted to capture harvest time in late summer. The warehouse is full of plums, prunes, the last of the peaches, early apples, pears, and nectarines. I wanted peaches to make a pie yesterday, but came home with a mix of late summer fruit. Right now there are lots of pears ready to buy. In a few weeks more and more different bins of apples will fill the warehouse. It is never a question of how many apples to buy, but what kinds are the best for what purpose! I am glad they have lists and charts because I begin to get a bit confused with so many different varieties. As I drove down the dirt road I had to stop and look closely at the pear trees just full of fruit. These pears were ripening nicely in the early September sun. Sherman Creek Orchard is certainly a treasure I love to visit close to home. It is owned by Rich and Lisa Robinson and it located at 32 Apple Tree Drive, Kettle Falls, WA.

The Miracle of Mums

There is nothing that says autumn like mums. Chrysanthemums come in such a variety of colors. They will bloom even after frost hits. They are one of the longest lasting flowers in a bouquet. They look great whatever the size or color. They really are a miracle perennial. I still have mums that I carried with me from Kennewick, to a temporary apartment, then on to be planted at this house. They are still with me.
If you are a novice gardener and want something that can be easily grown in the inland empire climate zones, buy chrysanthemums. You can go out right now and purchase them for a reasonable price at garden centers and you have instant color that will return next year. I have moved, pinched, divided, and stepped on mums ( on accident) and they still look great.
The kind you see here are called Chrysanthemum morifolium.
" C. morifolium encompasses all the varied plants collectively knows as florists' mums. They're the mainstay of the autumn-blooming perennial show- both in garden borders and in containers-not only because of their ease of culture and profusion of bloom but also because they are the most varied and versatile of mums, available in many forms, colors, sizes, and growth habits." Perennials, Sunset Publishers.
They love sun, regular water, and good well-drained soil. For other Sunday Scribblings on miracle go here.

Camera Critters: Sir McDuff

McDuff is the quintessential subject when it comes to catching critters with the camera. He always loves to pose! To find other camera critters go here.

Photo Hunt: Strings

I caught this picture of Annie as we sat out in the garden this morning. Doesn't it just pull on your heart strings?
For other photo hunters using string go here.

Kiki Aru Becomes a Teenager!!

My friend EM took this picture at my wedding celebration eleven years ago of Kiki Aru. This precious niece has grown up into a intelligent, energetic, talented teenager. She is celebrating her thirteenth birthday today. Happy birthday and best wishes for an awesome first year as a teenager Kiki. I wish I could be there to celebrate.

Classroom Conversations: Beginning a Teaching Year

I have now spent three days back at school. As I reflected back on those first days with sixth, seventh, and eighth graders (and a few high schoolers that came down the hall to visit) this evening, I smiled and even laughed out loud at some of the conversations that have already taken place.

" I really know that I could draw this so much better if I could use that cool extra fine black Expresso pen I saw on your desk!" ( After letting him use it I think he was right.)
" I really want to read this book that has lots of stories about wolves... but can you just ask me questions about one story? I may forget some stuff with this many facts and this many stories in one book." ( Of course.).
"How did you know I wasn't reading? What? You really do have eyes on the back of your head?" as he peered a bit closer. (smile)
While writing a story a new student asked," Is having a guy bring a big gun in and shoot all the people in a bank before he steals the money too violent for you?" ( before I could say a word most of my students replied, "Yes... she doesn't allow violence to that degree!).
" What is that "s" word we can't say in this class again?" ( A voice next to her whispered "shut up".)
When having a discussion about respect one student raised his hand and with all seriousness replied, " I think you should always say excuse me when you fart in class." (" I agree"I said, trying not to laugh.).
" Since it's my birthday could I have a day off from schoolwork? (stern look) Well... it was worth a try." ( "Happy Birthday... now begin writing.")
" Here teacher... .I drew this picture just for you. " ( smile)
" Do I have to read my book today?" ( "No, you don't have to... you get to. It is a privilege to be able to go to a big shelf of books and pick any one you want to read.")

and at least once the first week I always hear, " Are we going to do anything in here today?"
"No... we are going to do everything today... and if we don't get to everything thank goodness there is tomorrow and the next day. Aren't you glad you are ready to learn?" (smile)