The Dog Days of Summer

For me, summer is all about soaking up sunshine, being outdoors, flip flops, lazy weekend days, digging in the garden, and easy no-cook meals with the freshest ingredients.. I'd say that my summer has consisted of much of the above.

In mid-July, I started a couch to 5K running class. I've never run in the past, or played sports as a kid, so this was a big stretch for me. Here's what I learned: running is hard! it was hard, but I always felt great, knowing I was building endurance, lung capacity and using muscles that I don't think I've ever used before. However, when I said it hurt, I meant

that: I started having Achilles pain, and my knees ached a bit more than I think is normal, and sometimes, especially in the beginning, I seriously thought my calves were going to explode into a million shards of flesh! I also wasn't progressing as quickly as my classmates- when they were doing 2 minutes of running, 2 of walking, I was still at 1 minute. After 6 weeks, I was really discouraged and also not wanting to injure myself permanently. So I stopped going to class, and have resorted to walking, or doing the Blaine stairs. Most important lesson is just keep moving.

The garden is puttering along, although nothing is going to rival

the summer or harvest of 2009. I've had many a zucchini, the beans just coming in, beets, and pounds of onions and potatoes are stored for the coming months. The back parcel of my plot is partially underneath a large tree, so I'm dealing with acidic soil or root competition- or both- which has been frustrating. I'm building up the soil, and brought in some large pots to get chard and lettuce growing in there. Another first year at a space, so it's been a lot of learning about the soil, sun directions, and other challenges. I am convinced that my tomatoes won't ripen until I've left for my trip, and I would have missed them all. I'm planning on overwintering garlic and onions, and I know that next year will be better.

As usual, I find myself canning in the hottest days of summer..

We could have a cool day or two

roll in throughout summer, but I always find myself canning in the 80+ days sweating it out in the hot kitchen. Cherry preserves, pickles, blackberry/raspberry jam, roasted tomatoes, blackberry syrup (for Italian sodas-yum), pickled cherries (for charcuterie plates) and frozen berries have been my projects this season. I also

made a big batch of herb salt from the garden this year-some flavor to perk up grilled or roasted goods this fall and winter. A couple more items to get into the pantry before I leave, and I will be set for the season.