Nature's Bounty

 I got a late start on my garden this year as I wasn't really planning to put on in.  No matter, things seem to actually be growing really well.  Marty loves his fresh tomatoes and this year I tucked in a couple heirloom varieties.

                                                   This should be lovely once it turns red.

                                           I love how the sun dapples through the leaves.

 The grocery stores are full of fresh goodness this time of year.  I picked up a basket of peaches and was happy to find some organic grapes.  I was thinking the combination would make for a lovely smoothie.

                  I tossed in some pomegranate seeds that I had frozen, for colour and extra flavour.

                                                                        Delicious!

 I also planted a bunch of squash seeds and even though I have been getting a tonne of flowers it appears most of them are male and not fruit-bearing. So, I am very excited with the four actual squash I have found to be growing, so far.

                                                                      Wonderful!

 While enjoying my peach smoothie I came across a recipe for canning peaches in apple juice. Every year, peach season ends and I wish I have put some up for the winter.  This was a good year for peaches and there was no reason not to.  Easier said than done.  On Monday everyone had peaches for sale.  Tuesday afternoon I only found them at one store!  Everyone else had completely sold out.  Canning jars were few and far between too.  I guess there are a lot of folks who want to enjoy this year's bounty.

 So, I didn't want to wait another minute and dove in and got started- last night. It made for a late night but I got seven quarts of peaches done.  It's been a long while since doing any canning so I fell asleep happily listening to that lovely "pop!" each lid makes as the jars seal.

This morning I did these wee jars of cherry jam for my hubby.  He likes cherries very much.  We don't eat a lot of jam so I thought little jars were the way to go.

What's your favourite fruit?