Apples, Potatoes, and Squash

We got up at a reasonable hour this morning, and I hit the treadmill right after breakfast. I always feel energized following a good workout.

A project today was to make apple chips (core the apples, slice thinly, place on parchment paper on a baking sheet, and bake at 250 degrees for 40 minutes on one side, then turn and bake for another 35 minutes. Bake a little longer, if needed, until apples are golden colored. The chips will be slightly soft, rather than crisp). The apple chips will be my contribution to the goodie table after tomorrow night's community theater board meeting, when we'll welcome new members.

We also gathered supplies and materials needed to do a sunprint session at the art gallery Wednesday. Mother will assist me at this workshop. She enjoys helping kids with this kind of project.

Of course, no day is complete without running errands. Today, we picked up another prescription at the pharmacy, stopped by the bank, went to the local farm supply store for dog food and bird seed, and picked up a couple of items at the worldwide discount chain store.

We were appalled at the increasing price of both dog food and bird seed. We are considering cutting way back of feeding the birds, even though they are a great source of entertainment. One reason the bird seed is vanishing so quickly is that the squirrels are feasting on it. So far, we haven't been able to keep the wily rascals out of the feeders. Then too, the bumblebees who manage not to drown in the nectar are rapidly consuming the hummingbird food. Hubbie has trouble keeping those feeders filled, as well.

We are very disappointed that the veggie garden didn't yield better this year, but we are getting a few tomatoes...enough that we decided to have turkey bacon, lettuce, tomato, and Vidalia onion sandwiches for supper, along with baked potato wedges seasoned with olive oil spray and herbs.

We have noticed that a butternut squash vine is growing in the compost heap, and small squashes are beginning to appear. It'll be interesting if a few of them mature enough for the dinner table some time in the fall.