Say it isnt so!

Mid-August, and my usual sense of dread is kicking in. September is a comin.  We have had a wonderful summer of being home based for the most part, and taking full advantage of our local outdoor pools being free.

 Lots of time spent weeding, harvesting and just admiring the marvel of the gardens growth and recovery from a deer coming into our urban farm.

So glad that my butterfly plants such as Swamp Milkweed are attracting the fabulous monarch butterflies.  My heirloom tomatoes are growing wonderfully and seem to be benefitting from the epsom salt treatments too.

 As soon as August 15th hit, I had the need to get back on the wheel.  Some folks came by yesterday and bought my last 3 black mugs.  Ok, reality check gotta make mugs for the shows and stores I am committed to between next weekend and December!

As disciplined as I tried to be making large mugs, I found myself pulling up the walls for covered jars, vases and bowls..Fired a kiln yesterday, pictures later.

Agro Tourism in Manitoba

I think I am pretty transparent of my support of things local and handmade.  As a potter and a micro urban organic farmer, I need support of the great customers I have and hope to have, and try to do the same for others.  One of the great things I gleaned from my time at Pine Ridge Hollow Farmers Market was learning about the Penners Pumpkin farm at Giroux Manitoba.

Today was our first visit of the season.  A small family operation they are offering good wholesome fun in the outdoors with hay bales, pumpkins , petting zoo, paint ball (of a very tame sort) duck races, a little zipline and more.  We always have a good time, if we dont go with a friend, G usually makes one or more there. It is only an hour from home if we dont go down my favorite Highway 311 with many stops at bakeries, cheese factories, garden centres, and MCC thrift stores.  A very good outing!!

Labour Day Labours

Labour may not be the right word, unless it means work in your happy place.  I got a good start this morning, and am now waiting for things to dry enough to be trimmed.  Here a few samples, that may leave you scratching your head as to where I am going with these pieces.

Say it isnt so...

September 1!  How did it happen.  Summer has slipped away.  It is not that I feel shortchanged, I have been to the beach, been in the garden for hundreds of hours, had a trip away, and spent many hours of unplanned time with Mr. G.

It is just that I want more!!! I love summer and the heat, and the fruit, and just the more up beat attitude of people in this northern climate.  I feel the pressure of getting ready for activities for me, for my little man, for finishing up the canning, jamming and harvesting in the garden, and making gobs of pots for the shows I have committed myself too.

Here are a few shots from our busy July and August

Now to get ready for the Manitoba Fibre Festival, WEST Sale, and Scattered Seeds, all within the next 7 weeks