You read that right. All three of my outdoor thermometers were reading 111 degrees at 1430 today. Down South we used to call even that ‘Fookin’ Hot!” Been hearing heat-related calls on the emergency channels all day. People just won’t learn to stay their asses indoors if possible.

Watered my garden 3 times and it still didn’t really help. Picked most of my peas cause the pods were getting soft; like being cooked on the vines. Really limp when being shelled. But, now I have a meals worth to prepare and put in the freezer.

I know: why? Why go through all the trouble, time, and expense, to grow about the same amount of peas that I can buy in a bag at Safeway for a buck or two?

Because. Just because. It’s fun. It’s knowing that I can grow my own food. Sure, I’d have to cultivate most of my property to grow enough for the two of us to eat throughout the year, but, at least I keep the knowledge alive in my mind. And in my hands.

And I like growing things anyway. It’s relaxing. For some strange reason, I actually do have a “green thumb.” Didn’t ask for it. Not sure I want it. Not sure what good it is. But I have one. Especially when people tell me “Oh, you can’t grow that.”

Hold my beer.

Speaking of which: I had two this past weekend. Beers. Even worse: foo-foo beers. “California Ale.” I quit drinking way back in the late 70’s but have ONE beer every summer (usually during Field Day). And this year I even had a sip of some “malted whiskey” (I think) one of the guys was braggin’ on. Tasted okay (just okay) and for sure didn’t make me want to go buy a bottle. Used to drink a lot of whiskey & coke. Don’t know how Whiskey & Dr. Pepper would go over. Probably get me beat up if I walked into a bar and ordered a Whiskey & Dr. Pepper. (Hey, Barkeep! Whiskey & Dr. Pepper! And while you’re at it give me a big ol’ glass of buttermilk to chase it with.)

This winter I’m going to build a hydroponics “tower” and try growing stuff in my basement. Just to try it.

SWMBO and I went shopping today cause we didn’t get to last Friday. WinCo. While walking around she asked me if I needed to sit down or anything cause “You ARE almost 70 now.” Bitch. I may have a SBD waiting for you tonight. 😂 (Old guys are good at SBD’s.)

Y’all have a great night! Be safe.