A FAIR Day...

From Jim Weiss/Greathall E-magazine: It's August! The glorious last month of summer which makes it ever so precious. Back-to-school advertisements are already present in commercials and stores. We say, "Ignore them, and embrace the present. Swim, barbecue, camp, float and sail. Dress lightly, hum a song, and be thankful for warm, lazy summer days."

When I read this quote, it really struck home with me.  August really and truly is the last month of Summer here in Alaska's interior, and often times brings the beginning of Autumn (the birch trees are already turning!).  We have been harvesting and putting up with wreckless abandon, sometimes to Buffaloheart's dismay when he sees the state of the kitchen (a state-of-my-kitchen-address post forthcoming)!

The kids check on the safety of the cucumbers and peas on a windy day



Eleven jars of zuchinni relish!  My first canning adventure after jam!  Quite tasty - find the recipe here.

I plan to go back to the Farmer's Market and get some of the spicy peppers and make another batch that buffaloheart will enjoy!

After weeks of blueberry picking, freezing and canning,  however, we left the kitchen to its own devices last week and met our friends at the Tanana Valley State Fair - sunshine, music, rides, food, animals, arts, crafts, and just plain FUN!

I continue to strive towards balance as we work to prepare for the winter, but also take the time to simply enjoy each other's company and revel in the beauty of our days...