I've been hearing a lot of people complain this summer that their backyard gardens are behind schedule. I'm not surprised. We had a lackluster spring. However, it seems like a recent spell of hot and sunny days should make up for it. It's the curse of the tomato. They all seem to ripen at once. No complaints there. It means a better chance at getting free ones from friends and coworkers. That excess had to go somewhere.
I know I yammered on about the weather Monday, so apologies for revisiting the topic too soon.
Farmers' markets are popping up all over the place. While I have yet to visit one, I have seen the video on Newswatch 16. It looks like there's a nice selection, so maybe the weather isn't as awful as we believed.
Another summer phenomenon is the lawn getting dry and brown. Again, no complaints there. A brown lawn doesn't need to be mowed as often. Less mowing means a quieter neighborhood. If you have to sleep during the day, as I do, you know what I'm writing about.
In spite of it all, there's something about the zucchini. They seem to grow exceptionally well in our area. I've long suggested a Zucchini Festival to go along with the Pittston Tomato Festival. It's a tourist event, ripe for the picking.
Strange to say, but I smell fall. Shorter days have become more noticeable, especially if you're an early riser. The first of the county fairs, Lycoming, is underway-- and that's a sure sign fall is approaching.
Before all of that, the next highly anticipated event-- the yearly sweet corn explosion. Increased supply. Decreased price. Can't wait.