The pumpkin isn't the only giant I'm trying to raise in the garden. I'm also attempting to break my oldest son, Josh's, sunflower record of 19 feet. As close as I can calculate, using the old geometric sun/shadow/‎ Pythagorean theorem, it is about 14 feet tall. The head is still small, so there's a chance. I've saved the best seeds for three years in an attempt to develop a giant strain.

August 10, 2015 - Monday

64 degrees/clear-foggy/calm winds

Pentoga Road

I'm not sure what the name of the monsoon was that blew through here yesterday afternoon, but we're surely grateful for the 2.2 inches of rain that fell in a short two-hour time span.

We received another 1/10th of an inch after this picture was taken

The dry spell that gripped us in July appears to be at an end with normal rain forecast over the next ten days.

Sunday began by working in the garden. The green beans are setting on and I picked a fair amount.

Italian green beans, an heirloom variety passed on by a friend of the Milligan family

Sargie and I also picked the last head of cauliflower for the year.

I was afraid it might be bitter with our latest bout of hot and dry weather, but it tasted sweet and crispy and will be blanched and frozen later today.

Part of the morning was spent mowing behind the barn and at the rear of the backyard. 

I'd wanted to start hauling fill to the areas in the back yard, but with this rain, that will have to wait until later in the week.

The trail that winds into the north maple woods was also mowed with the rider. 

Sargie and I took a walk back along the main trail to check on the wild red raspberries. They are just setting on and with this current rain, should produce a bumper crop in the next week.

The wildflowers are currently at their peak and everywhere we turned, there was something blooming. The colors and varieties are unreal.

The cosmos that were intermittently planted in the garden are making themselves seen. I really like the splashes of color mixed in with all the greenery.

We enjoyed our customary Sunday afternoon ride into town where we purchased homemade bread and a box of fried chicken. After, we returned home, enjoyed a wonderful meal and watched a movie while it was storming outside.

I'm not sure what's on the agenda for today. With all the rain, my plans have changed. I think I'll begin figuring what is needed to build the shop in the barn. Sargie works early, but since it's a doctor's day and one of her co-workers is on vacation, it will be a long one for her.

Congratulations to my oldest grandson, Coleman, who begins his football career today. He's going to look good dressed in green and gold, playing for the Packers in a few years. 

It's time to pour a cup of coffee and think some deep thoughts. After all, a man's work is never done.

So are the tales from Pentoga Road...

Well over a hundred pounds, it continues to grow inches per day.