Meet our "JAX"

Jax, short for "Ajax",  is our new puppy.  He was born on July 28th, 2016 and he moved into our home on September 19th, 2016,  just shy of 8 weeks old.  He is a German Shepherd, and while he will never replace our Jake, nor will we compare him to Jake, he has sure brought some life to our home.  

He has been with us for 4 nights and 5 days so far, and he is amazingly smart for his puppy age.  He has yet to have an "accident" in the house, no pees, and no poohs!  Can you believe it?   And he sleeps through the night; well from about 10pm to 5:30am.  That's pretty darn good.

On day two, all by himself, he figured out how to go through the doggie door. 

 It was a little difficult because he was not quite able to get his belly over the edge, but he managed to flop himself out, and seemed quite pleased with himself.

On day one, Chris wanted to put Jake's old bed out for him, and I said it was just too big right now.  Well he did, and within minutes Jax claimed it. Now he practically lives on it and takes all his toys there as well.

I don't know what kind of a dog he will turn out to be, but if he is as happy and bold as he is now, then I think he will be a great addition to the family!! Ours, and Bowen!   Oh, I should mention that Smoke and Gypsy are not impressed as all!!  I hope they will come around soon without any scratches to Jax.  Stay tuned!!

Flowers of a Different Kind

In the past, I've often felt sad when the garden winds down in the fall, and the pretty flowers fade and die.  Now I look forward to fall, as the leaves turn themselves into pretty flowers of their own kind, and we can watch them change colour right before our eyes, brightening up the garden again; like this Virginia Creeper out the back.

Apple Harvest

Apple picking has become an annual ritual now that all 4 of our trees are producing.   We have more than enough for ourselves, so the neighbours welcome the chance to pick the fruit fresh from the tree during the harvest season, which is now.  Below is a basket of our Braeburns.

 And these are some of the Liberties that were ready yesterday.

"An apple a day keeps the doctor away", or so the saying goes.  Perhaps I should start eating them!!

Going Plum Crazy!

Yes they are finally ready!   To me, a fresh picked Italian prune plum has always been a delicacy in  summer, and I've always said that plums are for eating, not for heating.  Chris on the other hand, likes them fresh but is constantly asking for something baked with plums.  I shall find some recipes for him and he can get to it.

 I think this year is a bumper crop for sure.  We have been picking for a few weeks now, and I think this weekend we may come close to stripping the branches - but who knows.

This tree is  a late bearing Italian;  large size with a dark purple skin and a greenish yellow flesh. They have an excellent sweet flavor and are not all juicy and messy to eat.  

 To me, they are the best of the best!