Veggie Tales

Michael has the green thumb in the family.

I killed a cactus.

I was in fifth grade so maybe I wasn’t mature enough to handle the responsibility of a desert plant. But it did not survive, and, to this day, I haven’t had much better luck.

But Michael works on a garden every year and feeds his family with all sorts of great veggies. And 2017 will be an epic veggie year.

He has already tilled the garden and has an excel list of what he wants to plant. I asked him to make enough space to walk through the garden. I get nervous when plants get big. My imagination runs wild, and I think there are snakes under all the bushes.

The future garden. 

But while admiring the garden, we found a new friend.

Last time we found a turtle shell it was broken, but this time the shell was inhabited.

Cute visitor

Abby’s favorite part was tickling the turtle’s toes. The turtle’s favorite part was when we left him alone. I’m pretty sure he gave me a wink when we walked away.

Abby loves all creatures.

But there’s one problem with the garden – I can’t cook as fast as the vegetables grow.

I know we want to can, as well as be good stewards of the bounty and share with family and friends.

I would love for you to share any great recipes for canning, jams, fresh vegetable dishes. Better yet, I would love for anyone to volunteer and teach me to can or make new recipes. Any takers?