One can feel relief by avoiding natural disasters and political turmoil in North America this summer.

Our little area in Eastern Ontario avoided the Canada Day flooding of basements and roads. Others in our city did not. We encountered heatwaves, plus smokey haze and air quality warnings due to regional wildfires. Once again, I turned to our little garden for nurturing growth and wonder. That experience soon turned sour.

I chopped and baked these large zucchinis in a macaroni and cheese casserole. Dinner reviews were about a 6/10.

The invasion began with a bold neighbourhood grey squirrel plucking ripening tomatoes from the plant on our porch. The little fucker.

I tried to distract the squirrels with an offering of green bean pods I placed on the fence. One little brute sniffed then quickly dropped a pod before scampering up the porch steps to check out that tomato plant. I proceeded to chase the little fucker away.

In early August I discovered what was eating holes in the leaves of my beloved Scarlet Runner bean vines: Japanese Beetles.

According to neighbours, the beetles were feeding on other garden plants, especially rose bushes. I captured proof of the beetles’ mating activities on my beloved Scarlet Runner Bean vines. The little fuckers.

How does one put a positive spin on these invasions and disappointments?

I captured proof of determined survival, a bean vine stretching out from damaged leaves, seeking to hold onto something along its journey.

I noticed the petunias were still thriving under the compost drum. I also noticed two new zucchinis sprouting from the remaining plant.

Now in late August, I feel that my involvement with the gardening season is coming to a close. I have been venturing out to attend social gatherings and nurture friendships with people in my community and afar. I intend to keep my colourful language situation-appropriate.

Thanks for dropping by. How has your summer been?

T