July was a month full of varied experiences, from the joys of gardening to the satisfaction of completing home projects, and from boating adventures to work trips. Here’s a recap of what kept us busy and engaged throughout this vibrant summer month.
Yard & Garden
The gardens kept me busy in July. I delved into harvesting our crops with mixed results. The onions, while abundant, were disappointingly small. We suspect the dry month might have contributed to their stunted growth. Garlic, too, came in smaller than hoped, but I'm still happy with the result. It’s a learning curve every year and taking notes to improve the yield for next season. I also gathered lettuce, chives and oregano, which added a fresh touch to summer meals and provided little gardening success to balance out the smaller onions and garlic.
Pumpkin and squash plants have lots of blossoms, but the majority are male blossoms. “They” say that the male blossoms come first then the female. I did find two female pumpkin blossoms and it appears that pumpkins are growing. The leaves and blossoms are attractive and add a nice texture to the garden. I hope more female blossoms appear and that we will be blessed with squash and pumpkins.
Four blackberry canes were added to the garden. The canes already had fruit developing so that was an instant gratification choice and many berries have been picked and enjoyed.
I channeled my creativity into building a 30-foot fence using branches and thin saplings from the "woods". The name of this fence style is "wattle fence"; it is a rustic and interesting addition to our property, blending seamlessly with the natural surroundings. If you do a search, you will find an amazing array of ideas.
Additionally, I planted four new trees: one dogwood and three Haralson apples. These will hopefully grow into a fruitful addition to our garden, and we’re excited about the future harvests they will bring. I'm calling it a mini orchard. "Grow a Little Fruit Tree" inspired me to plant apple trees. (link for book below)
Home Improvement Projects
July saw the completion of a significant home improvement projects. The added bathroom remodel is officially complete and inspected by the Town Code Officer and we will now see an increase in our property taxes 😁. Substantial progress was made by Whiskey and Mr. Coffee as they replaced the siding, sheathing, and insulation on the inside north corner of the house (this is the second time, first time was 22 years ago). It was no small feat, but seeing the finished result made it all worthwhile. I did the painting which is the easiest and is the icing on the cake. Old house maintenance is ongoing and exterior painting will continue on the north side throughout the upcoming months.
See the bathroom project in this video.
Boat Show Extravaganza
Our boat show was a highlight of the month. We proudly showcased Workboat 1, a stunning 1929 Chris-Craft. The show was a perfect opportunity to celebrate classic craftsmanship and connect with fellow boat enthusiasts. It’s always a pleasure to see these timeless beauties in action and share their history with others.
Watch a video of the show.
Work Trip to Vermont
July also brought a work trip to Vermont that was both productive and enjoyable. We explored Montpelier, took in the grandeur of the Mount Washington Hotel, and enjoyed the cozy charm of May Kelly’s Cottage. Each location offered a unique slice of northern New England, enriching both our work and leisure experiences.
Video of the whole trip is captured.
Wooden Boat Run
Whiskey orchestrated a wonderful group wooden boat run on Lake Winnipesaukee with five other classic wooden boats. It was a fantastic day filled with camaraderie, beautiful scenery, and the timeless elegance of wooden boats cutting through the water. It’s moments like these that remind us of the simple pleasures of summer and the joy of shared passions. See all of the photos and link to the video in this post.
Looking Ahead
As we wrap up July, we’re taking stock of our successes and areas for improvement. From our gardening lessons to home projects and memorable outings, it’s been a month full of learning and enjoyment. We’re looking forward to carrying these experiences forward, refining our techniques, and making the most of the rest of the summer.
Here’s to more growth, both in our gardens and in our lives, as we continue to embrace new projects and adventures!
Resources
Please follow us on Instagram Wine & Whiskey Travelers (@wineandwhiskeynh) • Instagram photos and videos
Grow a Little Fruit Tree: Simple Pruning Techniques for Small-Space, Easy-Harvest Fruit Trees: Ralph, Ann: 9781612120546: Amazon.com: Books
Check out this guy who is in NJ on a small lot growing everything by creating a food forest.
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