[twyn1]

I've never heard about grape leaves helping keep pickles crisp! Interesting -- we have a couple of vines -- I'll have to do some research.

We have had a very good week in our little garden; tomatoes going crazy, still getting cukes, zucchini and peppers. 2nd planting of radishes are looking good.

I took a picture of yesterday's "harvest" --

We had a pretty bad year last year, other than the peppers. The tomatoes were esp. sad. I can totally understand how discouraging it is when you don't get much of anything for your hard work. And sometimes there's no clear reason, it just happens. I do like the suggestion of trying winter wheat, sounds lovely!

[greeneyes]

My Mother in Law always put a grape leaf in with her pickles. IIRC it was to keep them from being mushy.

She also never made sweet pickles. Just sour. When she wanted a sweet pickle, then she just poured off a little of the dill liquid and added sugar to taste. Put the lid on tight and shake off and on till it was disolved.

Nice looking harvest there. Thanks for posting the pic.