[Paul R.]

We haven’t cooled yet! But, we should (a little, still above average) soon.

I’m hoping nice weather holds until late next week. Wifey and daughter-san both will be on Fall break, and wifey actually WANTS to go on an all fishing expedition, probably to Devil’s Kitchen Lake in So. IL. (A truly wonderful place, despite the name. They should change it to “Slice of Heaven”!).

[Paul R.]

Unless I mixed up the fruits (possible, I was rushing a couple days ago), my “Independence Day” tomato fruits are pretty nice looking, and... pretty bland. I’d say my “Unknown Volunteer” is better: It produced / is producing slightly smaller fruits, but a bit sweeter, and the plant grew quickly and produced sooner. Despite the Independence Day plants supposedly being a very early producer, they were not, although, our sodden spring did badly affect many plants. Still, other varieties in the same part of the garden did better. The Better Boys and the Abe Lincolns produced sooner for me, and taste much better. That said, the Independence Day fruits LOOK very nice, with no splitting so far.

The “Early Treats” are finally “almost there” (fruits to harvest) too. Hopefully they taste good.

The Asian Squash FINALLY produced a couple flowers, and... (apparently) the squirrels have come back and chewed them off. Time to declare war!!!

[Diana in Wisconsin]

We have Devil's Lake State Park. I've climbed those bluffs MANY times through the years.

Devil's Lake:

The Devil's Doorway: