We slid quickly into autumn with leaves changing without our even noticing. Part of that was due to the smoke in the valley. We were stuck indoors for many days, not being able to get out for walks until the hazardous air cleared. Now, we’ve been pretty much smoke free for a week and taking advantage of the outdoors!
A new storm is brewing with winds pushing through before the rain arrives. I spent a bit of time picking produce from the garden. The beans, tomatoes, lemon cucumbers, peppers, and zucchini continue to produce. I tried to glean as much as possible before the predicted 4 day stretch of rain. The large Cherokee Chocolate and Sweet Million tomatoes continue to sprawl over the ground, making for a disappointing yield. Is it still worth trying to tie them up? It might make them ripen quicker, if I can manage to get the heavy vines bundled together. The Prudens Purple continues to increase their fruit size, but we have yet to even try one. The first one is blushing in the above photo.
With this new storm comes wind and rain that could cause more problems with the wildfires burning. Up north towards Portland, the Riverside complex has reached 138,117 perimeter acres burned and is 31% contained. The Beachie Creek fire, closer to us, is 192,775 perimeter acres burned and 46% contained. Towards Eugene, the Holiday Farm fire has consumed 173,175 perimeter acres and is only 27% contained. Most evacuation levels have been stepped down with some people able to return home. Hundreds of home and structures have been destroyed between the three fires.
One thing I have finished this week was the donation to the Makindu Children’s Center. They will be having an auction Wednesday, October 21, 2020, 5:00-6:00pm Pacific Daylight time. For further information, please check their website HERE. The Ginkgo lamp stands 12.75″ x 7.25″ x 7.25″, comes with the electrical system and an LED bulb. The lamp base is Hemlock. The hand-cut paper lamp features a Ginkgo design with gold leaf accents on each panel. The entire piece, including the base, was constructed by my hands. It will be interesting to see how much money it can raise for the kids!
The Arts Center is holding their Art for the Heart Virtual Auction on Saturday, October 10, 2020. Please click HERE for additional information! I mounted one of the Moby “The Lick” reduction screen print for the event. Hopefully it too can raise a few bucks for an incredible arts organization!
I think that’s about all for now. I could go into all the dehydrator work happening in the kitchen, but that can wait. I need a break from the garden world.
I hope everyone is staying healthy!
Gale
Sticks, Stones, and Paper Stew Blog 
Love the items you are donating, I’m sure others will, too. The tomatoes look good, does produce taste smoky? I haven’t heard if Lisa’s dad’s grapes could be harvested, they had to test for smoke first. With all those firs still burning I’m surprised you have fresh enough air to be outside. Our skies here in MO are more tan than blue, may be from CO. and the smoke may be from the coast fires.
Those are definitely family eyes over Moby’s portrait, good to see you.
Thank you! ❤️
Nice to see all that you are up to. Upsetting to read the fires continue. Hopefully with the cooler weather and rain the fires will end. Love seeing your lamp and print. I’m sure they will bring good sized bids. And nice to see you too!
Thanks Cathe!