Who Said the Dog Days Are Boring?

Whoever said the Dog Days of August are boring never experienced one in Dirtmanland.

In fact, it's been hectic here since returning for our annual clamming operation in late July. So much so I have been unable to post anything here.

The garden and grass-cutting chores took a bulk of my time as I picked a ton of tomatoes. Some of it went for a fresh salsa made for Heir I's birthday bash; we tried every recipe that involved the fruit and made some up too. We forced maters on whomever showed up at the door and even tried to sell or give them away from a make-shift stand in the front yard.

Heir I's party wasn't until August 8th and according to SisIg's Facebook page, it will continue for another two weeks. Oh, to be young again.

Being sick of cucumbers and having pickled more than I'd like to remember, the neighborhood celebrated when I picked the last and pulled the vines last week.

I also started applying for jobs as several interesting prospects began appearing in the local papers but none came to fruition. Heir I, meanwhile, landed a job in Winchester, Sis, one in Woodstock and Heir II finished his year-long job in Strasburg as he finished packing for his trip to Salem to begin his post-high school academics this week at Roanoke College.

Sis and I took him Saturday, bidding him farewell in the parking lot that evening and I cried the better part of the trip home.

Sunday dawned to a sunny sky and more maters and after picking 40 pounds (which Heir I's better half's mother claimed), I decided I would attempt to make salsa to keep my mind off Heir I.

I think I succeeded.