Fall Is Right Around The Corner. I Can't Wait.

This is the second large basket of fresh garden tomatoes that our neighbor friends have given us. As with the first basket, I gave them a good soak and wash in the sink. Cut them up. Ran them through our food processor. Put the gorgeous tomato puree in freezer bags. We now have over a half dozen bags for me to use when making homemade spaghetti or pizza sauce.

I've already made a crockpot of homemade spaghetti sauce. 

While most people are tightly embracing the last days of the Summer season, I'm counting the days until it's over. 

I hate rushing seasons, but this Summer wasn't the best. 

We were slammed with 5 heatwaves. 

During the Summer months, our electric bill almost doubles because of the A/C usage. This Summer, it blew through the roof because the fees and such went up. There was no way I was going to have our oven battle it out with our A/C's. 

I limited the use of the oven to make homemade dog treats, zucchini bread, and cookies for Lisa's snacks. And, the occasional homemade pizza, a lasagna dinner for Lisa's birthday, homemade cheesecake, and a few batches of cupcakes. 

I bow my head in shame with having to admit that we relied on bakery bread, store-bought pizza crust, and other additional snacks that I typically make homemade for Lisa. 

After a rainy Spring, we've had a very dry Summer. 

Having a backyard fire in our newly built fire pit was not an option most weekends. 

Our neighbor friends who have gardens said that the gardening this Summer was horrible. 

From March until the present day, Lisa has been working exceptionally long hours. We took things day by day and made it work. However, it put a strain on a lot of our plans because with Lisa getting home so late, a lot of what had to be done got pushed to the weekend. 

In addition to all of the above, after we made some changes at the beginning of the year. And, we took a few steps back. Observed. On the outside looking in. 

What we've learned will be an entirely separate blog column. 

With that being said, I'm ready for the Fall season. 

Receiving this second huge basket of tomatoes made me realize how much I have missed my Work at Home Dog Mom version of homesteading.

Freshly baked loaves of bread. Soups. Stews. But, most of all, not having to rely on the store-bought crap because it's too hot to use the oven.

I miss my turtlenecks and fleece lounge pants. 

I miss the cool, crisp air. 

It's weird because I used to prefer the warm weather months.

Now, I embrace the cold weather months.

For so many reasons. 

Fall is right around the corner. 

And, I can't wait!