Rain, weeds, rain, weeds, rain, weeds

It looks like the land of Russian thistle here; if there were more weeds I could easily identify I'd list more. Over the past week we've gotten nearly 3/4 inch of rain, which for this high, arid desert seems like a lot. I'm seeing growth in plants that haven't done a thing the past 3-4 years.
All of my yarrow are blooming, rabbitbrush is just beginning to put on beautiful yellow flowers, Russian sage is looking great, as are gaillardias, monarda, Mexican Hat, and more. Jupiter's beard, planted less than five weeks ago, is blooming. My Scarlet Runner pole beans (planted just for the hummingbirds) are climbing rapidly and beginning to flower; nearly endless squash blossoms but I'm not doing a thing with them. By the way, I had my first cheese-stuffed squash blossoms at Rino's Italian Restaurant in Salt Lake City back in late June - was very yummy. I'm pretty sure I don't have the patience to make something like that.
Lettuce, greens, Swiss chard are all being harvested in abundance, kohlrabi in less abundance but still good.
I purchased 35 lbs. of canner tomatoes at a local greenhouse and will be spending quite a few hours making "Firey Salsa". My recipe includes jalapenos, onions, garlic, lime juice, red bell peppers, tomatoes, cilantro, vinegar, & salt. I found this recipe in Parade magazine (Sunday Denver Post insert) a couple of years ago, and it has become my favorite salsa recipe.
Whew, that's all for now.

Thinning in the garden

I don't necessarily enjoy thinning, but tonight, after being gone for three weeks, thinning was essential - due to lack of time I was only able to thin some of the carrots, beets, and radishes; over the next couple of days I'll have to hit all of the other stuff (greens, lettuce, more carrots, more beets, beans, more other stuff).
When we returned from vacation a couple days ago, Caddy-dog found the sugar snap peas which she was able to grab through the fence that surrounds the vegetable garden. They're now history, as she was able to get inside the garden, underneath my row covers, and totally chew up and de-pea all of the vines. I have no idea how she got under the row covers. Little buttface.
The hummingbirds are thrilled we're back to refill all of the feeders; they're being very territorial and noisy in their own little way. I have little raspberries on some of my canes. The bumblebees are out on the nepeta (catmint) in force.
Ahhh, garden life goes on . . .

Wilds of Idaho

Away from my gardens for a while; instead spending time in northern Idaho on the Selway & Lochsa rivers, visiting in-laws & friends scattered here & there. Above is a shot of our campsite on the Selway above Mooose Creek, before the big day of rapids. The Selway River is a premier whitewater wilderness river; only one permit per day is handed out during the boating season, and a certain percentage of those are for commercial trips. So to be on a private Selway trip is kind of a big deal unless you happen to know lots of boater people who get lucky. It was a great trip - lots of excitement, beautiful clear water, great weather, people & food.
Caddy the dog is at camp with her maternal "grandparents" for the duration of our vacation. She likely has forgotten we exist.