Greetings!
Were you able to catch a glimpse of any meteors during the Perseid Meteor shower? We attempted to sleep out on the deck during the peak. Unfortunately, an unpredicted storm moved in before the shower really picked up. We managed to catch a few very bright meteors prior. I was disappointed to learn the Aurora Borealis was rather active that night as well! Though it’s not the peak, the shower continues to persist through August 24th.
This rainy weather is blocking out the possibility of any lunar observations this week. Hopefully we get some good weather the next few full moons. They are all Supermoons! Fingers crossed for clear skies next Sunday, the 25th. I’ll be hosting Astronomy club on our observation deck at 7:00 p.m., giving a short presentation and telescope observations. This will be a potluck style gathering. Bring a snack/drink (if you want) and plates/bowls/cup/cutlery.
There will be Yoga on the deck Sunday and Wednesday evening at 7:00, weather permitting. Tea Time is at 2:30 p.m. this Thursday. Reading In the Garden with Dr. Carver followed by activities about growing a garden. I’ll have a light snack and beverage, feel free to bring something to share. ALL ARE WELCOME! Books pulled from a 2nd grade curriculum.
I have added two Sourdough Science classes, one in September and one in October. They are listed on the schedule. If you’d like to attend, please let me know as far in advance as possible. I need to make sure I have enough starters to share. For now, in these classes we’ll learn about the science of how sourdough fermentation occurs. I’m hoping to get my hands on a high-powered microscope so we can see the lactic acid bacteria up close! We’ll also prepare something for you to take home and cook.
A few less events in September, there are too many things happening across New England that we don’t want to miss out on. I am getting excited for an event planned for October 16th though. We will be celebrating Dia de Los Muertos (Day of The Dead). Living on the Mexican border led me to really enjoy this tradition of celebrating the lives of those who have passed on. We’ll have a Taco/Nacho potluck, hopefully the telescope operating, and some traditional activities like sugar skull painting. I’m really looking forward to it and hope you can come! P.S. It’s my birthday too.
Phillip and I continue to try and conquer the weeds and mulch the living hell out of the orchard. We’ll always take a helping hand in this endeavor. Ideally, we want it well weeded by the end of September. Our plan is to then seed in peas and oats so that they grow and act as a nitrogen fixer/weed blocker. They will winterkill before going to seed. I observed that where we have done the peas and oats before, there are significantly less weeds and big strawberry plants. We are also always looking for mulch/leaves. If you know anyone trying to get rid of some, send them our way!
I still have an abundance of small heads of garlic if you are in need. The corn is starting to flower and remaining hopeful we may have some to offer in a month or two. The yams growing below them look like they are doing good too.
Hope you have a great week and enjoy this cooler weather ahead.
-Gwendolyn
Astrophotography from Phillip over the last couple weeks.
NGC6910
M45
