July 2024 was one of those months that flew by. Not much writing but plenty of good reading. Lots of pulling weeds and puttering around the garden. A few days with the grandkids and… lots of heat. I have lost count of the number of triple digit days. Luckily, cool spells have broken the super-hot days into runs of four or five. A solid month would be unbearable.

Here in the United States of America, national politics is front and center. First, the assassination attempt on former president and current candidate Donald Trump was at the forefront of the news. Then, President Biden’s exit from the race after a disastrous debate and much lobbying by fellow politicians. I will not presume to announce his replacement since the Democratic Convention is in just a few weeks.

I will say that the two-party system has problems that need fixing. Furthermore, I trust in the vote. Those who are already claiming foul before Election Day even arrives need to read Nancy Coco’s Give Fudge a Chance just to see how silly they sound. November will be interesting, and I think the race is wide open. And whoever wins, I will respect the office of the president.

So far, harvest from the July 2024 Garden is much improved over July 2023. Tomatoes, cucumbers, zucchini, cantaloupe, onions and peppers are thriving. Both tomatoes and cucumbers have been processed as well as enjoyed fresh. This year’s salsa will not need any supplementary produce from the farmer’s market.

Unfortunately, during the last few days of July 2024, both grasshoppers and squash bugs have made their presence known. So, the battle between gardener and pests begins. Perhaps the birds will come to the rescue once again.

In addition to the books reviewed this month, I completed William Forstchen’s Five Years After and am mostly through Kristen Hannah’s The Women. Both are outstanding, although Crow Talk remains my favorite so far.

The first of the astronaut kid’s quilts was completed in July 2024. Considering a lack of a pattern, I like the finished product. It is sturdy and will hold up to the newest great-nephew as he grows and grows. As with all quilts my advice to my niece is to wash in cold water and hang to dry-but not in the sun.

How was your July?