Windows #2 and 3

On Saturday, Evan hustled to install two more new windows. In fact, he moved so quickly that I didn't get a chance to take pictures while he was working. But here's the finished product:

Not sure what we're going to do with the old windows:

So, three windows down -- five more to go. And maybe next year we'll do another five or so, after we see how these survive the winter. Yes, we've got that many more windows to replace.

For now, we are overjoyed at how nice the new windows look. Viewing them from inside (these are all in the living room), they look clean and sturdy. And, unlike the old windows, you can open them. Ah, nice to feel a breeze in the house...

Corn pokin'

We've got corn! And lots of green beans.

Really excited, though, about the corn.

Last year we had corn but various things -- bugs, deer, other bugs -- ate it. I think we ended up with only a couple ears. Last year, the Japanese beetles also ate up the beans until around September, after which the beans rebounded and we were flush with beans for about a month.

So, 2008: very sad to report that aphid-like bugs infested my summer squash plants, and some of the pumpkins, so I had to pull them up. But, unlike last year, the corn and beans are flourishing. Here's the first ear that we picked, and then ate, last week. With a couple beans in the background.

To fill in where the squash had been, I forged ahead with 2008 Garden 2.0 -- lots of little exciting experiments: First, turnips, pak choi (supposed to be like bok choi) and swiss chard. Like, two feet of each. Just to see how they do. Planted those last week and they're starting to sprout. Turnips planted in late summer last year turned out great, so we'll see....

Today continued the experiment: Planted spring onions, spinach... and carrots. I suspect it is a little late for carrots in our zone 5/6 climate, but we might get some baby ones. We've got more than two months of summer left, after all!

Also, Evan started replacing the windows. He started today and got 90 percent of the work done on one. I didn't take pictures as we were crunched for time when he started, but we will document next weekend when he ventures to do the next one. He's planning on replacing eight windows before winter comes knocking....