Pumpkin Days

Yesterday we visited 4R Ranch for Pumpkin Days. We took a hay ride, picked a pumpkin, and got lost in the corn maze. The weather cooperated so we have a great time.

The corn maze is a clever invention. Since a farmer usually grows field corn for his livestock, why not carve a maze before harvesting it? The corn stalks are too high to see the pattern. This particular maze was tougher than usual, probably because some complained that it was too easy in earlier years and partly because we took many wrong turns and ended up in some circles. The point of the maze, for me anyway, is to enjoy the experience. Many people like to hurry through the maze competitively, but we just followed my daughter while she led the way, creating some fun family time.

Melted Snow

Yesterday's snow has melted. That's two days of snow this early in October. I am worried about my fall garlic because I have not planted it yet. First it was too warm. Then it was too wet. Now it's the snow? Only in Minnesota!

Snow?!?

Yep, the first snowfall (about a half inch) welcomed us this morning along with temps in the teens (at least on my thermometer on the north side). Now it's getting blustery, too. Isn't this a bit early? Yes, indeed. I heard on the news that this is only the seventh time it has snowed this early. I still have lots of garden work to do, but it's a little tough with--gasp--a windchill.

October Freeze

My three pots of impatiens had overflowed, covering the deck steps. Now they are shriveled stems,weeping and blackened. The culprit? Our first freeze of the season arrived last night. It's a sad time for me, a gardener, because the growing season is over, except for some tiny lettuces that I planted earlier. (They are tiny because they have survived a slug infestation.) We're supposed to get some warm weather after this push of arctic air, so I'll keep the lettuce covered. Hopefully they'll make it. Snow is on the way tonight. Ah, life in Minnesota!