Lots of yard work, 2 birthdays, and our first harvest!

This summer has slipped through my fingers - I can't believe it's already mid-July! Not that its been a particularly warm summer here, in fact it's been pretty darn chilly and the sun has almost disappeared, but I count my blessings where they are. Thankfully, no heatwave in sight for us! The month of July has been pretty busy considering I thought my summer schedule was going to be clear, but I've really enjoyed having somewhere to go everyday!
First, I completed my library training and worked my first full day at the local library. What fun! I couldn't believe I was at work! I am going to like being a librarian just as much ( if not more than) I thought I would. Now, for my first substitute opportunity.....

We celebrated two birthdays this month! One for JSM and the next day for me!

We had a phenomenal meal at Meriwether's Restaurant in downtown Portland. What a magnificent dining experience! Meriwether's owns and operates a 5 acre farm in NW Portland that grows all the food they serve at the restaurant. The meat and other items not grown on their own farm are sourced from local farms throughout Oregon and SW Washington. We saw this restaurant profiled in Clean Eating magazine and since it was in our neck of the woods we had to try it!

JSM's steak dinner

my Columbia River Sea Bass

As the month swiftly passes our garden continues to grow despite the lack of sun and surplus of rain. Surprisingly, the most stellar plants we have right now are the Rotvie Pumpkins. My October 2010 prediction may actually come true - we could have our own pumpkins by Halloween. Here's hoping they continue to thrive!

We harvested our first vegetable, a radish, on July 19th!

The rest of the garden is a little sad, no doubt, due to the lack of sun. But, I hear the growing season is long in the NW. I sure hope so! 

This is going to be a giant Dahlia - hopefully in a couple days!

At least the flowers are doing well!