By LYNNE IRONS

I spent some time last weekend following the near-nonstop coverage of the fifth-year anniversary of Hurricane Katrina. Then, in watching the Weather Channel Tropical Update I kept my eye on the movements of Earl. I did make a few “in-case” preparations. I searched out a mechanic to repair the generator. I can live pretty well for a while with no power. I have a gas range, plenty of lanterns and always something to do. However, this business of no water because of an electric-run water pump in the well is a big drag.

By LYNNE IRONS

A few weeks ago, a story was told on NPR of a man with a persistent cough. Fearing the worst, he scheduled a doctor’s visit. An x-ray revealed a pea plant growing in his lung. He apparently had a split pea go down the wrong pipe. Incredible as it sounds, all ended well with the removal of the half-inch sprout.

BY LYNNE IRONS

By LYNNE IRONS

Winter squash is a misnomer. For years I have saved them for post-summer meals. Thanks to the hideous squash bug, the vines are mostly dead and the squashes are no longer attached to anything. I see no point in leaving them in the field, probably to rot. On Saturday, Marie and I harvested a good number of hubbards, lakatas and spaghettis. We noticed that the Waltham butternut and the Tennessee sweet potato squash did not seem to be affected adversely by the bug. We left them to mature on the vine.

By LYNNE IRONS

I cannot seem to catch up or even catch a break. This summer has flown by. Plants that should be blooming now are past their prime. Everything is moving too fast. Now, without a doubt, part of this phenomenon is my advancing age. I know and admit it.

There is nothing like a couple of rainstorms to set everything right. Here it is Saturday afternoon and I am sitting in the shade of the one tree in my vegetable garden.