School has started, fall is on its way (after the heat wave this week, I hope!)

It's always exciting this time of year, even when you homeschool--although I'd have to admit that I am probably more excited than Sean and Jaret!  Jeremy was happy to get back to school, he's starting his Chef and Restaurant management training, so that is exciting.  Seamus was very happy to hop on the bus today, he really loves school!

Such a cheerful and excited boy!  Now, here are his brothers:

Not so excited, LOL!  Although, I think, deep down inside, they really like learning stuff.

Seamus was just as happy when he arrived home, but he's a happy kid most of the time.

It's been hard for me to get back to daytime hours---not that I slept late or anything, I was usually up by 8-8:30.  But for some reason since school has started I've been waking up at 6 am and I cannot get back to sleep.  And since I have to be up at 7 anyway, what's the point!  I've been trying to get to bed earlier, but last night that wasn't until 1 am.  It'll be earlier tonight!  The boys had a productive day, although it seemed to go on forever.  That's ok though, I have no problem with them spending hours learning stuff!!!

I'm planning a big shindig on Sunday for Labor Day weekend.  I haven't decided yet what to cook--although I'm thinking pitas, hummus, grilled pork or chicken---maybe a Middle Eastern themed meal, gyros and other yummy foods.  We'll see, I have to see how much energy I have left after this week!!!

The garden is nearing the end---it was such a good harvest this year, I am very happy with the yields considering we had to deal with blight and Colorado potato beetles.  It's getting near time to start clearing the beds out again, put in some manure and peat and compost and get ready to plant my garlic in a month.  I'm hoping for a good crop next spring, we didn't do so well this year, but again, better than expected!  My herbs have been fantastic, I'll get 3 harvests out of them before winter.  I've still got quite a few tomatoes out there, I think another canning session is soon to be in order!

  

We got 6 1/2 quarts of tomato sauce and 3 pints of salsa---but only because about 6 pints were already eaten!  I think I'll make more salsa with the remaining tomatoes, that was really good!

Off to make lunches and jump in the shower before bed!  See ya soon, hopefully I'll have some project started REAL soon!

Leslie:-)