We've had a LOT of rain in the past week or so. The grass is growing and the fields are starting to look like fields again, rather than a barren, inhospitable wasteland.
The ducks enjoy the rain, the chickens are OK with it, but not so bothered. The main problem is the issue of mosquitos. Every puddle of standing water seems to be swarming with mosquito larvae. We're in the process of draining them all and refilling the ones the ducks use. At the moment, I take a scoop of larvae and feed them to the fish. They enjoy chasing the mosquitos and I'm sure they like the taste! https://youtube.com/shorts/KrzZ8Z1P99c?feature=shared
When I've finally finished this book, we'll be taking the ducks to the pond, to see if they like open water - they will, I'm certain of it. Videos or it didn't happen!
The pond - no ducks yet.
The gardens are exploding with greenery, but it remains to be seen whether the fruits will ripen or not before the weather turns cold. That reminds me, I must uproot the peppers and make sure they are warm for the winter. They're perennial and will go out again, next year.
Tomato plants - foreground
Peppers and aubergines (eggplant) in the background
One HUGE tomato!
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Courgettes
The water-containment system - off to a great start for next year.
Watermelon!
Honeydew melon
Sweet potato vines - finally coming on!
Update on Ash!
We have a book cover!
And we also have a change of title. 'Candy Man' didn't work for me as I was writing, and I asked a few trusted people - it didn't work for them, either. The story had a temporary title for a few days, then @s0u1 came up with this, 'Faceless Man' title and the rest is (may be) history. I'm coming toward the end of this book now, and there are only a couple more scenes to work out. A few characters have changed in their priorities and relevance to the story, but Ash is still loyal to those who are loyal to her and she can see through the users and the players (eventually).