The Silver Maple

Shocked, shocked, and dismayed to see this.

The leaves are shriveled. So sad. Closer inspection revealed this.

And then I spotted this little creature climbing the bark.

Yuk!

Whatever this is, I don't want it to spread!

Bye-bye, silver maple!

Who Knew?

Who knew growing eggplant would be so easy? I had steered clear of eggplant because of horror stories I heard about the pests it attracts. So far, no pests and super eggplant!

The eggplant is doing much better than the wimpy pepper plants. Am thinking the heat of the summer really stressed them out before I could keep them supplied with much needed water.

The eggplant skin is very smooth, but I've discovered the ends can be a bit prickly.

Now I can use those eggplant recipes I've collected. Last night it was lasagna with eggplant layered in the middle instead of pasta.

Looks like I'll have more than enough to harvest, slice, blanch and freeze for use during the winter months.

Geo is Back

Geo returned from his conference in DC. Since he had arrived there a day early, he managed to take in some tourist sites.

He enjoyed a one- on- one tour (how about that!) of the Capitol, including the Old Supreme Court. He tells me he actually sat in the Chief Justice chair (but no photo!).

He reports that the Newseum has moved and undergone a major expansion since we were there years ago. It now includes exhibits of the actual Unabomber cabin, sections of the Berlin Wall and, of course, displays of hundreds of current first page editions of the news faxed in from all over the world. There's a stunning view of the Capitol from the open air terrace.

Geo tells me he was really impressed seeing the C-SPAN offices. He met up with Rick, the videotographer from our Presidents and Patriots Tour, who showed him the Washington Journal studio. Geo also met Brian Lamb, the Chairperson of C_SPAN. No real tour is complete without souvenirs, and Rick generously gave Geo a few C-SPAN mugs and two classy tee-shirts.

I'd like to revisit Washington, DC, but ~ please ~ not in August! Geo survived the high heat and humidity and enjoyed a productive conference.