Lush

A few days past a visitor commented on MuRefuge looking "lush." MuRefuge's native plants are either in estivation, aka dormant, or headed to that state, so the description was rather a surprise. Then sitting with the exchange, not a surprise at all if one is in tune with the vibrant energetic matrix that composes MuRefuge.

LUSH, for sure!

The Siberian crabapple tree provided a bumper crop this year.

Several days ago some 20 pounds were harvested of which

about 5 were selected for the compost bin.

Having been unsatisfied with previous pickled Crabapple recipes I have tried, this season I decided to create my own recipe. Of course, the verdict on this recipe will not be in until these pickles have set in the pantry for several months for the flavors to maximally develop. So here's the recipe:

1/2 pound of Crabapples makes approximately 1 pint of pickles. This recipe is for 6 pounds.

• 3 C. each of organic maple sugar and organic herb apple cider vinegar
• 2 sticks of organic cinnamon 
• 1 1/2 T. of each, all organic: allspice, cloves, coriander

Combine and bring to a boil.
Cook one layer of Crabapples at a time for 5", no more than 6" in the simmering liquid, remove from liquid and drop into sterilized pint glass jars (also sterilize the lids).  Strain liquid and pour liquid over the fruit. 

Add 1 organic cinnamon stick (use the 2 from the boiled liquid for 2 of the jars) and 1 organic whole cardamon seed to each jar. Divide the strained spices equally among the six pint jars filled with Crabapples and liquid. Steam process for 20".

Allow processed jars to completely cool before labeling and storing in a cool, dark place. The pantry in our Great Room is just perfect for storing canned goods.

SIGHTINGS:
Wandering out to veggie garden to freshen the ducks water in their two stainless steel bowls, I found this not only dead but battered butterfly. 

Upon investigation its identification was revealed: Gulf Fritillary whose range use to be limited to the Southern United States. With gardeners planting this butterfly's caterpillar food, Passionflower, here in Northern California, as one of our neighbors has done, the range has expanded.

And now the Hessel Avenue area has its very own drone peeking into women's windows.
Two of our female neighbors have shared seeing a drone located just outside their windows. Needless to say, neither woman felt safe with this kind of invasion of their living space.

As we all adjust to the happenings of our new to the neighborhood inhabitants, may we