Hello everyone, Jennifer here. Can you believe it's almost fall already? I know I can't. They say time goes by faster and faster as you get older, and I'm here to tell you they aren't kidding. We've already had a few mornings with a hint of fall in the air, and the days are getting shorter. Richard has been gone nearly eight months now, it still doesn't seem real some days. But, I'm plugging along, still having some bad days, but I can honestly say I am having more good than bad now.
I've had a busy summer between my gardens, the farmer's market, and projects around the house. We've had a different summer this year in that the whole month of June there were five days of sun - the rest was rain. Needless to say that put everyone's gardens behind. July was unseasonably hot for the coast, but I'm happy to say we've had a very pleasant August so far, and my gardens are flourishing. Just keeping up with the mowing and trimming around here is a full-time job. Now that I am doing the work of two people, I am even more busy. I've had to learn to be more self-reliant and take care of things that my husband used to do.
So far, I've learned how to change the oil and filters on the riding lawn mower, and just this morning I repaired one of its tires that had gone flat. I can also add junior plumber to my resume as I had to replace a leaky faucet. Recently I installed two of those slide out drawers that go in lower kitchen cabinets, so I don't have to stand on my head to get the things in the very back! It's not that I don't have anyone I can ask for help; I just feel like I need to learn these skills. Plus, there's something satisfying about doing it myself!
I'm still busy making soap and aromatherapy products as well. I just haven't had much time to attend festivals and such as a vendor this season. I am looking forward to the holiday shows in November and December; they are inside so I don't have to wrestle with putting my canopy tent up by myself. Not that I am rushing the seasons, but I have to admit I am getting tired and part of me is ready to put the gardens to bed for winter so I can switch gears to inside jobs.
I have been creating some new soaps for fall, all new scent combinations and designs. It feels good to be creative again. Pictured above is one of the new ones; I'm calling it New Beginnings. Next month I'll be starting my holiday soaps. I know that sounds early, but they take about six weeks to cure plus I need time to get them on the website for those who like to order them for gifts. If you don't already follow Earthly Suds Co on Facebook, please look it up and give me a like. This is where you can get sneak peeks of all my new products.
I hope you have had a great summer and maybe learned something new. We can all benefit from expanding our horizons, being creative, and learning a new skill. It's never too late for new beginnings.