Living

with Jim and Gayle

July, 2026

We like the retracting step on the new pickup so we decided to buy one for the passenger side.  It won't be used very often as usually Jim and I don't go many places together.  However, it will be nice to have it when I need it.


The rotary cutter that Jim was using while installing the step broke and flew at his face.  He was wearing eye protection but it sliced his cheek.


We bought a new trolling motor for the boat.  The old motor still worked great but it was a pull start and a manual tilt.  This was getting harder each year for Jim.  We decided to get a new motor with an electric start and power tilt to make life easier on him when we're fishing.


Jim had to install the autopilot and remote speed control on the new motor.


Our yard has big dry spots in it no matter how much Jim adjusts the sprinklers.  He finally replaced all the sprinkler heads with a different type plus added a sprinkler in the backyard.  It remains to be seen whether this helps.


Jim's been using the weed eater to edge the yard.  He decided to buy a battery powered edger to do it.


It's prime harvest time for my garden.  Lots of cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, lettuce, and carrots.


I harvested the carrots and with Jim's help, we peeled, chopped, roasted and vacuum sealed 10 pounds of carrots (5 packages).  We like making them into carrot soup and with them already roasted, it's an easy meal.


I've made squash casserole, cold cucumber soup, quick pickled jalepenos and with Jim's help, canned some pickled tomatoes.  We're eating fresh cucumbers, tomatoes and lettuce.  I've harvested several kohlrabi.  My bell peppers are all suffering from blossom rot.


I was being overwhelmed with summer squash so I decided to cut down one of the petty pan squash plants (I had 5 summer squash plants).  The next day, three of the remaining 4 plants decided to try to die!  I can't find any reason for them trying to die.  I'm hoping with extra water that they will survive.

Healthy squash plants


Sick squash plants


I am still spending a lot of time sorting, inventorying, and selling yarn.


Bo had a seizure this month.  We assume he's been having them all along but just not when we are around.  Makes me sad.

Bo's a happy dog.  One of the fun things he likes to do is steal a piece of paper that he's not supposed to have and play keep-away.