We planted our garden in the spring with the usual high hopes most gardeners have starting the growing season. Tomatoes, green peppers (and one habanero, bought by mistake that I insisted we keep) zucchini, cucumbers, green beans and asparagus. Because of shortages caused by the pandemic Shelly had to go to several greenhouses to find the plants we wanted. Many more people than usual decided to grow vegetable gardens this year. Once we got everything in the ground and mulched against weeds we were set. Until birds, rabbits or mice (maybe all three) dug up the green bean seeds and the asparagus withered and died. We will try to establish the asparagus bed again next year and as for the green beans Shelly had the idea of cutting a plant cage in half and covering it with chicken wire, then laying it over the seeds to keep out pests until the plants are established. The rest of the garden progressed well through the spring and into the summer until we entered the drought that continues as I write this in early September. It has been so hot and dry the grass crunches when we walk across the acreage. Some of our trees began dropping leaves last month and the corn and bean crops surrounding us are gold and yellow, ready for harvest. We did the best we could with our garden but unending weeks of hot dry weather took its toll. At this point only the tomato plants are still producing, but I am holding out hope for the green peppers. We are also keeping our eye on the the little volunteer plant that popped out of a crack in our sidewalk, now full of yellow flowers and little green tomatoes.