This firewood has been "seasoned" by drying in a kiln (a type of high temperature oven).  The firewood is essentially baked to force the moisture out.

Jessica Crawford

I think that Summer time is mistakenly labeled the time of year when fresh produce and vegetable gardening are at their best. Understandably, the variety of fresh fruits and vegetables available during the Summer months is outstanding. Who can forget a tomato fresh picked from the vine and sprinkled with a little salt; still warm from the sun. After the tomato season I just endured, like I knew I would, I miss it already. However that being said, there is also a wide selection of garden edibles available now. To name only a few-- Fall and Winter squash, pumpkins, apples, pears, grapes, quince, broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, onions, leeks, carrots and parsnips.

Persimmons

About two weeks ago, my mother and I spotted a wild persimmon (not on private property) and have been watching it carefully. Just a few days ago, the road was splattered with over-ripe and fallen fruit. Prepared with buckets in hand and rain boots on, as of course it had to be pouring with rain, we pulled the car over and threw our shame and dignity out the window. Hopping around as quickly and gracefully as possible as rush hour traffic whizzed by staring, we managed to collect enough persimmons to fill a large kitchen bowl.