When you come back from an almost-three-week-long vacation, the untended yard yields surprises, both good and bad. So this weekend we tackled it at last.

We did NOT plant this lovely thing,  discovered among the weeds in the back of the yard near where the big ash came down (and was removed, leaving barren ground). What is it? Pumpkin, squash? Someone please enlighten us! Or I guess we'll just wait and see what develops.

Possibly the best yield ever on the little peach tree. But this is only because for once I didn't neglect to put a net over it, which has kept the critters away.

Bliss. What to make with the first pick--a pie? Fruit salad? Or just eat them out of hand, still warm from the sun?

The mint is out of control. Other things are tidier, and coming along: dahlias, lilies, a few tomato plants in a pot, and lots of basil.

The master weeder takes a little break.

Most of the blueberries are gone, but the birds and I fight daily for the remaining ones. I think they're winning, by sheer force of numbers and persistence. (Maybe next year--some nets?)

The apples are coming along nicely, but this winter the tree will really need to be pruned.

We're not the only ones hard at work!