This is the end...

I was very busy tidying up the garden.  I harvested seeds, put away garden decorations, dug up glads and geraniums, pulled the corn and pumpkin vines.  I spread sluggo around the beds.  Hopefully, it puts a dent in the slug population.  Next year, I will be ready for them.  While puttering around, I couldn't help but think of that Doors song, "this is the end, this is the end my friend."  Not only am I hoping it is the end for the slugs, but it is supposed to snow this week.  It also was the last entry in my garden journal.  

Kelly gave me the journal our first Christmas in the cabin. For seventeen years I've documented my projects, plants, the weather, and life in general.  Many an entry was made over coffee on the porch.  I have a new journal ready to go.  I was eager to start using it, until I started writing on the last page of the old one.  This is the end my friend.

I also picked a peck of peppers.  They are perfect roasted.  I cut them up and discarded the seeds.  I drizzled them with olive oil.  I added salt, pepper, basil, oregano, parsley, onion powder, and garlic powder.  Then I broiled them for 5 minutes, shuffled them around, and broiled for another two minutes.  I let them cool, laid them in a container, and froze them.  Perfect peppers.

Besides drying many of my herbs, I love the olive oil method of preservation.  I take an ice cube trays and fill it with minced garlic, parsley, basil, oregano, and chives.  Pour olive oil over the top and freeze.  These are perfect when browning meat.  I love to use herbs when cooking.  I only have one cube left out of two trays from last year.  I dried mint, chamomile, lavender, basil, rosehips, sage, oregano, and parsley.

Do you use herbs often?  What is your favorite way to preserve them?  Have you had snow yet?  Here is hoping you have a warm week.