More bugs

Bugs of various kinds have been hitting us here in Oklahomegrownvegland.
First of all an update on Alvin's bug.

The results of his blood tests revealed that he had picked up some kind of parasite on his blood, as I had expected, and his red/white cell ratio was way out of wack. This was probably picked up from something he caught and ate or perhaps a tick or flea bite. He's been on medication for it these last 2 weeks. His appearance, appetite and general well being have improved significantly.
Getting him to take the tablets is a major operation as he can be such a "willful boy" at times but we persevere.

I too have had a bug. A bug of the computer type which just about flattened the Happy Gardener's on line activities. After much searching, cleaning, downloading etc it appears to be cleared but I am on constant alert.

Anyroad, enough of this. Lets get onto the garden bugs!
Yes, the Blister beetles have arrived and here you can see.........................

....that they have really enjoyed my Swiss Chard. I've been hand picking them off as best I can and seem to have got them on the run. For the Chard it's a bit too late so I'm going to wait until I'm sure the Beetles have gone for the season then cut it back. If I'm lucky I may get another crop from these plants later in the fall.
Temperatures have once again been extremely hot and on the few days that it's bearable to go out there I.............

....have to mow the grass. If I leave it and it rains the grass grows at such a rate that it soon gets beyond control. Also, keeping it cropped helps keep down the bug population around the house area.
My tomato plants are starting to produce now but certainly not as heavy as last year.

I need to start making some Tomato Gloop or perhaps a "Summer in a Bowl" salad methinks.
The Cherry Tomato hybrids are extremely heavy with fruit.......................

.........and I'm picking them every day.
Of the other varieties...........................

....Giant Beefsteak and...................

....Old Virginia, the plants and the crop are smaller but still of excellent flavour.
After a slow start the Yolo Bell peppers...........................

....are finally........................

....producing. Again, the plants are smaller with less leaf growth at the lower areas. Maybe I need to do some serious soil work before next years planting.
The flower beds at the front of the house are looking great.............................

....and the Black Eyed Susans are in full bloom. The Cherry Tomato plant which you can see situated behind them is producing a small amount of fruit too, even though this bed loses the sun by midday.
I re potted the Catnip plants and they are now producing their 4th batch of leaves of the season.................

........as you can see........................

.......I'll be harvesting again soon.
This weeks purchase...................

.........some wood. Exciting isn't it?
It's going to have to cool down a whole lot before I start this project.

Enough!