Our weather turned quite cool at the end of last week. Overnight Friday into Saturday the forecast called for a possibility of frost, low of 32. For the first time, I decided to cover my plants. Usually by the time a frost comes along, I'm ready to be done, but there are still tons of green tomatoes out there and lots of basil waiting to be whipped into pesto. It was only supposed to be a one night dip and then back to more moderate temps. So Edward and John helped me pick all the ripe tomatoes (and some unripe, as Ed doesn't really make the distinction--he just loves putting them in the bucket) and a grocery bag full of basil. Then I put tarps and a blanket over as much as I could cover and figured the rest would have to be sacrificed.

It turned out it didn't actually get that cold here, but the protection was probably a good idea anyway. It's warm again now (80s in the day 60s overnight) so I should have a bit more time for harvest before it's really over for the year.

Cooler temps also meant Ed needed to return to warmer sleepwear. He absolutely will not keep a blanket on, so footie pajamas were essential. It didn't get too cold inside--our furnace never kicked on--but still, we didn't want him to be shivering alone in his crib. He was very confused about why his feet were covered and kept pulling on the pajama feet saying "Shoes?" At least last winter's jammies still fit. I was worried I'd try to pull them up and realize they wouldn't go all the way up to his shoulders or that his toes would be straining against the foot seams. But he got used to them and by morning was comfy enough to toddle around for a few hours before getting dressed. He even climbed up to read the paper with John. His preferred section: "Cars!" (a.k.a. classified ads.)

His Hawkeye spirit was enthusiastically received at daycare Friday, when they celebrated "spirit day" in advance of the big Iowa-Iowa State matchup. Unfortunately his spirit did not help the Hawks, who lost a nail-biter to ISU in Ames. Edward napped through most of it, but woke up for the last few plays when Iowa State nabbed the victory with five seconds remaining. He was unmoved by the experience. By the way, Gram thinks the bibs should be banned. She's such an out-of-stater!