August 1: National Peach Month

1. There is a 40 percent chance of rain today, with showers and thunderstorms possible. It will be mostly sunny today with a high temperatue of 90 °F. The storms may be severe, producing strong winds and large hail. The wind will come from the west at speeds between 3 mph and 9 mph. It will be mostly clear tonight with an overnight low of 62 degrees. The wind will come from the northwest at speeds between 3 mph and 8 mph, according to the National Weather Service.

2. President Barack Obama announced that a debt ceiling deal was reached in principle last night.

3. August is National Peach Month, according to the American Food and Drink Days database. Since they’re ripe for the picking this month, here are some interesting facts from the Joy of Baking.com about this aromatic, sweet and juicy fruit, which is part of the rose family:

• Peaches are at their best when just ripe and at room temperature
• A new hybrid was developed to reduce the fuzziness, so now the skin is just downy soft
• Because a fuzz-less peach could not be developed, a machine was invented to gently rub off the remaining fuzz. Since then, sales of peaches have shot up
• Peaches do not ripen after picking, only soften
• Peach trees only survive about 20 years
• Most of the vitamins of the peach are in the skin
• White peaches, although not commonly available, are said to be superior in flavor
• The red 'blush' on a peach is due the variety and is not a sign of ripeness

4. A variety of peach recipes are easily found on the Internet. Check out PastryWiz.com to all sorts of concoctions that are on the unique side, such as smoked peaches, peach barbecue sauce, peachy bread pudding and more.

For a quick guide to canning supplies, this PickYourOwn.Org link is a great resource for all types of canners, books, pectin, strainers, pit removers, seed-skin-stem removers, food sealers, dehydrators, funnels, racks and much more.

5. PickYourOwn.Org also lists farms throughout Connecticut that offer pick-your-own peaches and/or farm stands with fresh peaches. Some of the more local farms are listed below for your convenience. Call ahead for picking conditions and times:

• Appleberry Farm - 749 North Stone St., West Suffield - Phone: 860-668-7252
• Belltown Hill Orchards - 483 Matson Hill Rd., South Glastonbury - Phone: 860-633-2789 - E-mail: belltownorchards@snet.net
• Bushy Hill Orchard - 29 Bushy Hill Rd., Granby - Phone: 860-653-4022 - Email:hallaw@bushyhill.com
• Dondero Orchards, LLC - 529 Woodland St., South Glastonbury - Phone: 860-659-0294 - Alternate phone: 860-633-2375 – E-mail: DonderoOrchards@cox.net
• Easy Pickin's Orchard - 46 Bailey Rd., Enfield - Phone: 860-763-FARM/763-3276 – E-mail: farmerb@easypickinsorchard.com
• Scagllia Fruit Farm - 360 Matson Hill Rd., South Glastonbury - Phone: 860-633-9055 or 860-633-1699
• Scott's Orchard and Nursery - 1838 New London Tpke., Glastonbury - Phone: 860-633-8681 – E-mail: woody@scottsorchardandnursery.com
• Irish Bend Farm Orchard - Pioneer Heights Rd., Somers - Phone: 860-698-6429
• Johnny Appleseed's Farm - Route 83 & 13 Schoolhouse Rd., Ellington - Phone: 860-875-1000
• Winterbrook Farm - 116 Beffa Rd., Staffordville - Phone: -860-684-2124 – E-mail:winterbrookfarm@cox.net
• Crooke Orchards - 317 Bebbington Rd., Ashford - Phone: 860-429-5336.
• Horse Listeners Orchards - 317 Bebbington Rd., Ashford - Phone: 860-870-7301 E-mail: Matthewcouzens@sbcglobal.net