Finally!

We have tomatoes.

The garden didn't feel like a garden until these started ripening. Basil just isn't basil without a tomato nearby. Ya know what I mean?

I've been  dreaming about tomatoes since spring, when I started my seedlings. Those unfortunately didn't make it, inadequate lighting was to blame. So we purchased lots and lots from the nursery, trying to get as many varieties in as possible. I think we have 50-60 plants growing. I'm hoping it will be enough to get us through the summer, and much of the fall and winter as well. We'll see...

Cucumbers have been plentiful as well. I tried my hand at refrigerator pickles, and they turned out pretty well. They are tasty enough, but not so good that they disappeared instantly. They were too sweet, next time I'll go for something a little spicier.

I made zucchini crab cakes the other day, and they went over pretty well. They were quick and easy to make, extremely inexpensive, and pretty healthy if you bake instead of fry them. Everyone liked them but Laura, but she doesn't count in the food judging arena.

For example: I served fresh from the garden, steamed and seasoned  green beans at lunch today, and gave her one (only one) to eat. The fit she threw! She was on the floor kicking and screaming, just refusing to even try. I didn't back down though, and sat there until she was ready to eat it. When she finally broke down and took a bite, she said  "Mmmm, this is good!" and finished off the bowl of them. Ugh.

So I've been pretty quiet lately. In real life as well as this blog. In actions as well as words. I haven't made anything in a few months, haven't had the desire to shop, or thrift, or do most things that I usually occupy myself with that I think others might find even remotely interesting. Besides the obvious time I spend with family I've been pretty content just being.

Like the other day when I sat watching this butterfly.

I stood there for as long as the butterfly fluttered, which was quite a while.

And today my great excitement occurred in the chicken coop. I spent a while in there this morning, because one of my chicks escaped her enclosure and was assaulted by a hen. I administered first aid,  separated her from the others, and just hung out observing her, making sure she was okay. While I was in there, another hen was laying an egg. Since I was just sitting there, I thought "why not?" and caught the egg as it came out. That was my thrill for the day, holding such freshness, listening to Pepper give her victory cry when she was done. I found it exciting, I think Daryl found me a little odd...

Tonight we might be heading out to the county fair. We are waiting to see how happy children are afternoon rests. I'm hoping we go, it's time we mixed things up a little around here.

Take Care!

Comments

[Kieran]

I'm so jealous of your tomatoes! I don't have any! But I do have a fat woodchuck with an affinity for tomatoes wandering around my yard. I think there might be a connection...

[Heidi]

50-60 tomato plants?!?! That isn't a garden, that's crops! LOL You are going to have tomatoes coming out of your ears, but what a problem to have, right? They look delish! Wish mine would hurry up and ripen!

[Kim V]

Yummy tomatoes! I cannot imagine that many plants though! I can hardly keep up with my 8! But I don't can them either. Sometimes you just need a little non-thrifting, non-crafting...see what little things are happening...like flitting butterflies! This year I went through a 3 month slump like that but managed to observe other things in my little part of the world! Hope you made it to the fair!
Kim

[Monica]

The tomatoes and pickles look delicious! I've been in a period of "doing" most of this year that I'm seeking some time for just "being". I hope to get to that place soon. Have fun at the fair. :)

[africankelli]

What a fabulous summer you are having! These look delish. I think the taste of a warm tomato right off the vine is the flavor of a summer well-lived.