It's like a jungle! Between a work deadline, trying to keep cool, and maintaining the garden, we have been working like dogs (well, perhaps not the best example as our dogs nap ninety percent of the time! :-) the past few days. But I am not complaining because I adore this time of year---so many of my favorite foods are in season; plus the heat and humidity force one to slow down, to take the time to sip and savor that cool glass of mint tea. The days spill over into night, and the chatter of neighbors sitting on the steps outside can be heard in the early morning hours.
But there is also work to be done, so we are up again at dawn, to take advantage of the refreshing, dewy air. There is watering to be done and, at the moment, tomatoes to manage! Those that we haven't sliced and devoured with goat cheese, basil, and a little olive oil are being cooked up into sauces and soups and either canned or frozen for the cold-weather months.
Hard work, but we know our efforts will be rewarded in January, when a steaming bowl of tomato soup is in order!Tomorrow begins our town fair, which means there will be a brief reprieve from our labor. There will be amusement rides and dancing and fireworks and carnival food and farm animals and music playing well past our usual bedtimes. The break is well-timed for us because after the five-day fiesta winds down, I reckon our chili peppers will be ripe and ready for picking!
If you don't have a garden of your own, why not make plans to visit a local farmer's market this weekend? If your schedule doesn't allow time for canning your own vegetables, it is almost certain you can purchase preserves at the market, while also picking up some sweet corn for grilling. Ah, the endless possibilities.....
Have a great day, everyone!
