Tomatoes That Satisfy a Sweet Tooth

Don't even look for them in a store, they aren't there. You may be able to find them at a farm stand if you are fortunate. The sweetest tomatoes are home grown and picked when ready to pop in your mouth. The cherry and grape ones don't even make it inside half the time. They are eaten right off the vine, like I did tonight while watering.

I have found a good mixture of soil and additives. Of course these guys are organic, like everything out back. Start with a good mixture of dark soil, peat moss and leaf mulch. Plant from seed or buy seedlings (I do both). Then make a horse manure tea. 1 Part horse manure 4 parts water. Let it cook outside. Add rain water as summer goes on. If you live on the coast, get some seaweed and put in on top. When the circus comes to town (I am serious), ask if you can get the elephant dung- add that (after it has broken down) as well. Take your eggs shells and turn them upside down in the soil. Water, let the LORD do the rest... oh yeah- pull the suckers off - I plant mine and they are growing now. You will have tomatoes that are the sweetest you ever tasted. But I must warn you- it will be very hard buying tomatoes in the store after this.

Seeds That Stir Up Memories

While in China in the fall of 2005, my brothers-in-law went out and and found some special seeds for me. Some of them produced beautiful morning glories.

Each fall in my backyard after the frost I go and collect seeds off these morning glories for next year's planting. They have found their way all over the northeast now but they originated back here.

They began to bloom again this week. The flowers are gorgeous and unique but the people they are connected to are what really warms my heart. It is a wonderful feeling to be loved. When someone who doesn't speak your language but communicates to you in terms of love it stays with you forever. Gifts do not need to be expensive to be priceless. Some are. Some are not. Some are in seeds given to a person by dear people from another land. I know that is among my thoughts these summer mornings when I journey out into nature's household and behold God's Handiwork in the love of my fmaily in China.

Tomato Time!

By now everyone who planted tomatoes back in April are beginning to enjoy the fruits of their labor. These fruits (or are they vegetables?) are delectable. I put elephant dung in the pots they are planted in, horse manure tea, egg shells and seaweed. They vines have gone crazy. They are so laden with fruit that the poles I staked them up with are breaking from the weight. This is wondrous to the organic gardener!

Rain, Rain Go Away! Just Kidding!

Remember as a kid those rainy days? My first Mets game back in 1966 got rained out. Remember begging Mom to go out only to have her respond, "It hasn't stopped raining yet." I guess for kids today things are different. With all the home entertainment, if it rains, there is always a gazillion things to do. But back in the day, okay way back in the day it wasn't so. There was a show or two on TV and as far as the media that was about it... oh yeah there was a record player and radio- mostly AM back then. Today I-Pods, Satellite Radio, Cable TV, Hulu and all kinds of stuff on line, texting and cell phones and DVDs keep us occupied. But back in the day we were chomping at the bit to get outside. Back then outside was where all of the action took place.

The current rain we have received on Long Island has been welcomed big time! We were in a drought here. This happens often. On our Island we have different weather sometimes than the entire Northeast. We needed the rain. We welcomed the rain. I stood out in it this morning and got soaked. Last night Lucy and I went to visit some folks in the church on foot! We got caught in a shower on the way home. It was wonderful! Singing in the Rain!

Its fun being an adult with a kids heart!

The Eyes of the World Are On You

Dragon Flies abound outback. The younger ones are everywhere. There has been a population explosion. Guess they don't have Planned Parenthood among their species.

They like flies and bees have an incredible range of eyesight. The eyes are their main means of protecting themselves. They see some danger and they are out of there.

Did you ever think of all the eyes there are looking around when summer is here? With the proliferation of plants and leaves comes the proliferation of eyes. They are everywhere. You can't go anywhere outback these days without being watched and watched closely. Grandchildren and children are like that too. If you have any you know how quickly they pick up things by watching you. Draw your own conclusions from these thoughts and while you do remember their eyes are upon you.

Beauty For A Day

God is too much! These gorgeous flowers are Daylilies. The proper Greek name Hemerocallis means "beauty for a day". God clothes my backyard with these wonderful blooms. They are here today and gone tomorrow. Consider the lilies. God takes care of them. He lets me water and plant new ones but it He that causes the seeds to grow. Consider them. Then think about how greater is His love for you- so much greater!

Another Gift

Catherine, my neighbor, just came by with her nephew, to give a tadpole to the pond. Thanks Catherine! She has given me salamanders in the past as well as a fresh water lobster! My yard is full of gifts from dear people.

The Daylilies are at their peak the next two weeks. Stop by and I'll give you a tour!