Amazing!

It happens each year around this time. The harvest begins to come in. The cherry tomatoes weren't even planted this year. From either some that dropped last year or some compost that didn't break down these little seeds survived the winter. When I got my pots full to plant this year grape tomatoes what to my wondering eyes did appear but 4 cherry tomato seedlings.

Carefully I transplanted them into individual pots and now the harvest is beginning! In each of those little spheres of delicious fruit is enough seeds to plant a whole garden next year.

God created the heavens and the earth and as Pastor Eugene Hazard said to me one time, "It is an amazing earth which the LORD created."

The whole cycle of life right in my own backyard amazes me. We used to put out over 100 60 gallon bags of leaves for pickup each fall. Now we mulch them and with a wheel barrel I carry them next door from the church yard to my yard. Thanks Mr. Pawson for mulching them for me.

One time he asked, "What are you doing with all those leaves?!" Nothing but spreading them into the gardens. By the following spring the most beautiful soil is there. Then cherry tomato seeds germinate. This year once again I added the sea weed from the Great South Bay and horse manure tea along with egg shells. The result- absolutely delicious cherry tomatoes which were virtually free. To this I respond, "Thanks LORD!!!"

Stories of Hope

I remember the advice from an old pastor one time to me, "Give them hope!" His name was Eugene Hazard. He was a dear friend.

Hope is needed today as the stock market slides here in America. It is needed as social structures which continue to change affect the lives of people. My conversation with a grandma at the town pool the other day confirmed that. Hope is needed everywhere.

I love the exchange between Froto and Sam in LORD of the Rings. Froto says that he cannot go on. Sam encourages him with the words, "There is a little good left in the world and it is worth fighting for." They continue their quest.

Hope was seen in the backyard this morning as a Daylily that is a late bloomer put out another scape which will bring blooms into September. I love those out of season blooms. I love when it happens in life.

I began running again after years of putting on pounds. The result has been astounding. I feel so much better. Today I did an exercise at the track I had not done since High School, 38 years ago!

Colonel Sanders, who began the World Wide KFC Chain, began his venture after years of failing with his first Social Security Check.

I returned to coaching Little League after being out of it for over 20 years when my granddaughter joined. It has been so much fun. Being back out there on the field is such a joy.

When Israel went into the Galilee after nearly 2,000 years of being away from it much of it was a swamp. Today beautiful farms and orchards line the hills around that Sea. I have eaten of the fruit and it is delicious.

One more... last year my good friend Rudy Migliore gave me some cuttings from a fig tree. I planted it, did everything I was supposed to over the winter and this spring it looked dead as a doornail. Not until summer did new shoots pop up and a beautiful tree emerge. It reminds me of how life is at times. When we think it is all over, God writes a new chapter. When we think there is no hope suddenly hope springs up!

Tomorrow the sun will rise and who knows what the tide will bring in- Castaway

Photo Courtesy of Vickie Tomlinson

A Great Site

It is my privilege to share my friend Judy Werber's site with you. She is an incredible gardener and will provide you with inspiration as well as helpful hints. Visit her at www.facebook.com/#!/LazyDaisyCreationsbyJudithA.Werber