It Seemed like just Yesterday . . .

I was putting those tender tomato plants into the ground. Covering them gently with the bag o'water to protect the young seedlings from the inclement spring weather. Watching for the sun to come warm the soil where they were just beginning to grow. Each week cautiously adjusting the water, providing nourishment through fertilizer and training the new tendrils up and over the supporting cages. I remember I was so excited, as I am each year, to see the new tomatoes begin to appear on the vines, I could practically taste those home grown, sun warned tomatoes, fresh from the garden.

Soon the neighboring squash, corn and green beans began to produce their bounty also. The zucchini was overflowing and we baked loaf after loaf of zucchini bread, stir-fry zucchini, zucchini casserole and chocolate zucchini cake. And still the zucchini overflowed.

The raspberries were luscious and warm each morning on our bowls of cereal. They made great smoothies and wonderful jams. The peaches turned out beautiful in their golden jars, like a treasure they line the pantry shelves. The ripened pumpkins now grace my front porch with their presence along with the now crispy and dried out cornstalks. Each one dressed up fancy for Halloween with their black plastic ties. Spicy salsas rich with homegrown peppers, onions and cilantro make their way from my kitchen to neighboring kitchens in an effort to share the plentiful crop.



It was an abundant and blessed summer. I express great gratitude for the abundance, for the beautiful treasures of life. Even now the tomatoes continue to ripen inside the garage, whole tangles of entwined vines and tomato cages, protected from the outside and much colder climate. Each night the frost appears on the grass and the reddening autumn leaves. But the tomatoes are protected and will provide that same home grown, fresh off the vine taste well into winter.

Some welcome the frequent change of seasons. Looking forward to each new and different time period, with their changing patterns and colors, the shorter or lengthier days. The changing skies from the summer blues to the grayer skies of fall and winter.

Me, I go with heels dragging. Pulled along reluctantly like an stubborn puppy. I know that right around the corner many new, different and marvelous experiences lie in waiting. Yet, if I could only remain behind, linger longer enjoying the summer sun and bounteous harvest for a few more weeks, a few more days. Give me that summer sun to warm my back while I lie beneath it reading my books and magazines just one more time. Already, amidst the cooler temperatures and the falling rain I miss it's warmth.





Yet such is life. The seasons change, kids grow , each one of us changing and growing inside and out, each year, prepared or unprepared, the time goes by. Although I'd prefer to just remain, enjoying a perpetual summer, give me a week or two to resist and I'll be happy to move on. Looking ahead with anticipation, family and friends to nourish. And before you know it, those young tomatoes will be going into the ground again.

Meanwhile I'll be busy here, one day at a time.