17 July 2007
Let's see what's on the camera, shall we?
The first two cherry tomatoes from the garden! I've been waiting and waiting for my tomatoes to ripen (I've got two different varieties of standard-size heirlooms and four plants of these cherries), and these little guys were the first to go. I feel a bit silly wanting so badly for the tomatoes to ripen RIGHT NOW, because I know they'll all turn at once and I won't know what to do with them. Tomato, zucchini, and feta muffins? That sounds pretty good, actually. And there will be a lot of homegrown, homemade tomato sauce going in the freezer for the winter.
Speaking of winter, how about this summer, eh? I'm as miserable as anybody when the temperatures soar, but I really do love this season. I love the mornings when it's cool, and you can rush around to get things done before the sun starts warming everything. And I love that things grow. I'm already planning next year's garden -- did I already say this? The vegetable patch is 6' x 10' this year, and next year I'm going to break it up and make it bigger: two 6' x 6' (at least) raised beds. I don't even care about planting flowers; it's all about nurturing the edibles for me. I'd like to eventually have berry bushes and an apple tree or two... I wish poly-tunnels could survive Minnesota winters; I'd be out there every day, growing crops year round, if I could.
Here's a product of combined efforts:
Saturday's dinner -- pizza on a pita again. I covered it with a tablespoon of the olive spread Tania sent, layered it with slices of tomato and eggplant (a little one from the garden), sprinkled it with feta, and topped it with basil and oregano that Sara grew. It was just like Captain Planet, except instead of rings, there were ingredients, and instead of saving the world, I ate a pizza. But similar in other ways.
In other big summer-time news, I've got a bike now! I've been meaning to buy a bike for ages, and I finally did it. It's a real, proper bike, as well -- in the past I've always spent $100 at Target and ridden until the thing falls apart, but not this time. I haven't done much (any) biking since leaving college, and I'm thinking my 15-mile round trip this afternoon wasn't exactly the right way to ease back into it. There is not a single square inch of my legs that doesn't hurt.
I was actually finally sold on the idea of buying a bike by all the walking I did this weekend (er, and a generous offer from unnamed employer). I reckon I must have walked about twelve miles over Saturday and Sunday, which isn't bad on its own, but I'm not known for wearing the most sensible of shoes. Although I like getting out and being active for the health benefits, I don't think of walking as 'exercise' -- so I don't want to have to 'dress up' for it. It's easier to just hop on a bike without completely mauling your precious feets. Well, precious in the winter. In the summer, it's a different story.
yay! maybe we can fit in a few bike rides before the winter sets in... what kind of bike did you get? I'm still on the same one I've had since I was 16, but it's a Specialized, so I think it can handle a few more years. It's been so painfully neglected the two years after being ridden every day for five in Davis.
posted by monette at July 17, 2007 05:01 AM
Mine's a Specialized too (this one), and it's more of an upright ride, so my shoulders won't hurt from hunching over. We should definitely get out when you're back!
posted by Anna at July 17, 2007 12:54 PM
Woohoo, a bike! Bikes are cool. I hope you enjoy yours.
posted by Leisl at July 18, 2007 04:45 AM