I live for tomato season. This year, perhaps due to heat and drought, it came early.

Tomatoes on my birthday. Amazing and wonderful and worthy of sharing.

The chiles and eggplants were not far behind.

Followed by our other nightshade, potatoes.

We eat tomatoes morning, noon and night: sandwiches, salsa and solo.

We shared our bounty with Michael’s friend Walt, his family, and High School friends, feeding them chile rellenos and other delicacies from the garden.

We feed our family on pasta cooked with grated tomatoes and grilled eggplant, fresh basil and feta as garnishes. I can hardly wait until we can make our own cheese!

Our days are full as we learn new things and practice older skills.

At end of day we celebrate with a glass of wine. Is it so much sweeter because it comes from our land and our labor? This year’s rhubarb bathes the tongue with a light, round flavor that speaks of spring.

Lovely to share at sunset in late summer.