Rainy Day Remedy

I can’t think of a sweeter way to add sparkle to a dreary day than this little bowl full of ‘Sugary’ grape tomatoes. A steady rain began pelting the porch roof yesterday afternoon. Today, 24-hours later mind you, the steady pitter-patter of raindrops continues. Prairie Creek is out of its bank and ebbing and flowing through our bean field. The chickens convalesced to the coop for the remainder of the afternoon. And the dogs are sleeping away the day on their very own couch in the garage.

Any other August we would have welcome a gentle rain—a “good soaker” as we say. But the soil is saturated from previous liquid gifts from Mother Nature and another 5 inches is the last thing we need.

Which brings me to the tomatoes. A pick-me-up was in order this afternoon and the tomatoes seemed to beckon like little rubies just waiting to be gathered. Lacking proper rain attire, I donned my cotton coat, cowboy hat, and Birkenstocks and squished across the soggy grass to the garden. With amazing foresight—more like sheer luck—I planted my grape tomatoes at the end of the row so I could pluck them from the vine without sinking ankle deep in mud. I stuffed the pockets of my coat full of tomatoes and grabbed a handful of basil before retreating to the porch.

It may be raining outside, but we’re having little bits of sunshine for dinner tonight.