Back to Tomatoes and Raspberries -- The Garden After Our Vacation

Grumpy's Castle; 16 July 2010 --

Upon our return home, after being in the midwest since 23 June (yeah, I know, we were gone 17 days, not just 15!) Grumpy was happy to see that his trusted Grandson had kept his bargain to mow Grumpy's lawn at least a couple of times, but more importantly, he kept the Upside-Down Tomatoes adequately watered. The results were obvious: each of the four varieties of tomatoes had at least one developing fruit and multiple blossoms, promising a bumper crop in the warm days ahead.

The persons to whom we extended the invitation to reap the crop(s) of Raspberries during our absence, apparently did not take our invitation seriously as there were numerous ripe and dehydrated berries still on the vines. However, that next morning after our return, Grumpy took his berry pail and picked nearly half a gallon of the sweet-tart gems. He also ate a few -- just as a test to make sure they were edible! Ha! ha!

Grand Mother noted the pail-full with some trepidation, as she was tired from washing our accumulation of clothes from our trip plus a sizable amount from the bachelors who remained behind. Nevertheless, she summoned up that reserve that Grumpy can only marvel at, but not explain, and baked a super-delicious Raspberry pie. Due to circumstances almost entirely beyond Grumpy's control, the last bit of the pie disappeared before he could take a photo. The photo on the right is the best he could do; look closely and you may see the evidence in the corners of his mouth.

A day later, Grumpy picked another half pail of berries; now, three days later, yet more berries await. Grumpy will be out there in the morning to pick them before the heat of the day dehydrates them. Another Raspberry pie is surely in the offing!! Hurry; reserve your piece now, before yet another pie bites the dust!