Morning Harvest

Morning chores are always such a blessing.  It is wonderful to walk out of the house, step off the deck and be greeted by critters.  Regardless of the door from which I emerge, there is a dog to greet me and goats in every direction.  Now the chickens have to wait for me to open their doors, but they come flying out to greet the day.

While greeting each "resident" individually and tending to the various needs, I pray.  I give thanks each day for being allowed to live in the Land of Goshen, while I'm on this earth.  I'm so thankful for a loving Creator and that Messiah truly does intercede and advocate on my behalf.  There is just so much to be thankful for.  As I look at the beauty that surrounds me, I can't help but realize, I really do not deserve this wonderful life I've been given.  I noticed one of the tomatoes I've had an eye on, was shining brightly red this morning, so I stepped into the orchard to pick it.  There are about half dozen a few days behind it.  I just have two tomato plants this year, and I've enjoyed fresh tomatoes since July.  They were a bit late this year, but quite delicious.  

The cucumbers pictured above were also picked this morning, off of just one plant.  Seven cucumbers seems like a pretty complete number, weighing in at just about six pounds.  I mentioned earlier in the season of struggling to keep my cucumbers going.  One plant finally took hold and survived, and has produced over 30 cucumbers in the past month, with small ones and blooms, still.

I did a great deal of canning last year, with much still left, so there really was no need to plant as much this year.  One cucumber plant has produced enough cucumbers to make pickles as well as satisfy my craving.  Two tomato plants have provided enough tomatoes to eat fresh and to cook with, not to mention, the main ingredient of last week's Tomato Pie recipe.  Thanks again to Beth Rank for sharing that delicious recipe and KUDOS for the beautiful photograph that accompanied it.

I love life in the country, and I realize not everyone does.  Most everyone loves fresh juicy vine ripened tomatoes, though; and seems everyone likes something you can make with cucumbers.  The produce in the photo above came from just two plants.  Acres are not required, only a little creative perseverance; to enjoy fresh food the way our Creator intended.