The Joys of Gardening

This morning I went out to the garden to collect any tomatoes that might have ripened since yesterday. I found quite a few, but noted a giant green caterpillar eating most of the leaves off of one plant. I walked about 50 yards to the pond and provided our fish with a breakfast treat.

I noted a few zucchini squash were ready to be picked. If you miss a day or two, they can become enormous. Even the big ones have a use though. I grate them with my food processor, place them in zip-lock bags and store them in the freezer for use later in soups, stews, casseroles and of course, zucchini bread. It's a great way to get some vegies with all that fiber and nutrients into my family's diet.

Earlier while walking to the pond, I noticed the blackberries needed picking, so back to the house for a clean plastic bucket to put them in. All that walking got counted with my step counter I'd slipped onto my waistband this morning.

I got enough blackberries to fill a large pie. Now if I can just find the time Saturday to bake one before a planned trip to visit my pie-eating brothers on Sunday. I've been using a recipe for an oil-based crust that avoids the use of shortening. It's a little tricky, but it tastes really good, especially if you add a little whole wheat flour.

Aside from the walking, bending, stretching and getting out in the fresh air that gardening provides, I really enjoy listening to the birds. Their morning chorus is beautiful and lifts up my spirits. I recommend gardening to anyone who wants to have their own fresh produce, get some good physical activity and a little peace for the soul.