It’s going to be hot today–97F / 36C is forecast.
Close the windows and batten down the shutters—il faut!
I’ve managed to water the courgette and cucumber plants, conveniently in the shade until noon. The tomatoes need no watering, they fend for themselves, their roots penetrating deeper and deeper in search of water. This wisdom was told me by Julien, our gardener, and so far it has proven good advice, for a second year.
The problem with the toms is that in my eagerness to have fresh tomatoes on the table as soon as possible, I bought almost exclusively “précoce” (early fruiting), consequently, the kitchen bowls and baskets are now overflowing with red gold, eager to be used, one way or another.
Me next–I’m ripe, sweet and juicy.
Catch me while you can!
(I froze one yesterday and found a collapsed pomme d’or in the fridge this morning–no good for salads, but still good for cooking?)
Well, I’m doing my best, and enjoying every minute–and trying not to think about the end of August, when this bounty may subside….
Each time I totter into “the wild” where tomatoes grow, Marlon Brando in The Godfather comes to mind, and it makes me nervous.
Remember the scene when Don Coreone is entertaining a grandchild on the edge of a tomato patch? He has made a miraculous recovery from the murderous attack in NYC, and has retreated to what looks like a garden paradise.
He playfully chases the boy through the thicket of tomato stakes, begins to lose his breath, starts to cough, then crashes to the ground–massive heart attack.
DEAD!
Arrivederci, Don Vito Corleone!
Just desserts maybe, but quite a nice way to go, though I’d prefer to munch the tomato, and then go….
In fact, I’ll settle for munching tomatoes and leave the GOING ’til later.
I once was driving over Chelsea Bridge into London–a Sunday morning as I recall–and hit traffic backed up from the lights on the Embankment.
Two lines.
I looked across at the limo stationary beside me, and to my astonishment, Marlon Brando was looking down at me from his high perch, front passenger seat–perhaps just arrived at Gatwick Airport.
What I should have done was cooly wind down my window and tell him quietly how much I had enjoyed that wonderful scene.
I did no such thing, of course. Instead, my face moved not an English muscle; I did not blink, showed no recognition, shock, delight, amazement, but turned back to face the lights, which changed and we moved–the moment was gone.
Arrivederci Marlon!
Robin Ellis 
Cook first, then freeze might be a better approach. As for the collapsed one: gazpacho.
Happy harvesting!
Thank you, Leslie–wise suggestion!
Recipe in my books…
We are awash in tomatoes this summer, due in no small part, to the high temps we’ve had most of July and August. Not complaining, not after last summer’s pitiful yield. We are eating lovely fresh tomatoes daily, I made a batch of tomato jam (will do another tomorrow, it’s delicious on grilled things), and sharing the “extras” with the neighbors. And I’m remembering to enjoy this bounty, as it will not last into winter, more’s the pity.
Nice to receive your stories once again
Lovely post, Robin!
Hi Bob,
Thank you and trust you and Peggy are well. Take good care.
Dear Sir
Thanks
Wonderful stuff!
We grow them here, in mostly sunny Florida.
The recent post, regarding the Church, was magical.
Congratulations.
All the best
Thanks, Gerald.
Another great story!
Thanks, Robin!
Love the Marlon story! Thanks for sharing Robin. I,too, remember that scene. Not a bad way to go but I agree…eat a tomato first!!
Yes indeed! For sure.
I would probably respond, if I were meeting you, the same you did when you saw Marlon Brando! I would love to have a garden! I adore fresh veggies right out of the ground.👩🌾🌽🍅🌶
Lovely! Wish we had your tomatoes – and weather!! 16 degrees today in the Yorks Dales, with the odd shower (much needed by the garden, Vicky assures me). Glad to hear you’re flourishing, and not thinking about ‘going’. And your concert in the church looked just wonderful. Quelle vie heureuse!
Much love from us both, Mark and Vicky.
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Good to hear from you, Mark. No, neither of us are “going” anywhere with luck!
Hope your weather gets a bit kinder. Love to you both and a un de ces jours!
Hello Robin, loved reading that , especially the bit about seeing Brando in the traffic ! I’ve been growing tomatoes and courgettes this year. I nearly didn’t bother with tomatoes, as I’m never very successful, but this year for some reason they’ve grown well. I must admit the courgettes have been delicious there is a great feeling of wellbeing eating one’s own produce !! Keep well both of you , love Heth xx
Well done on the veggie front. It’s wonderful I agree and they DO taste better!
Love to you both and stay safe.
Hello Robin,
My son used to work in a tomato greenhouse. He used to come home all green, the powdery dust the plants give off was in his hair, in his ears, in his eyes…everywhere. He had to undress outside and have a shower, after which the shower cubicle was green too. And he doesn’t even like tomatoes.
The other boys he worked with became friends for life.
Enjoy your tomatoes, I love your stories!
Bye from the Netherlands
Sorry he doesn’t like toms!
And thanks!
Thanks, Robin! Nice garden! Your references to Marlon Brando reminded me of an interview with Mallory Millet on the Eric Metaxas Show last week. A friend of a woman with whom he was having a love affair, Mallory helped him get through some very dark times. Marlon’s fame brought him no peace or happiness. Tragic!
I’m sure it’s the same principle, but I was told to strip the bottom branches of leaves off the tomato plant, and bury deeper, so roots will grow out of the branch stubs. Always worked for me – healthy, robust tomato plants. Mine are yielding tons right now, up to my ears in marinara sauce which I’m freezing, also canning plum tomatoes. I have scores of cookbooks, but yours are always on the top shelf (most used).
Thank you, Ellen.