A Little Help, Please!

  When one thinks of turtles, thoughts of slow moving, slow thinking critters come to mind.  Not many folks think that these critters have feelings and can, in their own way, ask for help.  I wish I could have videoed an encounter this morning.  It was heart-warming, to say the least.  

  As usual, I made my rounds through the small gardens at daybreak.  I could tell that the weather was not going to play nicely with the plants so I had intentions of giving every plant I could reach a good soaking with the water hose.  These plans were waylaid for a bit as I found a friend in need at the garden gate and, I must say, this friend truly asked nicely.  A small box turtle was waiting for me at the gate to the veggie patch.  There, a few scraggly tomato plants and a couple of pepper plants are all that are hanging on by a thread.  I bid my friend a good morning and asked if she needed any help.  The turtle immediately turned about face and went into the garden.  I followed like a dutiful servant.  She headed straight to a tomato plant that had a couple of ripe tomatoes still dangling on the higher branches.  To get her point across, she reached her front foot up on the tomato crate and looked at me longingly.  Yep, this turtle just literally asked for a tomato!  I grinned and promptly pulled off the largest, broke it in half and laid it on the ground in front of the turtle.  She immediately started munching the red tomato.  I could tell she was one happy turtle. 

  I left her in peace and started watering the plants.  After a bit, I noticed that she was not only enjoying the tomato breakfast but seemed to love the cooling water that was tricking around her.  Well...I might as well water the turtle, too!  She was blissful and seemed to fully appreciate my kindness.  After completing the task at hand, I turned to see Friend Turtle nudging along the fence line as she tried to get to the other side.  Ok...time to "aid the turtle" again.  I scooped her up and set her on the other side of the fence.  Freedom!  She scuttled off into the cooling shade under the fig trees.  There, she nestled down into the (now wet) leaves ready to wait out the scorching daylight hours.  Sweet thing!  It made me feel good to offer a helping hand.  Be kind to all, folks.  Just be kind.

(One of) The "Big Three"

The "Big Three"..this equals bad news. In plant talk..the Big Three being a title given to Poison Ivy, Poison Oak and Poison Sumac. I have been doing a lot of weeding and clearing of under brush from around the trees in hopes of making the area a bit less of a fire hazard during this drought. The other day, I posted about the Poison Ivy that had literally taken over a pine tree..today, I found Poison Sumac. (Sorry, Hubby! The mere mention of Poison Sumac will have him scratching!) Poison Sumac is a small spindly tree that grows in wet areas around here..which pretty much means it grows anywhere it wants. The creek bed is full of the toxic bush as is the marsh..but the one I found today is a rebel! It is growing on the top of the hill, far from the water's edge. A bird must have "planted" a seed sometime within the past year. That said, the sapling is not faring too well. The drought is taking its toll on this plant as well as those in my garden. The only difference is..I refuse to water the Sumac! Granted it, too, will put on quite a show this fall with its brilliant red leaves. Still, I have no desire to keep it in the yard..the creek bed is near enough for these beauties (or beasties) to make their home.

As I said, Hubby is terribly allergic to the Poison Sumac..so this bush will definitely have to go! The Poison Sumac, Poison Ivy and Poison Oak all have the oily sap called urushiol. This is the stuff that causes all of the damage..the allergic contact dermatitis..the itchy, red, oozy rash. The nasty part of finding out a bit too late that you are highly allergic to these plants. Once again, if you think you have brushed against one of these three..wash the affected area immediately in a .....NON OIL-BASED SOAP. ( Oil-based soap will just spread the sap.) Washing is important as body oils will cause the urushiol to spread all over the place and you wind up looking horrible and feeling worse! This oil can be spread onto tools, furniture, clothing, and well, just about everything. Plus..although it is very rare that our pets will be bothered by these plants, they can transport the oils inside and to us when we handle them. It is best to just destroy the offending plants! (Oh yeah..but definitely not by burning! That will just release the urushiol into the air presenting a whole bunch of new problems!)

On to happier things! This morning, I noticed a bright red spot in the tomato garden that was not there yesterday! Could it be? At first, I thought that perhaps a red leaf from the Black Gum Tree might have fallen into the garden, but...there hanging on the plant was the prettiest bright, red tomato! The first of the season! It looked absolutely luscious! How in the world these plants are surviving..even thriving..in the midst of this drought is beyond me. I am not complaining though! I have a beautiful vine-ripe tomato for my lunch tomorrow! Hubby is not here to claim this one and Son does not eat tomatoes..THIS ONE IS MINE...ALL MINE!!!!

Sauce making day!

It rained again today making outside work a total mess. I did manage to sneak out between showers and pick about two gallons of cherry tomatoes. These things seem to never quit producing! I was amazed at all of the new green tomatoes that were on the plants. There is a never-ending supply of cherry tomatoes at our house! But, for now at least I had something to occupy my time inside and have an excuse for not cleaning house! Five jars were added to the shelf and five were set aside to trade for okra from my brother's garden. He is great about sharing the wealth from his garden so I try to have something to give him in return. A good many of the jars of jams, jellies, relishes, fruits and vegetables that I home can will make their way to his house. It is sort of a great bartering system we have between us, that is just what neighbors do.

I have been asked several times for my tomato sauce recipe. I usually do not use a recipe (I just throw in whatever is on hand from the garden) but I decided I had better make a copy for those who want it. It always helps if you have fresh tomatoes and fresh herbs but if not, those from the market will do. The easiest way to preserve this would be to let cool, put in freezer safe containers and freeze. To home can this safely, please follow the instructions that come with a pressure canner as it can be different with each system.

Tomato Sauce

12 large tomatoes

3 bell peppers

3 cloves garlic

1 large onion

1/4 cup fresh basil minced

1/4 cup fresh parsley minced

1/4 cup fresh oregano minced

(Note: if using ground oregano, use 2 tablespoons or to taste)

1 tablespoon ground paprika

1/2 cup Marsala wine

1 tablespoon ground anatto achiote (optional)

1 tablespoon salt (optional)

water

2 tablespoons cornstarch

Cut the tomatoes in quarters and place in a large pot, seed the bell peppers and add those. Pour in enough water to prevent scorching on the bottom (I only put about 2 cups of water and just stir frequently). Coarsely chop the onion and garlic and add those, the herbs and spices to the tomatoes. Cook on medium-low heat until onion and garlic are well done (again, stirring frequently). Let cool. Run all of this through the blender or food processor until pureed. Strain through a coarse sieve to remove peels and seeds. Return tomato puree to the pot, add the Marsala wine and simmer. Here again, keep stirring to prevent scorching. Cook slowly for about 30 minutes. If it is not the desired thickness, mix the cornstarch to 1/2 cup cold water until well blended and stir this into the sauce. Stir constantly until thickened.

Just an added note..the anatto is just used as a natural coloring agent and is not necessary if you have very ripe, red tomatoes. Also, I do not add the salt since so many folks are on salt-free diets.