It is hot here in Southern California. I thought my office had greenhoused a little, but then I went outside and it felt like I was in an oven, so I know I shouldn’t complain about my slightly warm digs. The web said it’s 113 in Riverside today.
I have been watering the poor, fragile Lemon tree in the back yard like mad, but I’m afraid it still isn’t going to make it. It’s hanging in there, though, so we’ll see. It seems like there’s going to be a very warm summer ahead of us so it has a long way to go before it’s truly safe. The tomatoes are at the point where they aren’t loving the heat either, although they’re still ripening. It’s the blooms that are burning in the sun.
Success with the Brandywines, by the way! There are currently 7 tomatoes on the vine, and hopefully more to come. I’m so glad. I got 2 tomatoes out of that plant last year, and resolved that if I didn’t get more this year, I would give up eating the tastiest tomatoes I’ve ever had and go for something that was more prolific. I can justify 7 a little more than I can justify 2.
This is usually my favorite season at home. The Redlands Bowl starts this Friday, there is often much Sousa in the air, and I get to break out all my pretty sundresses. Looking at the weather report, I’m not 100% sure I’ll feel the same this year…
Casey E. Hamilton 