Friends, for the past few weeks, I've been hunkered down writing and re-writing, thinking and re-thinking, the very same paper. I've had to set aside all kitchen projects and settle for a string of last-minute, thrown-together meals at the end of the day. And I've still got some ways to go with the paper. But yesterday, looking at the forecast for the week, I broke down and spent half an hour outside raiding the tomato plants. Winter doesn't wait. I managed to find a good two-and-a-half pounds amid that tangle of vines--more than I'd pulled in all season.
This morning, I packed all of those bright green orbs into jars and poured hot brine over them. Now I just have to wait and write. In two weeks' time, I should have a few quarts of pickled cherry tomatoes and, with some luck, a decent draft of this paper I've been working on. You'll hear from me then. Thanks for your patience.
