It Makes Me Happy

I always eagerly await the time when we can pick fresh tomatoes from the garden.  We plant a variety so we have different sizes and colors but they are all delicious.  One of my favorite pasta dishes is diced fresh tomatoes marinated in olive oil with some chopped fresh garlic, basil and small cubes of fresh mozzarella.  Let it sit on the counter for a couple of hours if you have time so the flavors blend.  When you can't wait any longer, cook some spaghetti and when it is al dente, drain and add to the tomato mixture.  This is especially great in the summer and early fall not only because fresh tomatoes are available, but also because you don't have to have the stove on for very long and you still get a very delicious dinner.

I'm going to miss those fresh Grand Valley tomatoes after we've moved which brings me to the topic of my current activity of purging and packing.  We have things pretty much in order and will have a photo shoot of the inside of the house on Saturday evening.  That means the rooms are empty except for the essentials and there's a big pile of boxes in one room in the basement and another pile in the garage.  Habitat for Humanity comes next week to pick up some large items we are leaving behind and then we'll have a little more breathing space in the garage.  There are still cupboards and closets to purge and pack but at least the pressure is off for now.  Whew!  I think I'm due for a play day--but probably won't take one just yet.