It's the most incredible thing--the little plants putter along, growing a few leaves and stretching up a few inches. Then we get a series of several hot, sunny days and the plants practically leap out of the ground.

Two of the mis-matched group are already taller than I am, propped up by their wire cages to keep the fruit off the ground. The others are shorter, but no less healthy. There are green tomatoes on every plant, plumping out daily.

The first two that set, way back when I initially planted these guys, are nearly full size and starting to blush pink, ever so shyly. I expect mouth-watering tomatoes straight off the vine by July 1st.

It's a miracle, every year, and I never get tired of watching plants photosynthesize in the sun. Even the weeds. The cat comes out with me and rolls in the tomato bed (remember the one she rolled over and broke off when they were just seedlings?). She keeps me company, as does the dog, when I garden. It's a wonderful respite from the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune.