Summer Aspirations

She’s back, folks!

After a looong hiatus involving a new job, and an epic move to a new apartment, here I am again.  I still have unpacking to do, even though I moved almost seven months ago, which is absurd and typical.  I blame my compulsive need to spend countless hours on home-improvement projects.  I have exceeded my own expectations with my ambitious (and ridiculous since I am a tenant and not an owner) endeavors – backsplash, flooring, under-the-cabinet-double-trashcan – but I am exhausted.  Too exhausted to finish unpacking, apparently!

One of my favorite features of my new apartment, is what I like to refer to as The Veranda.  So far I have grilled some steak and veggies out there, a couple of burgers, and some hot dogs.  I have grilled before, but I am still getting used to the timing and amount of heat to use.  The dish below was delicous, but sadly the steak was too well-done for my taste.

Aside from grilling, The Veranda allows me another great pleasure – container gardening.  I have attempted this before, but with less-than-ideal conditions (too much blistering sun and extreme heat, not enough sun, access only through my roommates bedroom, etc.).  Its location is fairly ideal – on the south-side of the building, so it gets a decent amount of sunlight (would get more if not for the VERY tall oak tree to the west).  I am trying to manage my expectations, but so far things are looking pretty darn good.  Here is a list of what I’ve got going:

• Brandywine Heirloom Tomato
• Beefsteak Tomato
• Green Zebra Heirloom Tomato
• Cherokee Purple Heirloom Tomato
• Grape Tomato
• Plum Tomato
• Asian Eggplant
• Black Beauty Zucchini
• Shishito Pepper
• Sugar Snap Peas
• Rosemary
• Sage
• Purple Sage
• Tarragon
• Oregano
• Thyme
• Peppermint
• Spearmint
• Ginger Mint
• Grapefruit Mint
• Basil
• Cilantro
• Italian (Flat-Leaf) Parsely
• Chives
• Garlic Chives
• Dill
• Citronella (pest control)
• Bee Balm (flowering)
• Penny Royal (pest control)
• Catnip (pest control)
• Sweet Pea (flowering)

I am obsessed with my garden on The Veranda.  I am out there every morning and night, sometimes just to stare at the plants (you know what they say about a watched pot), and sometimes with a glass of wine to enjoy the view and the goings-on below.  I cannot get enough of it.  I went away for a weekend (of 80 degree weather and no rain) and stressed about whether The Veranda would present a swath of withered plants when I returned.  I  was very lucky – my plants were perfectly fine.  Here are some highlights:

I cannot wait to see how things progress.  I daydream of freshly picked, perfectly ripe tomatoes that will be superior to even the delicious farmers’ market selection, not to mention a lot less expensive.  Fingers crossed!