Veggies already!

Rik has decided to become a tomato and pepper grower. He's quite dedicated and waters and cares for his plants daily. He's bought cool clay pots and researched which hot peppers are the best to eat. So far, he's gotten one pepper... and the sad part is that he thought it was a hot pepper of some sort when he bought it, but, after planting it and reading the tag, he discovered it was mismarked and said "Golden Pepper." Not a big deal right? Well, it looks like that it really isn't a Golden Pepper either. It's never turned any color at all. It's been on the plant for several weeks now, so, instead of risking it rotting, he decided to pick it. It's beautiful. I'm scared to eat it knowing how much work has gone into this pepper!

I on the other hand, am caring for a bunch of plants that somehow made it through the winter and didn't die. Not through any care on my part! It just so happened that we had a rainier than normal winter, so they didn't die. My artichoke and eggplants are what I'm talking about. In March I noticed that they were both showing signs of growth... so, I decided what the heck and actually started watering them! I have had about 20 artichokes... this photo being the most I have picked at once. I have been reading about grilled artichokes and am planning on trying them... if you have any info, let me know about it. And, I have had 4 eggplants with TONS more on the way - they are small ones, the kind that fit in the palm of your hand, but very tasty! Even my non-eggplant loving friends would like these (you know who you are!). I've been grilling them in a foil packet and even Rik admits that he likes them - and he is one of the non-eggplant loving people out there.