Tom Tomato

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There is nothing better than a vine ripened tomato in the summer.  I have dreams of having some fresh tomato sandwiches with homemade bread, a few leaves of basil, mozzarella cheese, and sliced fresh tomatoes.  Unfortunately, Kristen hates tomatoes with a passion so I rarely get to partake in this delicious summer snack.  Last summer a student of mine brought me a small basket of cherry tomatoes that her mother grew.  I ate all of them before I made it home from work. 

So when Kristen thought it would be a good idea for us to grow a tomato plant on our balcony, you have to believe how shocked I was.  I have been so excited ever since.  I check on it 3 times a day constantly wondering if it needs more water.  I even have named the little guy - Tom Tomato.  Tom's pretty freakin' awesome!  I personally think it was a ploy for Kristen to get me more involved with the garden and growing plants.  It definitely worked!

EDITORIAL NOTE from Kristen: I'd just like to go on the record that John begged for the tomato plant like a kid in a checkout lane and he has yet to water it in the month we've had that stinky plant.

Tom has been growing like a weed and the teeny pot he was in was not helping his growth spurt.  We needed a much larger home for him.  We were walking through Goodwill today and found this pretty sweet Monday Night Football tin for only $1!  One man's trash is another man's treasure!  It is the perfect size for Tom and he has plenty of room to spread roots.

 
We punched 3 holes in the bottom of the tin for water drainage and then spray painted it a not-as-eye-catching green.

Now I know what you're saying.  Why would you guys want to paint over a piece of history.  I mean, this is a piece of Monday Night Football memorabilia.  I thought the same thing until I remembered that ESPN bought the rights and now Monday Night Football is only aired on cable television depriving millions of Americans of football on Mondays.  Cheap bastards, I will paint over you!

Anyways, I digress.  The new green pot looks lovely with the other pots and fits perfectly on our balcony.  I see many flowers starting to appear and I am very excited for tomatoes.

Do you have any good suggestions for the tomatoes?  I was just going to make a lot of sandwiches but I would love to hear some of your delicious ideas.

 - JOHN