This is a great time of year to be a resident of the Hudson Valley. These days, you can’t bump into a neighbor without walking away with an armload of vegetables.

This morning, I made a trip up the creek with the barge to pick up some lumber. Al Lawless is kind enough to let me use his boat launch for such occasions, and he happened to be there with I pulled up with the barge to meet the lumber delivery truck.  As I loaded boards, Al asked if I’d like some cucumbers. Can’t say no to that. Shortly, he returned from his garden with a half dozen large cucumbers.  “How about a head of cabbage?” he asked. Sure. As I readied to depart, he wondered if I’d be interested in some tomatoes.  Did you say tomatoes!?  Why yes, I’d love some.