Well. . . .they're pretty puny right now but the basil plants have arrived and are now planted in their pot.

In one of the most graceful moments of my early days in these two parishes, a parishioner asked one Sunday morning if anyone wanted basil. "I do, I do!" was my immediate reply. I thought I was getting some cuttings to dry.

But no! A 12-inch pot arrived with at least 8 plants. And so began a delicious and luxuriant summer. That's my idea of summer indulgence: fresh basil to pair with fresh, home-grown tomatoes.

That's another perk of rural ministry - this year folks are planting tomatoes for me! I know too many carrots can make you orange - what happens with too many tomatoes? Or is there such a thing as too many tomatoes?

My most favorite summer meal: a flat cracker, like a Triscuit or one of those Swedish flatbrot thingies, thin slice of tomato, leaf or two of basil, slice of fresh mozzarella, drizzle of olive oil, twist or two of the pepper grinder. Yummo, as Rachael would say! A plate of those and some iced tea on the porch, in the shade, and even 90degrees can be ok.

Oh, and you should try a bacon, tomato and basil sandwich - replace the lettuce. You can also leave out the bread entirely.