Every time we leave for the weekend, we return and find the garden has a surprise or two for us. Earlier in the summer, we found our bean seeds had sprouted and peeked out of the dirt. Later, yellow buds opened on the tomato plants. Sometimes we’ve been surprised by how much taller a plant has grown or where it’s spread.

Today, upon our return from Okoboji, Rex found a full-size cucumber hiding under the shade of the plant’s leaves: the first of the season! It was about 7 inches long and ready to be eaten for supper. When we left on Friday, the cucumbers were only about an inch long, and many of them still had the yellow flower on the tip. Still babies. But today – Sunday – we found a full grown treat!

It was the perfect veggie to nibble on with our pizza Sunday night.