Summer Celebration & Contest

The Summer Solstice marks the moment in time when the earth is closest to the sun.  We traditionally think the Solstice is June 21st.  But the Solstice is an astronomical distinction and this year, the solstice is June 22nd, at 6:28 a.m. CDT.

Its the longest day, the shortest night, and also known as “midsummer.”

Spring temperatures have been mild for this part of Texas, and those mild temperatures have brought oodles of tomatoes.  I am noticing that the tomato harvest is starting to slow down a bit, and I see less fruit setting on the plants – both quite normal for mid-summer.

I want to celebrate summer, harvest, and great tomatoes with a little guessing contest – are you ready?

Here is a photo of this weekend’s tomato harvest.  The tomatoes were picked Saturday and Sunday.

Close up of the bowl of tomatoes:

Close up of the basket:

And a size comparison:

The Contest

Guess how many pounds of tomatoes I harvested this weekend.  Leave your guess (pounds and ounces) in the Comments section (found at the bottom of this post).  Be sure and enter your email address when you comment so I can reach you when you win!

Enter soon because the contest ends Wednesday, June 23rd, 10:00 a.m. CDT

But what do I win?

This nifty Klip Kitchen Timer from American Innovative

• Klip Is a versatile timer designed for use in the kitchen and around the home
• Features countdown timer with elapsed time graphic
• Clock can be set at 12 or 24 hour display, stopwatch function: up to 24 hours
• Keypad lock prevents settings from being disrupted.
• Battery, belt clip, fridge magnet, countertop stand & detachable lanyard included

So friends, how many pounds of tomatoes do you see?

The last time I did a giveaway, the winner actually got her daughter involved.   This tomato estimating might be a fun math related activity for your child.  But whether you ask the kids to guess or you just make a guess yourself, I hope you have fun.  I know I have fun weighing the tomatoes, and am constantly astonished at how much they weigh…

Contest Review

• leave your guess in the comment section,
• guess in pounds and ounces
• be sure to include your email address when you are offered the option
• winner will be the person whose guess comes closest to actual weight without going over.
• contest is good in the US only.  This is a low budget blog
• contest ends Wednesday, June 23rd, 10:00 a.m. CDT
• Have fun and good luck!

Special thanks to Karen Harris, Holland Hall Upper School Science Teacher and good friend, for consulting with me about weights and measures.

Cynthia

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Cynthia McKenna is a therapist specializing in anxiety, depression, and healthy living.  You can learn more about her work by visiting her website:  www.cynthiamckennacounseling.com