There is nothing like walking out your back (or front) door, down your steps and into your yard to collect a bit of romaine here, some Bachelor’s button and Nasturtium there, gather a few Walla Walla sweet onions, a handful of shelling peas, a pinch of thyme, some sprigs of basil and whatever else looks ripe for the picking.

Take your treasures back into the house and clean them off before tossing them in a lovely bowl. Pour a stream of nearly local (Oregon Olive Mill) olive oil, a splash of sweet and tangy balsamic vinegar. Slice a couple of farmers market heirloom tomatoes (oh if only I had some that were ripe in my own garden). Top with crumbles of Estrella Family Wynoochie Blue (or shavings of parmesan or pecorino cheese) and a sprinkling of tasty northwest smoked salmon and you have yourself the perfect backyard lunch.

Along for the ride is fresh-brewed sun tea (fill a big glass jar with water and several tea bags of your choice and let it steep in the sun) and a few still warm-from-the-sun alpine strawberries for touch of something sweet (when the squirrels decide to leave a few to share).

Sitting on the back deck of the Urban Cabin, with Big Papa at my side and the sunshine (at loooong last) on our shoulders, we listen to the birds splash in the birdbath and watch them flit from tree to tree. Growing stuff we can eat puts a smile on my face. Summer soothes. Life is good.

Want more to munch on? Check out Wanderfood Wednesday!