In anticipation of overnight freezes (though forget overnight, today is freezing), we decided to tend to the garden and save that which is frost sensitive. We meaning Ryan and Emmett, not I. I was making dinner. I actually have proven to be a bit of a nay-sayer this summer when it comes to gardening, something to the tune of "there's not enough sun here or water and it's too much work for the output". . . Unfortunately I am known by the locals of 2411 for such negative truisms and lack-luster gardening energy. My attitude has gradually been changing, however, as what at first seemed like meager beginnings has turned into a Kale and Collard fest, with a bit of red cabbage and tomato thrown in for color. I do love my greens. So do the kids for that matter. Them was the planned plants. The great surprise of the season came in an earthy orange tone! Charlie Brown was right, the Great Pumpkin exists! Just when you think that spring hail has doomed your season, out from the flagstone patio pops a prickly vine of unknown origin, plotting to take over your entire south-facing wall! What Providence when the mystery squashes become bulbous, developing into green then orange globes!!!!! This plant brought not only smiles, but pumpkin pie and pumpkin soup to our mouths. Better still, when the vine is removed, what appears but a sheltered, lone cucumber plant, whose friends had been destroyed by the freezing pellets that be. Furthermore, fingerling potatoes and strawberry starts found protection in the parasol-like leaves of our squash-in-residence. So thank you Great Pumpkin for your bountiful gifts. (I failed to mention that our household compost bucket often found itself tipped over in that very location, waiting for somebody to empty her). Thus, Emmett found himself contentedly cleaning homegrown produce in our chaotic kitchen yesterday evening. I'll finish with a direct quote from the 6 year-old himself: "It's definitely worth it, planting, and then you have a big feast. It's definitely worth it."
