So, way back when, when I first moved to my place, the backyard was a bit of a concrete jungle. There was a small strip of grass, or weeds is more like it that the dogs would do their business and such. In an effort to try and rid the backyard of unwelcome visitors, such as possums, squirrels and the occasional ferret, my Dad tore out all the weeds and cypress trees and made a cute little garden area for me to exercise my green thumb. That garden was booming with tomatoes, corn, herbs and a jillion jalapenos. Who knew one little plant would grow so much! We ate like kings and queens off that little garden. It was awesome.
But as the seasons passed, the plants gave off less and less and eventually that little garden area became overgrown with weeds. So much so that the weeds were almost as tall as me. With all the rain we had, I had no idea how bad the weeds were until it was too late. And one day I tried to tackle them myself, and almost threw my back out. So in stepped Pops to save the day. It looked amazing after he was done with it, and he wasted no time in hassling me about taking care of the new crops. I promised him I would water it daily, but that wasn't enough, he would stop by in the mornings to check or re-water the little seedlings. I was starting to get a complex. Thinking he cared about the veggies more than me. But after a while, he stopped coming by to check and trusted me with his little offsprings.
So when everything started coming to fruition, I thought it was only fair that he get the first of the crop. He put his blood, sweat and tears into that puppy, so I was so happy to show him the amazingness that he and I created. I have to say I do have a bit of a green thumb. The size of the veggies that are coming out of this thing are unreal. Maybe its my early morning waterings, maybe the occasional veggie boost formula I give them, or possibly the morning tunes I sing as I shower them... who knows, but whatever it is, it's working! I've never seen a cucumber, zucchini or crookneck squash so big. EVER.
So imagine my surprise when I see the veggies at my parents house like a week later, untouched. And past their peak of freshness. I was confused. Who wouldn't want a ginormous garden fresh veggie as opposed to a puny store bought one? Why would you pay for something that you can get for free?
His response? "It smelled funny. When I cut it open it smelled like dog urine."
I flipped. For one, there is a four foot fence surrounding the garden so there is no way for them to get in there. Two, I washed the veggies with a wash before I gave them to him, so they were clean. And three, this is the second batch of crops to come out of this garden and he had no problem eating the first ones.
It was only when I said as a joke, "You can thank the boys for the nitrogen rich soil!" that he suddenly refuses to eat anything that comes out of the garden. This coming from a man that eats off roach coaches and food trucks at jobsites. The man who eats sushi, and taught me to love a medium rare steak. The man who watches Anthony Bourdain travel the world through his stomach and wishes he was alongside with him.
I just couldn't believe it. I wonder sometimes where I get my level head and saneness. Because its definitely not from him, and lord knows its not from my worry wort of a mother. I think its safe to say that this apple may have fallen from a different tree altogether.
Oh well, they keep life interesting. And if any one is interested in some garden fresh goodies, stop on by! The farmer is in!
