Spring Cabbage from Dad

Spring Cabbage from Dad

A Story by Kathy Van Kurin

Spring Cabbage from Dad

Came for a visit, and what did I see as I drove onto my parents gravel drive? Why, papa’s vegetable plants stand there at the end of the field getting ready for business. His big painted sunflower adorns its side.  Arriving at the farm I visit one of the greenhouses. Laid out within on makeshift tables are big piles of potting soil and flats of little vegetable starts. Greenhouse floor is the template; as row upon row just wait to get into the ground. They have sprung forth since being seeded in late February to early March and can be just about any vegetable; lettuce, bell peppers, beans, etc

I take my Daddy at his word when He tells me; “Kathy I have enough for everyone this year. So I march myself out the door of my parents home and to the little vegetable plants that are calling, ‘pick me, and pick me.’ Choosing then bearing my flat of jewels, back to the house, I present them to my Papa. He says to my surprise; “Kathy it’s too soon, still too cold. They must wait a little longer in the greenhouse.” Back I go to put them away. Then the thought strikes; Oh, I was told after all. “Take all you want, of spring cabbage. They are about six inches high in four inch pots in flats on the ground outside the green house door.

First flat of gems I will leave to incubate till after Easter but today is the beginning of a spring cabbage dream. Did you know it came with a bonus? The Grande gardener and Father- Wallace, said, ‘Ok there are several new geraniums growing from cuttings. So take your pick.’ I make out like a bandit; seven all together four vegetable and three flowers.

My papa is vital as a new lamb. He has a vehicle called a mule that is his great helper to navigate the fields and check on his work. At 87 years of age his legs are not what they used to be. But with hard work his strength is increased. I think that sometimes he is pleased with how much that is accomplished. Five in the morning is his wake up call every day with a nap every day right after lunch.  In the reality of Age’s lengthening sun and shadow he carries experiences so varied of life. Back in Minnesota the place of his birth he worked at a tuberculosis hospital as a grounds keeper, Farmer and maintenance man. in youth and in childhood many learning experiences and helping within a family of ten.  His later years held the resume of Nurseryman, violin maker, with in retirement to name just a few. Out in the field here he comes on his Kubota tractor, Dark soil still waits; for what, we shall see.

 

Summer brightness beckons

Watermelon summer pickles canned from mother.

Growing in rich garden plot fragrant dill stands tall.

Melons; How can I forget, Musk, watermelon, honeydew?

To the ready; basil and onion, garlic and bell pepper.

We shall see tomatoes in quart jars so pretty.

Sweet breezes will touch the apples trees.

Staked up grapes and black berries grow in a flurry.

Fourth of July reunion at parent’s farm is coming

We anticipate juicy red strawberries atop homemade shortcakes.

 

© 2022 Kathy Van Kurin


Author's Note

Kathy Van Kurin
This was written right before summer vegetable plants were ready to come out of the greenhouse including my four little cabbage plants. They are now a little bigger and in my garden. This warm summer weather is perfect for our plantings don't your think?
Hope everyone is finding summer glories to enjoy!

My Review

Would you like to review this Story?
Login | Register




Featured Review

Excuse me while I kiss the sky! This is so freakin' beautiful, I was floating away for a minute, on so many tangents where your words catapulted me! First, my dad (gone for decades now) used to always give stuff away, stuff he grew or cooked or discovered, as his only means of showing love. Second, I am disabled (almost 63) & I delight in gardening, which forces me to use my painful legs, leading me to forget about my bum legs as long as I can be puttering in the garden. Your story is so full of verve & affection & life lessons! Your storytelling itself displays the abundance of which you write! It's overflowing with all the things you feel about the awesome details you share. This is a precious commemoration of your dad & your relationship with your dad! (((HUGS))) Fondly, Margie

Posted 5 Years Ago


1 of 1 people found this review constructive.

Kathy Van Kurin

5 Years Ago

Margie,
Dear hearted one..do you know your transparent spirit is your energy. It gives others.. read more
Kathy Van Kurin

5 Years Ago

Oh, and and also it is great to get to hear a little about your own background in that of your papa... read more



Reviews

Hi Kathy! A beautiful and appreciative account of the figurehead of your household; your dad. His life story is a testament to his work ethics, his love for God and his goodness bestowed upon us through nature's bounties. I sensed your admiration, pride and close connection to him, to your childhood memories, past and still till the present. I sensed his generosity in his offerings. We reap what we sow and we enjoy the fruits of hard toils and soft soils. I love the way you narrated this snapshot of your visit and then connected it all to his upbringing.

Posted 5 Years Ago


1 of 1 people found this review constructive.

Kathy Van Kurin

5 Years Ago

Sami Khalil,
It is interesting how one thing in our day to day can spur on memories of anothe.. read more
Sami Khalil

5 Years Ago

You are welcome Kathy. Any time.
Just love the idea of your dad, 87 years young, still working away like it was still tomorrow.
He's sure packed a lot of life in, and hopefully a lot more to go.
Must be great turning up to fresh fruit and vegetables. Definitely one up on us store dwellers.
Always wanted to drive a tractor. Must be a little boy thing.
We've had three hot days of summer now, and the trains and planes don't work, people are stranded. Beats me how we managed to rule the world at one point. Hope life is treating you well, Kathy.

Posted 5 Years Ago


1 of 1 people found this review constructive.

Kathy Van Kurin

5 Years Ago

Paul Bell
I sure do wish the best for my papa. His generation are the last of a generation fa.. read more
Paul Bell

5 Years Ago

My dad always grew veg, really need to get back to doing something similar. Quite like gardening, bu.. read more
i love this guy, Kathy! your Da is a fine hero to emulate ... a man who works the soil .. gathers his family and his goods .. with tenderness, care and strength .. that's what i see and feel in reading .. a privilege to read ma'am! thanks for sharing

Posted 5 Years Ago


1 of 1 people found this review constructive.

Kathy Van Kurin

5 Years Ago

Thanks Einstein Noodle for your wonderful words. It is
as if we writers and readers can gathe.. read more
Einstein Noodle

5 Years Ago

good on 'em, Kathy! your family get togethers must be something else! ten children plus ... glad you.. read more
Lovely Kathy. Being a vegetable gardener myself this ticks all the right boxes. At present I'm also harvesting which is so fulfilling and connects you to mother earth. Also distributing to friends and family is a great feeling .
This is a real feel good, hands in the dirt story.
All the best.
Alan

Posted 5 Years Ago


1 of 1 people found this review constructive.

Kathy Van Kurin

5 Years Ago

alanwgraham,
I would love to see your garden. It is a great feeling to have something to shar.. read more
Summer brightness beacons with beauty of filial love. Daddy is remembered ever with great emotion that blooms in mind and a child growing in rich garden plot remembers his father with his all efforts. This poem is an excellent poem that makes readers emotional. Your effort is highly appreciated. Thank you very much dear poet for sharing this beautiful poem with us. ..100/100

Posted 5 Years Ago


1 of 1 people found this review constructive.

Kathy Van Kurin

5 Years Ago

Kumarmani Mahakul,
I appreciate your lovely review! To be able to be thankful for the love of.. read more
Wow your papa has a greenhouse yay! I enjoyed all the mention and description of fruits and veg and tour muse painting the scenery awesomely. Kudos,


I like interaction for the human touch, so pls pleez do review/ comment/ give your thoughts on my newest poem


Posted 5 Years Ago


1 of 1 people found this review constructive.

Kathy Van Kurin

5 Years Ago

S.zaynab kamoonpury,
Yes, Thanks. I love my wonderful hard working papa. He is very productiv.. read more
' Back in Minnesota the place of his birth he worked at a tuberculosis hospital as a grounds keeper, Farmer and maintenance man. in youth and in childhood many learning experiences and helping within a family of ten. His later years held the resume of Nurseryman, violin maker, with in retirement to name just a few. Out in the field here he comes on his Kubota tractor, Dark soil still waits; for what, we shall see.'

Takes a man who's lived so many experiences to understand what Earth truly means! You've written with your heart here, You've written with respect and warmth, Kathy, and can only imagine that as you wrote this warm-hearted write, you might have closed your eyes and looked back seeing your dad at various stages of life.. As someone who would lovingly work on gardens, I think this is such a delightful lesson on how to rest in the past but, BUT, take the knowledge into your happy Now. My example was our darling little mum.. ..

Posted 5 Years Ago


1 of 1 people found this review constructive.

Kathy Van Kurin

5 Years Ago

emmajoy,
Yes, I can imagine your mother being a warm and loving person. I appreciate your abi.. read more
dear Kathy... you have captured the essence of life... wherein we
need nourishment from berries and fruits, along with vegetables.
Being raised a vegetarian, I find solace in your poetic persuasions of plants
in a greenhouse... and a father and family who thrive on being a part
of the cycle of growing. Now in my golden years, I long for the delicate
taste of celery and sweet carrots... the planting of potato eyes planted in hills...
waiting to mature with the unique flavor topped with butter and cream.
My grandmother cooked her home grown cabbage with a lust or bust attitude of
divine guidance. She made Jam from the Berries in her yard... waiting for home-made
bread and churned butter. So many veggies... each deserving a Chapter in a Book of
Grandma's Cooking. Kathy, you have awakened my taste buds as I await the blossoming
of newly planted Cherry trees and Concord grape vines, along with Blueberries.
truly delicious, Pat

Posted 5 Years Ago


1 of 1 people found this review constructive.

Kathy Van Kurin

5 Years Ago

Pat Wedel,
There is an anticipation when it comes to fresh grown fruits and vegetables. I tr.. read more
Excuse me while I kiss the sky! This is so freakin' beautiful, I was floating away for a minute, on so many tangents where your words catapulted me! First, my dad (gone for decades now) used to always give stuff away, stuff he grew or cooked or discovered, as his only means of showing love. Second, I am disabled (almost 63) & I delight in gardening, which forces me to use my painful legs, leading me to forget about my bum legs as long as I can be puttering in the garden. Your story is so full of verve & affection & life lessons! Your storytelling itself displays the abundance of which you write! It's overflowing with all the things you feel about the awesome details you share. This is a precious commemoration of your dad & your relationship with your dad! (((HUGS))) Fondly, Margie

Posted 5 Years Ago


1 of 1 people found this review constructive.

Kathy Van Kurin

5 Years Ago

Margie,
Dear hearted one..do you know your transparent spirit is your energy. It gives others.. read more
Kathy Van Kurin

5 Years Ago

Oh, and and also it is great to get to hear a little about your own background in that of your papa... read more

Share This
Email
Facebook
Twitter
Request Read Request
Add to Library My Library
Subscribe Subscribe


Stats

246 Views
9 Reviews
Rating
Added on June 13, 2019
Last Updated on February 7, 2022

Author

Kathy Van Kurin
Kathy Van Kurin

OR



About
Everything in and about me has become materiel to ponder, analyze and find meaning and beauty. This life journey is all about revealing lessons many times hidden until dug up and planted then finding .. more..

Writing

Related Writing

People who liked this story also liked..


flawed flawed

A Poem by Lydia Shutter