Spring Cabbage from Dad

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.

 

Author's Note

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!

Reviews

[barleygirl]

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

[Kathy Van Kurin]

Margie,
Dear hearted one..do you know your transparent spirit is your energy. It gives others joy. You did that for me just now. Iv'e not been on here in a while. Yes, we must keep at it. To use what we have and strengthen what remains is just the ticket. I wish you every success and continuing good as you do all you can to remain vital and strong in your own personal life.
I wish you blessings of the sun.
Kathy
PS. Your picture is darling!

[Kathy Van Kurin]

Oh, and and also it is great to get to hear a little about your own background in that of your papa. He sounds so special. I think you picked up some of his (specialness!)

[Sami Khalil]

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.

[Kathy Van Kurin]

Sami Khalil,
It is interesting how one thing in our day to day can spur on memories of another day and even the memory of others in their own lives. "Hard toils and soft soils: Oh I like that so much! He plays the guitar and when I and my siblings were growing up it was wonderful always seeing him sitting in his chair after working all week playing and we all would sing. Dad and mom sing together still. I am thankful. And Sami thank you also for your time and thought in responding here. It is very special.
Bless you much!
Kathy

[Sami Khalil]

You are welcome Kathy. Any time.

[Paul Bell]

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.

[Kathy Van Kurin]

Paul Bell
I sure do wish the best for my papa. His generation are the last of a generation fading away. He grew up with many experiences so different from anything I experienced. Your right about the changes in our world. Fortunately right now things are looking pretty good. We must hope and pray for the future.
Thank you so much for your excellent review Paul.
Bless you and oh I am doing pretty good. My own garden is coming along. Have even planted carrot and broccoli seed and they have sprouted.
Kathy

[Paul Bell]

My dad always grew veg, really need to get back to doing something similar. Quite like gardening, but have this bad habit of changing it too often.

[Einstein Noodle]

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

[Kathy Van Kurin]

Thanks Einstein Noodle for your wonderful words. It is
as if we writers and readers can gather and just celebrate one another. Your review did that for me. He works really hard and now he and my mama do their best to care for one another.
Bless you.
Kathy

[Einstein Noodle]

good on 'em, Kathy! your family get togethers must be something else! ten children plus ... glad your Ma and Da are still with you guys

[alanwgraham]

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

[Kathy Van Kurin]

alanwgraham,
I would love to see your garden. It is a great feeling to have something to share and to eat for ourselves. Not easy but the end result is worth the toil. Tomatoes, cucumbers, basil, bell pepper, cantaloupe strawberries, rasberries, cabbage and I just planted broccoli and carrot seed as a late crop. We shall see. Lot's of mulch I am hoping will help. I'm no farmer just a town garden girl.
Thank you for your dear review.
Blessings,
Kathy

[Kumarmani Mahakul]

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

[Kathy Van Kurin]

Kumarmani Mahakul,
I appreciate your lovely review! To be able to be thankful for the love of those which invested in our lives was surly my feeling when writing this.
Thank you again and blessings to you.
Kathy

[S.zaynab.kamoonpury]

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

[Kathy Van Kurin]

S.zaynab kamoonpury,
Yes, Thanks. I love my wonderful hard working papa. He is very productive still. Words hardly do justice to the wonderful gardening and work of summer.
Blessings,
Kathy

[emmajoy]

' 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.. ..

[Kathy Van Kurin]

emmajoy,
Yes, I can imagine your mother being a warm and loving person. I appreciate your ability to enjoy and find beauty as you identify other's beauty with your own feelings and ideas and experiences. You are right I can hardly imagine the seasons my papa has walked most of the time. His life and times being so different from my own. Your re
review was well thought out and thoughtful. Thank you so much.
Blessings
Kathy

[Patricia Wedel]

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

[Kathy Van Kurin]

Pat Wedel,
There is an anticipation when it comes to fresh grown fruits and vegetables. I truly enjoyed your description concerning your own grandmother and the memories of her work and canning. Good healthy nutrition how very good for heart and life.
Well it is blueberry season right now....yum.
Thanks and blessings to you.
Kathy