Nowadays we look forward to a sunny day. Just a few weeks ago the world “woke up” and blossomed due to the warm temperatures and the sun beaming its rays down on the earth. The greening of the landscape is expanding.
I have been drawn to the flowers and vegetables we have transplanted into the soil. One afternoon, after watering them, I decided to cut the asparagus that had recently grown. It was a whopping crop! We shared it with my son’s family. Even half of the cutting was abundant.
Just as I was finishing the cutting job, a sweet voice came, “Can I help you, Grandma?” It was my 5-year-old grandson coming for a visit. His dad planned to spend the afternoon with my husband putting up fences, so my little helper stayed with me.
After getting in the asparagus crop, we picked some large rhubarb stalks. The picking was large enough so that we divided it, too, to send some home with my grandson.
What next should a grandmother do with her young offspring? After the harvest of tasty foods, weeds attracted my attention. So, my little gardener and I spent time pulling up jewelweed, dandelions, a few violets and stray grass that dared to venture into our flowerbed. We kept busy.
As we worked, the birds sang to us. Some were melodious, some were excited squawks. My grandson and I talked together about what the birds might be saying. We supposed that some birds were warning us to keep away. Others, we speculated, might be singing to praise their Creator, the Lord.
“I know what the cats say,” my little partner interjected. “They say, ‘Feed me.’” I chuckled in agreement.
Our weed buckets got filled up. The weeds looked like they would make a welcome treat for our flock of chickens, we thought, so feed them we did.
After all the work in the sun, we decided to go indoors and to make a pitcher of Kool-aid. We refreshed ourselves and began to clean the asparagus and rhubarb. My helper washed dishes for me, while I dried them. Once the foodservice was done, we sat to play a game of cards.
We played a game my grandmother taught me. It is called, “War.” I shuffled the deck. I kept half of the cards and my little opponent got the rest. As we played, I noticed that he had gotten all four aces. Well, you can imagine which one of us won.
We ambled outdoors again to visit our herd of cats. They were looking for a handout, so we gave them a treat. My grandson enjoyed the kitty company.
Soon, my young helper’s dad and grandpa came back from the field. It was time for grandpa to do chores. So our son and grandson headed for their home.
What a privilege to have a grandson live near us so that we can do things side by side. We can work or not and just be with each other. We can talk and become better acquainted. The creation that God has given us to care for is a great place to know and to nurture relationships with each other and with the Lord.
Cold Asparagus Salad
Clean asparagus (2 cups) and cut into bite-sized pieces. Season with salt and pepper. Cook in microwave till “crisp tender” (about 2 ½ minutes.) Drain and add:
1 Tablespoon sugar (Splenda works)
1 Tablespoonvinegar Diced purple onion (optional) 2 diced Roma tomatoes
The above mixture makes enough for 2 cups of asparagus. Pour Italian dressing over salad to “coat.” Marinate mixture overnight in the refrigerator.
Recipe credit: Mrs. Rod Grabau