Well our garden is planted. We usually plant several rows of corn, okra, peas, cucumbers, and lots of tomatoes.
We have 18 tomatoes and six cucumber plants! That’s the crop.
All you younger gardeners who go out to the freshly plowed earth and dig the holes, bend over for a long time and place the plants in the prepared holes, and carry on to the next plantings: GOOD FOR YOU! But when you are our age and in our aged conditions, you slow up, hold back, and plant less. I have fallen so many times and have broken six bones in the process that I do not venture into any terrain that is not completely level. The last time I assisted in planting our crop, I fell and broke my glasses and got a bloody nose. So my days of truck farming are over. However my husband was raised on a farm and has it in his blood and just, right now cannot give it all up. He loves to see things grow and feels a pride in his abilities. Good for him!
I try to put the idea of my being old in the recesses of my mind and not dwell on the unhealthy thoughts that this idea conjures. Inside I still feel as I did when I was much younger. I still want to work in my garden, walk a mile a day, run outside with Emmie Jo, climb on stools, ride four-wheelers, cut grass with a lawn mower, climb the 14 feet steps at our beach house, and all the things I used to do seems like just a few years ago. Roy fell down our stairs, the bottom step, several months ago and I could not find him for a few minutes as he bellowed “help me.” Fortunately he survived with no injuries. Our minds say, “GO,” but our bodies say, “NO!”
As I ponder the things I cannot do, I realize the things I can still accomplish, like I love to cook and I can still prepare a meal for 22 people (my family), take care of my household chores, entertain my 2-year-old granddaughter, and figure out a way to overcome the things I cannot physically do any more. Yes, I do still climb some — so far so good. However, sometimes I do need assistance rising from a low chair or stool, not much, but sometimes.
The most odd (funniest) thing I still try to do is run. I look like I am running in a three-legged potato sack race. It's rather comical.
When I think of the alternative to getting old, I PTL (Praise the Lord) I am aging gracefully.
Speaking of potatoes, here is one recipe I make that we really like.
Cheesy Cottage Fries
Cut up 2 cups of white potatoes into small cubes with a large onion diced. Mix 1 tablespoon smoked paprika, 1 tablespoon freeze dried chives, 1 tablespoon chopped rosemary, salt and pepper. Mix all spices with potatoes and onions, and fry on high til browned, and cook covered on low until tender, about 15 minutes. Sprinkle with one cup of shredded cheddar Jack cheese, turn off heat and cover for about 10 minutes.
