Henry Raymond
Fairfax News => Current News & Events => Topic started by: Henry on July 01, 2008, 09:39:41 AM
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Got a call last night from someone who asked me if I could use some fresh peas and new potatoes from their garden. Well, as of late, I don't plant a garden anymore and especially since Maryann's favorite vegetable is fresh peas, we were both elated. I had gone down to Hudak's in St. Albans and gotten some last week, but Maryann was having the last dish of those for supper.
A little while later a car drove in the yard with the fresh peas. The potatoes as she had told me over the phone were Purple Potatoes. She told me that when you cook them, you put a little vinegar in and it keeps them purple. If you don't she told me, they turn gray, and even though it doesn't effect the taste, they don't look as appetizing. Also in addition, she brought me a head of brocolli. What a wonderful gesture.
Now don't take this wrong, I certainly not asking people to bring me vegetables, but have to say, I was very touched by the gesture.
Years ago, when I had a little more energy and was able to bend a little easier and also get up a little easier, I used to raise a big garden and drop things off to different people in town. I used to plant 4 dozen Jet Star tomato plants, so had loads of tomatoes. I used to bring a lot of them down to a lady who lived here on a very limited income with her two visually handicapped sons and she used to can every one I brought down - I later found out that there were many times that they had to rely on those tomatoes to make soup when things got a little tight, so they could have something to eat.
Now my situation is much unlike these people, as I do have a pension besides my Social Security and we have no problem buying food. This person did bring to mind, however, how those of you can help out those less fortunate than you with your extra garden fruits and vegetables. If you don't know of anyone, I am sure that Rev. Elizabeth or Jeannette Wills up at St. Luke's Rectory could give you some names, or maybe to prevent embarrassment to the people take them and see that those in need get them. Back in the old days, the towns used to have an Overseer of the Poor, which wasn't such a bad thing, as I truly believe they knew who the people in need were and may have been much more personal.
Much better to do that than let the food spoil or go by in your gardens.