Mary, Mary quite contrary

My friend Mary had a birthday on the 9th of this month. I sent her a birthday wish and she told me that she had been following the blog all summer long. She said she felt she needed something like this next summer for herself.

I understand the need to watch things grow. Mary used to teach kindergartners in an elementary school. She watched the careful development of the children in the same manner that I fuss over my plants outside. Since she retired a few years ago from teaching,the garden would be a great way for Mary to enjoy that growing.

Mary has two grown children, one of whom who will graduate next year from The Citadel. We are all proud of him, but I also know that the careful watching of children growing into adulthood is basically over for Mary and myself.

My hope is that Mary will get some of the Grow Boxes next year. She can then watch the little seedlings grow to plants. They will give her their love by providing her with some of the fruits of her labor.

Mary joked that then she could say "Mary, Mary quite contrary, how does your garden grow? With silver bells and cockle shells and pretty maids all in a row." The silver bells can be squash and the rest is up to Mary.

Only problem is Mary is not contrary. She is as beautiful as her plants will be.