for grandpa green

i have never been a gardener. until grandpa green came to visit.
this last spring he helped me start a small vegetable garden in my backyard.
i was eager to learn especially since he has gardened for many years.
i needed the tricks of the trade.
i kill house plants. you know what i mean-no green thumb here.
but he was patient with me and the oklahoma clay, imparting all of his hard-earned knowledge on my yearning mind.
and so we went to the nursery, prepared the plot, and planted.


and then the summer came.

it was so incredibly hot that despite all of my efforts everything died. 
everything except for the ever-enduring zucchini plant.
this plant is large. big. huge. massive.
it's like it looked the hot sun in the face and laughed a rebellious laugh.
it has given us ginormous zucchinis-as long and wide as my whole arm.
and when i look at them i smile and think of my dear father-in-law.

thanks dad.

i'm sure glad my family likes zucchini bread.