An Unexpected Gift

Posted on Friday 1 September 2006 at 06:38

We wrapped up our TYDOS year with a bit of wistfulness today. The garden is losing its vigour, and the wild winds of this end of the year have come in to take the summer elsewhere.

As I dropped off my last delivery of the day, I found on the back porch a card and gift bag. There were a few other things there, so I wasn't sure whether the gift bag was intended for us or not. But the card had our names. Our young friend thanked us for the year and asked us to let her know when we start up again next year.

She turned out to be home, and we shared a hug and the joy of fresh, nearly-live food. She said I should take the gift bag as well, and inside I found a lovely glazed fruit bowl. I was so touched! My TYDOS bowl now sits in the centre of our big kitchen table, reminding me that I have the blessing of two wonderful things -- my garden and the people I get to share it with.

Many times I've heard the Prairies called "next year country." Next year the weather will be better. Next year the yields might turn out. Next year...

Next year, I will begin an even bigger adventure. I've found support and advice from the provinical government's agriculture branch, I've found good friends who've given me the confidence to go ahead with this.

Next year... Next year, more land to till. Next year, new and different crops to try. Next year, more people to meet, more challenges to overcome, more sunsets to see by the West Pond as we begin working the Acre Garden.

I love Next Year Country.