Blue corduroy jacket

When I was a kid I wanted a blue corduroy jacket with the Future Farmers of America patch.  At the time we did not have the means for a fancy jacket.  I was never lacking for warm clothing but the “cool kids” jacket was not part of my experience.  Later my parents bought me a letterman’s jacket when I lettered in cross country and/or track. 

I am an avid gardener and would be a farmer if my wife let me.  She is a lot smarter than me and has my best interest at heart.  Farming is a tough way to make a living.  I wonder what my life would have been like if we had stayed in Gloster, LA.  I probably would be up to my knees in manure, raising cattle.  

I ponder the miracle of life while preparing the soil, transplanting seedlings and removing weeds.  My childhood was split between Louisiana and California.  The farmers and ranchers adapted vastly different solutions to the challenges presented by the desert and swamp. My Air Force experience allowed me to a sample the global environment.  I learned a few tricks from my Asian brothers none of whom had blue jackets. 

Thank God for giving me this incredible experience.  My hat is off to all the agriculturalists that allow us to eat so bountifully.  I like playing in the dirt.  If I fail as a gardener I will not starve, as a matter of fact my biggest risk is that I will eat too much.