Not the expected Biography

Chapter 4

Rhubarb Pie

When you grow things, it is always the food. Food for a family, many families, the animals, or the needs of the world, it is a complex reality. The visions of gardens and quiet walks are the falsity of romantic novels. Real life is sweat, stress, fatigue, and speculation. All in the hope of accomplishment, but never assured. Merit a concept for the heroic, effort is all that is controlled during a lifetime. Madison and I discovered how Parker Produce and Fruit came to exist in our present.

Rhubarb Pie Rhubarb Pie

It might rain tomorrow

Better get some before I die 

Rhubarb Pie  John C Fogerty

Apple Playlist -- Null Stillness – Déjà vu All Over Again

Not the expected Biography

Madison and I came wandering down to the kitchen. Aunt Carol had been up awhile; she had baked biscuits. “I remembered how much Karen loved these when she was here. We had fun during the summer vacations when you came out here. Want eggs or something to go with them?”

“Do you have jelly?"

“We’re a fruit and produce operation. I have all sorts of jams and jellies. I made coffee; I could heat water for tea?”

“Coffee would be great, Madison would you like tea?"

“Yes tea, thank you. You made these this morning, really? I thought we were getting up rather early.”

“Getting going is habit on a produce farm, and it seems to get easier with age. I will tour you around the farm after some biscuits. You’ll have to ride in my run-down pick-up truck. That hot ride you’re driving barely has enough clearance to get up my lane.”

“Oh, it is fun, but Dad should have been more sensible.”

“Your Dad could have always been more sensible, but I guess he can afford it.”

“You know, I would look really great in your car. You could let me drive it around campus since you won’t.”

Aunt Carol looked at me, “You don’t drive it, Karen?”

“We don’t need it unless we are leaving town. We walk and have plenty of transportation, it is best to consider the planet.”

“I respect that, I always knew you were one of the most sensible members of this family.”

“These are great, you made them this morning”- Madison may have felt like she had dropped into another planet or a time warp.

“Lizzie says biscuits are as easy as toast in the morning. Lizzie may exaggerate.”

“I like this jam, what is it?”

“It’s strawberry-rhubarb.”

“Does rhubarb grow on trees like an apple?”

“No, it’s a plant, rhubarb is the stalk.” Aunt Carol had set out the best applesauce in the world.

“Try some of the applesauce it was one of the best parts of being here. I helped Aunt Carol make some when I was here.”

“If the apples have just the right tartness then when sauced and frozen, nothing is much better. I set out yogurt and the cookies if you want some.”

“All the foods here are the best they can be.”

“Grown here and picked in season makes the best diet. Do you see your mother, often?”

“We meet for lunch occasionally, she is making a series to be streamed now. I hope it’s a hit she’s desperate for celebrity.”

“We’ll start here. I can explain where I started Parkers Produce and Fruit. It is a small family held corporation, now. I hope you enjoy your visit, Madison. Karen knows how far away from city things we are here.”

“Excellent so far, I love this applesauce and biscuits. Has the climate changed, does it affect your farm?"

“Our more extreme weather swings are a challenge. Early warmups and then a return to frost play havoc with fruit trees.”

Madison asked, “what’s your solution for climate change?”

“Castrate all the greedy bastards “- Carol replied in a complete deadpan. I went catatonic, but Madison was going with it.

“How about the women climate deniers?”

“Tie them to trees ahead of the forest fires.” Carol chuckled then added, “We should get going. I will show you how this place runs. I suppose you brought shorts, but jeans would be better. Barb wire and briars should at least have to break denim before skin. Go get dressed, I’ll clean up.”

Madison was all in on this trip now, Aunt Carol had won her over. I had brought jeans and rather old Nikes. I slipped on my Dunder-Mifflin tee shirt and headed downstairs. I glanced at Madison getting ready, decided to be silent. No use to tell her style wouldn’t matter here. Madison was busy perfecting her country look. I came back to help in the kitchen. “What can I help you with?”

“I’m so glad you came for a visit”-Aunt Carol said as she gave me a motherly hug. “Why not dry and put the dishes away. You still remember where they go?”

“Everything looks the same, I think it is coming back to me. You haven’t remodeled?”

“I did a major one after I had the boys. Put in the garbage disposal composter and a dishwasher. Some things are still where my Grandmother Grace placed them, some of the utensils and dishes are hers. No use to change what works, but it was good to make it a more modern kitchen. It was long before you came here for the summer; nothing much has changed since your visits.”

“Madison had her doubts about coming out here. You have won her over. She’s up perfecting her look. We’ve been roommates since Freshman year. Her casual look takes time. “

“She’s obviously fun to be around, and very cute. Are you and I the same height now?”

“I think we are; I am glad to model after you.”

“All long and gangly, but I am comfortable with me, now. I think you will make me realize how much I’ve aged. I don’t believe in being old. I believe in being fit and active. One of the best things about the business succeeding as it has, is I can concentrate on what’s important, family and health. I want to listen to you, get to know you, I love the isolation here, but I need stirred up by those more aware of the current times.”

“I felt a great sense of welcome as soon as we came in. I am glad we had this assignment. I think I hear someone coming down.” I realized this was a time when we could meet as people. I wasn’t a little kid anymore. Maybe I could meet Carol Parker, if I just hung back and listened.







Note Rhubarb Pie photo from K Johnson on Flickr