The Obsessive Neurotic Gardener

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I have a few things on my mind today and felt the need to write about them. We’ll return to our normally scheduled gardening program tomorrow. Thank you in advance for allowing me to do so:

  • I haven’t done a thing out in the garden since August 27th (you better believe I remember the exact date). Hurricane Irene struck that day and we’ve been drowning in rain ever since. I absolutely love digging in the dirt this time of year with the cooler temps and it’s the perfect time for dividing perennials. The soil, however, is just too wet to do much of anything. Normally, this lack of action would push me over the edge, but it’s hard to complain when you see the devastation Irene left behind for so many people. I’ll just enjoy gazing at my plants from afar and consider myself blessed.
  • Yesterday was the start of the NFL season which is sort of like Christmas for me. While I was psyched to have it back, it just didn’t feel like a day of celebration with it falling on the 10th anniversary of 9/11. The pre-game ceremonies across the country were emotional, but none can rival the lone trumpeter playing Taps from the crash site in Shanksville, PA. Good luck trying to find the video on-line anywhere. I’m sure the NFL gobbled it up and that’s a shame.
  • Speaking of 9/11, I watched just about every TV special out there from beginning to end. I still feel like I need to as a reminder of just how devastating it was. I do the exact same thing every year at this time and will do so until the day I die. What stands out more than anything else is just how close we all became as a nation as the tragedy unfolded. It pales in comparison as to how divided we are today. It shouldn’t take an event like 9/11 to bring us all back together. Not like you want to hear political opinion from a dopey gardener like me, but I’d be in favor of throwing out the Republicans and the Democrats and starting anew. Sorry, I’m done.     
  • Bad job by Major League Baseball and Joe Torre for not allowing the Mets to wear their NYPD or FDNY hats for last night’s game. No argument will ever convince me why it should not have been allowed. It was one of the lasting memories from back in 2001 and a fantastic tribute to those “first responders.”   
  • I’ll end with a positive. If you told me I could eat only one dish for the rest of my life, I would choose my wife’s chili. It is painfully delicious and I enjoy eating myself sick for two days on it. We had it for dinner yesterday (a tradition each opening Sunday of the NFL season) along with homemade pumpkin cornbread and I’m still salivating over it all. One day I will get the recipe from her and share it with you all and dare you to make it better.     

John

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7 Responses

  1. A wonderful tribute to the victims and survivors of 9/11. I, too, believe we have to remember in order to stay vigilant. My flag has flown from 9/11/01 and will continue to fly. I have wondered how a nation that became so close has become so polarized. I am angry and heartbroken.

    Love the “chili tradition”. We usually do burgers. It is still a little warm here for chili. I hope you are able to head out and dig soon.

  2. It was a little surreal yesterday…there is still a profound sadness about the day. I watched a few of the programs as well…and it was amazing how immediate the feelings still were. I watched the NY Philharmonics tribute performance of Mahler’s 2nd last night…seemed very fitting for the occasion.

  3. beautiful john….it was truly amazing to see the country decked out in red, white and blue yesterday.

    i make a mean pot of chili, for us, it is a winter favorite!! i would love to see your wife’s recipe!!

  4. Yes, kudos to the Mets. All of the NFL pre-game ceremonies that I saw were well done, not over the top, but meaningful and thoughtful.

    Must correct you…the NFL season started last Thursday night right here in Green Bay, WI.

    I’ll be looking for that pumpkin cornbread recipe. There’s a man living in this house who luvs cornbread. Me, not so much.

    Very nice post.

  5. I too stayed glued to any program that I found to remember 9/11. I had know one to worry of in that attack, but worried about everyone. I remember what I was doing that day and always will.

    I have a mean pot of green chili burritos that I dare say no one can top… (well may one other person) ha-ha-ha!!!

  6. I watched the tv off and on yesterday and it was very sad to see the children talk about their parents. My brother and I grew up without my dad so I know how these kids felt about their parents missing all of those important milestones.

    Eileen

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