So, this spring I set my sights much lower and decided to bust open some of the free, or nearly free, seed packets I’d picked up last season. My youngest son rolled up his sleeves and, together, we filled every styrofoam cup we could find with dirt, seeds, water, and love. We placed them in front of our sliding glass door and waited.

Fast forward to mid-summer. Our vegetable garden produced one cucumber. Period.  But take a look at our nasturtiums!  Finally, something for our neighbors to look at, other than our weeds, recycling bins and the barking ball of fur we call our dog.