Since moving to the bluff area, I’ve not had too many opportunities to plant flowers.

Coming from an agrarian background, planting season was a welcome time of the year. It made no difference if I planted various grains in the farm fields or if I got to plant the vegetable garden or the flowers, I enjoyed that time to become reacquainted with nature’s soil.

The various seeds we planted always gave us a sense of hope. Hope for a good growing season with adequate rain and no crazy storms. Hope for an abundant harvest to feed our livestock, and of course, ourselves.

One year, while in college, I had to do the farm planting because my father had injured his back. I planted our oat field in early May, and always held the bragging rights for the families earliest oat harvest — the sooner in the ground, the sooner out of the ground. Anyway, that’s my memory — there are some who will dispute my claim. My reply was for them to prove their claims over mine. So far, all is quiet. My planting record stands!

I enjoy planting flowers, and this year, I finally got to do it! I volunteered to help plant two good sized flower boxes at our apartment complex. I couldn’t wait for the day when we would go to a local nursery, walk through the fragrant flower plants, see the many colors and relive old memories. A team of three of us went to get the flowers, and, working together, planted over 50 plants. I totally focused on working the soil, placing the flowers — pansies and petunias among others — and am now waiting for all of them to embellish our patio.

Earlier this week, I got to replant an old wine taste on my taste buds. A long time ago I first tasted Radio Boka Verdejo — a very nice Spanish wine. At this time of the year, the wine’s forward flavorful tastes of pineapple and green apple are so enjoyable. It’s sweet — just like planting flowers.

As I write this, a honey bee is trying to make friends with me. Based on past experiences, we’ll have a questionable relationship, but I hope it finds enough flowers to nourish it and its family. I think we can respect each other.

You know, planting does not always involve the soil. In these very trying times, let us always plant seeds of kindness. Reach out to someone in need, and plant seeds of hope in both of you. These plantings will result in an abundant harvest of goodness. Let us always be farmers of kindness.

Finally, all of us have many memories planted within us. Your grandparents planted memories of themselves in your memory field. Your parents placed a lot of growing possibilities within you. Your siblings continue to replenish your fields of memory. And, your other relatives and friends are contributing to your farm of memories.

Over a glass of whatever liquid you enjoy, raise a toast to all of those people, places and things that fill your fields of memories. Pay attention to the growing around you. As we all know, that growing season can go by quickly so plant some type of goodness as much as you can and for as long as you can.

May you always be a planter.

As always, eat and drink in moderation, but laugh with reckless abandon!

Cheers!