My Grandfather on my father's side was born on a farm, about 60 miles from St Louis on the Illinois side of the Mississippi River. He understood nature, the cycle of life, the rhythm of seasons. By the time I came into the picture, he had worked in the Ford Rouge Plant for three decades, left that to keep bees full time, raise a garden, hunt and fish. About the time I was born my grandparents started spending winters in Istachatta, Florida.
When I was in middle school, I was helping out with the gardens. My grandparents had returned from Florida, and we were talking about planing tomatoes one spring, I was watching the calendar waiting for the first day of spring. My grandfather told me to ignore the calendar, and look to the oak trees. He taught me, "when the leaves on the oak trees, are as big as a squirrel's ear, we are free of frost for the season and it is safe to plant." For over 40 years, I have tested his lesson, and every year he has been right.
I don't know where he learned this lesson, but I know where I did.
What did you learn from a grandparent?
I love the oak tree rule! I learned from my grandfather to move the embroidered pillow my mother made; it was too fine to use [as a pillow].
ReplyDeletebe kind to everyone, do unto others as you would have done to you.
ReplyDeleteMy grand mother taught me how to make fudge!!
ReplyDeleteJP
Never trust a Hungarian or a Czech. Grandma was from the old country...
ReplyDeleteWhat I liked about your post is how we were in tune to nature, once upon a time.
ReplyDeleteI think the Earth would be better off if we were more so.
I used to grow potatoes and pick berries with my Grandma!
ReplyDelete:-)
-Andy
My problem would be catching the squirrel to compare the sizes. 😉
ReplyDeletei really likes your blog and You have shared the whole concept really well. and Very beautifully soulful read! thanks for sharing.
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