Plant Lessons
We live at West Point in the only set of quarters on post to be surrounded by two of Kosciuszko’s fortifications located just outside our door. This is a picture of one of our windows that overlooks the Hudson River. So many fascinating families have lived in military quarters on post and it is impossible to live here without wondering who lived here before. Don has a classmate who grew up on our street as a child when his dad was stationed here. We’ve been told a great story about General Pete Dawkins in our kitchen many years ago.
Having your kids grow up in military quarters is one of the great advantages of being in the Army. There is a lot of moving in the military but there are also many lifelong friendships established that continue to intersect throughout a lifetime. I include this picture above because of the symbolism of the flowering plant in the window. It’s a Mexican cactus and was given to me four years ago as a housewarming gift from my good friend Lois who lives near West Point. She and her husband Jim lived above us in a stairwell in Germany 41 years ago. We’ve always kept in touch but seldom saw each other because of distances. Our friendship reminds me of this plant. I kept this cactus alive for the past four years by watering and fertilizing it regularly, but I could never get a bloom to repeat on this plant. My last resort was to stick it on the front steps last summer and give it some real sun and weather and hope for the best. This picture shows the result. It is covered in beautiful blooms - just like our 41 year friendship that has blossomed again after 39 years of distance. Lois and Jim are great volunteers in Kosciuszko’s Garden and deserve many thanks.
Monday, October 21, 2013