Mendolonium

Thomas learned a new word this week, “sorry”.

As our plants have matured in the garden and begun to set fruit I have become concerned about the local fauna running off with our food. In my mind, I can see a raccoon carefully plucking the ripe strawberries from their parents. I can imagine a the squirrels feasting on my blueberries and then inviting over friends for a dessert of my raspberries. Although I generally consider myself a pacifist and an animal lover, I have to admit that I would think “unkind” thoughts about any animal that would steal my dinner.

As it turns out, the animals aren’t the problem. Thomas gets to the fruit long before they have a chance. Whenever we go out to the garden Thomas inspects each of the berry plants trolling for fresh fruit. While we have harvested several dozen fresh berries, none of them have ever even made it into the house – they go straight into the mouth of a toddler. This week our tomatoes began to produce their first fruit. As my back was turned, Thomas snatched the first tiny green tomato. I was annoyed and admonished him that green tomatoes are still “babies” and that we have to wait until they turn red to pick them. I told him that he should be “sorry” that he picked the tomato and showed him the sign for sorry. The corners of his mouth turned down a bit and he solemnly said “Sorry, sorry tomato” as he cupped the green tomato in his hands. I immediately felt bad; I certainly hadn’t meant to make him sad. I explained to him that it would be OK…that there would be many more tomatoes.

But I had made an impression. He walked around the garden chanting “Sorry tomato”. When he spotted tomatoes stacked up in the produce section of Whole Foods yesterday he apologized to them as well. I told him again that it was OK and gave him a hug. The tomatoes and I have accepted his apology.

This entry was posted on Saturday, May 31st, 2008 at 1:22 pm and is filed under Around the Farm, Thomas. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.