Round Two...The Little Red Hen Syndrome

  Back a couple of months ago, I had dozens of small tomato plants in the greenhouse.  These were just the right size to plant out in the garden so I offered several folks a few plants for their home gardens.  I had no takers except for Darling Daughter.  She took 16 plants home to put in planter boxes.  To that, she added a dozen pepper plants and is waiting on a few eggplants.  She is the only one who took the effort of planting a small garden.  Other folks all made the comment that they "did not have the time" or it is a "lot of work for a few tomatoes/peppers/eggplants, that I can get at the store."   That said, I planted...and planted.  My garden plot grew in size just as the plants did.  Soon, the entire east side of the yard became a vegetable garden. Not only did I plant in rows in the ground but I also utilized planter boxes, flower pots, old shrimp baskets and stuck vegetable plants in the flower gardens. The plants did well and soon set all sorts of blooms.  Now, fast forward two months and I am harvesting healthy meals from the back yard.  Darling Daughter is doing the same.  

  Now that I have fresh vegetables and fruits for our meals, folks are coming out of the woodwork to say "Oh, I will take a few tomatoes!  We love fresh squash! You have far too many peppers and onions."  Keep in mind, these are the same folks who turned down my offer of plants just a couple of months ago. While I am all for sharing the wealth, I am not all for those who take advantage of others' hard work.  Nope, I do not have far too many of any vegetables or fruit.  What we do not eat fresh will be canned for later.  Some jars will make it all the way to Georgia (son, daughter-in-law and grandlittles!), some will go to Darling Daughter and her hubby's place. A lot of fruit, berries and vegetables will be doled out to our elderly friends.  Why, I will not even hesitate to give a couple of these or a few of those, if someone asks but do not demand! I will share but not with those who are ablebodied but too lazy!  The "Little Red Hen Syndrome" strikes again.  Some folks just take, take, take and never wish to lift a pinky finger to help.  

  There is a wise saying that folks can only take advantage of you if you let them.  Although it is hard for me to do, I have learned to say no and stick with it.  Only those who shared in the work shall share the bounty. I am willing to share plants and seeds and I am eager to teach folks the art of home-canning, dehydrating and freezing fruit, herbs and vegetables.  Do not, however, expect me to do all of the work then come demanding the fruits of my labor. It ain't happenin', folks, it ain't happenin'!