Other great plants are cucumer, parsley, lettuce, green onions, and yes, even a corn stalk or two. If space is limited, try container gardening. Even something as simple as a large coffee can with holes in bottom for drainage, some good soil, and wonder begins. Allow your child to do work - water, weed, and care for plant. If you do everything, then accomplishment he/she feels will not be same. A tiny hand can hold a small watering can, and it can pick out pesky weeds. Bright, little eyes will glow with each new growth until harvest time arrives. Lettuce can be picked for suppertime, and that salad will take on a whole new meaning.

Older children can be given more space and a wider variety of plants to choose from. Carrots, beets, green peppers, and pumpkins are sure-fire choices. Whatever age of your child, they can begin to enjoy joys of gardening right alongside their mom or dad. Please have a camera ready when they see that first "success". ©Arleen M. Kaptur 2002 e-mail: akaptur@centurytel.net Website: http://www.rusticliving.info http://www.webspawner.com/users/rusticliving http://www.authorsden.com/arleenmkaptur Article autoresponder: mailto:rusticliving@sendfree.com

Newlyweds and empty-nestors, you are just beginning a life together or you are returning to having more time for each other. In either case, setting table a little more elaborately, with a touch of whimsy, and a serving of elegance, will soothe souls, and invite both of you to a time of partaking of food leisurely and with a much higher degree of appreciation for taste, texture, and those other nice little “you really did notice” points. You can savor food, admire surroundings, and be a participant in witty conversation and warm embrace of sharing time with someone you care about.

If time should come that you return to eating as a single person again, you have learned finer points of entertaining. You are no less a guest than if you had invited someone else over to share your meal. Enjoy yourself, relax, and know that a meal is and always will be a time of rejuvenation, and soul-growth.

So bring out candlesticks, lacy tablecloths, and gravy boat and have a meal fit for royalty. Setting table should be paramount of every meal when possible. Let your table shine - for royalty are about to sit around your table. ©Arleen M. Kaptur 2002

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