There are two types of people: those who feel fresh flowers are worth the expense, and those who don’t.

Like many things, I spent years thinking they were overrated, which just happened to coincide with years that I never had any around. As soon as I started receiving them I realized how much they brighten a room.

It is very important to change the water and trim the stems daily to keep them looking nice. Just as crucial is tossing them out composting them as soon as they’re getting to be over the hill. If they’re flowers you intend to dry and preserve, that’s one thing. But saggy, droopy, floppy flowers just look sad. Fresh flowers are supposed to symbolize life and romance, not death and neglect.

Every time I glance at these flowers (still fresh!) I smile. Maybe it’s not a convincing argument for everyone, but things that make me smile without fail are worthwhile in my book.

There are two types of people: those who enjoy tomatoes plain, and those who don’t.

I was in the latter camp until I started paying more attention to seasonality and quality of produce. Now, when I get a tomato that is perfectly ripe and juicy, the best way to eat it is plain. In the garden, right after it’s picked.

If you don’t pick it from the plant, you can enjoy it in your kitchen with some sprinkled sea salt and freshly ground pepper.

Mozzarella, basil and olive oil don’t hurt, either.

The above photo is my dad. We were touring the gigantic garden of a Hutterite Colony near Conrad, Montana.