Butterflies on Zennias

I have a very happy memory of a time when I was probably four or five years old. One very warm, summer day my parents decided we should go visit my sister, who had been married for a few months.  My Dad harnessed up the horses, hooked them to the wagon, and my parents, sister, and I took our usual places. My parents on the one board seat in front, with my sister and I sitting on the floor in the back. I’m not sure just how far away my sister Mary and husband Bert lived, but it couldn’t have been over a few miles. I always enjoyed riding in the wagon, seeing new sights, and feeling the soft breeze on my face.

When we reached their home, I was amazed to see her front yard covered with beautiful flowers. She planted Zinnias, or as was commonly called, “Old Maids” all over her yard. I spent my visit in that flower garden chasing butterflies!

The next spring my sister brought over a handful of flower seed, told me to plant them, and see if I could get them to grow. At first I couldn’t think of a place to plant them. We had a bare yard where noting grew because the chickens would immediately pluck up any green plant that was brave enough to peek up out of the ground. My mother came up with the idea of my planting my seed in the chicken pen, as the chickens were running free in the yard. I spent many hours digging holes and planting those seed.

Imagine how thrilled I was when I eventually had a beautiful flower garden with butterflies coming to visit me, just as my sister had the year before. I was a happy child.