Presentation of a Pineapple

I know now what some parents may have felt once or twice. I know the joy of nurturing something that does not turn out to be a huge disappointment after all. I know the joy of a pineapple plant that has germinated big time.

I do not mean to insult the readers of this humble blog, but, just to be clear: No, I am not saying that the pineapple is German. Ludwig von Beethoven's Symphony No. 9 playing in the background is mere coincidence. "Germinate" is a term oft used in horticulture. It refers usually to what a man or woman of everyday experience would describe roughly as "a seed sprouting," and is usually the first step in growing things that one plants. Well, because my pineapple plant was first decapitated from a pineapple seed and then planted, the appearance of a new seed is really the important part, and thus the point of germination for my purposes.

Two years, perhaps more. That is how long I have worked for this. I take back anything I ever said or thought about this plant that was unkind. For that matter I take back all the unkind words, deeds, and thoughts I ever had against anybody. This is probably the happiest day of my life (although the extremely popular and critically acclaimed movie series Highlander is rumored to be in the process of being remade, so it might not be the best day of my life forever).

I am already worried about some insects I saw crawling over the baby pineapple. I vow to slay them, and to respond severely to anybody or anything else that seeks to do mischief (or worse, heaven forbid!) against MY pineapple plant.

Finally, I would like to thank my wife, for her indulgences and understanding. Now, to her, as always, I send my love (and also this post).