Gardener

This is not a label I would have given myself.

I do a surprising amount of homemaker things, despite not being a full-time homemaker.  I bake, knit, cook and garden.  Yet I refuse to can (or raise chickens).

My parents observed this about me on a recent visit. They said I was their "gardener" daughter.  I was a bit taken aback. There are other differences between me and my siblings.  Fortunately, gardener is a positive label, and not related to the fact that I'm their only child with offspring.

Tomato plants in the front yard of my old house

In comparison with my apartment dwelling siblings, I suppose I am a gardener.  I've had tomato plants most years.  Tomato plants are notoriously easy.  When we purchased our current home, it was winter and I didn't realize what I was getting into in terms of yard work.  The previous owner obviously loved gardening.  I've posted photos of the lillies, magnolia tree, persimmon tree, cherry tree.  She also planted raspberry bushes.

For some things (like the raspberry bushes), it's just a matter of weeding.  Our back yard is a step away from returning to midwestern forests. 

I took the observation from my parents as a compliment.  I don't know that it's something I'll do for the rest of my life, but for now, it fits.