This reminded me of something that happened while I was watering the lawn last
week when a passing neighbor stopped for a chat.
"Are those peppers?" She pointed to the plants under the bay window.
"Oh no. They are tomatoes. San Marzano, an Italian variety from Nepal."
"I see. They look so pretty!"
"They taste even better. You can find canned whole peeled San Marzanos in
grocery stores. They are great for making pasta sauces."
"Can I pick one?" she pointed to a bright red one.
"Sure. Help yourself." I said.
"OK. I'll have these two then."
"I'm not here most of the week. You can come to pick the ripe ones." I didn't
know why I said that. Just to sound generous? I wished right away that she would
back off.
"Oh. I will be glad to. Thank you very much." She said matter-of-factly.
"You are welcome." I was kicking myself.
I wish I had learned better that "good fences make good neighbors."
