ROTR

To the late-aged man who approached me whilst waiting for his groceries to ring up and his wife to complete the transaction:

Thank you!

You asked me if I knew where peanuts came from; I sheepishly admitted that while I enjoyed peanuts, I knew not of how or where they were cultivated.

You proceeded to enthusiastically describe how you plant peanuts, how they grow, how to maintain them as they grow, and the fact that they can grow to practically whatever size you wish. When I asked you if they could grow around here, you excitedly responded that they could, and provided me with more details.

Your wife then beckoned you to follow her since she had completed the commercial aspect of your shopping trip. I heard you referred to only as "papa" when she called for you, and as you merrily went on your way, I had a few split seconds to say "nice to meet you" in the most genuine way that I've ever said that to a complete stranger.

Because of you, I will likely start growing my own peanuts next year. When I become late-aged myself, I may even approach complete hippie-looking strangers myself and describe some aspect of horticulture, to impart knowledge, and even more importantly, interest, to people in a younger generation who may need it, but not know that they need it.

Again, thank you!