Oh my, I was excited. I had waited for this day for so long, had researched and planned and strategized – and now it was finally time to go pick her up. I was feeling pretty intimidated, but also full of hope. I had purchased all the things needed to make this a success, so it was time to step up and head out.
She was so perfect as I stood gazing down at her. Her colour was good, it was all truly a perfect picture of health. I hesitated to pick her up, knowing how much was at stake and how fragile she was. I didn’t want to leave a single mark with any of my clumsiness. I summoned my courage and lifted her gently, wrapping her snugly and laying her down carefully in the cart.
The drive home was nerve wracking, but we got there without incident. Now to settle her inside. A protective place had been arranged, of course, and she fit perfectly. A comfortable arrangement, I thought, as I left her briefly to flit around and gather all the things she would need. Garlic and pepper seasoning, I thought. Or maybe the siracha salt I discovered at the same grocery store last week. I would coat her with a light olive oil before I popped her in the oven. But I would have to be cautious with the amount, since that might be the costliest part of the whole plan.
I turned the oven to medium, plunked the cutting board on the counter and turned back to the fridge to gather her back up. Yup, I had invested in a bundle of asparagus.