It troubles me some when the Walmart cashier isn't able to identify mushrooms, asparagus, or sweet potatoes. I don't think of those as strange vegetables, but apparently ALL vegetables were strange to one of today's cashiers.

Looking at the bag of portabellos, she asked, "What do you put those in?"

Quickly summing up her take on edibles, I suggested pizza, then added, "You can marinate them and grill them and they are as good as steaks."

She shook her head and said, "No, I don't think so."

"Do you eat peas?" I asked.

"Oh, shoot no! Nothing green!" she replied.

I paused and considered whether to say anything more. After a deep breath, I stepped up gently onto my little soapbox and said softly, "You know how people get diseases when they get old?"

"Yes!" she replied emphatically, as though she had personal experience in that area.

"Vegetables... are what keep that from happening," I retorted.

Without a micro-second of hesitation, she snapped, "Then I will be getting sick and dying real early."

I picked up my bags of veggies, shook my head and left to go lead some horses to water.

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