Yesterday I asked my husband to take me for a ride in the car. I was a bit tense over something, and I thought a ride through the countryside would calm my nerves and relax me. We do this frequently winding up with a nice lunch along the Chesapeake Bay somewhere watching boats come in to dock or go back out to sail or fish. We both enjoy our outings, so I never have to do much persuading to go for a waterfront lunch.

I had another thought in mind for wanting to go for this car ride. I’m corn crazy! It’s funny because I can’t even eat corn due to a stomach disorder. However, once it’s time for the farmers to start planting the corn crops….I get all excited. I watch those little plants as though they were my own. From little seedlings to tall stalks reaching for the sky, I am thrilled watching them grow.

My mother-in-law taught me that by July 4th corn should be as tall as an elephant’s eye. I took her at her word! I have been studying this phenomenon for years now. We ride along the backroads as I’m purveying each and every crop. I’ll say, “Oh, that crop will never make it!” Or.. “Look! That crop is almost there!” It’s the silliest thing in the world. I have no horticultural degree. I wasn’t in FFA. I grew up in the suburbs. I’ve never even grown corn in my garden. Why? Oh, why, am I fascinated with corn?

Did you know the farmers say you can hear corn growing in the middle of the night when all is quiet? I never heard it, but I sure do believe it. For one summer, I would like to live on a farm and experience raising a corn crop. Just once. And here’s an interesting fact…. Corn can be black, blue, gray, green, or red, not just white or yellow. Most of us are familiar with the multicolored corn around the autumn season.

So, I know you think I am a little on the strange side observing corn the way I do. However, Mother Nature gave it to us to enjoy in so many ways other than to just eat it. As Alice Waters said, “I have a love affair with tomatoes and corn. I remember them from my childhood. I only had them to enjoy in the summer, and they were extraordinary.”

The next time you eat a nice meal which contains corn whether it be crab and corn chowder, barbecue corn, corn on the cob, creamed corn, corn bread, and so much more, just think of it’s growing process. From that tiny seedling to the mighty stalk that reaches the elephant’s eye. Bet you’ll start paying attention to corn crops more often. Awww! Shucks!