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It seems that there are so many holidays nowadays and that the gift selections are getting more and more bazaar. I saw an Easter basket this past week; It was already made up and ready to buy. It had a little bit of candy in it, but there was a complete arsenal of plastic guns, binoculars, knives and Hand Grenades. Happy Easter Son, now go outside and blow up some bunnies!

Yesterday was Easter Sunday for my family, and up until now I always found that a nice potted plant is the best gift for a celebration of rebirth and the coming of spring.

However, this was the first year that I did not prepare for this day and as I was on my way to the annual Easter Feast, I had nothing to give at all!

I did have time to spare though, so I stopped by my trusty local supermarket and counted on them coming to my rescue.

Dinner was being served at 6:30 and it was 5:45 and I still had a ten mile drive. As I walked into the supermarket, I was greeted with three floral stands and a refrigerated floral bouquet cabinet.

Poor Mother Hubbard, I thought. It was as if there had been a plant buying riot and I missed it all. Instead of vibrantly colored Hydrangeas and the wafting scent of Easter Lilies, there were several over priced ivy baskets that looked like birds had tried to make a nest out of them and all the lilies were broken! No Hydrangeas at all!

The floral cabinet had two bouquets that looked like they would be nice as a Halloween gift. My last minute buying did not pay off at all! Shame on me. Then I thought, this must have been a blessing. I am sure that for the past twenty years, there must be an accumulation of well over a hundred potted plants somewhere in the realms of my in-law's estate; "Who needs potted plants anymore"!? I patted myself on the head.

With twenty minutes to go, I desperately looked for my thinking cap. It took me five minutes to find it, but it was a little unprepared, to I went it alone.

The first thing that inspired me, was that the fruit was on sale. So, I bought Papaya, Honey Dew Melon, Sweet Melon, Strawberries, Blueberries, Plantain's, Pistachio Nuts and some dark chocolate. I found a box, paid for everything and left hastily.

As uninspiring as this may seem, I had spent less that twenty five dollars, compared to a dried out ivy basket with a dead Hyacinth in the middle. All the fruit was interesting, some exotic and all very fresh.

When I arrived at my In-Laws house, dinner was just being served and although everyone was very busy running back and forth with plates of food, I felt a sense of accomplishment as I lay the fruit next to all the wilting, neglected potted plants and Easter Baskets full of Marshmallow Peeps and Chocolate.

I think I did okay.

Learn more about this author, Jon Coe.
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