I can’t begin to enumerate the times growing up I heard my dad say this. This morning, I had an experience that reminded me of it.

For anyone who has been privileged enough to see the Spongebob episode (lucky me, I’ve seen it multiple times - *sigh*) where in an effort to make easy money, cheap Mr. Crabs builds a kiddy carnival made entirely out of junk from the scrapyard, then you already have a great visual and reference for my experience this morning.

At first I wondered if my expectations were out of whack. Who doesn’t love a preschool field trip? I was told we were going to a Pumpkin Patch that had “farm” in the title. I had visions of going to a farm where kids could see how pumpkins were grown and patch to go pick their own out of, any maybe take in some sights of a farm. After a matter of moments, I had serious reservations. Half way through I moved into sheer awe and then I started snapping photos to share with my hubby later because this was one of those “You have to see it to believe it” deals. On the drive home I started contemplating if it was unrealistically high expectations, when my dad’s words came to me loud and clear. It’s true. If a job’s worth doing, it’s worth doing right.

The great part of the story is that the kids all had a terrific time. In fact, it makes me jealous of the life of a 4 year old! All they need is a place to run and play and they’re completely satisfied. They didn’t care that they were surrounded by junk piles or that the “patch” was an empty field.

At first I jokingly thought that I should snap some shots and send them to my uncle in Idaho. He’s been a rancher and farmer all his life and I’ve spent many an hour on his farm - it’s one of the first places my daughter begs to go when we head home for a visit. He would appreciate the humor of this being the way farming is done in a metro area. It’s not a bad idea given that this type of life is a novelty anymore for most people. Preserves in jars that become a niche, over-priced, gift shop item, etc. It’s all a great way for a farm to make money in a world where they are sorely being pushed out to make way for residential and business expansion. But it takes more than a blow up toy and a tractor to make it a nice attraction. The things they called “farm” blew my mind, but then I have a different reference I suppose.

This is my uncle’s idea of a hay ride…………….and this is theirs:

My uncle’s barn…………………………………….and theirs:

And I know he’d have laughed out loud as hard as I did (or at least roll his eyes) to their version of a fence which consisted of pieces of scraps held together with twine.

The “hay ride” took us around the circumference of the property and my stomach did a flip flop. One section was like touring a scrapyard and I’m not making that up. The piles of junk were everywhere. I tried to take some inconspicuous pictures without making it obvious I was photographing the “less than stellar” conditions.

There was nothing being grown on this “farm” (which incidentally, is part of my understanding of why it’s called such.) The pumpkins and squash were shipped in and sat in piles waiting for their turn to be placed on the ground for selection.

There was an inflated jump house that all the kids loved and couldn’t wait to get to - it was saved for the end. Good thing too as there was no monitor to control the age or number of kids in it. I’m still counting my lucky stars that my son didn’t come out with a bloody nose or black eye. All other “attractions” consisted of two old playhouses, old coverts, one old tractor tire, a couple of wood lean-tos, and a straw bale maze that has obviously weathered more than a few seasons. Oh and of course a food tent with overpriced hot dogs and snow cones.

The best treat was found on our exit though. Check out these bins of rotting gourds. Don’t you just want to run out and get something to eat now?

I guess someone didn’t grow with the same teachings I did. Because I too believe that if a job’s worth doing it’s worth doing right - and not just because my dad told me so! I’m not trying to pass judgement, I know we all have different standards. But if someone is going to charge $7 for adults and $3 for kids to come to this, they darn well better have more than a blow up toy and some junk piles to show for it.

And as I review this post these pictures actually make it look better than it was! From now on I’ll be checking references for the pumpkin patch…LOL

Technorati Tags:
Parenting Perspectives Motherhood