Like radish seedlings

One son of mine just finished measuring the effect of salinity on plant growth. Because he was concerned about the timeline at hand, he researched seeds that sprout the fastest and found that both radish and rye would likely grow before results were due. And grow they did. Even plants that he fed with salt water grew in brown starter pots set up in rows on an aluminum cookie sheet. These plants took the place of decorative flowers on the dining room table--rustic, but charming in my view. The radish seeds grew quite rapidly, within a day or two, and they continue to reach toward any light that streams through the curtains.

We weren't gone long--36 hours at most--but I swear both of the older boys looked taller when we returned; the oldest is not only taller than his dad now, but he shows off wing span as a way to show potential for future growth. Raising children is no science experiment, but the availability of changing data is there for me every single day.