A Georgia Girl in Germany

A few months ago, Zachary decided he wanted to set up a lemonade stand and earn some summer spending money. When he and MacKenzie talked about his idea with Nana, she suggested a slight variation on the lemonade stand -- since Nana and Papa always seem to have a plentiful garden each summer, she offered some of her bounty for them to sell. Of course, they were excited about the idea!

Somewhat early on a Saturday morning, they got up and began making their marketing posters. One of Nana’s friends had offered up the use of her front yard since she lives on a semi-major thoroughfare, so they loaded up the back of the suburban with peppers, cucumbers, carrots scallions and several varieties of tomatoes and were on their way.

One of their first customers enthusiastically hopped out of his truck and asked them what they had that he didn’t have in his garden. The answer: rainbow carrots. MacKenzie helped him pack some up and off he went.

During the lulls in business, they sat along the curb and waved at drivers as they went by. Most people waved back, several cars slowed down to look, and one even honked at them.

This lady was on her way to the local farmer’s market to get some fresh produce, so this was a perfect opportunity for her to help out the budding philanthropists ... and she saved money on gas by not having to drive as far. Her haul: small pear and cherry tomatoes, medium-sized lightening and traditional tomatoes, cucumbers and peppers.

Between moving the tables around to keep everything in the shade and tending to customers, Zachary ate into his potential profits -- literally! He’s a tomato-holic, and munched on several handfuls of pear and cherry tomatoes.

Before too long, Papa encouraged more munching -- this time by peeling and slicing up some of the carrots. No matter the color, they all tasted the same. Rainbow carrots come in a variety of colors (hence the “rainbow” name), even from the same seed pack.

Three hours after setting up shop, they had sold almost everything except the tomatoes (they had way more tomatoes than anything else!) and were ready to come home for lunch and to share the news about their profits. They made $32 total -- $16 each. I was surprised that neither of them had holes burning in their pockets waiting to spend the money...they both said they were going to save their money for a later purchase. Wow! What entrepreneurs!

Labels: MacKenzie, Nana and Papa, Stateside visits, Zachary