National Day

"What you got there, Donna? Banana bread?" I asked.

"No Bob, I’m trying out a new recipe for zucchini bread," she answered. I stepped back. I’m not a big fan of zucchini - vegetables usually don’t take up much room on my plate. I couldn’t imagine what a zucchini would taste like in a sweet bread. She took a step forward. I stepped back again, with my hands up.

"No thanks, Donna. I had a big breakfast," I said. Just then my stomach started rumbling nosily, betraying me. Donna laughed.

"Trust me, Bob. You’ll like it," she said as she set the serving plate down on the counter. She took a napkin, placed a slice on it and offered it to me. I ran from the room. Ducking, I stealthily crept into my cubicle and went straight to work. All day, every time I moved from my computer, I found a neatly wrapped slice waiting for me when I returned. Once on my seat, once on my keyboard, and once balanced on my coffee cup. I had been able to return it to the coffee room each time.

As 5:00 PM came close, I felt assured to have escaped the dreaded zucchini bread. I packed up my stuff and just as the clock chimed five, I stood up to go. Donna was standing there, blocking my way.

"Bob, you’re not leaving until you try my zucchini bread," she said. The rest of the ladies on staff were crowded around her. My way was blocked! I had no way to escape! I took the little paper plate with the slice of bread. I racked my brain trying to find a way to keep from having to put this evil looking greenish colored bread into my mouth, but my mind was blank. All eyes stared at me. I slowly unwrapped the plate, eyes darting from right to left looking for anything to help me out of this. Everyone was watching. I was going to have to do it!

I tore a small piece from the edge and gingerly placed it in my mouth. It was moist. It was sweet. It didn’t taste like a vegetable. It was very, very good! Folks, I will never look at the lowly zucchini as a mere vegetable again. Zucchini bread has now become my favorite!