Can We Talk 2

Working In the Yard

         Each day I try to spend a little time out doors when it isn't raining. With this heat wave I've been watering my potted plants on the patio and deck, and sometimes the elephant ears n the ground above a short brick wall. I use a hose for the elephant ears but I carry buckets to the potted plants, not wanting to waste water on the slate or decking. There was a time when I didn't worry about the price of water, but those days are history.

         There is always weed pulling or digging, in the shade or when the sun goes down. Yesterday, I sat on a bench and used a hand shovel to dig up voodoo plants. Today while it was cloudy, I clipped vines choking out my blackberry bushes. My dad cleverly used wire fence to make tall cages to wrap around the bushes to climb. They had big spaces to reach in and pick berries. It's been over three years since Dad died, so the wires have gotten bent and rusty. Of course, I cut my arm and realized blood was dripping down my hand. I tried to ignore it and bent the wire back, but then I realized it needed cleaning. I feel like such a sissy. I stopped and went inside to patch my wound. I am on blood thinner, so I get an ample supply easily. I only recently had my black eye fade away, so I have new shoes to tread in the grass.

         As I went up the back steps to go in with my clippers, I realized both knees were itching. I forgot my mosquito spray. So as soon as I finished doing my own bandage, I found the anti-itch cream for my knees. Sure enough I have big swollen red spots now from enemy mosquitoes. As I spread the cream on the red bump with my bandaged wrist, I thought, "It's not my imagination. I am a sissy."

         I enjoy working in the yard, despite complaints, and love tending my plants. I just need a lot of protective gear and someone to take care of me!