Tuesday, June 6, 2023

A Porch Swing

 Perhaps old age is creeping up on me.
Though I typically have enough energy
and am plenty healthy,
I've found that I'm okay with not rushing.
I've never been the Tigger of the group,
and as some of you know
have a preference of Eeyore~
so much more my speed even as a youngster.
We have been on the go a lot lately.
We've had multiple family events,
both joyous and grievous.
All serve as a reminder that life is circular,
and we should revel in each day we are given.
Time at home therefore, has been precious.
Last night as I was looking at the few things left
to be put in the ground,
Hubby asked where the broccoli was.
When I replied that I hadn't planted any,
I was met with that sorrowful expression,
"But I like broccoli."
This morning as I was running errands,
I picked up a six-pack of broccoli plants.
I'm not sure where I will put them,
but I will find a place.
My garden outlook is a little different this year.
I am usually rearing to go by garden season,
but not having a real winter break,
I've been a little slow starting.
As I dig and weed and plant, I also think.
We aren't meant to rush through just to finish,
for a garden is never really finished.
My little apple tree that is maybe 4' tall
has 9 apples on it so I've been watering it well.
The weeds I pulled last week seem to replace themselves
before I make it back through.
Just as we think we are to maintenance mode,
harvest will begin and canning season will ensue.
And this is where that porch swing comes in.
We can produce a masterpiece of a garden~
I said "We" like mine is part of that.
I'm a funny one, am I not?
Regardless of what we've created,
we need to take a moment here and there
to sit and absorb all that we've done.
There is health both in the creation of a garden
and in being emersed in it.
My mock oranges are blooming and smell so sweetly.
The honeysuckle is waning but the hummingbirds
have been enjoying it's blossoms.
I fed the first ripe strawberries to Hubby last night.
They too share their sweet aroma with us,
but we must make that brief pause to appreciate it.
It doesn't take long~
but the benefit gained is remarkable.
I headed into this Monday much more at peace
having spent 2 days mostly barefoot digging in the dirt.
If you are unaware, 
being barefoot in the dirt has its own health benefits.
I will leave you to research that and
won't mention making mud in the bathtub in the evenings.

Whatever you have for a garden,
pour a cup of tea,
take your seat on that porch swing,
and enjoy the beauty of the day.

PS~
I don't have a porch or a swing,
but we have a couple chairs we drag around to the shade.
They serve quite well.