Thursday, March 31, 2011
The Toad
Monday morning dawned overcast with evidence of a light shower during the night. It remained overcast and I realized it was a perfect day to get out and do some weeding. As I pulled weeds, using a little clawed trowel, I raked back the dead leaves from around a daylily. Nestled down into the dirt next to the base of the lily I caught a glimpse of a beady eye! Upon closer inspection, I discovered a big brown spotted toad (perhaps a bewitched prince!). He was almost completely covered with dirt and leaves. I considered the possibility of kissing him, but already having a very suitable prince,and the idea of kissing him was quite unappealing, I gave that idea up. I carefully avoided him but continued cleaning weeds out. I wondered if the scratching of my trowel, and the tremors of the earth frightened him and was reminded of Peter Rabbit and Mr. McGregor. Alas! Peter was in much greater peril than my little prince-toad!

I adore discovering little creatures to whom I must appear to be great danger. Not that I enjoy frightening them. I just enjoy seeing them in their world, knowing their fear will fade away as I move on in my own world. Reminds me of an old saying, though I doubt I can quote it exactly. It goes something like "Most of the things we fear never happen." How often do we waste countless hours worrying over something that might never come true?

New Beginnings - Or Spring!

I have jumped back into my yard with a vengeance since the weather has warmed up and I'm done with all treatments. I still have to be careful about being in the sun. I wear protective clothing and a hat. The down side to that is I often feel I'm breaking out in hives because I get hot quickly (a side effect of treatments). But, my yard has captured many years of my life and deserves some attention. I know it will soon be too warm to work outside except very early and very late hours, so I'm working as hard as I can while I can. My back is protesting and I hope it soon gets over it!

I miss my chickens now that I'm outside again. They were a source of entertainment. We're fortunate that Lindy furnishes us with free range eggs, though I'm sure that will be seasonal as the hens get too hot and start to molt. She has 3 young geese that are so adorable! I do wish I could live on a farm and have animals about. I do love that. I suppose it takes me back to my childhood.

I had my port taken out a week or so ago. The incision hasn't quite healed but is coming along nicely. They close incisions now with something called dermabond. I don't know why doctors can't make a nice little seam and leave prettier scars.

Cary still complains with his hand occasionally. For those of you who don't know, he injured his right hand, cutting a tendon, while boning out a deer last Thanksgiving. He had surgery and physical therapy but says if he'd known what he knows now, he wouldn't have gone through all that foolishness.

I doubt anyone will read this, since it has been such a long time since I wrote. But...I just felt like contributing tonight. Giving my back a rest at the keyboard!

Love,
LG