Trench

One row lifted, sifted, filled in, with lavender planted. Next trench nearly half dug, what I can do before the rain and snow imminent. I'm finding a method, got good leather gloves, wearing my thumb brace. The dog gate makes a great sieve to declump and get rid of the larger rocks. And the very old dog turds. I listen to when I need to stop, better to do a little each day. When I got home the day of the funeral, I finished the first trench - perhaps 15 minutes work.

Compost heap a mere pathetic pile, but started. Finding all kinds of trash out there. Just sorting through, like untangling string. No big, fast, easy way through, only simple patient, systematic thoroughness. Not a talent I have naturally, but I've learned, and more practice is useful. Like untangling all the cords and lines on a patient in surgery. Start at one end, follow it through gently, until everything is clear. Coiling the cords at the end of a case, the light, camera, shaver, cautery, control, suction, irrigation - that have all macramé -'d themselves into a draped mat somehow. One by one, careful not to damage them.




The hyacinth is out there, because I could not stand the odor in the house. Felt my throat seizing up the day it bloomed, smelled like old socks, dryer sheets, burned food. It is pretty, just not too near my nose. I'm not good with strong flower, perfume smells. I'd make a terrible bee.

PS
I actually finished the second bed, digging and refilling. I've definitely got a better technique. It was starting to spit rain, so it seemed important to get it to that point. So far, nor more rain, only gusty winds. Have to remind myself I have nearly two months before I can plant anything else, certainly not actual plants. Time enough. But what took me three days before, I've done in a couple of hours in one day.