Sun hotter than a week ago, I feel it burning on my arms in pulling weeds and hoeing up the garden. Too much work; today the pain reminds me of my age and yet there is a drive within to go back out and finish; clear the soil and mark it into rows, plant the seeds and scoop out holes for peppers and tomatoes. Herbs and squash can all be had at roadstands and on shelves without the toil, and yet it is a force that somehow I cannot ignore to work the soil.
Strange, for one who is controlling, to work together as a team with sun and rain and bugs and time in summer projects.
Gardener’s Tip: For those who don’t choose to wear gloves, rub lots of a thick, oily hand cream such as Nivea or Vaseline Intensive Care into your hands (and feet, if like me, you like to really be one with the earth) before you work with the soil to eliminate the stains of Mother Earth and the necessity of lemon juice and cleanser to get them out.
The Lost Children: A Charity Anthology