Hello readers and visitors! Hoping you’re finding time to enjoy the day.
I’ve loved roses for as long as I can remember – tried growing them in Michigan once I owned my own house but for reasons – beyond long brutal winters – wasn’t successful.
That didn’t mean the desire didn’t live in my heart.
As luck would have it the house we bought in the East Bay (CA) had a couple of rose bushes. Problem? I didn’t know how to care for them.
Neighbor to the Rescue!!
I was fortunate to live next to a woman who was more than happy to share her knowledge of all things Mother Nature with me.
We used to enjoy chilled white wine overlooking our efforts in the summers while she – older – shared life’s wisdom with me.
Fast Forward
The simple pleasures.
I normally have tennis shoes on when I grab my garden hose and – after turning the spigot – pull it down the drive to water plants. Today was different.
Meeting of the Happy Kind
As it happened I had a set time where I’d be talking on the phone with a longtime friend. Given I wasn’t wearing socks or shoes in my house I saw no point – given the beautiful weather we’re having – to don them when I stepped to my porch for a chin wag.
I can’t remember the last time I’ve been outside in bare feet.
After concluding the call I looked over – realized the flower and fauna I’ve been babying could use a dose of water. Not bothering to put on shoes I stepped over to turn on the spigot.
Wow! Mother Nature!
Halfway across the driveway I stopped to consider how long it had been since I’d run across cement or put my bare feet in dirt
Memory upon memory …
As a kid I spent my life running around in bare feet, uncaring how the hot cement of the sidewalks and driveway burned.
I remember the feel of grass on my feet – the feel of mud near the river at the local park.
The Sun Shines
About a half hour later a neighbor went by. Smiling I told him of the joy of watering my flowers. It was only ten minutes later I understood the look of confusion on his face.
Why would you water flowers with a garden hose when you have a sprinkler system?
Because to do otherwise would deprive me of the simple pleasures of life.
Elizabeth Maxim 