It’s almost March and winter slowly recedes back to the realm of Christmas and snowmen. I, like most of my fellow Southerners, am happy to see it go. The high heating bills, the troubles keeping the car operating in freezing temperatures, the lack of sunlight and fresh air have stolen my joy somewhat. I’m ready for warm days, playing outside with my grandkids, and seeing the buttercups bloom. I love the holiday season but once it’s done the romance is gone. I can understand how coal miners feel after being rescued from a cave-in. Of course, I doubt those trapped coal miners watched as much television as did I. Still, I’m glad to be able to go outside.
I hated yard work for most of my life. My dad did the lion’s share of it, although he made sure us kids did our part. I grew up cutting grass with a push mower, pulling a few weeds by hand and raking up the dead grass and leaves. I’ve never really agreed with raking leaves. I mean, they’re natural food for the yard, right? Mulch. So why do we need to tidy them up into a pile and bag them? Sure, it looks pretty when the grass is green and pristine, but I can dig the natural look too. Or maybe I’m just adverse to the work. Yup. I think that might be it.
I take pride in my yard, but for different reasons than some folks. My ideal yard has some things in it that some might think unsightly. A swing set is a must. Multiple plastic toys, balls and assorted playthings that are handy for use decorates my front yard. If you drive by my house, you’ll easily spot the swing set, toys and even a tire swing hanging from the big tree out front. There’s a circular garden in between two big trees that my wife’s mom planted roses in, complete with some white metal wagon wheels for them to climb. My grandson, Cayde, loves to play in that thing with animal statues of ducks and an elephant. I never thought roses could be any prettier than when they’re a backdrop for children playing. There’s even a plastic playset that looks like a well, complete with a working pump that the kids love to play with. They play with toy boats and splash around in it with gusto. Yup, my yard is quite the sight. Messy, cluttered even, and never going to come close to winning any prize for Yard of the Year, nevertheless it’s beautiful to me.
So, if you drive by the house this spring, or summer, and see us playing in the yard give us a honk. The kids love waving at passerby’s. I’ll be the Old Guy throwing my granddaughter Chelsea a ball or pushing Cayde in his car. If the sun is sinking low, we might even be out there catching Lighting Bugs to put in a jar. You might see other yards nearby that look like the cover of Home and Garden, and those yards are just fine. My yard has flowers in them too. My flowers will grow up beautiful and strong for many years to come. They might even help me cut the grass in a few years. After we have a catch. Find me a well-tended flower bed that can do that.
God bless Y’all!
Rolling Stones 