Can We Talk 2

My Haven

         I have frequently written about my back deck and plants. Today it is getting a makeover. Everything was packed up and hauled out into the yard. I am positive the deer will graze on the flowers and herbs now at their level. I may have to start over with them.

         The deck will be power washed tomorrow, I guess. The back windows are not finished yet, so I don't know which painter will dominate in the morning and decide. It takes 24 hours for the sealant to dry, so I'm guessing things will be in the yard at least two days, maybe three. The chives and sage will come back next year, but the basil, pansies, and other things will not. However, in my mind, I'm anticipating a clean new coated deck and railing and wheelchair ramp (no longer actively used by a wheelchair). The furniture and grill will be returned, minus a swing I want trashed. The pots of summer plants will be emptied and carried behind the shed when I am well enough to handle them.

         I'm picturing myself on a sunny day in a sweater, sitting on my clean deck with reduced plants enjoying what remains and the sounds of nature all around me. Next spring I will plant marigold seeds that I harvested from this year's plants. I'll buy some new planters to replace the old cracked ones. I'll buy new basil seed, because I love to smell it. Once again I will have my oasis We'll rehang the rain gauge and the hummingbird feeder and the thistle seed feeder. (How will my cardinals and doves make it a few days?) Soon the blue jays and wrens will return. Unfortunately, the squirrels/tree rats will return, too. But at least, after its absence, I will have my little haven back again.