Tidying the Property

From every window I saw ragged bushes, and I knew the job was beyond me. Two and three years ago, I began trimming shrubs in February. It was too cold for that this year. I put off contacting the tree man, even though he is a most pleasant young fellow. After coming home from the dermatologist’s appointment, I texted Jeremy. I was shocked when he replied within a minute or so. Yes, he could have his men working the very next day. He lives only a mile or so from me and stopped by that very afternoon to give me a quote.

As neighbor Joyce and I were walking the next morning, I saw the truck heading to my house. Jeremy showed the two fellows what to do, then he stopped in his unmarked truck to speak to me. He came at least three times that day, checking on the work. It was amazing how much they did.

Two days later I realized the lawn people would be showing up soon. All the neighbors have mowed their lawns, and mine looked as ragged as could be. I knew the lawn people would pick up the limbs under the old oak tree and throw them all on the now defunct burn pile. I skipped the morning walk, picking up limbs instead. Swapping walking for limbing was hard. I was being careful, though. Knowing how uneven the ground is, I had my cane in one hand while pulling the garden cart and picking up limbs. Being tired, I was extra careful putting the cart away and going in the house. I had worked 3 ¾ hours. It occurred to me that if I died because of my exertions, it wouldn’t be suicide. It would be garden-cide.

This is the area where I removed fallen tree limbs.