Once Again

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We're heading towards the end of another year but why is it that once again I never managed to get all my borders dug over and bulbs planted before the gardening season came to an abrupt end? Forever the optimist, I'm still checking the forecast, hoping for a rise in temperature and one or two calm days in anticipation of finishing the job. 

As a consequence of the digging that went on inside and outside the house starting in late 2023, autumn clear-ups have of necessity been neglected for the past two years. The baked clay that resulted from our recent summer of drought and high temperatures resisted all attempts to turn it with a spade, whilst, in the meantime, field mice from the adjoining farmer's land have filled themselves at the expense of my tulip and crocus bulbs.  

Confronted by a depleted floral display when we returned home earlier this year and facing another in the Spring of 2026, I had therefore set myself the task of planting a thousand bulbs. The process has been slowed by an experiment in rodent deterrence, when every hole opened up to receive a bulb has also been gifted a generous helping of chilli powder! In a few months time I'm going to be excited to learn if it's worked in scaring those pesky creatures and also the impact on the bulbs themselves. Will my tulips have a hot pepper fragrance or perhaps a fiery orange  shade?

I've always maintained that retirement is a time for challenge, new experiences and experimentation that you don't have to travel to indulge in. There's also that satisfaction of getting down and close to nature, the dirtier your hands the better. It's just sometimes I can't help wondering if I'm scraping the barrel a little and that sometimes I really should find something more exciting to occupy my time.



Comments

Linda's Relaxing Lair said…
I live in a 6th floor apartment and so don't do any gardening...and I don't have plants or flowers, because I just don't have this talent! I have had cats most of my life...now, at the age of 69 and retired, I have a zebra finch! :) It is good company for me to have a pet, as I live alone.
I love to do jigsaw puzzles, crossword puzzles, I read non fiction books, watch some videos on YouTube, do my blog and I love to clean and organize my apartment.
Here in Montreal we will have temperatures at -25C, as the Polar Vortex is going to affect us. I don't mind the cold, in fact, I love Winter and snow. However, the ice makes me nervous, as you have to be careful where you walk...and tread slowly.
I don't drive a vehicle, I use public transit, and the bus drivers are very experienced at driving in any weather, and I am happy to just sit and let the driver do the driving while I look out the window and see everything, so it works fine for me.

I really enjoy your posts, and I appreciate everything you share here. A heartfelt thanks to you.
5 December 2025 at 17:36
Caree Risover said…
Thanks for commenting and complimenting, Linda. It is lovely to hear from you and know that you too get satisfaction from some of those small but wonderful things in life.
5 December 2025 at 18:10
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