The Joy of Gardening

Already, simply by writing this title, I'm self cautioned about alternative meanings.  I am only referring to the real thing, clearing the ground, planting seeds (or seedlings) and weeding.  

We are struggling mightily with those tasks.  The perennial beds must be weeded and mulched.  This is unpleasant if you suffer from back pain.  The work in a garden is rewarding in it's own way.  Gardens are thought of as wonderful places.  We sow and we reap.  We treat the garden well for we must sustain the soil for future use.  In order to move the mulch I felt I had to fix the landscape wagon we have had for a few years now.  I needed a ball bearing and possibly an inner tube.  A visit to Taylor Hardware didn't solve the problem but they said to  check TSC.
They did have a replacement wheel and switching a tube between two other wheels got the wagon back to use.

Every Spring the gasoline engines have to be brought back to life.  This year the rototiller was in poor condition.  The pull rope broke on about the 5th pull.  I had removed the battery a couple of years ago so, in order to use the electric starter I used my jumper battery.  I'd get it running, disconnect the battery and in a few minutes it would stall out.
I know this shouldn't be a big problem but I'm kind of teetering on the edge of becoming an old man who doesn't do these things any more.  I got out the owners manual and watched some youtube videos and got my mojo back to work on the machine.  I think I'll have it in working condition soon.

So progress is being made and I have a feeling of accomplishment.  I enjoy the time out there and the work has made me stretch and flex a lot more than what I had been doing over the winter.

I spoke to an old acquaintance who told me about a series of DVD's  that were about these gardeners who were also amature detectives.  I have watched a few of these.  Not too good, but they keep me interested in gardening.

I've gotten interested in the NBA playoffs this year.  I would like to see the Heat win.  I think LeBron has paid his dues.  Last year I wanted anyone else to win, so I am throwing my considerable influence behind Miami this season.

Thanks for checking in.