The Late in Life Writer: What Next?

I've always prided myself on keeping my garden(s) neat with many points of interest. Now I find myself "zooming in" to a flower or small area as my visual reward. A captivating aroma or a gentle breeze creating a subtle rustling sound are other ways I enjoy our yard, since retiring and moving South.

Since my shoulder injuries and subsequent surgery, I find myself limited and frustrated. Working in the garden has always been a sense of connection and creativity for me. Now, I can only work for short periods of time and ever so carefully lest I tear something else. I'm stubborn on this issue, but I can no longer go by the "just do it" motto. Aging is not for the weak of heart!

As an option, I find myself settling for plants in containers. Although we've always planted veggies, we went a little nuts this year. Considering it is just John and me, (encouraged by the Mediterranean diet) if all the tomato and pepper plants do well, I may need a farm stand! We also have multiple fruit trees in huge containers: figs, pomegranates, limes, and lemons. and kumquats. All with happy little flower buds leading to fruit!

I ramble on about this because even the irony is stressful. When I was younger, like in my 60s (my age, not the decade), I relished the thought of Spring (with glimpses of Summer) and headed to the yard to play in the dirt for hours. Maybe it's the kid in me or the fact that I am a farmer's daughter. Now in this decade, I have to pick and choose the things I can or can't do or risk painful nights, at the very least. All despite the hundreds of hours at physical therapy and doing the workouts at home, daily, to this day.

Our yard has gone downhill, literally and figuratively. There are more weeds and vines than ever, which makes me sad. I can live with a little mess outside, but this is out of hand! Note to self: Begin to get estimates from local landscapers.

Take my rant as a warning! You just never know.... "What next?!"

Watch for the next blog and you'll find out!!