Wrestling with the Sun

I did enjoy those few days after my initial Covid miseries, having cancelled appointments and commitments. I felt like my time was my own to be lazy in. Consequently, I dug deeply into my revision work , and also began a new project.

When I mow the lawn, a different kind of grass appears here and there, grass that grows so closely that across the yard are little tufts that look like they’ve had a crewcut. Now that summer is upon us, those same crewcut heads are turning yellow. It finally dawned on me that l was seeing ornamental grasses acting on a take-over plan.

I didn’t think. They had to be stopped. I grabbed bucket and shovel and began digging them out. The first day I managed two bucket loads—it’s a big bucket. Since then, I’ve stopped at one a day. But this job got old really fast. Dig, bend, pull, shake off roots . . .

The next step will be to add a bit of dirt and some buffalo grass seeds where the holes are most evident. That needs to be done soon, since buffalo grass likes to sprout in the heat. But I’m dragging my feet.

The sun doesn’t help.  There’s so little time to work without baking. I love our New Mexican sunshine, but summers can turn into wrestling matches, trying to hold back the heat that prevents working outside. Nor does it help that Sophie’s walk takes precedence over other jobs.

So the last few days have passed by with little forward momentum in the yard. I need a break!

But I also need to get that seed in the ground and begin a little watering project to give the buffalo grass seed a chance.

Thanks for listening! Having talked about it here, I’m ready to act while there’s shade. I’m going to work on one small area: rake out acorns, fill holes, sprinkle in seed and then water. I’ll be back to report.

Okay! One little corner of the yard has been dealt with. It’ll be interesting to see if any oak seedlings sprout. They never have before, but who knows what is awaiting these daily watering can visits. 

The work made me realize I had been envisioning the whole project and resisting. Much like the way I face my PT exercises. My resistance to the first reps is so high, I often begin with the last, easier ones. Then, warmed up, I’m always amazed at how fast the remainder gets done. 

Writing, too, requires narrowing down one’s scope. Just plan to set down a few words or revise a few pages. Save scoping out the big picture for vacations, when there’s time to ponder themes and arcs.