Pulled in Different Directions

I blame it all on Spring.

He wants to get all the outdoor jobs done
while
I feel the need to tackle the spring cleaning.

Discussions ensue.

One cup of coffee and a slice of flapjack later
we reach an agreement.

On fine days we will work outdoors
in the gardens, the Owl Wood, or the poly tunnel.
Wet days will be spent indoors,
doing all those horrible jobs
like sweeping the chimneys
and cleaning out the Rayburn flues...

Please let us have really good weather
for I'd much rather be 
outdoors.
Just don't tell George.

The first half of yesterday was wonderful,
the sun shone and the air was mild.

We tidied the ancient hedge line on one side of Owl Wood,
cleared out the silted ditch
and by lunchtime we were both worn out.

I spent most of the afternoon searching
through old computer discs
looking for ancient family photographs.

The Aged One is 92 next week.
There is little that she needs
(except, perhaps, a new heart and a better memory)
so choosing gifts is always difficult.

The carefully chosen gifts from Christmas
are still in their boxes...

So, for her birthday I have decided to make
a journal of her life and family.

Lots of large photographs,
of people she is sure to remember,
with accompanying text to prompt her memory
should it be necessary.

Anecdotes,
photographs,
copies of old letters,
details of the family history,
and a copy of the family tree.
All bound into a handmade journal.


Quite often she thinks that I am the cleaner...
or one of her paid carers.
Well, that could be because I do her cleaning and laundry,
or it could be her wicked sense of humour,
but mostly, I think,
it is her poor memory.

We'll see if this gift brings her some joy.








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P.S.   Thank you, to each and every one of you for your comments
on my earlier posts.
I really do appreciate them.
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