Windy Days

On Saturday, I went to the N.C. State University arboretum with my lady-duck-friend and my parents, which was the first time they had all met.  An exceptionally strong wind buffeted us as we tried to read the markers in front of noteworthy plants.  At one point I was surprised by a gust so strong that it almost moved me backward.  I found I really enjoyed the wind, though.  It was refreshing and cleansing, so long as my sunglasses kept specks and leaves (and the odd flying squirrel) out of my eyes.  The walk was entirely pleasant.  And the occasion, of a sort which can be stressful for all parties, felt quite calm and congenial, as I hoped it would.

Planting Plants

This afternoon I helped my sister plant a small, yellow, winter jasmine bush.  It was beautiful weather--the sun was shining, there was a slight breeze, and it was just cool enough that I didn't get all sweaty from digging a hole.  There's something that feels very significant about planting things.  Participating in the circle of life and all that.  It's also relatively easy, with an immediate reward.  After probably twenty minutes, we were able to step back and see the results of our work.  Nowadays I don't grub around in the dirt as much as I once did, and I was reminded today of how satisfying it can be.  My hands, covered in dried Carolina clay, looked like elephants' skin.  My muscles felt loose.  And the jasmine bush looks very pretty.