Maybe Just A Bit More Landscaping
Yesterday I started thinking that maybe just a bit more landscaping needed to be done. That area between the pathway and what I call the rock garden.
I’ve been pulling weeds in preparation to do something, but this landscaping part is kicking my butt.
On Sunday I rolled my little garden cart all around the outside perimeter of the yard and pulled weeds for hours.
I dearly paid for it.
Though most of the time I was rolling around seated, it must have been the bending of my ankle joint as I bent over that did me in. Because when the calf muscles tighten, they bend the ankle down.
I went inside afterward with the mindset that I could do this. Sure I could. It wasn’t a big area. I could do it myself.
Sure, I could pull up all those weeds and put some landscape fabric down that I found I had in the storage closet. And I could just go from there.
But my brain says one thing and my body says another.
A few hours later I wasn’t so sure anymore. It takes a while, Greg has told me, for the inflammation to build up and the pain to hit.
By late Sunday night, I was fairly certain of one thing: No, I could not do this. Not this summer anyway.
Every time I think the summer’s landscaping projects are finished, there seems to be a compelling reason to have more done.
Loving Everything About Gardening:
I love gardening, weeding, deadheading, planting. Working out there till I’m sweaty and dead tired. I enjoy it.
But my body is trying to get my attention.
It’s saying stop, cease, desist.
All of Sunday I covered my foot in ice, then heat. Then ice again. I kept thinking relief was just around the corner. I just needed to grit my teeth and get through it.
Nothing worked until yesterday, and I had begun to feel overwhelmed and scared.
So I gave in and contacted the landscaper. I asked if he’d come back and give me an estimate on the part of the yard they haven’t mowed.
I hate having those yard guys in my yard anyway. The other day, in a couple’s yard just down from Ron and Pat, a weed eater snagged a rock that hit their patio door.
And then the blower guy came to blow the debris off their patio and the patio door shattered. It’s boarded up now.
I’ll let you know what comes of the meeting after Roberto comes and gives me an estimate.
I’m falling a day behind reading your blog when the notifications come in. Been very busy, like you, working in the garden. I hope you get a quote from Roberto that is not too high. Did you give him a sketch and description of what it is you would like to do in that area that is supposed to be grass but doesn’t look like there’s much there? Maybe you would consider taking turmeric to reduce swelling, etc. when you overwork your ankle and other muscles. Check with your doctor and see what he says. Since I started eating a teaspoon of yellow mustard (which contains turmeric) on a daily sandwich after I had a really nasty bout of sciatica in 2016, I haven’t been bothered since. It works to reduce inflammation, helps improve memory, and other benefits. There is a good article on turmeric online at the Cleveland Clinic website. I know there are turmeric supplements you can take in capsule form that you can buy online or at your local drug store too so you don’t have to use mustard. I’ve grown rather fond of it, though!
Brenda, I am sorry that you are in pain. IT is hard not to be able to do what we want and like but you do not want to go backwards. Check with the management and Roberto and then make a decision. Maybe this year you have done enough?
Have a wonderful evening.
Brenda, I too am very sorry you had/have such horrendous pain. How discouraging and frustrating! I just turned 64, and am frequently frustrated, too, by how much less I can do now as compared to when I was younger.
They say misery loves company, so wanted to give you some empathy!!
Brenda, I am so glad to hear you looking into some more landscaping. This sounds like a step forward in the mental side of healing. I think half of the healing from any major health issue is mental. Sure, there is a physical side to healing. You know that all too well, but there is a mental side too. I read the interest in more landscaping as being a really good thing.
I’m sorry your ankle is hurting. It’s funny how, in our minds, we still think we are able to do anything, like we did in our younger years. Then our bodies remind us, not so subtly, that that’s not the case anymore. And of course, your body is telling you to take it easy, or else…! I’m really glad you called a landscaper. I know it’s your passion to do it all yourself, but remember, it’s ALSO your passion to enjoy “A” garden, even if you need a little help getting one. Really, when it’s all said and done, and it’s exactly how you want it, you will enjoy it and be happy. There’s always next year. You’ll be two years out of surgery by then, with lots of physical therapy under your belt, and hopefully you’ll be feeling much more like your normal, capable self. Try to enjoy what you have right now.
Don’t you have to ok it with management to change the grass area?There are sprinklers there. I wouldn’t spend any more money on someone else’s property.
I’m very glad to hear that you’ve called Roberto for an estimate. In the long run whatever he does for you will help you enjoy doing what you can.
By the way the other day I left a comment regarding my hand sewing and how it feeds my creative soul. Your gardening and simply digging in the dirt feeds your creative soul. Yes, you’re hot, sweaty and extremely tired but I know you thoroughly enjoy it. It’s all about using our hands and enjoying what we’re doing. Essentially feeding our creative souls!
Have a great Tuesday, Brenda.
Can’t wait to hear what Roberto says. With a horrible back, I’ve learned not a half hour because I still feel good, but do only 10 minutes!!! 10 is better than nothing at all. So think of doing in much smaller increments no matter how good you feel, rather than a do or don’t mentality! 🙂
I am sorry you are in pain. I hope you will feel better very soon. I think calling Roberto is a wise call. As they say ‘it is what it is” and, for right now, this is where your healing is. I love your recent optimism and please keep this (optimism) forefront as a goal always; but also keep in mind that overdoing it could risk injury that could reverse all that you have worked so hard to heal.
Your yard looks so beautiful as-is but if you want to add more, have Roberto do it…for right now. Sending healing wishes today.
ps Just a thought – if you ask Roberto to give you the receipts for any purchases he makes for you, you could then return/exchange a plant that has a “guarantee” such as at Lowes:-)
https://www.lowesemployees.com/lowes-one-year-plant-guarantee/
Brenda, I read your blog everyday but rarely comment.
Did you know you can kill weeds with Dawn dish soap and white vinegar? It’s a natural weed killer which I’ve used for years. Mix 2 cups of white vinegar with 2 tablespoons of Dawn dish detergent and shake to mix.
Spray mixture on weeds, ideally at the hottest/sunniest part of the day. I read salt makes the dirt hard so don’t use it.