Or, “Some days chicken, some days feathers”, as the old fox was heard to say. I got up late today. Nine thirty. I felt pretty good though. Being of the older generation and still with a pinch of piss and vinegar left in the veins I pretend that I am indestructible. “Bullet proof” as my long gone running trainer would describe it. I strutted to the kitchen, sort of, to put the kettle on for my usual six cups of Italian roast.
The view out the window from this vantage point is stunning. The Castle faces south toward an empty lot of middle growth trees that are darkened by the overcast day. The denuded limbs and branches are moist from humid air this cool morning. The foreground holds what remains of my perennial garden. The brittle stalks of previously gorgeous plants point to the heavens in panic fearing the coming of wet snow and freezing winds. All is dark but the stalks with a few remaining dead leaves stand out with their pale white skins. They are a silent witness to what was just weeks before. A soft and pleasant mood lingers.
“I should probably get out there and put the garden to bed for the Winter”, my superego mind growls.
“Nah”, says me. “That’s a myth made up by A-types”.
The kettle is beginning to make noises as the water molecules get rowdy. I continue to stare at the dead stalks and limp greenery in the garden. I’m still searching for justifications to let the garden get buried in snow as-is. Then they arrive. A gang of Juncos and Finches swarm the scene outside the window. They put on a show! Flitting and dodging through the branches and old flower stalks the birds are gleaning as they go. Quick-as-a-wink starts and stops my eyes are darting as well. The kettle will be singing soon so, without looking, I turn the knob to lower the heat. The yard is filled with motion and the garden is alive again. Birds are everywhere. Some are swinging on slender, light skinned stalks like trapeze artists and some are skipping under greenery like miners.
I forget about the need to put gardens to bed. It’s a myth, I declare. I can see the wisdom of leaving these things as they are. Just look! Look out the window and see the joyous celebration of birds finding a yard overflowing with seeds free for the taking! Juncos and Finches! Welcome to The Castle Gardens!
G. M. Goodwin
16 November 2017
Playing Fair and Being Kind 
That’s excellent—leaving the garden to be, as it is, “feeds two birds with one scone,” as vegans say….saving yourself the trouble of some made-up “necessary” chore and allowing Nature to take her course, a little more naturally. =)
It’s still a good idea to go outside in some sunshine and fresh air for a little while.
Thanks for your words, Grace. I rely on you to keep me out of my recliner. Love you.
Hi Jorge, Brilliant piece of writing! Bravo! My thought of the day is that you should write a book. A real one! I am not blowing smoke..after all, you are reasonably healthy in your 79th year and who knows, we may have 10 years or more left, plenty of time for a book! a very good book….I would be happy to give some ideas and help, who knows what may happen? Let’s talk about when you come down south. Cheers, Tom
Winter in the garden. I like your plan. It’s much nicer to do it in the Spring when we are all glad to be outdoors after the long cold spell.
At least you are currently Getting Things Done. 🙂