And this too shall pass

Took Friday off to turn this Patriot's day weekend into a four day weekend. Gorgeous and warm. Used it to get out into the garden for the annual spring chores. Got Dahlias in on Fri.; hoping the earlier start will lead to earlier blooms. Visited Volante farms and took advantage of my being alone to take the necessary time selecting the prettiest violas. No Bellis at Volante; made a trip to Russell's today for those.

It's a bittersweet time. Spring has arrived, the Lilacs seem poised to put on a show. But there are constant reminders that this property has become a burden to keep up with. And when the rabbits eat the masses of crocuses down to nubs, and the daffodils fail to return in full force, one wonders, "why?" Hope springs eternal that the roses will do better than ever, that the particularly dry spring will lead to healthier peonies. But Wellesley - living "in town" within walking distance of train, shops, etc. - is looking more and more attractive.

As the earth warms up and plants emerge, I feel a melancholy consciousness that I am really in the middle of middle age, just another stepping stone to the fall/ winter of life. The osteoarthritis in my hips is acting up more and more from activity like this, and I'm wondering how much can I really keep doing this? And we were saddened to learn this morning that Greg's brother will be moving to a condo and his mother to a nursing home or assisted living facility. There will be no "home" in Westfield any longer to go home to. Lots of memories. Another chapter ending and lives that will never be the same.

Pruned and fed roses Sat. Hope to finish cleaning up perennial crowns and feeding on Mon. Greg to plant onions.