Double R Farm (Amish Country Soaps & Sundries)

Today seems no different than those early spring days when I feel I have to work a little harder to make up for the time I’ve been away from the gardens. The winter provides a much-needed slumber for the beautiful plants that surround our farm, and by the time the ground softens I am stealing minutes and even hours outside. Mornings are still chilly here in Sugarcreek, but the afternoon gives way to the gentle warmth of the springtime sun.

 Last night I was feeling energetic and decided to tackle a small garden in front of the barn. Some plants had grown under a large stone, which was surrounded by two smaller ones. Well, I’d like to say that I am the patient type, after all growing from seed and carefully cultivating does take patience, but in some matters I am the first to admit that I want it done NOW. I decided that despite my small stature I would move the large stone with merely a shovel and some misguided ingenuity. As most ill planned projects go this one was doomed from the start.

I had not accounted for the fact that my body weight was not enough to move the stone, and that placing my gloved hands under it was probably not the best idea. I did manage to move the middle- sized stone, and began gently working away the earth around the plants. I must admit that I was quite proud of my accomplishment until I realized that the tubers of the plants had grown directly under the larger stone.

 I tried to move the large stone, but after much huffing and puffing I decided that the stone was more stubborn than I, and I had to admit defeat. Despite my protests I would have to ask my husband for help in moving it. I clumsily picked up the middle-sized stone to place it back to where it was originally, and set my sights to another day. As I am lost in thought I set the stone down too close to another and wedged my fingers between the two. It wouldn’t have been so bad if I hadn’t let go of the stone in my hand and then proceeded to smash my already wedged fingers.

For now I have been gracefully sidelined, but at least I know there is always tomorrow....