This year I’m trying to null the balance, make more beauty and order, do things the right way whether recognized or not, trying to restore the activities that were bombed by the Bush-Trump monstrosity in 2020-22.
One of those activities was yard care. I’ve been mowing regularly but not sprinkling or trimming things.
A nearby wildfire yesterday got me off my ass to buy a new garden hose, mainly so I won’t feel helpless in case a transient arsonist or firecracker arsonist starts a fire. At first I wanted to order it online as usual. Then I pulled out of rigid thinking and realized that the nearest hardware store is the same distance as Safeway. Same walk to the bus stop, take the bus the other way.
River Ridge Hardware hasn’t changed much since 1990. The hoses moved from Aisle 2 to Aisle 3. Otherwise it’s the same small helpful business with a pleasant cashier, unlike the cold self-check in Walmart or the completely impersonal online process. I shopped there often in 1990 when I was setting up this house and I had a car to haul big things like ladders. I bought some lilacs and evergreens, which are still providing shade and beauty 35 years later. I bought the first hose there, then the second when the first wore out, and now the third when the second wore out.
Now that the habit is restored, will start buying hardwarish things there instead of online.
Bought the hose, took it home, hooked it up and started sprinkling for the first time since the Bush-Trump monstrosity. While I was setting up the sprinkler an older couple walked by and we exchanged howdies.
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Update at end of July… After sprinkling regularly for three weeks, the front yard is all green now! Feels good to get some real feedback on this year’s campaign to create bits of order and beauty. The human side isn’t responding. When you pay a debt to Nature, Nature responds. Thanks, Ma Nature!
Polistra's Mill 