The yellow brick walk it is not. Not even close, in fact it is gray, too wide, disproportional and blanketing every bit of grass that grew in but only in that corner. the back yard.. Lucy has demonstrated that is a good scratching pad and loofah. Lying on it and getting to scratch her back, while her paws did for purchase. Yea.
In my defence, I was away. I had planned it and this project which should have taken mere days had gone over time. I should have remained and watched and argued my position. Where the garden is supposed to be is a park like trail that four abreast could trod. Where too? The laundry line, what fun.
AND get to pay for my mistakes, twice, again when he moves it. What ! What ! cry my dear and gentle readers. The four tons left of the little pebbles, called tailing, that have been written about all summer, and the trials and tribulations therein, were in my driveway for all this time of year months.
I have to admit becoming accustomed to the heap in the drive truth be told. Thinking possibly a toboggan run in the winter months, a tourist attraction as it were. My back yard a construction zone during a very busy season, was moved. To make what looks like a very thick and winding road. I was informed that there are a ton or two behind the garage, some of this was moved this morning but I had not I have to admit looked at it. We filled in holes I did not know I had. The ones in my head are safe.
So inquiring minds want to know, where were you? I dear hearts was driving to a marketing seminar an hour and half away on the straight and narrow highway. Originally in my mind, I thought “an escape, (ha! I should no better, ) I will stay over and get a break.” Of course not, no. The obstacles to overcome, included the old dog, guests that magically show up and lovely guests they were too and last but not least, the toboggan hill, aka construction. The lovely guest I did have in house, accommodated my wide eyed ramblings and had breakfast early for me. This was after arranging for my right hand 74 year old gal (not my 74 year old guy, please note he was wheelbarrowing tailings left and right, mostly left) to assist in supervision of the dog and cleaning of the room the guest was vacating after I left. Lucy Patricia, hound extraordinaire was left in her capable hands. I was informed that she would not do what she did not want to do. Halting at the corner and turning around when she was fed up. She also has a habit which I forgot to inform her of, of disliking doorways and stairs, but all turned out well, she was in the house upon my return and up the stairs to boot. ( I am accustomed to her habits and have made adjustments lo these many years, but I digress, yet again.)
She knew something was up, as I ran her around the block at 7 am, leaping to my feet after a boiled egg and bagel, sitting beside her door with la tomato parked at the end of the drive, so as to accommodate the guests truck, my guys truck, and my gals sub compact, but not all at the same time. OFF I went in La Tomato, with Lucy left behind. I had my book on tape, and was looking for ideas and a break, both of which happened. It was illuminating and diverting, but it would not take much these days. I took off without the directions or phone numbers acquired for directional purposes and lunch. Only to find them when demonstrating after it was all said and eaten, what I thought I did not have, I did. But let me assure you, I got there, ate and returned all in one day. Back we came, having set out in the rain and cold in a beautiful warm day, to not the yellow brick walk.
Lunch was a pleasant affair, watching the water, uptake of nachos and diet drink, leavings me wide wake at midnight. Another pleasant diversion, with a friend, who has to listen while I put together a marketing strategy for winter months, the windows open just won’t do it in January. “What good is the warmth of summer, without the cold of winter to give it sweetness.”
― John Steinbeck, Travels with Charley: In Search of America Lucy P and Moi