My temper got the better of me this week. Having bought two sun beds on Ebay that I thought would look perfect on the pool deck which of course arrived deconstructed, I pulled a muscle in my back putting them together. It’s not that they were heavy, they just had three million screws, an Allan key and parts that only an octopus could manoeuvre into place – hence the injury. Naturally, I ignored the sudden twinge and went running the following morning only to find that 5 kms up into the hills I could barely breathe let alone put one foot in front of the other. To make matters worse, what goes up must slide down the same precarious rock-strewn gullies to get home again. Note to self, they are much easier to ascend than descend. By the time I returned chez moi, my back had seized up completely and bending over was near impossible. The woofers were much bemused about being fed breakfast by their mum on all-fours.
It’s taken a couple of days and a lot of agonising stretching (I did occasionally listen to Tony’s advice on such matters) but I’m feeling almost normal again. Thankfully the sun has decided to come out, albeit with the same annoyingly cold wind, which makes everyone feel a little happier. The bloody pool is nearing completion, only the landscaping and steps to the deck to finish and I’m crossing my fingers for the fences to be erected next week. Frankly, I’m getting a little frustrated with all this waiting especially as I want to get all the new plants in before they die in their storage pots. Denis and I have just about finished Mumo’s little courtyard garden, now full of herbs and colourful foliage bought on our trip to a nearby plant nursery but my own little Zen garden is sadly lacking in everything except knee high grass and a half-built waterfall fountain. I can’t do much to speed up the work schedule as we are still waiting for the gravel delivery and all the pots are too heavy for me to lift without putting my back out again. I did manage to drag all the old garden furniture out of the garage, surprisingly most of it is still useable with a little repairing here and there. At least no Allan keys are needed this time, just a bit of rattan weaving which I’m hoping is a little easier than my last attempt at furniture DIY.
Despite the ever-present wind, the trees are starting to bring out their summer selves and the garden is beginning to get some colour. GusGus is still happily residing in the cupboard under the sink and Prat the pigeon’s female companion has not only decided to join him on the balcony but teach him to coo as well – noisily. I have a horrible feeling they have built a nest above the porch overhang which does not bode well for a peaceful morning coffee, let’s just hope GusGus is a male mouse……
“To plant a garden is to believe in tomorrow.” ( Audrey Hepburn)
Widow plus woofs 