Ralf Cleans the Park

I scattered chairs around the backyard garden to make it easier for me to water many of my plants, and when I must stand, I put all my weight on the good foot, so yesterday morning wasn’t nearly as painful following my epic morning watering. Once the backyard was done, I did some cleaning and tidying of the house. It was overdue.

Next came walking Her Highness on our short route. And when we came back, I just killed time waiting for Ralf to arrive. He came at 9:30, as arranged, and I recognized him right away. I’ve spoken to him in Nester’s where he works part time. He’s an outgoing charming young man. I was delighted to see him when he arrived because I already knew he was a good fellow.

He raked the entire yard except for the edible garden and he toted all the detritus to the organic dump. He’s a keen and diligent worker. I am very happy to have him around. Once he got started working, I worked beside him, raking cones for him to tote. 

I kept coming in to rest and to see if Julie had responded to my request for an update on the status of my Tezspire application. And throughout the morning, all that meant was that I had a series of disappointments. Sigh. 

But I was pleased to see progress being made in the tidying of Pinecone Park. I’m glad I found Ralf to help me get the grounds looking good for Steve’s visit and our party here on the 30^th. I worked with him most of the day. I did simple jobs, making piles of detritus for Ralf to load into the wheelbarrow and tote to the dump. I was very satisfied with his work and what we got done.

At 1:30, an email from Julie. Everything is approved, she said, and she expects me to get my training and first shot next week. I’ve lost all my respect for her because I knew that the approval was in place six weeks ago. I have little doubt that my email got her moving. I told her I had an appointment with my doctor and she in no way wants to let him down because he is a major source of clients for Atrazeneca.

At 3:30, I drove Ralf into the village, and I did some quick shopping and then Sheba and I went on a short walk. It was 32°; I ached for the chaise. Once I walk her in the afternoons, I am done for the day. I love being outside all day and doing light work, but I truly love my couch time at night with the telly and my pets. I wouldn’t, however, enjoy my nights as much were it not for the fact that I earned my couch time during the day.

I’m even more certain that Julie is a slacker. When we got back from the walk, the Tezspire people had called me; I am getting my shot next Friday at 5:00. Suddenly I am scheduled after I write to Julie saying that I am seeing my doc. That’s the day Steve arrives in Nanaimo from Victoria, so we’ll figure out how to make things work.

There’s been no word from Colleen, the professional gardener who reached out to me, but I’ll wait to see if I hear from her today or on the weekend. I’m disappointed, but I can write to her if I don’t hear from her by Monday.

It’s 14° outside this morning. That’s ten degrees lower than our mornings have been for the past ten days. Hallelujah! I shall water, of course, and we’ll walk with our friends. It’s going to be a great day for me because finally the Tezspire saga is over and because Ralf has Pinecone Park glowing.