compliance

Dammit.

Okay, I didn't go to the beach. I could see the look on hobbitt's face when I told him I really, really wanted to go down there last evening. To be honest, I only wanted to stand on the dock while he exercised the dog. And even though I'm very selfish most of the time, I don't do things to make him angry. He doesn't ask very much of me. I stayed put.

Today is miles ahead of yesterday. The knee wants to bend a little more, and there is almost no discomfort at all when I stand. It will take some concentration to try to walk like a normal biped, as it's been months since that's happened.

I look forward to a good look at the knee job. The staples are starting to pull against the dressing, which is slipping toward my shin. The wrap can come off tomorrow. First thing in the morning. Right before I step into the shower. A long, hot shower.

Tomorrow or Friday, eight large Russian laurels (about 5' or 6' tall) will be delivered. I still have 10 cascara trees (bareroot seedlings) and 5 vine maples to plant. Then I have to get started on giving my full financial support to The Gardens at Four Corners to get this blank and depressing yard up to druid labs snuff. This year will be all about the shrubbery, the backbone of what will become my sanctuary.

So far, all the red-osier dogwoods and ninebarks are leafing out quickly, skinny twigs that they are. In fact, most of what I planted last year is coming back nicely - though I can't tell about the various sages and penstemons and such that are underneath a huge pile of alder logs. (Damned tree service! Couldn't they tell that weed patch is actually an herb and flower garden?) One of our neighbors wanted some wood, so we had a lot of rounds left in place. Dennis split a half-cord or so of it while we were in SoCal, and then piled it neatly on top of some salal that I planted last year. He's just off hernia surgery, so he can't lift quite yet - though splitting wasn't an issue. Go figure.

Anyway, this is all talk. For now, I'm still ensconced on the cushy leather sofa with my right knee propped on pillows, the laptop perched on my left leg, and a chair standing by as a desk. I have a nice view out the large living room windows of cypress and Douglas-fir and alders, and escallonia and some sort of pretty flowering tree in neighbor Ron's yard. It's overcast and drizzly today. Tea, I think, and a nap.