A Story - "A Caring Word"

 A Story

A Caring Word

"The evenings were drab and oppressive. Mindless TV kept his brain in neutral until he finally fell asleep on the couch. His girlfriend had left him, tired of his grumpy moods and inertia. It didn't matter, he thought, because he was sure his job was going to be gone any day.

The weeks grunged on. It was five months before the pink slip came.  His benefits would continue for a month until the final day at work. As a final spit in the eye to the world, he decided to use as many benefits as he could before they ran out. He booked appointments for various health care providers.

His final appointment landed on a Friday. 

He gave his health history and the provider began her examination.  At the end of the appointment, she strongly suggested that he return in a couple of months so that she could provide more treatment. It had been clear to her that he hadn't been taking care of himself.

He hesitated knowing the next appointment would have to be paid out of his own pocket.

"I really recommend that you come back fairly soon, Matthew," she said. There was concern in her voice. She actually seemed to care.

When she checked her appointment schedule later, she saw that he had scheduled another teeth cleaning. She hoped he would follow her advice about daily brushing and flossing.

When Matthew got home, he checked his polished teeth in the mirror  He tried smiling and it felt surprisingly good."

A wildflower bouquet.

I planted these asters this spring. They are shorter than the native purple asters in our area and make a pleasant little clump.

During the summer, we saw Giant swallowtail butterflies every day. I was a bit puzzled because I wasn't aware of any plants on the property that the caterpillars would like. However, more recently I encountered some prickly ash (should be called thorny ash) on the edge of the hillside path. Insignificant rounded green leaves but nasty rosebush like thorns. Prickly ash is a host plant for the Giant swallowtail caterpillars. Although it is named "ash", it is a member of the citrus family. It can be an aggressive plant so I guess it will battle it out with the common buckthorn which is also on the property.

The wild grapes make surprisingly big clusters. Unfortunately, although they are edible, they are not pleasant to eat.  I tried making jelly with them years ago but it really wasn't tasty at all even with all the sugar added.

The fall colours are starting. I always really like the tropical look of the changing leaves on the sumac.

Last weekend, we went to the Brighton Applefest. Although there weren't many apple themed booths (238 booths in all), there were lots of very nice handmade items as well as delicious food.  This sweet little bouquet came from Field and Florist, a farm nearby.  The white gerbera daisy is really striking and the miniature zinnias are so cute.  That type of zinnia is available from Johnny Seeds ( Jazzy zinnias) and also William Dam Seeds.

I really like the pompom bicolour one in the back of the arrangement.

The days are cooler and shorter.  Back to knitting some socks. Planted some fall bulbs.