Saturday 15 June 2019

Gardens

Day dreaming just after lunch I heard an odd sound.  After a few seconds I identified it as my gardener using the strimmer round the edge of my front lawn.   Being on quite a steep slope it is well-drained so was really relatively dry.  He then set to work on weeding the back rockery and I went out to help him where I could reach without falling over.   It looks a lot better after his couple of hours.   And the sun on my back as we worked was welcome.

Now, a couple of hours later, it is pouring with rain again and the central heating is on.   Will it never end?

Reading Rachel's post today makes me realise just how much there is going on in the world at the moment.   It is not just Brexit that is in turmoil, it seems to be everything - so much so that I really don't feel at my age I can be bothered with any of it.   Is this wrong?   I have always considered myself to be well - informed on matters political and on world affairs (my first husband was politically minded) but the farmer never raised his head above the farming balcony so to speak.   So over the years I have followed suit and now (at 86) I am too set in stone to be bothered.   Is this wrong of me?   I shall of course vote if and when there is an election (every woman in the land should do that after the hard fight for women to get the vote in the first place) but other than that I shall keep my head buried in the sand.   Should I wake up and make myself take an interest again?   Am I wrong to concentrate my thoughts on my garden, my lunches out, my friends, my son and my great grand-children?   Serious answers please before I begin to feel guilty.

30 comments:

Andie said...

Dear friend, to answer some of your comments, if it helps I also feel the same way. Yes, I shall vote when I need to but only for the reasons that you commented on and it has become a habit. The Government is in turmoil and it is their own fault. They should listen to the people who put them where they are, but they all seem to forget as soon as they are on the gravy train. No doubt we have both seen all this before and if we both give up there will only be two small voices, but, our two small voices bring one heck of a lot of considered opinion. Do have a rest, I am pleased that your gardener came, ours cut the lawn last week and it did look better. Enjoy your flowers and maybe the sun will come out tomorrow. Love Andie xxx

JayCee said...

If we look back at all the sacrifices that previous generations have made to allow us a vote, I feel it is my duty to do so. However, these days it seems that my vote is wasted as the politicians just ignore the will of the people they are supposed to represent. I am more and more frustrated every year with the latest selfish goings on in politics but still continue to vote in the vain hope that something may change. In the meantime, we must take pleasure in everyday comforts, our families and friends.

Christine Hancock said...

So much going on I don't even think those supposedly in charge know what's what, best keep enjoying your garden, family and friends. I admire all you do and I 'm only 76 but recently have had to have more rests doing the garden than ever had to before. Please say I 'm not alone resting every 20 mins or so?

Derek Faulkner said...

Stick to concentrating on things as in your last paragraph Pat, why worry about anything else at your age?
As for voting, I'm finished with it, I'm not going to vote and then be ignored again, as per Brexit.

Rachel Phillips said...

Nothing to feel guilty about Weave, you're up there with the best of us and more. You know what's going on, you take your newspaper everyday, you read widely, join discussion groups, and you enjoy your family and friends. You're doing alright.

Sue in Suffolk said...

I wonder what future historians will say on this period in our long long history, probably not much, compared to some of the upheavals in the last 2,000 years!
I'm like you , I do vote but can't be bothered to follow all the shenanigans.
Family and garden seem much more important.
Not bothered if that makes me an ignorant country bumpkin!

Anonymous said...

The current situation ,not only in the UK but in other countries as well, was driving me to distraction. So to stop getting so wound up I had a good hard look at things and decided that these people whom I cannot influence (e.g. Macron, Trump et al) don't have the right to upset my peace of mind.

I recently re-read Voltaire's "Candide" and the advice therein of Dr Pangloss who said that we "must cultivate our garden".

And so that is what I shall do.

Debbie

justjill said...

I am concerned for my children and their children so I do actively get involved. Not good for my mental health I admit. But every little helps.

Simon Douglas Thompson said...

I had an afternoon nap too, listening to the cricket

Gwil W said...

We're living in a period of great change. We're on a train hurtling into a dark tunnel - the future. And there is nobody at the controls. The train drivers and railway staff are too busy fighting and arguing. The signals make no sense anymore. It's like an old Buster Keaton movie.
But worry not, for you are not alone in your perplexity. Enjoy the ride. It's a roller coaster alright!

Amanda said...

I have to limit my news intake just to maintain some sort of equanimity. I only read now, enough to keep myself reasonably well informed, but I cannot have the TV news on with the constant outrage or watch the videos and commentaries or it just gets too much. And what good does being furious or frightened do, except make me crazy enough to add to the problem(s)? I volunteer with groups I care about and try to maintain peace in my little corner. I can do no more.

The Weaver of Grass said...

Thank you folks - so far you have given me confidence to carry on as I am.

Heather said...

Don't feel guilty about enjoying your life. At our age I hope we have earned the right to a pleasant retirement, besides, what can we actually do to make a difference to our crazy world. Even by cultivating your garden you are doing your bit in supporting the environment. Like you, I will vote when the time comes in the hope that the next government does better than the last one. Whatever happens I think the world will still keep turning.

Ruth said...

It's all too sad and downright frightening - so I'm with you! Life now is too short to fret over things we can't change. Enjoy your days just as you've been doing - can't do better than that! Staying healthy is as big a challenge as we can deal with when growing old.

Lynn Marie said...

I think maintaining daily routines and interactions with others is important for us all for our individual well-being but also for our entire society to endure. Social order is fragile in these times but it's a thousand strands of interactions that hold it and us together: having your gardener help you and working with him when you can; playing with your ukelele orchestra for the nursing home folks; providing work for trades to maintain your house; chatting with your neighbors when you walk the dog; and yes, even going out and thoroughly enjoying lunch with your friends. You may not be able to influence the macro-events directly, or be as well-informed as in the past, but in a micro sense, you and we all hold the world together by what we do and how we do it every day. I left out that you write your blog, for which I am thankful as it gives me hope every day. You being on an even keel helps me keep on an even keel.

jinxxxygirl said...

Pat i say do what makes you happy... seriously.. If its bothering you too much to not be involved then get involved.. but if your happy living your life the way you have then in say keep doing it. The will rise tomorrow and life will go one no matter what you do. Hugs! deb

Gail, northern California said...

There may come a time when you are unable to get out and mingle. It's then that you will look back on these happy days with fondness, and no regrets. I say, "Go out and make some more mischief and memories!"

Anonymous said...

Dear Weaver, I agree with one of your other readers....you blogging and being on an even keel helps to keep me on an even keel...I think because you bring a lot of common sense and a good perspective to the issues. You do more than you know by blogging, keeping your garden, and seeing family and friends. You give us the example of living a life of engagement, even in later years. Take care.

Virginia said...

Of course you need to do those things that make your life rich and happy, and when the political news is so absolutely dire, I think you're better to maintain your peace by letting it all fly by. Unfortunately it seems that so much of our information is politically motivated lies, and sorting it out makes ones head ache! Keep with the important things, family, friends, gardening, good food and kindness (think: playing for the dementia unit) . You're doing just fine.

Cro Magnon said...

I do think it's important to take note of politics. The UK is a strangely masochistic country. It regularly votes for the Socialists who regularly make a mess of things, then votes Tory to clear up after them. Whatever one thinks of Mrs May, she has done a good job for Britain PLC (other than the Brexit mess), but all would be undone if the Marxists gained access to No 10. Sometimes I despair.

thelma said...

Be who you are, we love that person. Guilt, like every other emotion should be a passing moment. No one can alter what is happening now or into the future but we can enjoy the scenery as we ride the roller-coaster. Did that make sense?

Carruthers said...

Voting IS bothering, so you DO bother. Worrying is just worrying. Worrying doesn't change the facts. There have been 130,000 avoidable deaths in Britain since the government introduced austerity. The UN has lambasted this country over child poverty. State pensions are among the lowest in the OECD. The plight of the brilliant NHS... I could go on but that would be just worrying. There are those who, worried about heaven knows what they see on the telly or in Britain's rotten papers, want to keep things the way they are. But we needn't let it worry us. Britain can be a decent, civilised Western country again - all it takes is for people to want it to be and vote this lot out.

So that's that. Now I better get off, stop worrying and practise what I preach. Enjoy life - and take pleasure in voting when I get the chance.

The Weaver of Grass said...

cyclist - good, sound common sense - thanks for that
thelma - thanks for the reply, you are quite right.
'Mischief and memories Gail' I like that.

Big boosts here from you all - so shall carry on!!

the veg artist said...

Do what you can - which you do. Don't worry about what you can't alter. What on earth is the point of people being miserable all the time over things they can't possibly have an impact on? If they feel that strongly, then they should enter politics or actively work towards a cause. Harping on about things achieves nothing, whereas your going to the old folks to sing, and voting when the opportunity arises does!

John "By Stargoose And Hanglands" said...

I'm reminded of my father watching party political broadcasts on TV, then giving a loud Harrumph and saying "Never dug taters in his life!"
Maybe life would be better if they did do a bit of gardening.

Jayview said...

I think I want to avoid being in denial because we do support and educate each other by talking about the threats, as you clearly do in raising this issue in your blog. But I feel that challenge too to live in the present and love what is good. Stories from others do help here as numbers of your readers say, so thank you for sharing your own balancing act with all this.

EM Griffith said...

"When you were young and your heart was an open book, you used to say live and let live, but in this ever changing world in which we live in, if you give it a try... say live and let die." - Paul McCartney
Pat, I'm old enough to remember the turmoil of the 60s and 70s. My brother was in Vietnam, my sister went to college when women were burning their bras in the street. My 86 yr. old mom remembers the global unrest of the WWII years. Both were times of big changes in society. Both passed into relative peace, eventually. Until the next thing came along. You make a difference to those around you every day. You make a difference to readers, like me, who will probably never have the privilege to know you in person. I agree with others who've said in that way, you are making the world a better place. No guilt or fretting necessary. Be YOU. It's who we love.

EM Griffith said...

Well, I got the lyrics a little wrong at the end, but you get the idea.
"Don't worry, be happy." - Bobby McFerrin

The Weaver of Grass said...

Thank you to all of you and your kind comments - they have made my day today.

Susan said...

I'm late to the discussion. I had tea with a lady in her eighties last Tuesday and we were talking about the same thing. She is interested in everything and has recently been the driving force behind getting a coffee morning started at our village hall. Her question that got the ball rolling was, at what age can you give up addressing the issues of the world and just coast. I wonder if it is a natural order of things where one gets to a point where doing one's bit is just plain done. Interesting to see so many people mention gardening. In one of my garden history books it mentions ancient Chinese leaders always having an official garden for contemplation. Sounds to me like an idea worth renewing.