Mission Accomplished
Sep. 18th, 2003 04:11 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
kyburgMy knees are dirty. They were muddy, but that was a couple of hours ago.
It took me three hours to do the deed - go to the nursery, buy tools and supplies (and having a florist shop attached doesn't hurt - bought a spray of the nicest yellow with red edges roses to go with) and head for Pasadena.
A favor to do him, I say.
I swear to you all now - by this time next year, I won't be driving that truck. FEH. Yucky-poo. Ick. I worked those pedals like a stairmaster - and that beast just won't go over 60 anymore.
They've converted the old school ground at Anokia into "Estate Homes." Think Hogwarts-size boarding school grounds. Think disgustingly huge houses right next to each other - no yards. Welcome to Southern California - pay the man. Bah.
I was thinking about driving up the hill to see the old house, but got sidetracked. Just as well - the family sold it almost ten years ago and if I didn't like what I saw, I'd be the only one who cared. Best leave my memory alone.
I came armed this year with pruning shears, and used them. The neighbor's succulent ground cover had covered a lot of ground this past year. Well, you can see Cliff's stone now, by gum. However, it's nearly bare of grass as well.
I planted three lily-of-the-valley and ten freesia bulbs. Watered thoroughly. Drank some straight out of the hose. Yanked much crabgrass. I must have been Asian in my past life to keep doing this tending of the grave every year. But damn, if it didn't look so much better when I was done -
And I left a stone and the five roses. Next year, I'll leave a register like they do at the top of the mountains.
The cemetery itself looked fine and lovely - which it always does, strangely enough. I felt as if someone was watching me work, wondering what I was so hyped up about - but not complaining. I remember thinking "Cliff, where are you?" - and much as in past years, I don't hear as much as feel it - but "You know where I am."
Whatever he's doing, he's doing contentedly - no complaints.
On the way back, I stopped in at the used book place where I'd had an Ebay order waiting for me since July - more about that later.
I don't think anyone has been to see him all year. It's sad, but I always told Cliff he was kidding when he told me how much his family got tired of him. I guess he was right - and I was wrong.
Even if it's only once a year. I won't forget. It was only three hours, after all.
It took me three hours to do the deed - go to the nursery, buy tools and supplies (and having a florist shop attached doesn't hurt - bought a spray of the nicest yellow with red edges roses to go with) and head for Pasadena.
A favor to do him, I say.
I swear to you all now - by this time next year, I won't be driving that truck. FEH. Yucky-poo. Ick. I worked those pedals like a stairmaster - and that beast just won't go over 60 anymore.
They've converted the old school ground at Anokia into "Estate Homes." Think Hogwarts-size boarding school grounds. Think disgustingly huge houses right next to each other - no yards. Welcome to Southern California - pay the man. Bah.
I was thinking about driving up the hill to see the old house, but got sidetracked. Just as well - the family sold it almost ten years ago and if I didn't like what I saw, I'd be the only one who cared. Best leave my memory alone.
I came armed this year with pruning shears, and used them. The neighbor's succulent ground cover had covered a lot of ground this past year. Well, you can see Cliff's stone now, by gum. However, it's nearly bare of grass as well.
I planted three lily-of-the-valley and ten freesia bulbs. Watered thoroughly. Drank some straight out of the hose. Yanked much crabgrass. I must have been Asian in my past life to keep doing this tending of the grave every year. But damn, if it didn't look so much better when I was done -
And I left a stone and the five roses. Next year, I'll leave a register like they do at the top of the mountains.
The cemetery itself looked fine and lovely - which it always does, strangely enough. I felt as if someone was watching me work, wondering what I was so hyped up about - but not complaining. I remember thinking "Cliff, where are you?" - and much as in past years, I don't hear as much as feel it - but "You know where I am."
Whatever he's doing, he's doing contentedly - no complaints.
On the way back, I stopped in at the used book place where I'd had an Ebay order waiting for me since July - more about that later.
I don't think anyone has been to see him all year. It's sad, but I always told Cliff he was kidding when he told me how much his family got tired of him. I guess he was right - and I was wrong.
Even if it's only once a year. I won't forget. It was only three hours, after all.
