A couple of weeks ago when the weather was nice, I finally got out into my garden to do some work. My garden is in serious need of restoration. I started last summer and made some progress. However, I started too late, and the weather got too hot, and my mind wasn’t 100 percent into the project yet.
Now, my mind is about 99.5 % committed. My first goal is my pond and the area directly surrounding it. This area is center stage from the viewpoint of my kitchen window. When I started weeding the area of dirt around the pond about 2 weeks ago, I found a ladybug nestled down in the dirt around some rocks. I took off my garden gloves and gently picked her up and brushed some flecks of dirt off of her. I was delighted to see her move and respond by lifting her wings and attempting to fly. She didn’t get far, so I lifted her again and brushed a little more dirt off of her. This time her wings were able to fully expand and she took flight. She was the only bug I saw that day.
Today, finally my life and the weather allowed me to get outside again. I found my thigh-high fishing boots and put them on. I reached down into the pond to retrieve the two pumps and the submersible ultra-violet clarifier/sterilizer. I didn’t even get these running last summer.
I had to step into the pond to try and readjust the round granite bowl that had slipped down off the granite blocks it rested on. I also found the bubbler that brings water up into the bowl. The garden birds love this bowl and bubbler.
It suddenly occurred to me that I might not be able to lift the bowl. It is extremely heavy for me, especially with the water in it. We’ve had so much rain the pond is at full capacity. In the past, my husband has been able to help me. Now, he can’t, at least not yet.
I was determined to try. I turned the bowl onto its side so it wouldn’t hold the water when lifted. With all my strength, and the help of angels, I was able to get the bowl up onto one of the columns of blocks. It needs two columns to rest securely. So much shifting has taken place I determined that I’d need to drain the pond to get everything realigned properly. The water lilies have taken over.
I needed to get the bowl out of the pond. Using my arms and back and thighs, I was able to do a squat walk of sorts with the bowl in tow. Miraculously, I was able to get it to one side and tip it over the edge onto the pebbled ground. Then, as I stood in the pond with the raindrops beginning to fall on me, I saw a lone ladybug floating on top. I lifted her out and held her in my palm. She didn’t move. The raindrops began to fall harder and the wind began to blow. I stepped out of the pond carrying the ladybug and moved quickly to my covered deck. I set her down on the round wooden table so I could pull off my boots.
The feral cats my husband had adopted were looking at me with their begging eyes. I picked the ladybug up and moved her inside to my stainless breakfast bar. I quickly went back to feed the cats. My husband would like me to do this for him.
I came back inside and the ladybug was still there where I ‘d laid her. It was apparent that life had left her shell behind.
I sure hope there is a ladybug heaven. I don’t care what anyone thinks about me for wanting this or even thinking that it is possible.
The rain passed quickly and the sun is out again, though now, I need to work on dinner.
I couldn’t get the ladybugs out of my mind. It seemed so odd for me to find only one each day. There must be a lesson for me here. The ladybug that got away was in the dirt and not the water. I decided that I’d better keep my hands and mind on my garden. The ladybug’s spirit is pushing me to 100 percent.
movingforwardslowly 