Friday, May 12, 2017

A Weak Gardener

White dogwood tree near river at Mrs. White's Estate



I have a new white dogwood tree on the back grounds.  My boys bought it as a Mother's day gift for me.  They planted it back by the rushing river.  It is a beautiful spot.

Today I walked out back to work on my strawberry garden.  Mister planted it for me a few years ago.  It always produces some nice fruit for me each season.  This year I have a little white fence around it.

I cleared some more leaves and did a little weeding.  It is tiring work.  I used to be stronger and able to endure much more.  Now I am a "weakling" and have to pace myself in any labor I attempt to undertake.  (gentle smiles.)

After a short time, I thought it would be nice to have my bench nearby to sit and take breaks under the shade tree.

My son-in-law gladly moved our bench, from the front grounds to the back property, late this afternoon.  It is right near my strawberries.  It looks inviting.

Strawberry garden and a bench for resting at Mrs. White's Estate


I managed to clean up a small portion of the garden.  I hope to work on it again on the next sunny day.  The fresh air and pretty landscape helped bring me some cheerfulness.  We have had a long, difficult winter. 

Now I am back indoors for a tea- and- cookie break.

Blessings
Mrs.White


From the Archives -

For the Tough Times - How the Old Time Mothers Survived Poverty.

It Does Not Have to be Difficult - The Basics of Lovely Housekeeping.

Remembering my Childhood - Manners Learned at The Finishing School.


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Mrs. White's special book for Homemakers
-

 "Mother's Book of Home Economics."

312 pages, paperback.






16 comments:

Mary Ann said...

The bench looks so nice and inviting out by the strawberry garden. I love dogwood trees...it will make you smile each spring when it blooms. You will think of your sons!

Have a nice week.

Jane said...

I find it interesting that you seem to expect to weaken as you age. My grandmother and my husband's grandmother were strong up to their old age. Lots of manual labor involving hanging heavy wet clothes, beating rugs, milking cows, working in the garden, canning with heavy pots of water and endless hours of standing over a hot stove cooking and kneading bread strengthened them, not weakened them. I have had some health set-backs that have sapped my energies, but I am working on building them back up. I want to be able to keep up with my family, not be the weak one sitting at home.

Jane


Melissa M. said...

Your bench looks very nice by your strawberry garden. How wonderful you get to enjoy strawberries in season! Your dogwood tree is a lovely gift that will keep giving for years to come.

Deanna said...

Blessings to you. May you have a sweet Mother's Day this week-end.
Lovely place you have,
d

Unknown said...

What a blessing to be making family memories:)
I too get tired while working outside. A little here and there!
God bless
Mrs.O

Lady Locust said...

Happy Mother's Day ~ do enjoy:)

Elizabethd said...

So ice to have a bench where one can sit for a while to enjoy the garden.

Paulina Marie said...

One day, I'd love to have a garden. It sounds so peaceful!

Blessings,
Mrs. J

Mrs. Laura Lane said...

Do what you can with what you've got where you are and with the energy and abilities you have!
Be blessed, be strong, and be courageous!
You can do all God has called you to do.

Hugs,
Mrs. Laura Lane

Deborah Montgomery said...

Fresh air and sunshine and pretty scenery do a lot to help banish the blues and refresh us. Just being outdoors can be such a balm to the soul. The dogwood looks so pretty next to the water. Happy Mother's Day to you. xo Deborah

living from glory to glory said...

Oh, what a lovely gift!! You will enjoy it for years! Your bench will get much use in the spot you have placed it! I for one have also been working in my yard! I try real hard to build a little bit more stamina by lifting and raking and weeding. It sure is tough after being inside all winter. But being outside truly helps me feel better and the fresh air helps me to sleep!
Wishing you a lovely spring...
Always, Roxy

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

What a lovely gift, Mrs White -- not a "thing" to clutter up the house! I had to smile at this. I went on a rampage pulling weeds every morning for a few days last month, and my poor knees still haven't recovered!

Our Hopeful Home said...

What a lovely spot to linger and take in the beauty of your yard (and strawberry garden!) Great sons for giving you (and planting) that tree! I grew up with dogwoods and love them. Thanks for sharing at Vintage Charm! xo Kathleen|Our Hopeful Home

Lisa Beth W. said...

Jane, maybe you don't know about the health challenges that Mrs. White has. She does not strike me as just sitting and expecting to weaken and letting it happen. Please do be careful with assumptions.

Mrs. White, I have been considering getting a dogwood, as I just love them in the spring! What a nice gift for you!

Blessed Homemaking said...

What a lovely place to sit, Mrs. White! I'm glad you're enjoying some fresh air and sunshine. I really need to get outside more. There is just so much to do inside, that I rarely get out to enjoy God's beautiful creation.

P.S. I had a little money, so have purchased most of your other books that I did not have already. I'm very much looking forward to them. ♥

Mrs. Laura Lane said...

Two of my children bought a Forsythia bush for Mother's Day. They planted it near an unsightly electric pole for me. I'd just received my cancer diagnosis. I remember thinking, I shall see this bloom next year. I shall. Forsythia is a bright yellow flowered bush that is one of the earliest blooming in Missouri's spring.

I remember my grandma having a little white fence like yours around a flower garden. Lovely.

Be blessed and continue to pace yourself my dear friend. I do look forward to the day when we meet face to face. The promise that Christian friends share is great.

Your friend,
Laura Lane
Harvest Lane Cottage
Carthage, Missouri