We’re finally getting a break from hot weather.  We can open our windows at night and sleep with fresh air. Still, it’s been a long hot summer. Covid cases surging means we’ve had to stay home for months. And we’re really tired of hearing about Donald Trump’s troubles.  But now, we wake up with a little spurt of energy.  Now is the time to weed out the summer doldrums. 

Weeding doesn’t have to be outside.   I started yesterday with my dresser drawers.  It’s amazing how many  tee shirts and night gowns a person my age can collect.  Filled two big trash bags within an hour.  A bottom drawer revealed old half slips and a bundle  of panty hose. Why  would I save these after retiring  decades ago?  Ok, I’ll save a couple pair of hose for weddings and funerals.  But half slips?  Do people even wear them anymore?   There are more drawers to be emptied, but I’m tired of looking at that stuff right now. Time to move outside.

After months of scorching heat followed by  torrents of rain, the weeds in my Hosta garden are tall as trees.  I’ve watched them grow outside the window all summer long.  And yet, I know it’s not a good idea for someone my age to be outside when it’s close to 100 degrees.  So, the weeds have had a heyday.  We have a lawn man, and a bush trimmer,  but it’s difficult to find a weeder for hire.  There are much better jobs waiting to be filled in air conditioned places.

I gather my tools, don my gardening gear, slather my face with bug spray, and head out doors.  Some weeds have shallow roots, others are way too deep for my weak arms to pull. Using clippers, a small saw and plain old elbow grease, I soon have a pile of weeds.  Getting rid of them is a chore, as they have to be hauled away in a shaky cart.

Later, as I return from the Goodwill after dropping off my bags, I feel a surge of  joy as I enter my driveway and see my pretty Hosta garden.  Why is weeding so therapeutic?  I don’t actually enjoy it the way some do, but it clears my mind. And the feeling of accomplishment raises my spirits.

Now is the time to weed out the summer doldrums.