Lola and I have begun a garden. We are taking care of our large, San Diegan backyard, full of bramble and weed and bluster and cat poop, dog poop and our dead and buried kitten, Boo. We have raked and hoed and cleared and mulched and were able to plant our first batch of vegetables, in 16 rows of hills, five seeds in each, preparing for the abundance of home grown organic cucumber. Lola says soil tastes as good as chocolate. We crouch in the dirt with our gloves on, eventually taking them off. Dirt fills our nails. Our cats weave in and out of the perimeter. The dogs come over and sniff our legs. Lola sets her favorite doll, Abigail, off to the side as she pokes each seed in the dirt. Mr. Curry makes dinner, comes out to help water. The sun is setting. My arms ache from raking. Lola is singing. Dirt smells sooo good, she says. The sun sets and Karate Chop meows at Hermione to nurse. The dogs bark. We go inside to wash hands and eat. I have that amazing peaceful feeling that comes from leaving something better than as you found it.
Next: Planting Peppers, Preparing holes and mulch for bulbs
