Slinky Malinki

Today was one of those days.  We all have them.

The vet called to say that my sweet Slinky Malinki needed an additional blood test. Earlier tests revealed an infection, an elevated thyroid and unexplained weight loss.  She refused her pill hidden in delectable treats, and I wasn’t able to pill her without the help of my husband who’s on a business trip…in the Bahamas.

My youngest son called from school not feeling well and asked to come home early.  He seems to be doing okay, but he’s only called home from school twice in three years so I worry.  It’s a mom thing.

The check-engine light stubbornly refuses to budge on my aging van, much like the extra weight around my aging midriff.  This is not a good week for the car to break down.

So, when the going gets tough, the tough get gardening.  After dinner with the boys and a quick clean up, I headed out doors.  I pruned away dead branches from the lavender shrubs, cleaned out several pots, and watered my neglected annuals.  The coleus had to go, a task I’ve been putting off.  White flies or mites were everywhere, so any hope of saving cuttings was finally put to rest.  San Jose has a yard waste pick up each week with our trash.  I didn’t want to compost the ‘buggy’ plant so on to the heap it went.  I filled  up my watering cans, trimmed the potted roses and swept the by-now-dark front deck.

I brought the fairy garden into the garage for some TLC and finally called it a day.  Hard work, especially outdoors, is invigorating and cathartic.  Problems remain, but a clear head and a tired body put it all in perspective.

What do you do when the going gets tough?