One of the oldest professions

So, as far as I can tell, this whole gardening thing goes way back.  Genesis chapter 2 mentions how the Garden was planted, and then chapter 3 says that after the fall, unfortunately "Thorns also and thistles shall it bring forth." 
Try as I might, I couldn't find an actual photograph of Adam gardening, so this will have to do.  

The point here is that gardening goes way back, and so it is in our family.  In my college dorm room, I rebelled against the aridity of Utah and had bean plants and their F1 generations going up my curtains.

Paula was the same way For a wedding present, I gave her several Ficus and Schefflera that were in the family for some 33 years, until we gave them away while preparing to leave for South America.  

Upon returning, the grounds of the house had been cared for, but not to the degree Paula would have liked.  One of the first tasks was to rein in the Liriope spicata which had invaded the lawn, and to limit it for the future with a mowing curb.  (Note: I am not in that picture and how dare you assume that I gained that much weight in Peru.)

Next, trees came down, previously referred to.  Then trees came up. 

The guy at the wholesale nursery said, "Yeah, sure, you can put it in her Tacoma, but the this next one is going to weight about 450 lbs."  Luckily, Paula has been continuing to lift weights twice a week.

Then, the beds around the house had to be severely disciplined.

Between missions, the bridge on the pond had rotted, 

and I built a new one to her specifications.  Not nearly as arched as the old one, or as much fun to watch - people don't slip and fall on this one.

Most people in these normally-warm parts of the country like North Carolina hate to see winter close in and prevent outside puttering.  I am considering it a chance for deep recovery.  I fear spring...

Dave