magid

I went to NH Sunday to do yardwork in the heat. As with most chores that aren't mine and done in a group, it was fun. Hot, too hot, mostly, but I tried to stay in the shade, and got a lot done. Not as much as had been hoped, I think, but the heat was brutal (all the water I drank apparently went directly to sweat). As it was, I got to help friends and exercise, too; what could be better?

I don't know why it's so satisfying wielding clippers and cutting plants, but it is. And that had me under the trees most of the time, which was good. I could've done without the pricker bushes that made it through my workgloves, and the mosquitos that ignored everyone else to feast on me, but there's always a fly in the ointment*.

The most impressive part was helping move a huge boulder using boards as levers, bricks as fulcrums (fulcra?), and logs as rollers. I'm so glad we had technology, in the form of a Jeep with a hitch, a motorcycle tie thingy (that's a technical term, don't'cha know?), and rope. There were lots of jokes about pyramid building; I can't imagine how they managed. It's hard work, even with a motor.

Also of note: finding a tiny strawberry, barely the size of my smallest toenail, eating it still warm in the sun. Standing in the cold spray of the rotary sprinkler to cool off, and jumping each time the water hit. Seeing rainbows in the spray. A lovely lunch. Trying the see-saw method of raising boulders. Hearing woodpeckers. Seeing the variety of two-wheeled vehicles on the highway at the end of Bike Week.

I was exhausted by the time I got home. I'm glad I had leftovers and could fall into bed early.

* OK, I just can't help it. Pig medicine = oinkment.