page 4 from little seeds



Page 4


From little seeds mighty trees grow,
So get a chainsaw

We are into autumn now and the fruit trees are in need of pruning, in the case of these trees a radical restructuring.

“Hi mother, I am off into the garden to do some pruning”

“What needs pruning? You have cut everything back to an inch of its life”

“Well the apple trees need sorting out”

“They were pollarded a couple of years ago so there fine”

“No there not. They need pruning” I can be assertive when needed.

I get out the house before mother recovers and goes into full scale rant, there was some more chuntering about men and ladders but I ignored it.
More distructive gardening, I love it. yes the trees were pollarded but no one structured the trees as they grew. There were branches that needed taking right out. So up the ladder sawing off branches I went great fun.

“What are you doing” ahhh, heck I nearly fell off the ladder and a branch narrowly missed mother.

“Be careful,” was the shout” I said you weren’t up to this type of work, you nearly hit me” (I nearly fell but I’m not saying)

“You should always make sure no one’s around before sawing down trees” mother is so self-righteous.

“What did you want mother? “I ask descending the ladder, thinking she shouldn’t creep up on people

“I just came out to see what you’re up to and I hope you’re going to clear this mess up”
“Of course it will all go on the bonfire” (wait for it)

“What another bonfire, it’s too windy, it’s not safe, you take to many risks” mothers!!

“Mother, it is only a light breeze and with the lid on the incinerator its fine” before she can catch her breath I suggest that her legs must be getting tired.

“Well they are aching a bit, come across with me and make sure I get up the step alright”
 I walk back with her and yes she did need the extra help. Placing my hands on her hips I gave her the extra lift she needed to get up the step. Made sure she got back to her chair and made a cup of tea.

“Will you be ok now” I ask.

“Of course I will I just felt a little tired that’s all”

On the way back to the pruning I pondered on the situation. Mother was getting more immobile, that means a struggle to get her to accept the help she needs. I pruned and pondered the situation, a ramp at the front door would be the best solution, better sweeten her up first then approach the subject.

A couple of days later I got her to go out to the local pub for a meal, aware that there was a ramp for her to try (sneaky, yes!)

Mother drove in her normal fashion when we got there she parked close to the door (makes life easier for her) and off we went.

“Are you going to use the ramp saves struggling up the steps” (now for a test drive.)

“There is a rail so I’ll be alright” (damn didn’t think of that.)

We had a lovely meal and mother was getting tired by the time we left so…
…
“Use the ramp on the way down save your legs” (now we will see) “hold the rail you will find it easier”

Two steps down…

“I’m stuck”

“What do you mean you’re stuck?” I don’t believe it

“I can’t go any further, it’s like being on top of Mount Everest” (mother is scared of heights, but this is ridiculous)

“Try going sideways you’re not looking down then” (help mothers stuck on a disabled ramp)

“I can’t turn round” (oh heck)

“Here hold on to me, shut your eyes and just move your feet” mother looks horrified.
 “Just trust me, now one, two three and off we go” mother made it to the bottom.

We drove back in silence, mother was not happy!

“I have never been so humiliated in my life, you and your ideas …………………….”

Well I will leave it at that.


Till next time

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