While it may sound peculiar, sometimes you need a push forward to slow down.
Personally, I tend to be the type who prefers to be involved, likes a project (or four) and has a really tough time with the concept of sleeping in, afternoon naps or zoning out in front of the television. So when I finally made the decision to have surgery on my shoulder, the first question that popped into my head was, “When is the slowest time of the year?”
My arm will immobilized for six weeks, and for four weeks after that, I will be able to lift only 1-pound objects. The physical therapist said I should be close to 100 percent in a year.
I will be able to use a computer one-handed – holy cow, this column will take a long time to write – and (begrudgingly) answer the telephone, but a long recovery process puts any hobby, season or project in jeopardy. But I have grown to dislike dislocations, and so I have bitten the bullet, as I truly couldn’t find “the perfect time” to be restrained.
That means skiing, mountain biking and fly-fishing are on the shelf for a while. Playing baseball or basketball with Asher would only be comical. Gardening, a well-known intensive and strenuous activity, may be limited. Heck, trying to put my socks on may be an exercise in futility.
But you know what? It’s a shoulder. I’m young(ish), and there are many, many more people out there who have situations far more challenging than mine. It may lead to instating a “flip-flops are allowed in the office” policy for the foreseeable future. I can only hope the county administration is OK with that.
I contemplated skipping the column this week, but as I sat outside Sunday afternoon wearing shorts, I realized I had a civic duty: I must continue the trend of writing columns about unfavorable topics – drought, winter watering, hot summers – then Mother Nature will show me who’s really boss and create conditions that nullify my advice.
Therefore, spring appears to want to awaken early. It’s 65 degrees outside, grass seed may be slowly germinating and crocuses already are in bloom. Time to panic. Plus, it’s really dry.
There you go. I discussed unseasonably warm temperatures and drought. Now look up from the paper and gaze out the window. I hope, I truly, truly hope, that there was/is/will be moisture falling from the sky. Eerie, isn’t it?
Lastly, while I try not to promote one radio station over the next – the kids enjoy their pop music on the way to school, I occasionally like the oldies (circa 1980s and ’90s), and the “Rock n’ Soul Sputnik” show on KDUR does an amazing job of putting a smile on my face Monday nights – I would be remiss if I didn’t mention that next week is KSUT’s on-air fund drive.
And while every day is a great day to donate and support public radio, March 5 is “Local Growers Day.” As the day progresses, the prize package tends to take on a life of its own, growing with tools, books, shirts, produce, meat, gift certificates and much more.
The value easily reaches into the thousands of dollars, and the only thing you may need to purchase is the basket to hold your gifts. The on-air guests (yours truly included) also will provide lots of tips about growing locally (and successfully) and how you can support local agriculture.
So make sure you call in – try to stump me.
parmenterdm@co.laplata.co.us or 382-6464. Darrin Parmenter is director and horticulture agent of the La Plata County Extension Office.
