When the rains came earlier this week, the landline died.
No telephone calls, incoming or outgoing.
No emails, blog posting, or cyber research.
No cellphone reception in rural-area dwelling.
Just old-fashioned living. Simple archaic existence.
— Copyright © 2011 Dianne Marie Andre
In case you’re wondering why I haven’t posted since Monday, here’s an account of what has happened.
Tuesday, May 03: As soon as I managed to get my new, hand-me-down computer running the landlines died. Until today, I couldn’t communicate with the world via telephone or cyberspace. I couldn’t check incoming emails, conduct internet research, or publicize Wednesday’s Guest Writer’s article.
In addition, two of my county fair entries were damaged (my fault) and my green bean seedlings that appeared happy and perky on Monday turned into crispy, brown foliage today.
The beans are growing along a fence line between a row of vigorous snow peas and asparagus bean seedlings. The brown green beans no longer blend beautifully between its neighbors. Like an unkempt front yard in the middle of well-groomed landscapes, the green beans are an eyesore.
I hadn’t fertilized. It wasn’t windy. The soil was damp so there’s no logical reason for fried leaves. It’s just one of those mysterious disorders that oftentimes leaves the caregiver baffled.
Since the stalks look good, I’m going to watch them for a week. If new leaf buds appear, I won’t replant. Replanting now would put harvest off for month.
The lifeless landlines, damaged county fair entries, and impaired bean crop are minor setbacks, slight disappointments. However, the distant roar of heavy equipment that woke me from a ten-minute snooze this afternoon was anything but trivial. More on this next week.
Thursday, May 05: Late afternoon Verizon repaired my landlines, and my hand-me-down computer is running smoothly. Now, though, the “service engine soon light” in my car lite up like a huge hotel sign. Tomorrow, I’ll have to take it into the shop which means I won’t have transportation to the Amador Master Gardeners’ annual plant sale to volunteer with set up and sales—a fun day that I will miss.
The good news is that Wednesday’s article, written by Guest Writer Bernadine Chapman-Cruz, will be posted Saturday. (There’s always something good to look toward.) Stayed tuned for tomorrow’s Soulful Plotting and Bernadine’s article on the history of Mother’s Day.
In a house that refuses to communicate with the world.
In case you’re wondering why I haven’t posted any material lately, my landline has been out-of-order since November 20, which means I can’t go online to post articles, do research, or email friends and family. Communication with the outside world has been at the lowest degree during these past nine days. I have a cheap, emergency cellphone that I rarely turn on, so rare that I never gave out the number after purchasing it, so inexpensive it’s slow to turn on and to find the satellite, so cheap it doesn’t work inside the house.
During this time, I also experienced power failure, an empty propane tank (yes, my bill was paid), and a broken-down car. This has been a costly November. Well over $2,000. Ouch!
And get this, I am still coughing. I’ve been through two prescriptions, and I am still coughing.
Although a rebellious house, inefficient equipment, and a neglectful propane company is frustrating, things eventually work out. The power is restored, the propane tank filled and the house and water are now warm, and the car’s immediate repairs are complete. The engine does need pulling fix a less-urgent problem, but that will have to wait. Employment has ceased and funds have shrunk.
The phone company comes this week. I’ll be watching the driveway for a Verizon vehicle to come into sight, and crossing my fingers that the problem is on the outside of the house. Otherwise, the repair fee is on me. Meanwhile, I’m typing this at the library on a public computer with a one-hour limitation use. As soon as my house opens its pores and allows me to communicate with the world, you’ll hear from me. Meanwhile, happy belated Thanksgiving Day, and just in case . . . Merry Christmas.
In and Around the Garden 