When the frigid no-turning-back days of fall forced us all inside for the season, much of the summer debris remained where we left it, including this catch saucer of clay, which filled with some rain and froze into ice. A very definite compromise of the saucer’s structural integrity, it will likely crack and begin its slow decay if left there all winter. Part of me wants to see that happen, to be reminded of the passage of time, forcing myself to stay present, to stay in the moment. Or just to get the motivation to hurry out and bring the damn thing into the garage where it might stand a chance.
In the front of the house, I finally removed the last of the ferns, which had put on such a stellar show this year. Sadness and regret accompanied each toss into the trash, then I swept all the dead leaves off the porch. Simple rituals keep us grounded, and cleaning up calms every Virgo I’ve ever met.
All winters are tough. Even the easy ones.
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