GARDEN FANATIC: Working outdoors soothes jitters

“Next to a circus there ain’t nothing that packs up and tears out faster than the Christmas spirit.”

— Kin Hubbard

I wish the spirit of the holidays might linger into the final week of the year. It was predictably more subdued this season, even in Laguna. Still, I appreciated the Christmas lights throughout the village; particularly the retro lights from my childhood. The primary colors of those big bulbs are symbolic of Christmases past.

Dad was right. The older we get, the more we treasure our family and friends. This Christmas has been special because of time spent with immediate family — Catharine, my mom, Kay and Lewie, Cooper and Kerri, and of course, Buster and Blondie. Sadly, our final surviving cat, Ollie, has moved on to his final adventure. I thank John and his staff for assisting with his care.

Hanging with friends, Lynn and James, Eve and Ben, and Byron, lifted my spirits when I needed a smile. And our holiday lunch, with writing pals for this paper, reinforced my feeling of community.

There just wasn’t quite enough left of me to see everyone I had hoped to. If only there was enough time to go around.

I tried hard, but didn’t quite have time for the taco and beer with Roger. I even had to give Catharine an I.O.U. for what I wanted to gift her (again).

Support our local businesses, as much as you can. They really need our support! As heard around town, if you don’t make a visit this year, they may not be around in the new year.

The winter storms that helped litter our patio with leaves are symbolic. It is the annual sign that I must loiter and unwind and defrost in the garden. Raking is good for one’s abs!

Reviewing my final garden list for the year, there are still shrubs to be pruned, trees laced, and bulbs planted. The sprinklers will remain off, and I will dream of more rain. Mainly, I will enjoy being outdoors.

Gardening allows for personal expression and shelter from the vagaries of life year round. I resolve to not only enjoy my garden, but to create more time for myself this coming year.

See you next time.

 STEVE KAWARATANI is happily married to award winning writer Catharine Cooper and has four dogs. He can be reached at (949) 497-8168, or e-mail to plantman2@mac.com.