The reward for going out…

The reward for going out in the yard and raking up some leaves and pruning some hydrangeas and roses down and planting a boxwood and an azalea is that one of the neighbors walking by will go into literal raptures -- squeals of joy -- over the little iris reticulatas in the yard. And yes, yes, it has been a long winter. I agree, neighbor lady. We have gone too long without flowers, and there is only so much a soul may be asked to bear.