May 11, 2008: Small Town Dirt
Becoming full-fledged Master Gardeners via the ISU Extension program requires 40 hours of community service in addition to the course work my husband Mark and I have already completed.
Our service project is beautifying two weedy corners at West Jefferson and Second Avenue, next to the Post Office and just a block off the town square. One afternoon last week, we loaded our wheelbarrow with spades, shovels (different from a spade!), rakes, forks, a plastic bucket, and a bag of fertilizer. For four hours, we pulled weeds, turned earth, and broke clods.
As we worked, we entertained a constant flow of traffic. Dozens of Wintersetians walking or driving through this busy intersection threw out comments like "You guys are working way too hard!" and "When you finish here, come on down to my place!"
When the zoning officer came by, we asked if the city had any extra topsoil. Shortly, a front-loader arrived with a bucket of black dirt. The operator tipped a perfect pile on the south corner and three times too much on the north. Passerby comments changed to "Nice mountain!" and "Building a berm?" As we raked, we offered the extra to all.
Next morning, our too-full bed was down to perfect size. As far as we know, our dirt has been spread all over town.
Today's Fortune Cookie Fortune:
Your reputation will not be soiled.
Marianne Fons
3 Comments
Reader Comments (3)
Hi Marianne, I just recently heard that you had a blog and am enjoying reading it. You write about very interesting things, not just quilting. Are you doing another trip to Provence this year? I don't see anything about one on the website. I am still corresponding with the woman I exchanged quilts with. We have also exchanges fabrics too. I just did a little gardening project today by getting some vegetables in.
Sara
Marianne:
I was at your lecture yesterday and you hit a home-run! I can't stop telling my friends about what they missed! My most memorable images were the Alphabet Quilt where the designer couldn't count, and the lady who dyed her quilts black. And thanks for the great hint on how to wash a quilt when the fabrics are not prewashed.
The talk was wonderful! Thank you!
Marianne,
I was at your lecture today and was touched by the quilts you had in your presentation today,especially the quilt made by the slave who signed her quilt and heartfelt feelings expressed in the quilt about her child sold to slavery. I have learned a great deal about the American Quilt today and plan to continue my therapy and love for many years to come.
Thank you for a wonderful day.
Kate