Service Learning Projects are a great way of showing an investment in your community. When citizens become invested in an area they feel a sense of belonging and ownership. I have done a variety of volunteer activities through the years but none quite like what we did today. What was appealing about working on Lindsey Creek in Lewiston, Idaho? Communing with nature and creating a working relationship with others. The added side benefits included taking out aggressions and sweating.
The old adage “many hands make light work” is coming to memory. A group of more than twenty people pulled together today to weed eat, pull weeds, water plants, dig weeds and check on the special blue tents around the plants. It was a hot day in Lewiston. That didn’t stop these hard working volunteers, many of who are teachers eagerly awaiting a summer break. It’s amazing how we just jumped in and got the job done.
My mind was wandering or maybe I was just delirious from the heat as I observed the weed eater group. Some guys and I believe one wispy blond female grabbed the weed eaters and mowed down around tiny plants that were trying to grow. They also took off the heads of some pretty bad weeds. I was wondering if they had names for some of them. Maybe Bertrand, the guy across the street, who allows his dog to mess in yards. Perhaps Patsy at the library, who always wants to know all of your business.
The group that watered the plants seemed as if they too were naming plants. Here you go Sissy, have a sipsy. Howard, you need more water than those other little wimpy plants. Beyonce, you have the longest legs. Hmmm…I am kind of tired. Not enough sleep last night.
What about the diggers? They were busy digging thistle and other types of noxious weeds. They seemed more like grave diggers as they didn’t bother to name these plants, but just threw them in a pile. It was a somewhat thankless job, no cheers for the most dug up.
As our fearless leader wielded a dull machete around, I thought back about the weed eaters. Off with their heads again. Black Beard, Darth Vader, King Henry VIII were on the attack looking for the heathenous blackberries to pounce upon! Au revoir Lady Ann, although you are looking quite lovely today.
It was an interesting morning of hard work and sweat, especially if you let your mind wander.
What fun your post is and you successfully summarize the day's activities. I, too, am glad for a day that allows my mind to wander. I also appreciated seeing both cohorts wielding such strength and finesse with tools and hands.
ReplyDeleteAre weed names even worth remembering? Wouldn't it be nice if they could be erased--as names often do in my memory--instead of being so invasive?