Thursday 4 April 2013

Lessons

With the Internet down there was no good reason to stay within the confines of home, so I ventured off to the vineyard for the first time in weeks.  I had stopped going because I had developed a cold that wouldn't shift, aching bones and a general apathy to being outside in freezing cold temperatures.

On my approach to the vineyard I walk past a wooded area that is part of the Forty Hall Estate.  Just me and the trees, some squirrels and the cackling of the Corvidae family of birds.  I could have quite happily stayed a while in such tranquil surroundings but there was work to be done.

Up at the vineyard, a north easterly wind blew straight through me and challenged my senses as I tried to coax unyielding vines to bend.  Desperately wanting to work quickly, bending the vines is not a job to be done in haste.  Between thumb and forefinger the vine has to be warmed and manipulated downwards onto the wire, twisted along and then tied down.  If you try to hurry the vine snaps and you have lost this years grape harvest from that plant.  It was a lesson in patience and endurance.

Talking of patience and endurance, just recently I am beginning to feel a little persecuted by the Universe.  Contentment is fleeting but drudge and toil seem always present. I don't remember the last time I had a good old fashioned belly laugh!  Patience and endurance,  you have shown to be hard task masters and you have now outstayed your welcome.  Please be gone.

9 comments:

  1. I'm sorry you feel like this, Simone...However, having that wonderful bond with nature is really healing. So, maybe you could try and spend more time outdoors even if it's cold. I'd love to see some photos of your vineyard sometime!

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  2. I have just looked at the Vineyard web-site, they hold en Ecotherapy group there, called Fine @ the Vine, why don't you look into that, see if it would interest you?

    You were brave going out in that cold, my fingers would have stopped working.

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  3. Hope you feel better soon Simone! Fresh air should help and spring is supposed to arrive in the next few days when we get rid of this horrible north east wind!
    V xxx

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  4. I hope Vivienne is right - c'mon Spring!

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  5. It will soon be warmer..
    It will soon be warmer..

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  6. Well done for forcing yourself to go out. Like you I've felt very closed in recently, both physically and mentally, due to this horrible weather. I hope you get rid of your bugs and aches soon, and that the fresh air you'd had revives your spirit.

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  7. We've needed a lot of patience and endurance so far this year what with one thing and another - especially with the weather. As I write this comment the sun is streaming through the window and warming my back - I long to feel that whilst I am outside as well as inside - it will come soon, I'm sure:)

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  8. Hope your feelings shift soon, Simone.

    I am with you about the cold weather. I just can't take it anymore. When did I start disliking it so much? I did work in my garden today till my fingers ached from the cold and my nose was streaming. I know that not too long from now I will be complaining of being too hot. Right now that thought sounds pretty good to me. Even so, having something to show for my uncomfortable work makes me feel good and I hope your work with the vines gave you that same satisfaction.

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  9. Don't worry, spring is just a couple of blocks away! I wonder what took him long..

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