Despite temps into the low 90°s last week, I worked in the garden three to five hours every morning because I have so many plants that I need to get into the ground. Saturday the weather changed to a perfect May day for gardening. I was thrilled and got right to it. I had just planted two shrubs and was getting up off my knees when it happened. I put my hand on our Chinese lantern which was next to the spot I was working. Not a smart move.
The lantern is composed of six separate pieces that stack: A decorative base, the column, a platform that supports the open cube for a candle, the roof and a finial that tops it off. I tipped it over with the pressure from me pushing on it as I stood up. The good news is that it fell away from me. If it had fallen on me, I would not be writing this post. In fact, it could have killed or crippled me at the very least.
Since nothing fatal happened — it even missed hitting my lilies as it fell — it's merely a good story. And a major wake-up call. I am putting it down to a temporary brain block from working too many hours in the heat. Lesson learned.
I never thought twice about weeding and working next to that lantern since it has stood there without moving for twenty years. I have to admit that I am a little spooked to work near it again.
We can rail all we want against the coming of the night, but come it will nonetheless. I have had a few close calls of my own -- I understand the sense of betrayal and downright mystification as to why something that worked just fine yesterday doesn't work the same today. I am so glad to know that you were not injured! I admire your stamina (three-to-five hours at a whack!). I hope you do not let it spook you, but, instead, let it instruct you. And continue to rail. What is the option? Surrender? I think not. We have things to do.
Posted by: Elizabeth | Tuesday, May 17, 2022 at 08:23 AM
The "what-ifs" in a situation like this can be downright terrifying. I am so glad that you are okay!
Posted by: danger garden | Tuesday, May 17, 2022 at 11:06 AM
For whatever reason, I never even saw this post. I looked for it when I saw the comments on your Typepad post this morning. I'm glad you weren't hurt when the lantern fell. Can it be modified to link the pieces to one another to improve its stability?
Posted by: Kris P | Tuesday, May 17, 2022 at 12:50 PM
Clear Gorilla Glue? Joking - sort of. Scary but so glad you avoided injury. It's a beautiful piece.
Posted by: Barbara H. | Tuesday, May 17, 2022 at 01:49 PM
ELIZABETH — Thanks for that lovely response. You are correct. We're not ready to go into that good night.
Posted by: Linda Brazill | Wednesday, May 18, 2022 at 02:21 PM
Power on. There is much yet to do, to learn, to understand, to savor, to enjoy! From this vantage point, we get to take the long view, and how satisfying it is. Stay well.
Posted by: Elizabeth | Thursday, May 19, 2022 at 09:26 AM
I am happy to see that you are fighting the good fight. Sneak attack by the lantern will make you more sharp about the pit falls of the garden.
Everything is looking good.
Posted by: Lisa at Greenbow | Thursday, May 19, 2022 at 03:34 PM