Jaye Marie and Anita Dawes

Margaret hated gardening. That was the lie she’d always told herself to avoid it. The truth was watching something grow with the help of her tender loving care made her heart soar. She didn’t really mind getting dirty. The stress of making sure no birds ate her precious seeds was acceptable. Having to use a water hose because it rarely rained in West Texas was something she could do without complaint. Even delicate plants that need more or less constant attention were not really a big deal. A sore back and aching knees wasn’t asking too much. Sunburn? Well everyone needs vitamin D anyway.

No, the real problem was the vermin. Margaret tried gardening many times throughout her long life. Every time, at some point in the process, one of the pests would show up. Inevitably this occurred once she let her guard down and truly started enjoying herself. She…