Spike

In Manhattan I didn’t grow up using any kind of specialty tools. We had hammers, pliers and the usual household arsenal, of course but nothing that would stand out as unique or special. My husband John grew up with every kind of tool and implement known to man. His Dad was a tool and die maker at Proctor and Gamble and a genius at creating and using tools. 

I believe that is where John gets his mechanical engineering DNA, as well as his ability to wade through mazes of information and architect usable software programs for his clients.

Since I moved in with John I have been introduced to all manner of drills, vices saws and equipment, some of which I’ve never seen before. I’ve enjoyed watching him use these items to create and or fix things we use every day. 

When we set out on our spring garden project I began using the hoe, shovel and big rake to attack the hard root infested clay we have here and found it quite a trial. One day the clouds parted and John came home from the hardware store with a new addition to our tool family. 

He called it a mattock.  I thought it looked like a pick axe, but John explained the difference to me. I grabbed the Mattock and have not let go since. We have become garden best friends, I’ve named him Spike and there is not a day that goes by I am not happy we met. 

With Spikes help I am able to sail through tough root bound earth and create lovely gardens. I feel empowered with the strength of ten gardeners when Spike and I tackle a deeply rooted weed or an old solid stubborn root.  With his pointed end I am able to get into tight spaces and clear out weeds that previously would just mock my efforts to eradicate them. 

When Spike and I get together in the garden I feel like a cross between a pioneer woman on the Oregon Trail and a super hero. Everyone should have a pal like Spike. At the end of a hard day I feel like buying him a beer.

That’s what’s on my mind today