Who doesn’t dream about living to a hundred? With all of the wonder in this world, the multitude of invention, the quality of our existence and the amazing number of fabulous cook books available, who wouldn’t want to live forever, especially in the garden?
I have friends who live to play golf, crash mountains on boards, get dragged behind a boat going a hundred mph and torture themselves in a myriad of ways they call pleasure. Not me. I dream of being in my garden. Gardening increases your lifespan, according to Dr. Mao Shing Ni, a 38th generation doctor of Chinese medicine. In his book Secrets of Longevity Cookbook, he says: “Centenarians around the world come from many different backgrounds and professions, but one of the most common hobbies among them is gardening. As exercise, gardening strengthens the muscles, as a discipline it requires patience and cultivates fortitude; and in the end it brings rewards and joy to its practitioners. Studies show that gardeners have a lower incidence of heart disease and osteoporosis than non-gardeners.”
I doubt I’ll make it to a hundred but I’m not too worried nor is it the point, I only want more time in my garden to relax, get dirty and breath. I’m waiting for the chives to bloom so I can sprinkle them on salads and eggs. I’m looking forward to warmer weather so the basil will grow (I love fresh pesto!). I may live to one hundred but I’m looking forward to “this” spring, to my garden, to the prospect of vine-ripened tomatoes in just a couple of more months, to the trees blooming. One day at a time in spring is what I’m dreaming of right now.
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