Part 45
“What fun job do we get to do today?” Eric asked as me made our way to the tool shed.
Breakfast was done and it was late morning, the sky was clear and I could tell it was already going to be a hot day. I had not planned on working in the garden on a hot day but felt like getting dirty today so seemed like the right thing to do. We gathered up a good set of tools, wheel barrow, and muscled the tiller out of the shed and headed towards the garden. I don’t think Eric had ever seen a large garden before for he seemed taken aback by the large plot of land on the side of the main house that was the garden.
“Sure this is not called a farm?” Eric said sarcastically
“Haha nope, definitely a garden. It is much larger then most but it supplies the Inn with plenty of produce. Susan hardly ever has to buy any fruit or vegetables during the spring and summer thanks to this place. Sure she spends a good part of the day out here picking fruit and vegetable and cleaning, snapping, pealing, cutting, splitting everything that comes out of here but once you get used to it its not so bad.” I said thinking back to all the times I had helped her.
I looked over the garden, which looked like a large compost pile with weeds, but with a good tilling it would turn into a plot of rich dirty ready for planting. I hunched down and started to inspect the old tiller that still worked wonders when it worked, it was just getting it started that was the problem. I checked the wires, spark plugs, oil, and gas making sure there was nothing missing or broken. I was relieved to see that everything was ok for a change. I moved the throttle to run, pushed the primer a few times, turned the choke on, took a breath, crossed my fingers and pulled the rope and the machine came to life.
Eric jumped back as the tiller lurched forward, I could not help but laugh as I planted my feet in and controlled the beast. I slowly made my way up and down the garden, working the compost pile into a nice plot of dark, moist, muddy soil. The entire garden took awhile and still needed to go around a second time but would let Eric do round two, my entire body was shaking and I needed a break. I stopped the tiller and waved him over.
“Ever used one of these things?” I asked
“Nope but been watching you so think I got the main idea.” Eric said looking the tiller over
I quickly explained the basics of how it worked, turned, dug, etc before handing the “reins” to Eric. I pulled the cord and watched Eric struggle with the tiller for a few minutes before he started to get the hang of it and work his way around the garden. The day was already getting hot and humid so I shed my shirt and sat down with a smile on my face, a flow of memories filled my head.
I was early spring and my dad and I were standing on the edge of the garden with the tiller, Dad was telling me how to use the tiller and control it. I was nervous and excited about using the tiller for the first time but knew my dad would be right there if anything went wrong. I said I was ready and my dad pulled the cord, the tiller jumped out of my hands and came to a quick halt, I was shocked silence but my dad was rolling on the ground laughing. The second time my dad was right behind me his big hands over mine helping me slowly walk the tiller around the garden, he slowly let go and I took full control now knowing the feel and what to expect. I was not able to go far with it since I was young and no where as close to as strong as my dad was but I could tell by the smile on his face he was proud of what little I had done.
“Jason? Hey JASON!, you there man?” Eric was waving his hand in front of my face bringing me back
“Sorry man, day dreaming” I lied as I looked over the garden, looked like Eric had finished up.
“It’s cool dude, but my entire body is shaking, does that stop soon?” Eric had a little worry in his face
“Haha ya man don’t worry about it will stop soon.” I said getting up, the easy part was done now came making rows and hills for planting, thankfully it was still to early for planting or Susan would have us doing that as well I was sure.
“Now before we get any further need to get some sun screen on, day is only going to get hotter.” I headed for the cabin, wondering how I could have forgotten the sunscreen. Eric started to follow, I turned and stopped him. “If we get behind closed door I think we both know what will happen and the garden needs plowing not me right now, later tonight will let you till me.” I said smiling
“I’ll stay as long as you promise not to make any more bad garden puns.” Eric said grinning
“Fine stay planted right there, I’ll be back soon”
Eric shook his head as I walked away laughing.
