Getting your hands in the earth

Yesterday I went out in the garden, cleared some weeds, and built some crazy-paving steps.

The rocks of Ontario are sharp and abrasive. My fingers are sore. The soil in our garden is sandy and soft.

[image error]

This is me looking pleased with myself after building the steps. The longer bits of stone were already there; I filled in the gaps.

There is a physical pleasure in connecting to place, touching the stones and earth, tending the plants. Even if the rocks made my fingers sore.

We also have grapes a...