Harvesting

St Augustine. Friday 28th August, 2020

I forgot to mention the feast day of St Monica yesterday. She was the Mother of St. Augustine and a remarkable one. She is an example of perseverance and love, never giving up on her son. I know not all peoples have good Mothers but I was deeply fortunate in mine. I bless God and the Fates and my Mother daily. Whatever I did or did not do she loved me unconditionally. She would tell me off, guide me, talk, listen, laugh, play games, enthuse, ever be interested in my doings and sayings and thoughts. Every day I recall remarkable memories and some of her hugely generous acts...just a fount of joy and love.

One of her comments was the well known "waste not, want not". Having been brought up in straightened circumstances she realised the value of all things. Today I especially remembered her as I went to the allotment of my unwell friend. I went to water the green house plants and pick the produce.

Outside the allotment is a skip for waste. As I passed I noticed that a lot of vegetables had been dumped. So I rescued 9 beetroot, 7 courgettes, one marrow, two large radishes and 14 potatoes plus a few apples. Inside the allotment I picked tomatoes and runner and broad beans as well as onions and blueberries. Walking back with this treasure trove I spotted blackberries and picked 2 lbs of them. I think my Mama would have been proud of me. I was just thrilled.

Then the sun came out and all I could say was "thanks, Mum. I love you". I am sure St Augustine said the same.