Weaving a Web of Love at Buttercup Farms

Why did Chuck look so happy as he put away his tools at the end of the day Friday? It had been a beautiful day – sunny, just a little cool with a slight breeze. It had been a great day for working outdoors and he felt satisfied that it had been productive. The right tools had been available for each of the jobs he had been asked to do. All of these factors contributed to the look of well-being and happiness on his face. But another ingredient had capped it all off.

Chuck loves to work, but more than that he loves to connect with people. This day had been a perfect example of the rewards of interdependence among friends.

Chuck began his day by cutting kindling and putting in a box near the living room door. He did this so that Whitney would have easy access to it as he built one of his excellent fires in the fireplace, which warms the whole house.

When that job was completed, Chuck transported a load of sand so that Bob would have the materials he needed for the flagstone path he is laying in our back garden. Bob then was able to lay more rock and prune some branches to move toward completion of the project.

Soon Whitney arrived and helped Chuck understand the concept of “grooming.” Chuck had backfilled a trench earlier in the week, but now the area needed to be smoothed and finished. He was pleased at the beauty of the results when he followed Whitney’s instructions. The area looked much more beautiful, and he took pleasure in learning a new concept, that of grooming the land like we groom horses, so that they both look smooth and cared for.

Chuck went on to dig the foundation for the compost bins that Gary will build when he returns from his little holiday on Valentine’s Day.

Meanwhile, others on the farm were caring for one another. Helen assisted Angie, our chipper 96-year-old, into and out of her shower. And she helped David, a delightful, elderly disabled man, by stretching and massaging his legs. Later, she watered the plants around the pool and transplanted a gardenia that had outgrown its pot.

Whitney worked some more on a door that he is sanding and painting, and then went to Home Depot for some screws and eyelets that Gary needs. Angie provided cheerful company for Whitney by riding along on this errand.

Chuck finished his day by placing the newly-potted gardenia back by the pool. A web of caring for each other on the farm had made a beautiful day into a perfect one.