I have observed some people who have swallowed the whole "scheme" and have become obsessed with it. Not to downplay the seriousness of this pandemic, which now apparently is ebbing, but common sense tells me that there is only so much we can do ... and most people I know are following the protocols for prevention, but not obsessing over them. In other words, this is not Armageddon, folks.

As a matter of fact, I don’t personally know one person who has tested positive and gotten drastically sick. My oldest brother believes he may have had it back in January, when he was hospitalized for a respiratory infection. But he is just guessing at this point. Anything is possible.

Still, I am in that age group that they say is vulnerable and should be extra cautious. I do not take any prescription drugs (which always baffles my doctors), and I do my best to stay healthy. I take vitamin and mineral supplements, try to eat healthy foods, and I wash my hands about 30 times a day ... just because it’s become a habit. As far as exercise goes, there’s still a lot to be desired when working a desk job for long hours each day. But does vigorous yard work (weed therapy) count as exercise? It should, since I’m usually pretty sore and exhausted when I come back inside.

Summer is fast approaching. It will be here in about three weeks as I write this. We wait all winter for the long, cold days to be replaced by spring with the sunshine, new growth and birds singing ... not to mention more yard work than one person can handle. And if it doesn’t get done before June 1, weed management becomes a real challenge. Don’t get me wrong, I actually like pulling weeds. Yes, I know what you’re thinking ... she’s weird ... but it’s therapeutic to me, sitting in the grass, listening to a Lazuli bunting singing (a bird I haven’t seen in my yard till this year). There’s a certain tranquility about the task, and if it isn’t excruciatingly hot outside, I really enjoy doing it.

But it isn’t easy. In the high desert of Colorado where we live, most people "xeriscape" their lawns. Growing grass requires a lot of water, which western Colorado needs for farmers and ranchers. People with green lawns need to be wealthy to afford the high cost of community water. If you’re lucky enough to have irrigation water with your property, there are still fees and maintenance. Xeriscaping is the answer as it makes sense and is less work.

My yard was originally xeriscaped by a landscape artist well known in this county. It’s a shame that the previous owner did not keep up the yard. When I moved in almost three years ago, the backyard was a jungle of weeds and goatheads. The sprinkler system (underground) had to be repaired and needs to be maintained every year. Trimming and weed control was obviously not a priority to the people who lived in my house before me.

And so now I am a prisoner of my lawn, which is half an acre. It’s a challenge, especially as I grow older and have to suffer with sore joints and fatigue after working outside. Every house I’ve lived in since I was an adult, I have left in better shape than I found it. My partner, Doug, feels the same way about his house.

But that’s what light workers do. We come to Earth and our mission is to leave the planet in a better way. I am reminded once again of Marcia McMahon, who described light workers as those who "hear the Sacred Voice of the Divine, known as the Still Small Voice of God ...

"Their laughter and sunshine brightens any room. They bring the Masters with them to any party. They have moved beyond churches and temples, holding their sacred energy within." (Amen!)

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