Wednesday's Words on a Friday

The original Words for Wednesday was begun by Delores and eventually taken over by a moveable feast of participants when Delores had computer troubles.

The aim of the words is to encourage us to write. A story, a poem, whatever comes to mind.

If you are posting an entry on your own blog, please let us know so we can come along and read it.

This month the words are supplied by Elephant's Child and can be found here.

This week's words are:

1. opera
2. recommend
3. champagne
4. excitement
5. sunshine
6. jam

and/or:

1. dimension
2. raid
3. weed
4. admiration
5. corner
6. employ

here is my story:

They stood on the back porch staring at the sagging pergola that framed the backyard view

“What’s your great idea Dad?” asked Harry.

“I recommend you employ a gardener to mount a full scale raid on that rampant weed in the corner, trim back the overgrown fruit trees, perhaps espalier that one nearest the fence, then lay those stacked pavers on all the areas where the lawn doesn’t grow. Keep that centre patch and get it weed free as quickly as you can,” said Laurence. “You can always lift a few pavers later if you want to plant something.”

“What do you suggest for that corner once the weed is gone?” asked Harry.

“That open-sided gazebo that sits in the corner of my yard,” said Laurence. “You know mum and I are downsizing next year, the mini-villas in the new retirement village will be ready by Easter and we plan to move in as soon as we are allowed. Mum wants the garden stuff to go to you and Eleanor, and that corner of yours is the perfect size. The gazebo will add a whole new dimension to this yard.”

“It will for sure,” said Harry. “It will be a champagne garden done on a beer budget. We can afford the gardener for a weekend, maybe two, but everything else will have to be done on the cheap. Shoestring budget.”

They went inside to discuss the plan with Eleanor who expressed her admiration with a squeal of excitement as she finished laying out the afternoon tea. “Let’s contact the gardening company right away,” she said. “Then hope for a few weekends of sunshine so it all comes together. We can focus on the inside when it’s too cold or wet to be outside.”

“Strawberry jam for your scones Dad?” said Harry. 

“Thank you son,” said Laurence. “Set an extra cup out would you please Eleanor? Maxine should be about finished at the hairdresser now and she said she’s coming straight here to measure your windows. If our drapes will fit, that will save you a few extra dollars, until you decide exactly what it is you want your rooms to look like.”

Eleanor set out the extra teacup and a plate for scones, then asked “Which opera are you and Maxine going to see tonight?”