I'm bogged down with my gardening.  I have the new area cleared out from sticks and old fencing, and found the asparagus plants, about 10 of them, hidden in tall grass and surrounded very well by fencing.  I pulled all the weeds away from them, needing to crawl into and under the fencing on my belly, and brought in a lot of compost to shovel in and through to surround every plant.  I pulled the weeds from around the cherry bush which was also surrounded by chicken wire.  I spread out the other compost I had dragged in, then got the tiller running. 

Alas, after one pass the tiller coughed and choked up and quit running.  I was just praising it too.  But considering that it sits outside all year under a tarp, it does need some maintenance.  Right now, the gas tank has been drained, but John can't get it back together, and I fear it may need professional help.  So I've begun to hand dig the new planting area.  And I can't seem to find handy, sturdy poles from among the usual downed trees and branches.  I may have to buy some posts. 

My daughter was going to come over today, but she has been quite ill lately, and I'm betting she won't come here.  She was going to take me out for lunch (something made enjoyable only by her presence).  I sat up late last night, making out bills, and put them in the mailbox this morning with the flag up.  That way, they are sure to go out today, even if I don't get to town with my girl.

John quarreled with me yesterday and I think he may be planning to leave here and live elsewhere.  I don't like mentioning personal problems on my blog, but we haven't had a single fight since we got all the dogs.  That was nine years ago, and I'm always telling about my problems on a daily basis, anyway.  I think this is a truly personal problem though, and we'll have to see if things get resolved whenever we speak to each other again, if ever.  I am starting to cool off and analyze now.