Carolyn Holm

Dear Mom,
Why are you cutting up your garden? I thought you loved it!
XOXO Poppy

Dear Poppy,
Because it is winter, and where we live, this is the time of year when everything gets cut back.
Love, Carolyn

Dear Mom,
But I thought you loved your roses!
XOXO Poppy

Dear Poppy,
You are a very smart dog to notice. I do indeed love my roses, but they need to be cut back every year. It’s like when I brush you. A lot of hair comes out in the brush, and that’s a good thing.
Love, Carolyn

Dear Mom,
So, this is so the roses won’t shed?
XOXO Poppy

Dear Poppy,
Not exactly. But it keeps them healthy. And looking good. Just like brushing keeps you looking glamorous.
Love, Carolyn

Dear Mom,
You’ve blocked the way I get into the rose garden.
XOXO Poppy

Dear Poppy,
I have. Sorry, but I don’t want you in that area. There are lots of smaller plants there that take a beating when you go thrashing through, as you bark at passing dogs.
Love, Carolyn

Dear Mom,
But I need to get into that area because that’s where Louie hangs out.
XOXO Poppy

Dear Poppy,
That cat likes our garden, doesn’t he? But he hasn’t been around as much lately. Not since the weather turned rainy and the ground has been wet. His favorite spot sitting on the catmint plant isn’t so very nice now. But even if he were here, I don’t want you tramping around to chase him out. 
Love, Carolyn

Dear Mom,
You have so many rules. You have another rule for the kitchen garden. Why am I not allowed in the kitchen garden?
XOXO Poppy

Dear Poppy,
Because it’s full of delicious edibles. Dog poop and lettuce just don’t mix. So, I appreciate that you honor the little wire fence around it.
Love, Carolyn

Dear Mom,
Delicious? That stuff isn’t delicious! Cheese is delicious. Or salmon skin. Or a tender piece of cat poop. Who wants to eat parsley, or lettuce, or arugula? If you are going to eat something green, it should be some nice fresh spring grass. Now THAT’s delicious.
XOXO Poppy

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