Wanted - a new spade and fork
By Judy Evans
@JudyEv (343144)
Rockingham, Australia
June 8, 2020 3:52am CST
The photo is of my mother, taken on her birthday in 1985. She was born in 1910 and lived to be 104. She was a very keen gardener and was never happier than when out in her garden. We always said, if you couldn’t find her in the house, she would be on the end of a hose somewhere in the garden. And you could also find her by listening for her whistle. If she was gardening, then she was whistling. Like many women of her day, she worked very hard all her life.
When we lived on the farm, water was precious. All the laundry was done by hand which was almost an all-day chore. When the laundry was finished, Mum would bucket the water out to her precious plants.
But my main purpose in sharing the photo was to show how her tools of her trade – the fork and spade - have been worn down to next to nothing. The spade was once the length of the one on the left. Mum always wore an apron. As well as protecting her clothes, she would often bring in eggs or fruit by picking up the corners of her apron and using it as a hold-all.
34 people like this
33 responses
@snowy22315 (183272)
• United States
8 Jun 20
She looks very happy. I wish I liked gardening more. I am currently dreading the possibility of having to move my tomato plants as I don't think they are getting quite enough sun.
4 people like this
@snowy22315 (183272)
• United States
9 Jun 20
@JudyEv Some places are more conducive to gardening than others
3 people like this
@JudyEv (343144)
• Rockingham, Australia
9 Jun 20
@snowy22315 There isn't really any 'soil' here. It's all gravel. Then there are the roos to contend with and we've also been away a lot.
2 people like this
@bunnybon7 (50973)
• Holiday, Florida
8 Jun 20
I remember my grandma was the same. How precious to have this photo of her.
funny how they seemed so calm and happy too.
4 people like this
@bunnybon7 (50973)
• Holiday, Florida
9 Jun 20
@JudyEv they had kids that actually talked to them and usually not spoiled from the get go
so yes they were quite happy with anything new even work tools
3 people like this
@jayanth_77 (7180)
• India
8 Jun 20
At age 75 in this photo your mom looks as fit as a 30 year old. Can you imagin a 75 year old today standing strong with a heavy spade in hand. it will be mostly with the help of a walking stick or a wheel chair. Our parents and grandparents were hard working people and did it all by their own hands.
3 people like this
@JudyEv (343144)
• Rockingham, Australia
9 Jun 20
@jayanth_77 And I didn't mean to sound rude. Some 'think' they are old at 75 and stop making the most of their lives. Maybe sitting in front of the TV all day, etc.
2 people like this
@jayanth_77 (7180)
• India
8 Jun 20
@JudyEv I am sorry I didn't mean all people of 75 age. People who keep themselves fit by exercising, walking, physical activity and eat good food stay healthy even at 100.
2 people like this
@Alexandoy (65308)
• Cainta, Philippines
8 Jun 20
Gardening can really prolong life. Reaching 104 is a great achievement.
3 people like this
@Alexandoy (65308)
• Cainta, Philippines
8 Jun 20
@JudyEv it's good that I have the passion since I was in grade school.
2 people like this
@aninditasen (16528)
• Raurkela, India
9 Jun 20
Such memories are sweet to remember. She looks she could work hard.
3 people like this
@LindaOHio (183790)
• United States
8 Jun 20
God bless your mother for living a full, long life to 104. She worked hard but enjoyed what she did. Thank you for sharing this wonderful story with us.
3 people like this
@DocAndersen (54402)
• United States
8 Jun 20
what a great picture and your right that is a lot of wear and tear!
3 people like this
@Lavanya15 (12888)
• Chennai, India
8 Jun 20
That's great, still she doing her own work along with gardening also.. Have a nice day.
3 people like this
@Lavanya15 (12888)
• Chennai, India
8 Jun 20
@JudyEv yes she looking very strong.. Have a nice day.
2 people like this
@wolfgirl569 (109342)
• Marion, Ohio
8 Jun 20
Lovely picture. My grandmother was like that. In the garden in an apron.
2 people like this
@wolfgirl569 (109342)
• Marion, Ohio
9 Jun 20
@JudyEv I had a few here and donated them as I never put them on.
2 people like this
@JudyEv (343144)
• Rockingham, Australia
9 Jun 20
@wolfgirl569 I never wear them either. Vince has a couple for when he cooks but I donated all mine bar one I wore at school. I thought it was too pretty to give away.
2 people like this
@moffittjc (121969)
• Gainesville, Florida
8 Jun 20
She sure did get her money's worth out of that spade and fork! I'm sure they could tell some wonderful stories if they could talk!
2 people like this
@moffittjc (121969)
• Gainesville, Florida
9 Jun 20
@JudyEv She probably would have single-handedly kept the hardware store open with all her gardening purchases.
1 person likes this
@JudyEv (343144)
• Rockingham, Australia
10 Jun 20
@moffittjc I'm sure Vin and I paid the wages for one salesperson when we were converting the bus, etc.
1 person likes this
@Lakshman15 (2662)
• India
8 Jun 20
That's great your mother really great lady always spending time in gardening.
3 people like this