Visiting Miz Daisy - a Collaborative Photo Essay

 By Debbie G and Tonia G

There is a charming older lady who lives close to where our horses are pastured. Deb initially made her acquaintance by stopping and asking about a donkey that lives out in the field behind her house. We discovered that she was a rock collector, so Deb, who had amassed a small collection herself, decided to bring her one that came all the way from New Hampshire. Needless to say, Miz Daisy was thrilled and a friendship was born.

Today as we were headed home we decided to stop and visit awhile. We found the 82 year old Miz Daisy out back in her yard swing busily rolling twine from hay bales into neat little bundles.

Having grown up during the years of the Depression, she learned to "waste not, want not". This twine would be recycled and used to tie up her tomato plants.

We sat in the shade of a large tree, her swinging softly and both of us urging her into telling stories from her past.

After awhile, it was time to get up and stretch our legs so we took a tour of her property and garden. Each new site brought with it a story or two. For instance, this rooster recently attacked her legs, something that she would have laughed at in her youth, but now it wasn't quite so funny. He may end up soup if he doesn't mend his ways.

The old truck that is now permanently parked behind the barn was one she used to drive (or push when necessary) to and from work.

As we admired her flowers that were everywhere, a little butterfly decided to stop by and say hello. Miz Daisy glanced at it and said she would never leave this place. Eight children raised and a husband now gone crowded each corner with a lifetime of memories.

"Just get out of bed every day. There's always something that needs doing, and the doctors say that is  probably what has kept me alive this long." 

Miz Daisy told with pride an anecdote about how she can outgarden her daughter-in-law, getting out every day and working on her knees (the doctor doesn't want her doing any bending) to keep the rows weed free.

Each gourd that hangs around her property is one that she has grown, though she didn't put any in this year. 

On the way out we stopped to admire some angels that were strategically placed amongst her roses.

Too soon it was time for us to leave. Her family would be coming by for Sunday dinner and so she needed to get busy with her cooking.

 The gift of our day was that Miz Daisy had some time to share with us the pleasure of her company. Perhaps next time I will be sure to bring a pen and pad of paper so that I may better capture the richness of her stories.

(c) Tonia Goslett - No image or text may be reproduced without the author's express permission.