I thought about what the best procedure would be that would leave me in the water for the least amount of time. I would have the girls on the side of the pond, snippers in hand, poised to cut foliage quickly as I lifted the pots out. Then I could just put them back in and run for a hot shower! But first I had to get my very chilly blood flowing by digging and planting several fairly large perennials and bushes that I had gotten for a song. After a half hour shoveling, I was as warm as I was going to be and went in to get my helpers – and found them all asleep! THEY had decided to celebrate All Saints Day by snoozing! Oh NO you don’t! Not on such a beautiful day! Not when there’s work to be done! So I roused the troops with a hearty, "Not on such a beautiful day! Come on! Up and at ‘em!" From couch and bed and living room floor I rounded them up and told them my plan. Hmmm. Enthusiasm? Not so much. But willing enough, so while they got in work clothes I went out to begin the job of clearing off the floaters.
The girls made quick work of the pots, and as I began putting them back in, Christina ran into the house to turn on a hot shower for me. I got out of the water stiffly, Anna-Grace pulled off my water-filled boots, and I ran into the house! The pump still needed to be winterized, but that would have to wait. Stepping into the shower, pulling strands of blanket algae off my wedding ring, the water felt a little cool on my shoulders but blazing hot on my hands and legs. My toes actually felt like they were burning as they slowly thawed. It took a good fifteen minutes, but I soon felt warm again. Wrapping myself up in flannel jammies and a robe (I just couldn’t get back into my clothes right away!) I went down to find that the girls had collected all the debris into the wheelbarrow for me and had re-netted the pond, and little Anna-Grace had made me a salad! Oh, what wonderful children! To think I yell at these angels sometimes! Extra hugs and kisses and a big thank you to each. Another note to self – remember to tell my children every day how wonderful they are!