Although we only have a 1.5-acre lot, we have enjoyed absolute privacy because our neighbors on all sides of us have large acreages. But recently there has been a change and now we have a new couple who live close by my gardens. In the mornings, they like to walk the driveway that lines many of my garden beds.
So, I told my husband, “I guess my days of watering in my pajamas are over”.
It was kind of a sad thought which made me wonder, why do I like watering in my pajamas? Why not just get up and put some clothes on and then water?
I think it’s partly nostalgic. Our beloved grandmas on both sides wore their house coat as they did quick morning chores. The house coat was always a knee-length, light cotton duster worn over the night gown. It was usually adorned with pearl snaps up the front and worn with rubber work boots or shoes. Daily chores like kitchen cleanup, sweeping, garden harvesting and watering, or feeding chickens and gathering eggs, were all done before the morning bath.
For me, it’s also become a pain management strategy.
If I was in outdoor work clothes and gardening gloves, I’d be more inclined to heavier chores. But if I’m wearing pajamas, I can’t do anything that will cause me to over-exert, sweat or cause pain.
You’d think that watering the flowers and vegetables is a simple task that couldn’t possibly cause injury, but it can be very physical, especially dragging heavy hoses around and wading through large stands of growth to get the perfect sprinkler location. There’s also lots of walking back and forth as you change the location every 20 minutes. And then there’s the stuff that you see while you’re watering that seems imminently important to take care of in that moment.
If I’m wearing my pajamas and flip flops, all the exertion I can do is to gently move hoses around. It keeps me moving to get the joints warmed up for the day’s activities without allowing me to work too hard.
Pajamas beget a slower pace.
After an hour or so, I will come in and get myself dressed and ready, either for a day of office work or a day of harder gardening chores. My body will be warmed up for the more arduous tasks.
So, if you see me out dragging hoses around the flower beds and are shocked by the not-ready-for-public attire I am sporting, please cover the children’s eyes and know that I am engaged in important pain management techniques.
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