The planters on the deck still have a few blooming violets, planted last September. They also have weeds. Aha! A gardening task of just the right scope . . .
The day was mild and it was a pleasure to be out and have my fingers in the dirt, however briefly. And small wonder -- studies have shown a therapeutic value to messing about in the dirt. You see, there's this good bacteria in soil -- Mycobacterium baccae -- that has been found to trigger the release of serotonin. . . and serotonin is a mood elevator and anxiety decreaser. Plus, and this is no small thing, it seems to improve cognitive function. I feel better already!