What do most women want for their birthday? Hmm, let’s see, diamonds top the list, or dinner at a really nice restaurant, a piece of china to add to the set, perhaps a lovely negligee. My husband knows what I like; he should after all these years. He only feels comfortable shopping in one or two stores. Actually he can buy my present at a feed store or a hardware store. One year I asked for a truckload of rocks. Another year it was bluebird houses. Mulch makes a nice gift; it shows a touch of class. Trees are always popular, and last but not least, a few bags of mushroom compost.

All these things make me happy. The rocks have been used to outline my flower bed islands. The load I got five years ago has yet to all be used. When my husband tried using the front end loader of his 80 HP New Holland tractor it almost flipped over. The back wheels kept going up in the air. I won’t mention any expletives that went with the unloading. He did tell me, “From now on if you want something crazy like this, you’re on your own. Don’t get me involved, okay?” I had to act sweet and appreciative for him to finish the job. I will say that I helped out too; I’m no stranger to hard work.

Some of those rocks are still in their original wire cage. Others that were dumped closer to the yard have honeysuckle vines encroaching over and around them. I have carried rock from that pile so many times. And yet, there’s more than I will ever use, no doubt. Every spring I visit my rocks. Sometimes I just stand and stare at them, kind of like window shopping. Some have more potential than the others, but I love all of them. I’m becoming concerned after all this time that a snake has made a home somewhere under those rocks. So far I haven’t seen one, just a few scorpions.

I always wear gloves and remove one at a time; they’re very heavy. I have lofty goals of how I’ll use them to enlarge my island beds. Every year I think they will all be used and my yard will be a showcase to look at. But honestly, I know that won’t happen. I already have about 20 islands. Winter weeds have all but overtaken these areas. Beautiful flowers just can’t compete with weeds. Maybe if I start right now in February I might make a dent by 2014.

Kaye Steadman lives in Chickamauga. She is a storyteller, published writer, and author of the book "My Name's Not Verly.” She can be reached at kayesteadman@aol.com or follow her on Facebook.