Expertise in the Field

Well, there she was, holding it with all the well-trained dexterity of the expert, even though, up until then very few of us had been aware that she had any expertise in the field, or the garden – come to that.

Still, it is rare that one does come across an archaeological find of this magnitude in a typical (possibly) domestic garden. After all, there is usually little in a garden that has not already been dug up – and - occasionally – hastily reburied, especially under the patio – at least if contemporary murder mysteries are to believed.

This, however, was nothing so macabre. Hence the children's complete lack of interest in it when the great historical significance of the item was pointed out to them. But that's the way with kids, if it can't be used to dismember someone in inventive and very cruel ways, they'd much rather return to their games console, or torturing insects – and - sometimes – both.

Still, as my darling wife held the item in her hands, I could not but be overcome with awe, wonder and surprise. Especially as it's near pristine condition, despite the conditions in what we sometimes call our 'garden'.

Yes, the garden fork we had both presumed lost for ever was discovered by my own dear wife lost in the depths of the undergrowth. On discovering it she pounced on it with a glee not often seen outside some of the more unusual bargains in the January sales, as she uncovered it and brought it back to me, claiming that not only had she found the long-lost garden implement, but that – miracles of miracles – it was still very much usable.

So, after admiring it and wondering at her finding it in such good – and usable – condition, she sent me off to the back of the garden to use it.

Next time, though, I promised myself, I'd hide it where she would never find it.