I made one of my favorite pre-Christmas purchases this week — several cans of gold spray paint. I started out spraying the still-intact sedums in a large pot at my front door. After adding several branches from various evergreens, I continue spraying astilbe heads, quacking grass, and beech branches that still sported their leaves.

A quick trip down Main street in Vineyard Haven reminded me that the Tardiva hydrangea heads also look great when sprayed in gold, to wit — the boxes on Rainy Day.

I started this personal tradition several years ago. I did the flower arrangements for the September wedding of Seniel and Andy Hannigan. She chose green and gold for a color scheme, and yellow just didn’t work. After one can of paint, I was hooked.

That Christmas I spotted last year’s wreath in the compost pile. I promptly hauled it out and spray painted it red. Talk about recycling. I’m calling it gardening with chemicals.

Since the weather has been so great we are still working on various outdoor projects. Recently, I spotted a lone perfect dandelion in the middle of a meticulously manicured lawn. I’m sure the property owner would want it removed but I just loved it. Hope springs eternal!

Someone did a nice job pruning the hydrangeas at the Congregational Church in West Tisbury. I have noticed several places which shall remain nameless that could use a lesson in pruning.

The dead sticks need to be cut to the ground. Trust me they’ll still be dead next spring. Often, they can simply be worried loose. I find a stool or bucket makes the task much more pleasant. Take care, however, one could lose an eye! “Yes, Mom!” Safety glasses aren’t a bad idea.

My pain-relieving medication of choice is and always has been aspirin. I confess I find Advil new-fangled as this aging body tries to keep up, there are some interesting aches and pains. Aspirin has always worked for me.

Two thousand years ago, Hippocrates, the father of modern medicine, used an extract from the bark and leaves of the willow tree to alleviate pain and fevers. In 1897, the German chemist Felix Hoffmann developed actual aspirin from that extract.

The willow tree is also useful as a rooting agent. A few twigs soaking in water will make that water cause other cuttings to form roots quickly.

It’s a beautiful tree except when it impedes the lovely view of Lake Tashmoo.

By the time this hits the newsstands, hopefully the Christmas plans will be made. I bought a goose this year from Jefferson at The Good Farm. I think I will have to drag out the Joy of Cooking since it’s been years since I’ve cooked a goose. I don’t count the one pathetic attempt I made with a Canada goose. Trust me, it was not delicious, but I’m a pretty good sport and usually “game.” Heh, heh!

My maternal grandmother, Nonnie, cooked goose and served suet pudding alongside. I think as children we were pretty cynical and at least refused suet pudding. Oh, to have that chance again!

That’s all I’ve got this week. Between the release of the torture report and the horrific school massacre in Pakistan, this weary world could use some rejoicing and good will to men!