Hope

The wind slaps my skin, cold and sharp. When I breathe too deeply, I cough, so I pull the scarf over my nose and mouth. Except for my eyes and the bridge of my nose, I'm completely covered, yet the air creeps into the small spaces of my knit pants. Yet I do not despair! My seeds have arrived in the mail, and I dream of the fresh vegetables and colorful flowers. I can survive the cold, and my garden will grow again. Hope arrives as a package. 

P. S. Pinetree Gardens Seeds has not paid for an endorsement. I buy my seeds from them because they're affordable, family-owned, and have excellent customer service. 

Super Blue Blood Moon

As I'm watching the solar eclipse, I think to myself, "I should get a photo of this." But the moon is disappearing behind the trees.

I put my winter coat over my pajamas and hop into my car. I don't want to walk for two reasons: time is running out, and in the darkness drivers may not see a pedestrian. I get a good look from my gravel road, but the moon is dipping behind the trees. I have one last vantage point to try--a hill just off our county road.

And so standing in 17 degree F weather with my uncombed hair, one mitten held in my mouth, and my car beside me (engine running), a neighbor I haven't met drives by. I wave. I take a photo. And I hope they know I'm watching today's lunar eclipse, otherwise I'll be known as that crazy lady that lives down the road. Or maybe I already am? 

Happy Holidays

I realize this post is late for some major holidays and early for others. Nevertheless, I wish you joy and light during the long nights. And a happy new year! May it be filled with color. (Photos: blue jay eating seeds fallen from our feeder and my frosty morning walk)

December

I'm preparing for the polar vortex--the bitter temperatures, the raw winds, the deep snows. What do I do? I walk outside. I touch up a few garden chores here and there. I sit on the porch, bundled in a warm coat. I gaze at the night sky (photo below two days ago, pre- Super Moon). 

The more time I spend outside now, the shorter winter will feel overall. The snow is gone (for now), but the frost arrives each morning. This is oregano with a lacy, icy loveliness.

Snow-vember

Saturday morning I woke to some beautiful snow on the ground. My first thought was "Snowshoes!" Yet when I went outside to clear off the steps, I heard gun shots. Alas, it's deer hunting season. High powered rifles can send gunshots long distances. On these days, I avoid the woods. Today, Sunday, most of the snow has melted and crusted over. Insert sad face here. I have mixed feelings about hunting season. The deer love to eat my garden, but they are marvelous creatures. I've observed the personality differences between the two that hung out near my house this summer, but now we're up to four in the area. And they love to chew on apple trees. So mixed. In any case, hunting season will be over soon, and we'll have more snow. Definitely. This is Minne-snow-ta. 

Frost on Feverfew

We've had our official freeze, and the growing season is over except for the greens. I'll try to keep them growing because even at the end of the season they're better than the stuff shipped in. To be clear, I'm not complaining that stores ship in produce. In the middle of winter here in Minnesota , I'm grateful! Below are some photos from our place...oak and hazelnut. 

The mess that is my garden

With the combination of late heat and humidity, heavy rainfalls with wind, and now cool, damp weather, my garden is a mess. Tall flowers are knocked over, things that don't normally get diseases are looking sad and limp, and then there's the fact I haven't weeded for a while. I've got some work to do this weekend! I have to remember that no garden is perfect.

The bok choy will taste good, even if there are weeds...

...as will the pea pods (second batches sown in July).

This weather has been good for my begonia on the front step.

And on warmer days, the bees love the basil. (It was tough to capture their rapid movements, but there are two in this photo.)

Now the fall colors are beautiful.

Happy Autumn!