Cabin Fever

This has been the scene at our house since Tuesday. No pretty fluffy snow--just raw, cold ICE! We had to break through the ice on top of the pond to reset the pump when the power went out. (well...that would be hubby bless his heart!) I made my soup, I made cookies, I drank hot tea, I cleaned one closet and the pantry--need to get those seeds planted, but oh I have cabin fever! I know the weather is bad just about everywhere, and much worse than ours--and I know all of you are ready to get outside and get those hands dirty. I didn't know what to do, so decided to get the latest book I bought and read. But this was really not the "latest" book--it was very old.
Last week I went to half priced books (love that store!) and finally found a copy of "The Secret Garden" by Frances Hodgson Burnett. You know, the book you read as a child. I was so excited as this one was illustrated by the late Tasha Tudor, one of my favorite people! Let me tell you, if you have not read this book in a while-or if you have never read it, go as soon as you can and get a copy. Yes, it is written for young adults, but that is quite ok. You will love it. It takes you to a place of excitement and serenity. I cannot recommend it more. If you need something to do on one of these cold winter days, read The Secret Garden..you will be glad you did!

"...she was inside the wonderful garden and she could come through the door under the ivy any time and she felt as if she had found a world all her own."

NEWS FLASH!!

Hey y'all--I thought I would give you an update on the weather. They told us we would have a "dusting" of snow over night...this is what the "dusting" turned into!!

Old Man Winter

The last 2 days have been beautiful!! Yesterday was especially pretty, which gave me the opportunity to get out and do some winter clean up. Little Benjamin bunny supervised as I worked cutting back a few things and watering wildflower rosettes.
I have decided that I really like kale. Isn't it pretty in the old wash tub? I am going to make a note in my gardening journal to buy more next year. But..of course, these spring like days are not going to last! Old Man Winter is returning--and returning with force. The forecasters are telling us that Alaska is sending us a cold front that might bring ice on Tuesday and frigid temps. The low Thursday night will be 14. Really! Texas weather is so fickled!
Oh well--I don't care. I am making more soup, oatmeal cookies this time--and-- planting seeds indoors! I always start nasturtiums inside so they are ready to go outside in early spring. I use the fiber containers so when the time comes, I can plant without disturbing the roots. Kind of ironic though..one of the nasturtium seeds I am planting is appropriately named "Alaska!"

Where IS it??

Where IS it? Have you seen it? I haven't seen it in weeks. It use to be up in the sky shinning bright, even on cold winter days. But the past few weeks--it disappeared!
And in my little garden, we are all a little glum and could use some warmth and shine to cheer us up!
Ok--going a little crazy these days, but that is what happens when the sun disappears from sight for soooo many days! It has been cold and cloudy for so long now, we are all feeling rather droopy like these pansies. The weather forecasters keep saying "maybe tomorrow," but here we are again with a dreary day. sigh...
But there are promising signs of good things to come. The cold weather has not hurt the snap-
dragons or alyssum, and little bunny and I are so happy to see bulbs shooting up all over the garden. I see early, early signs of spring on this dreary winter day that delights me..but I sure would like to see a bright shinning sun in the sky to cheer us all up! Maybe tomorrow...


"The sun will come out tomorrow, bet your bottom dollar that tomorrow, there'll be sun.."

Winter

It is a beautiful day! The sky is blue, the birds are singing and the pansies are looking happy. I guess it's in the mid to upper 50's. Yesterday the high was 68! So what am I doing today? Why I am making a list!
Ingredients for soup - check!
New package of hot chocolate - check!
Chocolate chip cookies - in the oven
Plants inside - oops, not yet!

Can ya tell what is coming?
For some reason our spring like winter days are turning into true winter overnight tonight. An arctic front is on the way.. darn it!
Tomorrow at this time there will be a cold rain, perhaps mixed with snow. Before the end of next week the low will be 19.. double darn!
Here we go again on this roller coaster ride with our Texas winters..
one day it's gorgeous, the next day it snows. We are suppose to be in a deep freeze all next week, but looking at a long range forecast, week after next should find us back in the low 60's! So...bring it on Mother Nature--I am ready for you! I can handle this cold I hate so much. But..if anyone needs me, you'll find me sitting by the fire drinking hot chocolate eating chocolate chip cookies!
Stay warm y'all!