I’m not particularly fond of winter in general. Round about the second snowstorm of the year, I’ve usually had my fill of it. By this time of year, I’m usually desperate for some sign of spring.

This year, winter has been incredibly mild. We’ve had more rain than snow, only one weekend of deep freeze, and many days where one can see grass. The geese never even left. And yet….winter feels long.

I want my hands in the dirt again. I’m starting the garden from scratch, and there is SOOO much to do. I was 7 years into the process at the last house. Now I begin again with new challenges.

I was working around already established, badly maintained fruit trees last time. I’ll be planting my own this time. Apple and mulberry, plum and pawpaw. Peach, pear, Apricot.Honeylocust and hickory, heartnut and hazel. Smallfruits. Berries. Shrubs, herbs. Flowers. I have years and years of work ahead of me and want to do it all NOW.

But of course, the ground is still frozen and it’s far too early to plant trees. So for now, I dream. And I plan. And we wait….

And to soothe the need to plant, there is lettuce seed, arugula and kale. Stuff that laughs at the cold. It is enough for now.