Winter Notes

How do I describe January?

Quiet, Cold, and Hopeful.

Quiet -- the rush of Christmas is over. Time to relax and get back into reading some good books. Also a good time to make some homemade soups, to warm the body and soothe the soul.

Cold -- As the coldness of winter really sets in, it is time to appreciate the Flannel Sheets on your bed, and fleece throws to keep warm. A great pair of mittens to keep the fingers warm, and also a hat and scarf.

Hopeful -- Time to plan out the New Year. What do I want to accomplish this year in my: job, personal life and health. As we grow older, we realize that you can no longer take things for granted. But, we can plan and take action to change our life in a more positive direction.

How is my January so far?
I am catching up on my reading, Made some Ham and Bean soup, and am enjoying MANY cups of tea to keep warm! Looking at moving forward too. Finishing up school this semester for my Associates Degree in Landscape Design. Getting a new job that involves taking care of plants. Working on better eating & exercise habits to become healthier.

January a good time to pause and reflect on the past year, and move forward to all the possibilities of the current year. Here's a toast to a great 2011, may my family and friends have enough happy times to outweigh some of the difficult times during the year.

Autumn thoughts

Even though the calendar shows that fall started less than two weeks ago...my garden verifies that the growing season is mostly done. Just a few green tomatoes left on the vines, the green beans are done for the season, and the basil is dying back. Yet still I love this time of year.

I love the cooler weather that fall ushers in. I somehow feel a bit more energized when talking a walk in the crisp fall air. I have enjoyed the changes of the season even more now that I am taking horticulture classes, and am really observing all the plants as I walk my dog each day.

I also know it is fall because I am done traveling to the races for the year. I have my memories of Indianapolis, Michigan, and Chicagoland to remember in the cold winter months ahead. It is time to start cooking again too. I just made my first batch of soup since springtime again. And yes...it tasted good.

Each season brings it's own special beauty for many reasons: climate, family, holidays or other cherished events. For me, autumn is one of my favorite times of the year.