Since I didn’t get a fresh picture of the snow we’ve gotten over the past 2 weeks, I’ll recycle this one, which doesn’t show the foot of snow we now have. So, imagine another 10 inches of snow in the picture.
The weather people say our average temperature for this time of year should be around 30 F.
High temp today: all of 10 F.
We are now within 6 inches of the all-time snowiest February on record. As it is, we are in 4th place.
Talk about wonky weather. Yep, I’m done with it. Soo ready for spring.
As I’m shooting in the dark putting my website and email list and newsletter and everything else that comes with it together, part of me is thinking about seed catalogs. I usually take an evening and look through seed catalogs during the New Year’s holiday time off.
I have a stack of seed catalogs, and haven’t looked at a single one yet.
And the inevitable question: garden or no garden?
Then the inevitable ‘hold on there’: tomatoes fresh from the garden. ‘Nuff said.
Oh, and all the other things that taste so much better fresh from the garden, like asparagus, cucumbers, beets, peppers, kale, zucchini, green beans, cilantro, onions, etc.
And the next inevitable thoughts: Weeds. Mosquitoes. Rabbits.
Effing rabbits.
And there’s Book 2, along with the 6 or 7 rough drafts in its wake. Not sure what I’m going to say to my editor when she asks when she’ll be able to see it. Or a synopsis.
So maybe I’ll take a night and look through seed catalogs. Pick out one new thing to grow. Maybe I’ll do pumpkins this year; haven’t done those for a while. Or maybe brussels sprouts–I didn’t do those last year, but I love them, especially roasted with sweet potatoes. Maybe I’ll plant marigolds around the perimeter, just to make me feel better about trying to keep the rabbits out. And maybe spinach again, since I now know that spinach seeds are only viable for a year; no wonder those leftover seeds from two years ago never came up.
I guess this means I’ll do a garden. There is something about growing plants and being in touch with the dirt that renews the soul. It will probably be neglected, because writing. And promoting. Which also reminds me I have some blog tour posts to finish and send out. If you are on my list, I’m hoping to get them to you by the beginning of the week. I’ll be in touch. (If you aren’t on my list and want to be, let me know ๐ )
Have a great weekend!
February 16, 2019 at 7:18 am
I have to admit I miss snow. Where I live, we don’t get any. But I can completely understand being tired of it. That’s enough to sap anyone’s energy. I hope your weather clears soon.
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February 16, 2019 at 1:17 pm
I can send you some! How many inches would you like? ๐ Today isn’t bad, but the weather geeks insist we’re on tap for more snow this week. Hubs and I have been half-seriously discussing a road trip–he’s thinking Florida, I’m thinking to the airport and then a flight to Hawaii. ๐ Have a great weekend, Margot!
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February 16, 2019 at 9:54 am
It has to be hard to think of spring gardens when that picture is outside your window. That makes me shiver!
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February 16, 2019 at 1:18 pm
I’m so tired of snow I’m kinda glad I haven’t looked at the seed catalogs yet; a great excuse to think of spring ๐ Enjoy your weekend, Jacqui!
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February 16, 2019 at 10:16 am
Hi. It got up to about 58 degrees F yesterday where I live (the Philly burbs). Clear skies, bright sun. A beauty!
Neil
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February 16, 2019 at 1:19 pm
Lucky you, Neil! I am envious. I can’t wait for 50s. Hell, I can’t wait for above freezing!
Enjoy your sun and warm!
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February 16, 2019 at 11:23 am
Of course you’re going to do a garden! Who are you kidding? Also, good to know about spinach seeds only being viable for a year. That would explain why ours didn’t grow last year. (Although I’m almost certain we DID get a second year out of them! Just not a 3rd.) Love how you snuck Zoey in there on the side. ๐ And, of course, add me to your book tour list!
Off to day two of the writers’ conference. Your dragons miss you but are having a great time and loving the warmer weather and the good salt-water fishing.
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February 16, 2019 at 1:26 pm
You are added ๐ I hope you are enjoying the conference. Glad to hear the dragons are enjoying themselves–and behaving, I hope ๐
I read on a gardener’s blog about the spinach seeds. Now I know why I’ve had a good spinach crop only a few times.
And you are right–I don’t think I could go through a summer without a garden, even a tiny one. I like planting the seeds or seedlings and picking the good stuff a couple months later. And there’s nothing quite like saying, “Oh, we need an onion. Hang on, let me go to the garden and get one.” as opposed to going to the store. Love it!
Enjoy your second day of the conference, and your warm weather!
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February 16, 2019 at 11:44 pm
So agree about picking your own stuff from the garden! Love that. Same with getting eggs. Omelet fixings all in my back yard. ๐
Dragons are enjoying and behaving themselves, though they miss you. Book dragon is torn between leaving immediately after or staying just a bit longer. I’ll let you know when to expect them home, though flight times vary. ๐
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February 18, 2019 at 8:44 pm
Did your dragons arrive home safely? I’m glad they left before the heavy wind and rain started out here–might’ve made it a bit harder for the little one.
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February 19, 2019 at 7:42 am
Yes, they did. The little one was pretty tired by the time they made it back, so she went straight to sleep. And from what I could gather (sometimes they talk so fast it’s hard to understand them), they had a blast! Hope you enjoyed the conference! Let me know how the class went ๐
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February 19, 2019 at 11:25 am
I’m debating a blog post about it. I’ll just tell you for now, pros and cons. I enjoyed myself on the whole, so that’s important! ๐
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February 16, 2019 at 12:01 pm
Brrr…that’s cold. We have the same thing out the window– feet of snow. Although we are only breaking 30 year records here. The green house is buried under the snow but I understand thoughts turning to a garden. I’m a huge fan of brussel sprout and sweet potates too. Have a great rest of weekend.
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February 16, 2019 at 1:31 pm
I don’t mind snow, as long as I don’t have to drive in it. I drove home last week through snow, and even though we had only gotten about an inch by that time, I couldn’t see the road. Had no idea which side I was driving on. Not fun.
My niece brought roasted brussels sprouts and sweet potatoes to Thanksgiving one year. I’ve loved them that way ever since!
Enjoy your weekend, Denise!
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February 16, 2019 at 2:16 pm
I don’t envy all that endless snow, Julie. Looking at seed catalogs should be a nice distraction. We’re on our way to March, then April… Good luck with the busy tasks of getting ready for your release! This is an exciting time. Enjoy!
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February 16, 2019 at 2:23 pm
Yoiu guys have had some snow out your way–or maybe you are outside the bull’s eye on the 70-year snow record. Those seed catalogs are looking more appealing the more I look outside and see the snow. And OMG the stuff to do before release! Yikes!
I will say I’m planning some nice wine and some really good chocolate on release day. A treat for myself!
Have a great weekend, Diana!
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February 16, 2019 at 5:36 pm
We got about 8″ and it’s all gone – just right.
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February 17, 2019 at 12:44 am
Julie, the snow looks so pretty, but…enough! We had heavy February rain in SoCal, thatโs our winter! You sound very โ brainโ busy, organizing what youโre going to do! Iโd vote for a seed catalogs and garden plans! Then take a break and write. ๐๐ถ Christine
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February 17, 2019 at 11:34 am
Yes! My sentiments exactly! I like the idea of taking some time to peruse seed catalogs, then I remember how close it is to my book release. Still, nothing like looking at pretty pictures of veggies!
Enjoy your week, Christine!
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February 17, 2019 at 10:00 am
Feet of snow and subzero temperatures are the one thing I don’t miss from living in the north. Wishing you a rapid thaw!
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February 17, 2019 at 11:41 am
Thanks, Staci! Hubs and I have been talking about escaping to somewhere warmer and without snow. There’s the little snag of a full-time job, but I can work from home. Or wherever. Of course, that doesn’t take cabin fever into account ๐
Have a great week, Staci!
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February 18, 2019 at 12:02 pm
The thought of all that snow is wretched! We have 3-5 inches arriving on Wednesday followed by ice (we had an ice storm last week). I’m not sure which is worse so the simplest solution would be for winter to take a hike. I’m with you, Julie. I am soooo over it!
Wow, your promotion banner looks awesome (as does Zoey). ๐
Hopefully, the weather will be spring-like when your book arrives!
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February 18, 2019 at 12:45 pm
We have 4-6 inches (depending on which model is more accurate) arriving on Wed, followed by yet another bout of snow. I agree, Winter needs to move on.
Thanks! Wouldn’t it be great if spring would be here in a few weeks? Until then, stay safe!
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February 18, 2019 at 6:19 pm
You too!
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February 19, 2019 at 6:17 am
I think you need to take a break to look at seed catalogs, Julie. It will be good for your book promotion to have a mini-vacation of the mind! You made my mouth water thinking of fresh garden produce. We have not had a particularly snowy winter but a succession of small storms 2-4 inches followed by rain and subzero temps to create a lovely layer of ice. Below average temps today with wind chills topping things off. I’m going to defy the weather by bundling up and meeting a friend to take a much needed walk. I am so done with winter but it won’t be done with us for another two months. Sigh. Hang in there! Spring will come and so will your book!
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February 19, 2019 at 6:44 am
I think I’m going to take you up on that, Molly! I have release posts to send out to hosts, and then I think some time making a wishlist of veggies for this year’s garden. We have a winter storm coming in tomorrow with 3-6 inches of snow predicted, and THEN yet another snowstorm over the weekend that the weather geeks are suggesting may dump over 6 inches more.
Yep, garden veggie dreaming it is ๐ Have a great week!
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February 21, 2019 at 8:49 am
Out here in the lovely land of Western Oregon we are drowning in rain. A little snow would be cool but not a lot. On the other hand we too are ready for spring.
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February 21, 2019 at 9:02 am
I think we could spare some snow for you guys ๐ Have a great rest of your week!
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February 21, 2019 at 9:46 am
Thanks! I swear this town shuts down if we get an inch.
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February 25, 2019 at 4:20 am
Julie, I canโt imagine you not doing your garden so hope youโve perused those seed catalogues and decided upon your crop this year! I love all the photos as it grows and reading about your battles with the weeds, bugs, rabbits! ๐๐
Oh, the snow looks so lovely and I havenโt seen any this year. At the same time it can be just too much, too long … guess this isnโt a good time to mention our 64 warm and sunny weather in the middle of the day! (Although a frost at night still.)
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February 25, 2019 at 10:14 am
Man, Iโm dreaming about 64 warm and sunny weather. Heck, Iโm dreaming about above-freezing weather. Todayโs high is all of 6 F.
I donโt think I can give up my garden, at least not all of it. Fresh tomatoes are just too good; store-bought ones are bland. This year hubs said weโll do chicken wire around the whole thing. Iโll beat those rodents one way or another. (then their relatives the chipmunks will move in, not stymied by chicken wire).
Have a great week, Annika!
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