Monday, January 01
The New Year begins. Family was over for a leisurely lunch. Smoked prime rib. It was extra delicious because I didn’t have to cook it! My husband took care of it so I had the morning to myself.
Taking some time to wander around the garden, I noticed that I have both daffodils and tulips starting to emerge. It is far too early for that and it makes me nervous. My hellebores are looking good, though. Also noticed snowdrop and crocus foliage starting to peek through the soil. Everyday is one day closer to spring.
Tuesday, January 02
The last day of the winter holiday for my son and if I’m being completely honest, me, as well. Tomorrow it’s back to school for him and back to work for me…figuring out my plan of attack for the upcoming growing season. I need to plan for how much of everything I want to grow and schedule when to start the seeds. January is perfect for this.
I have a strict policy when it comes to flowers…I only grow what I’m passionate about. I’m sure that seems selfish but starting flowers from seed is a true labor of love. It doesn’t feel right to grow things I don’t feel passionate about. This year there will be sweet peas (there are always sweet peas), snapdragons, nigella, scabiosa, and a few types of zinnia. I’m not fond of most zinnias but there are a couple that I find pretty. Larkspur, foxglove, and china aster. Maybe some poppies. And various types of fillers and foliage.
My spring leading ladies…daffodils, tulips, and peonies are already doing their thing in the ground. And I’ve been greedy and pre-ordered far too many dahlias. And to be honest I’ll probably order a few more before long.
Wednesday, January 03
Is it too early to admit that I’m looking forward to spring break? I’m not sure who didn’t want to go to school more, this morning… me or my son! I didn’t miss for one second doing the daily parking lot slalom, trying to dodge the student drivers.
And a week off is not enough. When we lived in London my son had off for nearly a month. There was time to both travel and rest. We’ve been back for three years now and I still complain about this every year.
Thursday, January 04
We’re getting ready to renovate one of our hideous pink bathrooms, and today I went to order the tub, sink, toilet, and other various bits. I was the cliched kid in a candy store. I’m excited for this project to begin while simultaneously dreading the fact that one of our most use bathrooms will be gone, for several weeks.
The sky has snow written all over it. A storm is meant to come through, this weekend. Praying for a blizzard but know we’ll likely just get freezing rain.
My son hasn’t really seen very much snow in his life. I’d love for to experience one good storm like we used to get when I was younger.
I made a new recipe for dinner, tonight. It was the Spiced lamb koftas with yogurt, mint, and cucumber from Sally Clarke’s book, First Put on Your Apron. I made a few tweaks like rolling the lamb into balls baking them in the oven rather than grilling them. And cayenne instead of a chili pepper. The grocery store was out so I made due.
The yogurt sauce really made them sing. Everyone ate it, too, with no complaints which was a bonus!
Friday, January 05
Twelfth Night. Spent most of the day hiding from the cold weather aside from having to vacate the house to attend my son’s basketball game. His team won.
Saturday, January 06
Three Kings. I guess it’s all over now.
Started to pack up the festive season to be stored away until November. It’s always such an arduous task probably because it comes along with such a feeling of emptiness after everything is away. If I could pay someone to come in and pack it all up, I would. And then they could pack me up and ship me to the south of France!
The storm we had today was quite a disappointment. Was really hoping for a good snow. Maybe next time.
Sunday, January 07
The first week of the first month is coming to a close. Ended it by attending a birthday party for my niece. Oh to be nine again.
Have a lovely week!
