january

January has come and I finally cut back the grape vines and wisteria. I also pruned the berry bushes. They are dormant now, and will sleep off the rest of winter as long as we have cooler temps. I tossed all the debris into a pile in the garden and torched it until it was ash. This is the method to producing more.

I also buried our deceased rabbit behind the shed, and began tearing down the dilapidated hutch. I don’t think we will have another bunny anytime soon. Pacey was real special and he won’t be easily replaced. I still find myself saving table scraps for him, forgetting he’s no longer here. 

The few warm days we had triggered my garden brain. I felt ready to move right through winter into spring. However, I cringe at the idea of the bugs and pestilence we’ll have without a deep and hard freeze. We can’t skip seasons: each one plays a vital role in preparing for the next one. We need that harsh cold to kill off things that may impede what’s coming. 

It’s actually time to start planning the garden. It always feels too early, but I need to give thought to what I want to sow this year. I’ll need to start cold weather seeds inside by early March at the latest. Given our Arkansas history, we’re bound to see snow in March, which I think is silly since it’s supposed to be here at Christmas. Straighten up, Arkansas. I’m tired of getting a bad rep and folks thinking we’re behind down here.

The kids are back to school and the schedule has resumed. I’m actually glad for that bit of normalcy after the hairy December we had. I do enjoy some structure. However, I have things I’ve put off for a long time and I need to address them. This requires big pockets of time and space. I feel like losing myself in a project but I need to finish what I already have in limbo. I’ve always been a poor finisher. I don’t know why I can’t just put up that last board or buy that matching switch plate. It’s rather ridiculous. 

I’m facing a lot of needed changes, and I realize I can’t give my entire life the overhaul I crave. So maybe it’s just prune and purge for now, like the vines, and know that sowing season is up ahead. For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven. You’d think I’d get it by now.