Blisters and Scratches
This time of year, people always ask me "So what do you do in the quiet winter time in the valley? Do you ever get bored?” I have only myself to blame for masterfully painting the illusion that this is the time for rest and reflection. Oh, yes I am going to close the shop for a few months, label the jars from my fall canning and even make some pastas and soups to put in the freezer. I will finish reading that book that is sitting on my nightstand, clean out the barn and even take a few opportunities to "Get out of dodge". Truth be told that once the stream of visitors tappers off in November and December, I am staring at a list of "Now Do This” tasks. I am not complaining, but this is the season of blisters and scratches. Once a few frosts have rolled in, the perennials have died back and the trees have dropped their last leaves.....it’s a mad dash to clear what is left of summer's bloom and the garden's growth season.
I’m off to Hawaii for three weeks this Friday, a nice break before our season ahead and a chance to catch up on some paddle boarding. I am proud to say that I have a compost pile that is 30’ long, over a hundred rose bushes pruned, dozens of wheelbarrows of manure spread, weeding under control and the raised vegetable boxes in the kitchen garden ready for spring planting. Oh yeah, the maintenance and building repairs are all underway (Including that commercial kitchen we have been hoping for). Yes, winters quiet has left a few battle scars, but all I can think about is "Surf’s Up”! Hawaii here I come....a little rest for the man of leisure.