Sunday, January 1, 2012

Happy Warm New Year!

            What an incredible day it is for January 1st! Temperature in the high forties and yesterday was even warmer.  After that insane snowstorm in October, everyone was certain we had to hunker down and be ready for the worst winter ever.  Yes, I know winter is only 32 days old.  And it may yet show itself to be a chilling horror. But so far, it’s come in like a lamb.

            Lettuce, kale, pak choi, carrots and beets are still growing in my garden—along with copious weeds. So, with the surface soil melted enough to cultivate, I spent two hours yesterday and one today pulling out all the uninvited greens.  I figure, if I get them out now, there’s more chance there’ll be fewer of them when it’s time for spring planting.

            I’m not the only one taking advantage of the mild temperatures. Many people were walking and jogging in the park. Neighbors across the street were trimming bushes and raking away leaves.
            “It’s spring!” the man called to me.

            While I know it can’t be spring, humans aren’t the only ones confused. The snow drops have blossomed—a bit ahead of schedule, and I saw a cherry tree blooming in Manhattan yesterday.  

            But, though I love our Mother Nature, I don’t think we can trust her to not throw us another curve before the spring equinox.  After all, she is asserting her independence from the changes humans have wrought on her domain.

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