Don't let it scare you

I lived in Alaska for three years. When it started snowing, it didn’t stop until it was time for spring thaw. When the days started getting shorter, they didn’t stop until there was no more light left peeking through the cracks in the drafty door. Cabin fever set in, it was time to hunker down for a long winter’s shut in. It could be frightful if you weren’t ready. Here, in New England, it is snowing today. More of a preview of what is to come. Don’t let it scare you…but let it remind you that a shift in seasons is upon us. Perhaps it is time to put the flip flops away and dust off your snow shovel. In our gardens, the leaves have not yet gotten fully blown off, and the perennials are not cut all the way back. But we still have time, right? Most likely. But one thing is sure, winter will come. I love the sneaky arrival of this snow, like a surprise visit from a distant relative. I’m knocking on your door, but won’t stay long.

So, today, I ordered a new winter jacket, because I’m worth it I convince myself. I pencil in the calendar the remaining jobs I hope to finish to tuck my customers’ gardens in for winter’s snooze. I flip through the pages of holiday decor magazines, because with the teasing snow comes the images of red berries and greens and winter wonderland magic. And I put another log on the fire…the warmth feels good.