Savoring the Last Days of Winter

This past week has been a winter wonderland, with snow continuing to fall. While the scenery is breathtaking, winter is starting to feel a bit endless, and I'm definitely looking forward to the arrival of spring. In anticipation of the warmer season, I started my snapdragon seedlings this week, bringing a little touch of new growth into my home.

I also had the chance to enjoy a taste of last year’s harvest by opening one of the six jars of canned tomatoes I managed to put up. They were absolutely delicious and made for some incredible tacos—such a satisfying way to enjoy the fruits of past efforts.

Meanwhile, my kitchen is filled with the comforting anticipation of fresh bread, as I watch four loaves of sourdough proof. There's something so rewarding about the slow process of sourdough baking, from nurturing the starter to finally pulling a golden, crusty loaf from the oven. This time, I'm considering adding inclusions to my sourdough—I've been wanting to try roasted garlic and parmesan, which I think will make for an incredibly flavorful loaf.

Beyond the kitchen, I've been spending time planning out my garden for the upcoming season. It's always exciting to envision how everything will come together—what new plants I want to try, where everything will go, and how I can improve from last year's experience. I know I need to replace some of my herb barrels this year, and I also want to add something new for the flowers I'm starting, but I haven't quite decided what yet. Gardening is such a fulfilling process, from the first seed to the final harvest, and I can't wait to get my hands in the soil again.

With the cold weather keeping me indoors more than I'd like, I've also been diving into some good books and cozying up with a warm cup of tea in the evenings.

There's something about winter that makes slowing down feel natural, and I'm trying to appreciate these quiet moments before the busyness of spring sets in.

Here's to savoring the little joys of winter while looking forward to the renewal that spring will bring!

— Sat Feb 22 2025