While much of the country is getting icy arctic blasts, with lows like minus 50º, down here it’s like a spring day.  We’ve dodged many extreme weather bullets lately.  That’s what’s so deceptive about February in TN–masses of crocuses are in bloom, covered with bees, while tulip, daffodil, hyacinth, and iris shoots are appearing everywhere.  You think spring is just around the corner, but it’s only mid-winter.  There’s not much to be done outside right now, though you’re eager to get into it already.  The pandemic only amplifies the restlessness.  But it has also taught patience, or at least stoicism.

It may still be frigid out, but this is happening all over the yard.

It’s going to be a flower bonanza out there.  And the first of my indoor veg seedlings are coming up.  So it’s just a matter of time now until I come out of hibernation.  My spring sowing/tilling/transplanting schedule is already posted for the next four months.

I plan to “reforest” this place if it kills me, which it probably will, but at least I’ll die doing what has to be done!

In case you missed me, I’ve been under the weather, but well aware it could be much worse.  Here’s what you missed:

Our friendly neighborhood buzzard showed up to eat meat scraps, and were those cravens pissed!  They kept heckling the buzzard, who mostly ignored them.  It made for some good live TV, if not the greatest photography.

Today I planted my pepper and eggplant seeds indoors.  I used Annie’s Heirloom Seeds, and a new to me supplier, Southern Exposure Seed Exchange.  I’m experimenting with making my own seed starter mixes.  I’m determined to get veggies to grow here.

Here is E’s latest greatest challah batch.

Lest I get any springy ideas, it’s cold and snowing again.  But hey, at least it’s not the extreme blizzard the rest of the country is under.  There are some advantages to living in E. TN…

…as long as you don’t go anywhere and catch COVID from all the maskless mobs crowding into everywhere, while more infectious strains are spreading.  Idiots.  How many more thousands have to die before it hits home?

But at least now we have some sane leaders on the job in DC.  Maybe vaccines will even get here eventually.  We’ve gotten good at waiting.