Oh Winter!

     In the winter I get a little case of the blahs, as does PB, as does E. I think I may be one of those people who needs sunshine and outdoor evening in the warm air. E doesn't get outside as much and it just drags us all down a little. So, today instead of complaining about it we thought we'd find some sayings, books quotes, etc that talk about winter in a more favorable light. The first one is great because while we are sitting here eager to start our new garden plans (we'll post more about what we are planting in the existing beds soon) and impatient with winter we should remember how important winter is for nature.

Nature looks dead in winter because her life is gathered into her heart. She withers the plant down to the root that she may grow it up again fairer and stronger. She calls her family together within her inmost home to prepare them for being scattered abroad upon the face of the earth. ~Hugh Macmillan, "Rejuvenescence," The Ministry of Nature, 1871

 "Every gardener knows that under the cloak of winter lies a miracle ... a seed waiting to sprout, a bulb opening to the light, a bud straining to unfurl.  And the anticipation nurtures our dream." -  Barbara Winkler

 "In a way Winter is the real Spring - the time when the inner things happen, the resurgence of nature." -  Edna O'Brien 


 This is so true:
 
Winter is a time of promise because there is so little to do — or because you can now and then permit yourself the luxury of thinking so. ~Stanley Crawford, A Garlic Testament: Seasons on a Small New Mexico Farm, 1992


I had to smile a little at this one as it is definitely seed catalog time:

"There are two seasonal diversions that can ease the bite of any winter.  One is the January thaw.  The other is the seed catalogues."-  Hal Borland 


 Perhaps all we need is a  little perspective:

What good is the warmth of summer without the cold of winter to give it sweetness. ~Author Unknown

 "Winter, a lingering season, is a time to gather golden moments, embark upon a sentimental journey, and enjoy every idle hour. "-  John Boswell



Finally we leave you with this little nugget-

In seed-time learn, in harvest teach, in winter enjoy. ~William Blake

So sit back and enjoy a little home time with a hot cup of cocoa (or coffee or tea), put your feet up and above all stay warm and cozy!