Dear Winter,  

Dear Winter – 

 I’m so glad you are here – I’ve been conflating your arrival with the completion of a major home renovation project. 

Thank the gods of makeovers, you’ve arrived a little early and we are moving back home next week! 

 I can’t wait to test out all the expensive new insulation and the heated floors in my new master bathroom. Bring on the cold – I’m prepared.

But if you don’t mind, could you spare me just a few more weeks until you throw down the white stuff? I’ve been distracted. And I’m scrambling to get my home put back together before my family arrives for the feast of food and gawping at the glorious new high ceilings and windows.

I haven’t had time to pull all the fallen debris out of the boxwood bushes. My garden gloves are in a dust-covered box…somewhere. If you catch me off, I worry that they will be damaged by the weight of the snowy leaves. 

I do have the edge of the driveway marked so that I know where the line is between grass and asphalt.  I’ll be glad for that when I have to pull out the snow blower.  

Of course, this isn’t my own doing…it’s the result of our contractor needing to repair and reseed the lawn. All the work trucks really chewed up the landscaping.  But whatever – the seed is down, and barrier lines are drawn with stakes.  I’m taking credit for the accomplishment since I am paying the bill.  And I am happy to know that all seeds spread now will have a head start for growing in the spring. 

Over the next week, we will empty our furniture out of our garage and re-decorate our home.  Once all that is out of the way, I will be able to take stock of my winter tools and their condition and ensure I have fuel on hand. Could you give me 5 minutes to start the snow blower up and make sure I remember how to run it?  I like to have everything prepped and right next to the door so I can easily clear my way out when needed. Thanks.  

Given the reno situation, I didn’t get to moving and splitting all the perennials and shrubs that I had intended.  But they will be ok til spring – but that reminds me of one last thing, dear winter. Be a peach, and don’t overstay your welcome. 

Sincerely, 

Rochelle

 

P.S. Before you go full swing, could you grant me one of those retro throwback weekends where temps return to balmy numbers of early October?  I’ve got some tree pruning to do and a new pole saw to try out.  I’d love to sneak this in and feel like I got some last-minute gardening done even though, you know, it’s winter.