I know it will not last but I’m enjoying looking out the window on Tuesday afternoon and seeing the first real snow of the winter. The birds are busy at the feeder and very few cars and trucks are passing by. I know I’ve mentioned it before but I’m quite fond of winter. There is plenty of free time to have coffee with friends, do some long-neglected projects and be happy that no one is bothering me.

A few weeks ago, I wondered about the huge amount of holly trees in the woods along North Road. My son Jeremiah stated the obvious (although clearly it was not obvious to me) that when there are understory trees under larger trees birds have carried the seeds in their droppings. So there you have it.

For years I’ve planted onions from seed and had huge success. My favorite variety for long-term storage is Copra. This year I had difficulty in locating the seed. Some catalogs offer the plants. Finally, I had the mystery solved. The company that hybridized the Copra has stopped. Plants are the result of last season’s seeds. Copra is now replaced with Patterson. Supposedly, it has the same storage quality as Copra but is large, more uniform and has higher yields. I’m a slave to tradition so naturally I am irritated by this change.

Usually I buy as many open-pollinated seeds as possible. I like the potential of saving my own seed. I think New York Early is the only open-pollinated yellow onion of decent size.

At any rate, I did order several packages of various types. I was able to get some Copras from Vermont Bean Seed Company as well as some Red Creole from Sow True and my favorite, large sweet Ailsa Craig from Pine Tree Seeds. The Ailsa Craig comes from an island off the coast of Scotland. It’s where they get the rocks used in the sport of curling. I forget what those rocks are called.

Rusty at Ghost Island Farm has some beautiful heads of organic cauliflower. I roasted an entire head simply brushed with a little oil. It fell apart in a pleasing fashion and was quite good.

I started some seeds on the propagating mat set at 60 degrees — onions, lettuce, spinach, rhubarb, asparagus, and several packages of perennial flowers.

I finally weeded the hoophouse. It was covered with Lauran Grape Opium Poppy seedlings. I suppose if I break a leg in times of national emergency I could make a pain relieving tea. Too bad I weeded most of them out.

I rarely purchase cut flowers for the house. I’m happy with forcing some random twigs. Morrice the Florist, however, tempted me with their Tulip Tuesday sign. I got three bunches and spruced up the kitchen. Hard to believe we are halfway to spring.

The ever-growing field of presidential hopefuls is grabbing my attention. In the nick of time I might add. I am so weary of all Trump all the time.

Its so refreshing to hear intelligent, caring, qualified people talking about hope for our country. I’m sick of fear-mongering and American carnage. Honestly, is the man ever happy?