Hope

Hope never dies; She only sleeps. And when the warmth of springtime comes, She’ll awaken, yawn, stretch And change into dreams fulfilled.

HERALDS OF SPRING

Just when you think you’ve had enough; The cold gets you down; Trudging through snow seems so rough, Out come lovely heralds of Spring: Some of them blooming While others start to sing. Just about the time you give in To endless Winter, All around you will begin To awaken and give new birth So

A SNOWY DAY

Cold that chills to the bone; Yet lovely, All crystaline and white. Dazzling in sunshine; Soft as velvet at dusk.   Home is so inviting, Offering soup; Warmth that holds and fills us While snow blows into drifts; Statues made by the wind.   Landscape dressed in splendor; Pure delight, Bundled up for a walk;

SNOWMEN…PEOPLE(?)

Even after the snow on the ground has melted, there are brave testimonies of its recent presence; proud sculptures that reflect the creativity of children:  Snowmen…or is the PC term “snowpeople”?  They stand in yards all around town, wearing hats and scarves, some made of leaves.  (Hmmm, I wonder if that’s to keep the cold

OH, THE FLOWERS!

When I was growing up, we used to get bulb catalogs right about now.  Yes, in the middle of winter, while the snow is blowing into drifts outside and gardening is the least likely activity of the day! But oh, the flowers!  Page after page of beauty in every shape, size and color. Now is

HAPPINESS INSIDE

When it gets cold, We need ways to get warm; That make us feel cozy And safe from a storm,   With sweaters and blankets, Hot coffee and such; Conversation and stories; A friendly touch.   When the wind howls Piling snow into drifts, We’ll seek refuge inside, With mugs that we lift,   Buttered

PUT TO BED

Today was more like winter than mid fall:  Cold, windy and wet.  I wouldn’t be at all surprised if it freezes tonight…or snows…or both.   Thankfully, my “yarden” is all put to bed.  The hoses are picked up, drained and hung; more delicate bulbs have been dug and put into a box.   Some things

SNUGGLED IN

Howling wind Pushes against the house, Bangs the shutters Sending chills down our spines.   Crackling flames Join in a happy dance As they warm us, Making all feel cozy.

HOW TO MAKE PICKLES

Start with cucumbers And a good recipe Then anticipate How delicious they’ll be. Get out vinegar And pickling spice, Turmeric, garlic; Dry mustard is nice.   Peel and slice onion; Make sure it’s very thin; Maybe some peppers, Red, yellow and green. You might want some dill Perhaps celery seed; Just be sure you have

FEBRUARY

Freezing temperatures Eventually warm, Bringing new life and Relief from the fury of All winter storms; Reviving the land Yet sleeping under winter’s spell.