Earlier in the summer I pouted while my friends planted their gardens. I glared at my sun scorched yard as I read accounts of gardens flowering and fruiting. I admit I thought unkind thoughts when I saw pictures of dew glistening on tomatoes in the early morning sun, and then realized that it was over 100 degrees at 6am in my neighborhood. I would like to apologize, and in turn gloat a little. As most of my dear loved ones are bedding their gardens down for the winter and accepting that there are lots of rutabagas in their future, I am gleefully planting heirloom purple basil and kale. Last week it didn't even top 105 in the afternoon!
I can feel myself coming alive and now I understand how a tree feels after being dormant. This summer was spent merely surviving, and occasionally wondering what it would feel like to not sweat for even a moment. There was no inspiration, I didn't even want to cook, which for me is like not breathing. Now I can see relief, I can see life coming back, I can see rows and rows of pickling cucumbers.
Here is what I envision for Christmas. Baskets sent to loved ones all around the country filled with rosewater lemonade, garlicky heirloom dill pickles, rosemary scented homemade crackers, and of course a selection of candies. I'm thinking pumpkin pie spice, candy cane, plum brandy and eggnog flavors. My creativity is coming surging back and I daydream of all the bounty I will reap as I dig manure into my garden bed. It helps me get past the fact that I am once again playing with poo, something that I do more than I ever thought I would. So I apologize for my absence over the past few months but I'm back and better than ever! So tell me, what you would like in your Christmas basket?
