Will it ever stop snowing, and let me get in the mud.

I just took some pictures of things bursting forth, and within an hour the snow started again. Hard to believe on April 24th, but it is what it is.

Here are some of my happy shots of the hope in the garden. the raspberries have been decimated by the deer, but I hope they will manage.  Rhubarb is sprouting in several places over the garden space, so that is really positive along with daffodils.

Lambs ears

raspberry canes

muscari in bloom

last seasons onions resurrected

Casi Cielo is a go!!

Happy to say that I will soon begin my season as a farmer growing custom food for 8 wonderful families.  I have lots of plans and dreams, since we have lots of boys in the families to give them opportunities that suit their interests, with the fairy gardens and lots of ways to incorporate folks as they want to be involved other than just eating good healthy food.  In one more month, I hope to begin seeding even if my yard is still mostly white.

muscari, a brave little perennial.

The top garden.

There is hope and the dear little muscari which are always the first each Spring, are beginning to bloom.   I started my first seeding project with wheat grass in eggshells.  Lets see if we have little creatures in time for our EAster Egg hunt.

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Gray Days and Busy Sales

I don't know how it is for Christmas-Holiday craft sales in other places but here in Manitoba, Canada we know that things don't get busy until the snow flies.  Well the snow is flying as you see in these views of my backyard and my walk to work by the Manitoba Legislative Buildings. Cant really see the Golden Boy very well for the most of November.

Vineyard Sale was super busy and energizing yesterday, so I will hope to see much of the same energy next weekend with Makers Market, SCA Springs Christmas Craft Sale and the Norwood French Immersion Pre School Crafted by Hand Sale.  I still have lots of product, but making some wine tumblers today as they seem to be a hit again.

 

When will it end

When will this winter season end, it seems to be really dragging on.  Today we will have good temperatures for some melting, but that will mean icier streets and ice dams in the eavestroughs.  Also seems pretty ironic that I have just registered little Mr. G for three summer camps, as I run out to get my credit card from the truck and slip on the icy sidewalk!!!

I have registered and paid for a couple of summer pottery shows, and have three families confirmed to participate in my CSA project.  We have at least six months of winter here, and most of it is spent on planning how we can make the most of our few more liveable seasons!!!

Canadian prairies in the mid winter

Some of you are already in the beginnings of Spring.  It is still a long way off here.  As you can see out in the countryside, one hour from my home, the snow is deep and at least on this farm yard all is quiet.  I am always curious about the stories behind a place like this, how old is it, who lived here, why doesnt anybody anymore. 

Is somebody coming back, or is is too sad, or overwhelming.  I love all the shades of white and grey

The temperature was mild on this day so the tress have a little hoarfrost.  the snow was shining that day, sure hasnt shone much lately, and we here in Winnipeg, are getting cabin fever!  Bring on the Spring please!!

Will they like them??

So it's all well and good to be moving ahead with all these new pots and new colours, etc..But now, will people like them...I am always second guessing myself on this.  I don't want to be stodgy and just repeating the same colours that I like and that sold well last year,,, that seems way too "civil servanty" for me.

However, it was a good year financially in spite of the"economy" and now am I messing with that, is that sado masochistic, or brave??? i am not quite sure and am probably using energy on worrying about it, that might be better invested in something else, and I don't mean eating more pretzels or ice cream bars.  Only 12 days till the Big Festival du Voyageur show begins.. this is a first and a cooperative venture, so lots of new ground. Nervous doesn't quite describe my feelings and so I will just wait and see.  I hope the weather stays cold enough for the snow sculptures but not so cold that I need to buy more outerwear.  Did I mention this Festival is outdoors for 9 days in a tent. I think I am trying to forget that part, since I shiver at Farmer's Market in September sometimes. I hope all my fellow Winnipeg and WEST artisans come out to visit, maybe group hugs can help keep me warm.