Entering the snowy season

It could be argued that we have two seasons here: the months when the earth is covered with snow, and the months it is not. 

The times vary year by year. We have seen  White Time start as early as Halloween, and as late as the night before Christmas.  Snow may be gone from the land as early as the beginning of March, and as late as mid April. 

Mercifully we don't get the extreme cold people East of the Rockies and further North have to deal with. Our typical daytime winter temps hover just below freezing, with thawing spells in warm years, and cold spells down to minus 10-15 in others. Once the snow is in place it is actually nicer to just have it stay below freezing.

My favorite daytime winter temperature is around minus 5. Cold enough to make the air nice and crisp and prevent the soggy icy mess one gets with thaws, but not too cold. In return for our mellow temperatures we put up with a lot of grey skies.

Last winter was a long one. We had snow on the ground from November 23rd to mid April. This year promises to be similar. I get great comfort from knowing that I will be able to work/play in the greenhouse in late winter.

Meanwhile this is my quiet resting time. I have to get over feeling guilty when I just sit and read in the middle of the day. Chris is doing snow duty and monitors the infra structure, like making sure the pump doesn't freeze. I appreciate his management immensely. Would you believe in 42 years I have never shoveled snow? Haul me before the House of un-Canadian activities! 

I also wonder how best to participate in the world-wide political awakening. It really doesn't make much sense to contribute to climate change by driving two hours to Nelson for a token few hours of moral support. I am not even sure the physical occupation of space makes much sense. It did at first, but may have run its course.

Meanwhile one of the most positive developments in recent years has been the rise of the humble farmers' market everywhere. I ended up being one of the 2 coordinators of the Nakusp market. Not because of any talent, just because nobody wanted to take it on. I have decided to spend my energy on preparing during the winter for the best possible 2012 season ever. Building the New is more constructive than protesting the Old anyway.

We need brochures designed and printed, we need new signs, we need to discuss certain issues with the village, we need better ways to involve the vendors. I am working on a Facebook page.

For my own sales, I need to do a better job figuring out how many plants of which variety to start, so I don't waste too much time that could be better spent on my own garden.

I am also doubling volunteer time with my friend with Parkinson's  so her saintly mother can take a break. I might do the odd stint at the Thrift Store. This slow season should fly by......