SLOW JANUARY

The new year started with bright sunny weather. I needed to walk by the ocean to welcome the new year in. I was thinking to myself as I walked the harbor that I needed to slow down. Stop planning ahead and just do. Slow as molasses in January.

I planted a 4 x 4 garden filled with different greens in late November. Two weeks later, a vole or gopher hopped in and dug tunnels through my freshly planted seeds. There were no plants growing yet, just sprouts here and there. They absolutely devastated the entire garden. Rather than get mad, I raked the mess and then watered it thoroughly, this time covering the garden with a wired top. At first I saw nothing. I thought I would have to replant the whole thing. They had even knocked over the markers that told what I had planted. Finally, a few weeks later, I saw lots of shoots popping up. Now I can finally recognize what the plants are.

Our weather was quite cool during late November into December. Often there was fog lasting all day, but no rain. So far we have only gotten .14 of a inch since October when our rainy season starts. Our last rain that was measurable before that was in early May.

So this got me thinking of the saying, “slow as molasses in January.” I am thinking about pulling up my Adirondack chair to watch the greens grow. It reminds me of a book I had years ago that suggested watching carrots grow as a way to slow down.

The holidays are busy. It’s nice to step back and rest. Rejuvenate. I’ll see how long it lasts as my usual mode is quick quick.

I just remembered that I need to plant my borage seeds now. I’ve been waiting for the rain which has not come. I want to spread red clover seeds amongst the grapevines to draw the bees there. It’s also time to plant the seeds of spring which comes early here. I have already planted three kinds of peas in my garden to eat as well as sweet peas to enjoy their fragrance.

It has been especially dark lately with no moon. The mornings are dark but soon the light will come as the sun moves higher again. Meanwhile, you’ll find me watching my greens grow.

Happy January!