It’s a little stinky in here—there are a couple of vats of collards cooking, and they haven’t quite reached the delicious smelling stage. DH and the girls are in bed, and I’m just finishing up a few things, getting ready for friends to stop by tomorrow for a dose of good luck via black-eyed peas and collards.

I just got an email from a friend who is putting together a group Fedco seed order, and I feel impatient and ready to turn my thoughts to spring and the garden. I have the familiar feeling of relief that Christmas is over and now I can get on with my life; we made it through the darkest part of the year, and although there’s plenty of cold ahead, the light is increasing. I’m grateful for friends and family with whom to celebrate the Solstice—it makes the dark so much more bearable!

Happy New Year everyone!