Or Groundhog Day, or Candlemas, as you prefer. The sun has made a good strong start on its trip north (yes, I know it is really the earth’s axis that makes the difference, but we all know what it feels like.) At this cross quarter day we complete the darkest quarter of the year in the northern hemisphere. The sun doesn’t know it is still winter. 
Pansies in their pot have been holding on through some quite cold mornings. I hope they survive what is still to come and begin to fill out soon.
Getting to work in the front courtyard, my would-be herb garden, I had a nice surprise. For the first time ever I have a field of little parsley plants. This is the result of not being prompt at cutting down the seed heads, but it also required a certain mix of moisture over which I had no control. I hope these too survive any cold spells still to come. Surely there won’t be many more, but the worst freeze we’ve had in our years here came at the beginning of February one year.
On cold days it’s nice to light a candle in honor of Brigid, patroness of fire, among other things.
freethoughtandmetaphor 
Feb 03, 2016 @ 07:10:00
Both the pansies and the parsley look wonderfully green and sprightly. May you be spared a February freeze this year!
Feb 06, 2016 @ 06:19:16
So happy to see pictures of your garden. I’ve been snowed under with writing the past months, but it is always a pleasure to drop by and see what you’re doing.
Sending you hope for a wonderful 2016.
Shalom,
Patricia