Ordinary Time

 

There's a term in the Catholic Church called "Ordinary Time" which differentiates it from Lent, Advent, and other preparatory or celebratory seasons in the church year. Christmas being over I am now in what to my mind is the Ordinary Time of my year. The dreaded fortieth birthday has come and gone, spent with rather more family than initially intended (or, for my part, desired) but thankfully not spent alone, as I know this pandemic holiday was for many people. Having had three full weeks in NC and FL with the family, I am very happy to be home. 

This is also what some people call the beginning of the gardener's year, because there are some seeds that can begin to be sown in January and it is very much when we begin to dream of Spring. I am hard at work digging a new bed on the east side of the house which will be partly to mostly shady, and thusly a perfect place for a white garden. The flowers will glow out of the dim shadows, and I was given some Paperwhite bulbs for Christmas that will compliment the Queen Anne's Lace, Sweet Peas, and silvery ferns I have already ordered. The picture above is from Sissinghurt Castle in Kent, England which is a great inspiration for many people, myself included. 

Nor is the garden the only thing I intend to grow this year. The BF and I have been trying for a baby for the last few months, and we have not given up, despite some set-backs and disappointments. Here's to hoping that this year, unlike last, makes good on its promise.