So long, farewell...

Adieu to another year. Full of hopes and fears, trouble and turmoil, from small things that have shaken communities to larger events that have caused an entire nation to pause and pray. Each year passes a day at a time, yet memory creates a much shorter timeline. I hope that there has been a silver lining for most of the dark days we've all had. Maybe the celebrations have been sweeter knowing how fragile and fleeting life is. 
Like every year, I have planned a lot and done a lot. Some things were better than the planning and lots were worse, but what better way to learn? Our yard has had some pretty dramatic changes over the last year, but I think mostly for the best. 
Winter still has its iron grip over most of the country and will probably last until on or about March 20th. The fickle fancied weather gods may play along or keep us on our toes. Either way I hope your holidays have been good and your year better. 
When Chekhov saw the long winter, he saw a winter bleak and dark and bereft of hope. Yet we know that winter is just another step in the cycle of life. But here among Garden Bloggers Anonymous and basking in the warmth of our hearths and hearts, I could cant imagine a better fate than a long and lustrous winter - unless it be an early, a very early spring. 
May blessings and your garden abound in 2013!