Tuesday, January 7, 2014

Happy Polar Vortex Day

Nothing unites us like complaining  about the weather.  And, that means about 90% of those in the U.S. today.

It was a balmy 12 degrees when I got up this morning, but I had missed the record low of 10 degrees.  It was also what a former boss would have described as "a glorious day in the Commonwealth"  ... crystal clear air with the sun rising orangly bright.  My first clue that it might be different was when my breath froze on the storm door.
Schools were delayed; many businesses opened late;  individuals were encouraged to stay home if they did not have to go out today.  When I went to a lunch meeting it seemed like there was less traffic and parking seemed more available than usual.  But, it wasn't as breath-takingly cold as I expected.  We Virginians don't do cold all that well, so we take cautious measures that our cousins in Wisconsin would scoff at!

When i took two weeks off from work over the holidays, i really had not planned to also take two weeks off from the Garden Bench, but i have been a slug for the past two weeks ... and i have loved every minute of it!  Have been feeling guilty about reading your posts without contributing anything of my own, but then i really spent some time considering why i seem so devoid of ideas every winter.

In reality, i work from home so have no interesting stories about what's happening out in my work world or with my co-workers.  I do administrative work, so no lovely arrangements are made to be shared; no greenhouses are planted; no lovely French wine bought and sold.  I'm not a creative cook, so no neat recipes to share - altho i do enjoy making yours!  No house under construction or renovation this year.  I don't want to drag politics or religion into this space - at least not often.  I am a garden blogger, pure and simple.  And, right now the garden is even more lethargic than i am.  In looking back over the past four years - four years! - of bloviating about sharing my life and times outside in my favorite spot, i see the same pattern repeated annually.  So, i am making a decision to not worry about it. 

I will be here reading what's going on with you, and commenting now and then.  But, if nothing has inspired me, then i won't be writing anything.  The Olympics are coming up and that may catch my attention enough to write [especially if the uniforms are interesting this time], but no promises.  March will be here soon enough.
So Happy New Year. 

Hope that this Polar Vortex will take itself back to the North Pole where it belongs and that the next blast will not be so widely shared.  And, that each and every one of you will have the best year ever!

8 comments:

  1. Happy Polar Vortex Week to you,
    Webb! If you are looking for garden subjects to write about, how about a visit to your fine Fine Arts Museum in
    Richmond? Perhaps you could share with us, the museum's genre paintings of flowers and nature scenes? I, for one, would enjoy seeing them. Thanks for considering this idea.
    Warm regards from 38 degree Denver
    and remember, the secret is ... layers !
    Diane

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    1. P.s., that candle arrangement is lovely and very warming to the eye and soul.

      Diane

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    2. What an interesting idea. I am usually so focused on the botanical garden that I have never given the art museum a thought as far as flower paintings are concerned. At least one trip is definitely in order.

      Glad you like the candles. I fell in love with the "silvered" votives this year and bought way too many, but they made us a lovely and festive NYE.

      Thanks for commenting.

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    3. Hi Webb, I will look forward to your art museum floral visit & hopefully, a Blog post, should you be so moved. Several of the larger art museums, such as the DeYoung in San F. & the Boston MFA, hold annual fundraisers based on matching live floral arrangements to such paintings. These are usu. called " Bouquets to Art" or something similar. Perhaps the Virginia MFA holds one, as well? Glad you like the suggestion!
      Diane
      in Denver

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  2. You could also do a day trip to the Hollywood cemetery in Richmond that has two US Presidents (Monroe & Tyler) buried along with the only CSA President (Jefferson) as well as many civil war troops from both sides (very sobering). The cemetery is an amzing place with beautiful plantings (OK, maybe a little early for that). And then maybe a day trip to Monticello (Jefferson) and Montpelier (Madison) where the history and landscaping is plentiful.

    We're at 9 degrees not counting the wind chill. Can't wait for spring!

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    1. Montpelier and Monticello are both favorites, altho nicer in good weather, too. Sad to admit that I have lived many years and never visited Hollywood Cemetery. But, good news, have purchased a Segway Tour of it in the spring. Will see if I can manage a camera on the Segway ...

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    2. I love this idea, IHomeB.
      Warmer here today and sunny (yay!)
      Cheers,
      Diane in Denver

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  3. I have missed you. You are a WRITER and I enjoy your musings, so please continue when the mood strikes. I do like your commenters ideas as I am in total ignorance about your neck of the woods.

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