~ February and Winter thoughts ~

"February is merely as long as is needed to pass the time until March." - Dr. J. R. Stockton

"He knows no winter, he who loves the soil,

For, stormy days, when he is free from toil,

He plans his summer crops, selects his seeds

From bright-paged catalogues for garden needs.

When looking out upon frost-silvered fields,

He visualizes autumn's golden yields;

He sees in snow and sleet and icy rain

Precious moisture for his early grain;

He hears spring-heralds in the storm's ' turmoil­

He knows no winter, he who loves the soil." 

- Sudie Stuart Hager

"Every mile is two in winter." 

- George Herbert

"Winter is the time for comfort, for good food and warmth, for the touch of a friendly hand and for a talk beside the fire: it is the time for home." 

- Edith Sitwell

(And my favorite: )

"In winter's cold and sparkling snow,

The garden in my mind does grow.

I look outside to blinding white,

And see my tulips blooming bright.

And over there a sweet carnation,

Softly scents my imagination.

On this cold and freezing day,

The Russian sage does gently sway,

And miniature roses perfume the air,

I can see them blooming there.

Though days are short, my vision's clear.

And through the snow, the buds appear.

In my mind, clematis climbs,

And morning glories do entwine.

Woodland phlox and scarlet pinks,

Replace the frost, if I just blink.

My inner eye sees past the snow.

And in my mind, my garden grows."

- Cynthia Adams, Winter Garden