Snowed In

Well, the snow has finally come.  All our lavender is buried in a good blanket of snow (which is truly a good thing).  Here in King Ferry, NY we have a constant blowing wind not unlike the "Mistral" winds that blow in Provence.  The problem with wind is, it dessicates the lavender, causing it to die.  The insulation of the lavender with snow not only helps to keep it from drying out but also helps to insulate it from variations in temperature.  When the snow melts it will give the lavender the much needed moisture it will need to survive the rest of the winter season. So as the snow protects our fields, and the wind is blowing, I'll sip my morning coffee by the fire reading, and planning our spring and summer season.

"Now Winter Nights Enlarge"

by Thomas Campion 

Now winter nights enlarge
 This number of their hours;
And clouds their storms discharge
 Upon the airy towers.
Let now the chimneys blaze
 And cups o'erflow with wine,
Let well-tuned words amaze
 With harmony divine...

This time doth well dispense
 With lovers' long discourse;
Much speech hath some defense,
 Though beauty no remorse.
All do not all things well:
 Some measures comely tread,
Some knotted riddles tell,
 Some poems smoothly read.
The summer hath his joys,
 And winter his delights;
Though love and all his pleasures are but toys
 They shorten tedious nights.