I’m feeling a bit battered this week. Chelem is experiencing an el norte. A cold front moved in last night, with winds between 25-35 MPH. The ride to market was a challenge, but for once, the wind was at my back for the trip home. I made it in record time.

Groundhogs have been the bane of my existence for the last couple of years, causing lots of destruction in my garden. But Punxsutawney Phil gets a pass with his proclamation last week of an early spring. Tim has already received a couple of plant shipments while I’ve been away: 100 lily bulbs and 6 cuttings of pussy willow. I instructed Tim to put the cuttings in water and they have taken off! I didn’t expect them to leaf out so quickly. He also sent me a little video of the plants I’m overwintering in the garage and those are thriving as well. Praise Jesus, spring is coming.

Crazy willows!

I sat down to write about some turmoil I’ve experienced for the last couple of years, both internal and external, that led me to the decision to go full-time with Melmac Florals. Before I knew it, I’d cranked out 5,500 words, more than I’ve written about one subject in a while. It was cathartic for me, which describes most of my writing. While it felt great to get words out of my brain and onto a page, the subject matter left me in a weird headspace. I’m unsure how much (if any) of what I wrote will be shared with the world. But I also started a garden/business journal this week that I hope will lead to something. I’d love to publish a garden book someday.

As I said in an earlier post, Tim and I decided that he should go on his own little adventure this year (snowboarding) instead of making his usual midterm visit to Chelem. We expected the 8-week separation to be difficult. I’m thrilled to be here and my introvert-soul enjoys getting to experience this much solitude. Being on the beach heals and restores me in a way nothing else can. But Tim is my person, my soulmate. And right now, I miss him so much I ache. Though I don’t want to wish my time away, I can’t wait for Tim and I to be together again. 19 days and counting…