PRAY FOR RAIN

What once was Lake Turtle in Florence, Alabama

My friends in Alabama tell me that they've had the worse drought in a hundred years and so far there's no end in sight. The same goes for neighboring Georgia and other Southern states. Water restrictions have been in place for quite some time. Imagine not being able to water your garden or, even worse, if you're a farmer and you depend of it for your crops.

I should ask Phillip at Dirt Therapy how he's managed to keep his beautiful garden in Florence, Alabama alive.

In the meanwhile, please join me in saying a prayer for rain.

FIRST SNOWFALL OF THE NEW YEAR

New Year's Morning we were greeted by one of the prettiest snowfalls I've seen. It was a winter wonderland. This is my front yard. The mature trees look so beautiful in their white dresses.

This is a picture of my backyard. The yews and viburnum are covered with about 5 inches of snow.

After shovelling all the sidewalks I've suddenly had my fill of snow . I'm ready for Spring now. Yep, that's how much I like winter and snow. One, big, perfect pretty snow and then farewell !
I see by the forecast that it is going to be 54 degrees this weekend. Yippee !

A GIFT THAT COVERS ALL BASES

How can one small box hold so many delights for me ? First of all because it's from my friend Pat in County Cork, Ireland. Second, its handmade chocolates . Handmade. Third, it's approved for vegetarians. Fourth, it appears that the painting of a garden is also done by hand. You can actually feel and see the brushstrokes ! That of course appeals to me as an artist, plus the painting is very simple and charming, just like the Irish.

And last, but not least it's chocolate-covered truffles for God's sake ! Ummm, yummy. I am tempting to eat them NOW but its so beautiful I hate to break the seal !

Nice to have such a dilemma. Oh great, I see the words " Best used by February 2008 " on the bottom of the box. Dilemma solved !

HAPPY NEW YEAR Y'ALL !

Hoppin' John
A Southern New Year's Tradition

Duk Mandu ( Dumpling Soup with Rice cake )
Traditional Korean New Year's Dish

I celebrate two cultures that require special dishes be made for bringing good luck in the New Year. I will be making the traditional Southern dish, Hopping John with Greens, and Duk Mandu, the Korean dumpling dish with rice cakes.

If you'd like to try the Hoppin' John visit recipes.howstuffworks.com/hoppin-john-supper.com.

For the Korean dumpling soup visit www.recipezaar.com/142562


HAPPY NEW YEAR !

GARDEN BLOGGERS' MUSE DAY

Then sing, young hearts
that are full of cheer,
with never a thought of sorrow;
The old goes out, but the glad New Year
comes merrily in tomorrow.

-Emily Miller