Spring

We moved to this snowy state in the summer.  On my birthday, to be exact.  That same day I heard my very own doorbell ring for the first time, and received my very first delivery here.  It was a birthday present; a housewarming gift; a goldfish plant from a dear friend.  The timing was perfect in so many ways.  That plant has sat in my home from day one and I love the life that it brings into my home and the memories it holds of my friend, our move, and my life here.  However, the only problem with this plant is me.  I have killed my fair share of plants, and I have been determined to learn about this plant and keep it alive - at least until one day in the far off future when my friend who gave it to me comes across the country to visit and see that I kept it alive!  I called the florist where the plant came from to learn first what kind of plant it was, and then how to keep it alive.  I followed the brief instructions religiously, only to find that the beautiful goldfish flowers eventually dried up and fell off.  I was devastated that the entire plant would soon be history.  So I researched what to do.  And mostly found that there most likely wasn't much I could do.  The plant was "hibernating" per say.  I laid off on the watering, and hoped for the best.  Mr. Man was convinced it wouldn't survive this cold climate, but it kept growing, just not flowering.  About a week ago I noticed one small orange flower, and now there are two.  I can't tell you what this means to me.  If this plant can survive a winter here (under my care) then I can too!  My herbs are growing as you watch (so quickly) and there are buds on the trees we planted last fall.  There is still snow in my backyard, and a chance of snow through June I am sure, but my goldfish plant lives!  I've since started researching gardening in the rocky mountains, and have books galore, seminars I'm going to take, and a fresh notebook (one of my most favourite things) ready to fill with my knowledge and plans for our flower and vegetable gardens.  Spring is such a pleasant promise, and a genuine gift from God.  And it makes me happy.