These trees are at the root of my existence. My grandpa Holum was an immigrant from Norway, and the birches connected him to his homeland. Now, they connect me to him, my grandpa "Pa." He planted them wherever he could, and talked about the white birch "legs." To Pa, they were our connection from season to season, and generation to generation.
Today I worked on some planting in the house, and I thought about my mom and dad and also of "Pa" and felt so full of a heritage that they passed down. It was a good feeling. I wonder if we don't all have this heritage, and could we all appreciate it a little more? It doesn't take a big sacrifice. In their way, they all saw the beauty of winter passing into spring. These old Norwegians used the word "cozy" so liberally. So and so was "cozy." Aunt Josephine or Aunt Annie were "cozy." They spoke of "visiting" someone and saying they were so "cozy." They would say, after a busy day, let's just get "cozy" tonight. Coffee time was a time to be "cozy." I'll never forget it. We all need to be more "cozy."
It was kind of exciting to get some of the dahlias started in the house. Normally, I haven't done this, but it seems the growing season gets shorter and they don't bloom until the latter part of August, so I thought I'd give it a try.
I hope this works. You can see I like sour cream and ice cream. I also started some canna roots and they're doing well. My sister gave me a Christmas gift of herbs and I hope they progress well. Oregano, rosemary, cilantro, and basil. Always hope for the best.
As you can see, there is a long way to go, the garden still has a covering of icy snow. We'll see what the week brings. I'm in no hurry. But the presence of some paltry canna sprouts in the house is a nice reminder to be "cozy" and appreciate what we have.
Dahlia are beautiful, ours have always done so well, like you I happily recycle and reuse any pots I can.
ReplyDeleteI need to get more manure in the beds and maybe the dahlias would do better.
DeleteThere used to be an older couple who lived outside of town and they grew rows and rows of beautiful dahlias. He would come to town on Saturdays and sell bouquets of them out of the back of his pick-up truck. They are both long gone now but the memory of their flowers stays.
ReplyDeleteI agree birch trees are lovely. Plus, just think of all the uses Native Americans had for birch bark. Have you ever tasted syrup made from the birch trees? It's not as good as maple syrup, in my opinion, but it would be a good substitute if that's all one had.
Love the word "cozy!" It conveys a good feeling. :o)
I didn't know they got syrup from birches. It would be fun to try. I hope I can get some dahlia flowers earlier this year.
DeleteYou are planing!! I love Dahlias. the snow is melting today. I believe you will be the winner of a woodcarving. The snow and ice is almost gone from the stick...tomorrow will be the day unless it goes tonight. Either way I will need your address. my email is captainconnie2001atyahoodotcom
ReplyDeleteWow, that will be nice! I will send my address. Thanks!
DeleteI like that your people referred to some people as being 'cozy' and staying home and being 'cozy'. I agree we need to be a lot less busy and take time to be cozy.
ReplyDeleteLast Fall I took a risk and left most of my Dahlias in the ground. Just covered them with pine boughs and a tarp to keep some of our excess rain off. It remains to be seen if they'll grow or if I've killed them.
Maybe your dahlias will be just fine, hope so! I wish our frost didn't go so far down.
Delete