The Dark is Coming

Yes, I live at 8725 feet above sea level, a hardiness zone of 3.5 to 4. And a statistic quoted on a ski resort site says we get 210 inches of snow a year. Note: it is wise to remember never at one time and oddly not accumulative. It snows and it melts and then it snows again and that melts. The most I can remember at any one time was 72 inches over three days beginning the year 2006 with a whimper. And that snow hung around for a long time.

I perusal of blogs of that winter reveals a lot of references to the Alaska TV series Northern Exposure, the Little House on the Prairie books, and blizzards in general. But that was a very usual year. Old timers said the worst in 70 years.

Mainly what I dread about the approach of winter, thankfully late this year, is the approaching dark. I would not have to look at the calendar to know winter is coming. Like birds, who know when to migrate, locals instinctively know when to build up stocks of firewood, etc. With me there is also a need to add color and light to my interior spaces and wash the windows.

Blooming orchids sneak into my grocery cart. This year, because I have learned how to make them bloom again there is quite of collection from previous years.

And I become concerned with lighting, totally adequate all summer long, which suddenly needs increased. This year it was the kitchen. I have installed three sets of under-cabinet lights. And changed out the ceiling fixture for a ceiling fan with three bulb light set.

Let there be light

And this year I decided to use the studio for what it was originally intended for - a green house. I have decided to see if I can keep fresh greens and herbs all winter long. To that purpose I augmented the light through the windows with a grow light and stand. I even transplanted some of the summer Swiss Chard to a pot to continue its growth inside this winter. 

The Salad Section

Early results prove promising. This weekend is about stacking the delivered firewood in the protection of the wood shed, rolling up the hoses and hanging them on the fence so they can be found, and covering the garden and flower beds with straw and/or cardboard.

For all this prep I still dread the awful change of times coming next weekend. Followed quickly be time to vote. 

It isn't the cold. It is the dark I dread.