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The End
Thankfully, this past year is over. There are so many words that can be used to describe feelings about all that has happened during this year. As we come to the end of 2020, I have some thoughts that I would like to share.
First and foremost, I have a lot to be thankful for. I retired before all this Covid mess started. My heart goes out to all my ICU buddies who are navigating patient care in an ever-changing environment. A virtual hug will never be enough at the end of a shift. It has always been that way in any ICU, but this year has shown our work in a whole new light. A blessing and a curse for sure.
Next, most importantly, my garden has always been a place of solace for me. I was out there a whole lot more than in years past, and many days, I just sat there empty-headed, doing whatever and then thinking that I hadn't done much at all. I had a bumper crop of tomatoes that I shared and were enjoyed by several of my mom's friends. She liked the little yellow ones called 'Snow White' the best, followed by 'Little Napoleon'. I grew onions from the root end as an experiment and they were good. Garlic has been staggered and is still growing out there. The last of the jalapeños and serranos will be picked as soon as I get myself out there and do it. Salsa was enjoyed as well as fresh, homemade tomato and marinara sauce. The lettuce was a total bust, but I learned, as a result, that it might just be cheaper to buy it at the store. Fruit and nuts have been eaten, shared with mom and neighbors, and (?wasted) to the squirrels and birds.
I have enjoyed the daily submissions of my fellow Master Gardeners. The blogs have been a source of information, inspiration, and connection to everyone who I have enjoyed seeing in the past and now miss.
My hope for 2021 is that we can get back out there and actually see the public face to mask-covered face. There is hope on the horizon, so, until the day when we can get back together, I wish you all a safe and happy 2021. Keep on keeping the virtual hugs coming wherever they are needed and I look forward to an actual hug this summer!
photo by Jenni Dodini
