January brought a month of rest from soap-making, markets, and reflexology. It gave an opportunity to spend three glorious weeks catching up on chores in the garden. Our happy place. Bliss!

The ponds filled up which delighted the dog and ducks but by mid-month they’d dried up again.

I never tire watching the ducks enjoy paddling in the ponds. If you ever think of getting ducks, remember, everything about a duck is wet!

It was wonderful to catch up on garden chores that got left behind during the hustle and bustle of summer and fall. The raised beds and surround are tidy, fruit trees pruned, and the blackberry along the fence-line is under control. To feel we are ready for Spring is a good thing!

There was a deep satisfaction and sense of accomplishment this month. It didn’t prepare us for what came in February!