A Hibernation of Sorts

Like so many in northern Vermont, she hibernates, biding her time for warmer days and the buzz of activity. Today, all is still and quiet, save for the chickadee calling. The sun gathers height with each day…the winter equinox behind us. The sun warms the stone patio, slowly melts the icicles and loosens the snow on the roof panels, so it slides down and plops on the stairs and the flower beds. For us, the late fall and winter is the season of planning. We think about opening her up in the spring and what she’ll need for the upcoming year: replace windows, install a new barn floor, expand the gardens, tend to the ancient pool, think about shade for the pool area…projects for us to prioritize for when we are there. The off season is a time to meticulously plan:  test stain colors, draw up ideas (literally), research, schedule, and dream of the days when we can be there all together. Phone calls across the country, meetings, emails, texts. Planning for the days when she comes out of hibernation, yawns, stretches and knows the busy and best days of spring, summer and autumn are ahead.