Feeding the Spirit

January just rolls along insignificantly for most people as one recuperates from the Christmas holiday binging to get back to one's routine. Not for me: the month unfolded with a series of opportunities to feed my spirit.

I just had a milestone birthday. First, Michael took me (and Bob) out for lunch at Sushi Jack's to satisfy my craving for a Japanese cuisine. It did. I drool just thinking about it. Later, I had a nice long chat with my daughter Valerie who is in Halifax. I must have done something right when my kids remember my birthday!

Then, I attended my very first Gardening conference in Cambridge: "Dream Garden". This was my birthday treat from Bob. Despite the previous night's snow storm warnings (15 cm accumulation) , a group of us from the Garden Club attended. Besides several speakers, there were vendor booths tempting the attendee gardeners with gardening books(what else?), potted plants, crafts, garden tools and "must have" accessories. There was a continuous supply of coffee, tea or juice and the highly acclaimed luncheon spread did not disappoint us. A number of door prizes were handed out and my name was picked first! I received a beautiful Gardener's Journal which I've already put into use. It was a very enjoyable day indeed.

But it didn't end there; I was invited by my sister Mayette so I drove straight to London. The next day, a trip to the local farmer's market, the Covent Gardens, was another feast to feed the spirit: I had a back massage followed by a Thai cuisine lunch as a birthday treat. (thanks, Mayette). I think that market shopping/strolling is a totally mesmerizing experience as one's senses get overwhelmed; I loved looking at fresh produce, flowers, coffee beans, tea products, etc.

Back at home, I made a cup of Matcha tea and found a comfortable spot; I finally had the chance to look through the "stuff" I got in my conference grab bag. By the time I finished my tea, the seed catalogues were already dog-eared. I have drawn a list and ordered the seeds from Richter's online today. Aahhh. This exercise never fails to uplift my spirit. And it brings Spring that much closer.