On March first, I took a picture of the first butter cups in the pasture. On March 14th, we had 8 inches of snow on the ground. Welcome to Spokane!
Every winter is different. We have mud years, deep snow years, deep freeze years, and winters that never seem to end. This year we had the winter that never was, until March. It was very mild, though we did have some freezing and a few light snow showers. Of course, this was a winter where I purposely took a break from riding to spend more time writing. It turns out, I could have ridden through much of the winter, but my horse didn’t care. He likes to hang out.
Now we are working through what is hopefully the last bit of mud season. The garden is staring at me, as the weedy grasses are starting to come up thick as sod. Mowing would be easier than pulling or digging up the roots. The pastures are greening up, and the horses look longingly over the paddock fences, clearly telling me they would be happy to eat the new grass down. Green spring grass is like candy to horses, full of sugar, only to be eaten in limited amounts.
Like the horses, I am craving leafy greens, too. It’s a nice change from craving potatoes all winter. And trying to deny those cravings. As a friend says: Moderation in all things, including moderation. I can live with that motto. Now and then I can satisfy a craving by allowing myself tater tots and chicken tenders for dinner. As long as I also honor my other cravings for more healthy food.
Michelle Eames 