On a cold afternoon a few weeks ago, I sat down with the garden seed catalogs and started putting together orders. With help from the boys, we thumbed through four catalogs, picking out varieties for beans, peppers, spinach, carrots, cauliflower, peas, squash, lettuces, tomatoes, artichokes, sunflowers, morning glory, nasturtium and more.

It felt so hopeful to place the orders. Snow was falling, but we believed in the promise of new seasons and new life. This summer would be full of colorful blooms and fresh vegetables. We could almost feel the warm sun on our faces and taste the sweet burst of a ripe tomato just picked from the vine.

Plant a garden! More than a dream: Planning for spring | SheKnows.com

I bet everyone is excited about getting things set up. It is way to earlier to consider doing that in Upstate NY. I don't grow any vegetables but I do have a raspberry bush I lovingly tend and I have flower beds that I would love to see the first signs of spring in.