Dear friend, My goodness — it's been so long since my last letter. Before I say anything else, I want to acknowledge that yes, a lot of time has passed and I'm sorry — in fact, I believe there was still snow on the ground when I wrote you last! Thank you for your patience during this time of unexpected waiting... I stepped away from social media back in April for a 10-day trip to visit family and friends out of state. Upon returning home, I ended up taking more time away from the internet...

Hi Reader, Here in Vermont, spring is slowly making it known that she's on her way, announcing her upcoming arrival with hopping robins and patches of grass where once lay blankets of snow. It's the time of year when we can simultaneously step in mud and almost slip on the ice in one single stride. Nature's soundtrack now includes lively birds singing their odes to spring and snow melting off the roof in steady drips under the warm sun. And although we may see snowfall once or twice again...

Hi Reader, I don't know about you, but the second half of winter has felt much harder than the earlier days of the season. How is it that February - the shortest month of the year - often feels like the longest? I've found myself craving warmer temperatures and wishing for green sprouts in the garden. And while the high snow drifts along our shoveled walkway tell me spring is still a long way off, the subtle shift in daylight reminds me we're heading in the right direction. What to do during...