View of our north deck this morning. Just beyond the small greenhouse is the hot tub in which we enjoy our first cup of coffee every morning.

This is proving to be a very busy time of year. Payback, I guess, for the wonderful kick-back time in Hawaii. We have continued to get lots of snow and cold weather. Just now as I look out of the window, a light fluffy blanket is descending - so heavy that I can't see 10 feet.

There are orders to fill, inventory adjustments to make, plant labels to print.
Electrical wiring, bench construction, computer and shipping areas to construct in our new "header house, installation of an new drip watering system throughout our three greenhouses, supplier shows and seminars to attend, booths to plan and prepare for shows in which we participate.
And of course, there is the website and blog to update. We are also working on an e-commerce addition to our site that will allow you to complete your order on line with a "real time" inventory.

Within a week we will be "waking up" some of our dormant plants to get early growth prior to shipping. The heated greenhouse takes very close attention this time of year. Half of the day we have to ensure that it doesn't drop below freezing, but if the sun emerges, we have to rush out and turn on the fans to keep temperatures below 60 F. so the plants don't grow on too fast.

Our greenhouse (as well as house, hot water, hot tub etc.) is heated with hot water by an outdoor wood burning furnace. First and last thing each day I go out and stoke it up with about 20, 30 to 40 lb. logs. The stove can handle pieces up to 24" D. and up to 5' long and we burn about 50 t0 60 cords per winter. I cut the logs to a convenient length, but don't have to split them. I just discovered a leak in a rubber hose connected to the bottom of the tank filled with 190 degree water. Changing this is going to be quite a challenge to do without scalding myself. I'll let you know how I do.

This is our tractor and generator on left set up and waiting for the next power failure. Below on the right is a view of our woodpile. I've already used 2/3 of it this winter. I store it in the driving shed and carry it out to the stove.

Betty passes on her regards. She is busy taking orders and doing all the paperwork, but promises to do the next installment.