It’s the weekend!

We’re headed back to Martha’s Vineyard to continue tree cutting and close down the house for the winter. When we’re not working, I hope for a little star gazing and deep breaths of ocean air.

Have a good weekend!

Last Friday’s snow and freezing temperatures took me by surprise. On Saturday, my stunning giant zinnias and tomato and green bean plants had lost all of their cellular support and were hanging limp in the garden. My basil plants had shed the last of their leaves— alas my plans for a basil, cashew, lime vermicelli dinner were thwarted, given its requirement for 2 cups of basil leaves. That will teach me to put off cooking plans.

I put my other chores aside to tackle the messy pots and garden cleanup. There’s little that is less appealing than dealing with pot and garden cleanup on a bitter cold day, so the weekend’s mild temperatures made it a good time to do the work. While I felt a little discombobulated by the change in plans, every time I glanced outside at the relatively orderly garden and yard, I felt a great deal of satisfaction.

Kale, parsley and lettuce survived and the chard looks like it might revive. A small bouquet of cut zinnias slowly fades on my kitchen table. All remind me that the spring and summer garden work was well worth the effort and that there is more pleasure to be gained from it.

• How to Turn Vegetables Into a Tie-Dye Pattern — An appealing plaid pattern, in fact. This looks like a great DIY project. (The New York Times)
• Couture Planet has some great new bags celebrating Ruth Bader Ginsburg. (Couture Planet)
• Are you looking forward to the next season of The Crown? I am. Here’s the trailer. (YouTube)
• This Balsamic Chicken Sheet-Pan recipe, from Dorie Greenspan, looks delicious! (Everyday Dorie, Dorie Greenspan)
• I recommend making a loaf of this cheddar cheese sourdough quick bread. It’s easy to make and really good, especially when still warm from the oven. (Sea Salt and Sailor Stripes)
• Beautiful Advent calendars, filled with chocolates and little trinkets. These are meant to be saved and refilled each year. (EHChocolatier)

About the photo: Late season morning glories in my backyard. I’m glad that I got a picture of them before they were wiped out by last Friday’s winter tease!