Under the Solano Sun

Gardening is inspirational, empowering, creative, and exhausting. I weed, prune, rake and mulch all in anticipation of what I really want to do - plant. If I am not already achy when I come in, I will be the next day or two or three.

For centuries, many cultures linked mistletoe, a member of the sandalwood family Santalaceae, to life-giving power, fertility and peace. The Romans celebrated with mistletoe at the festival of Saturnalia. In 18th century England, a kissing ball of mistletoe evoked romance and goodwill.

It's one of the world's most important food crops. It's incredibly productive, and in Solano County it can grow almost year-round with some frost protection. In the home garden it's insanely easy to growwith the right conditions it's pretty much effortless. It's the potato.

As a young child growing up in Asia, I learned how to use chopsticks almost immediately after mastering use of the fork and spoon. Now, even having lived here in the US all my adult life, I am as comfortable using chopsticks as western cutlery.

I had a peaceful day tinkering in the garden today. I am usually tackling urgent work obligations and handling stressful fire drills, but I was able to set everything aside and focus on my happy place. It was a tranquil day spending time reconnecting and tending to a few garden needs.