ECONOGAL

March 2026 was a difficult month. Growing up a military brat, I learned early on that war has no winners. Furthermore, the military’s purpose is to defend the country. So, I was upset in the early aughts with the invasion of Iraq. And I am upset with the bombing of Iran. I am not a fan of either country, but I tend to be an isolationist and don’t believe it is our place to interfere; thus, a difficult month.

My reading slowed a bit. There are still two reviews to release, and I am most of the way through the history of Henry Flagler building a train line down to Key West. The non-fiction account is fascinating. The other two books are novels from vastly different genres. Both Family Drama, a debut and dramatic novel, and Dating After the End of the World were interesting library reads.

The wacky weather on the High Plains brought warmer than usual temperatures during March 2026. We have been cutting asparagus for a week now. They popped up before any spring rains. But the highlight of the garden was the survival of at least one of the artichokes. The very mild winter most likely contributed to that. So, I will be harvesting artichokes for the first time.

Multiple seeds are growing into seedlings either under the lights in the basement or in the cold frame outside. Patience now comes into play. The old oak tree shows little sign of leafing out yet. As long-time readers know, I rely on Mother Nature’s signs to start transplanting into the ground.

Another baby quilt was assembled and now needs layering and quilting. Creating beautiful quilts soothes the soul. This one is a mixture of baby prints and classic fabrics made in the Log Cabin pattern.

A few light frosts are forecast, but spring is in the air. The potatoes should start poking through and the lettuces will be planted. However, plenty of cool days and hopefully moisture will allow time to stay busy inside. And of course, March Madness is perfect for hand quilting.