2014 turning

The new year dawned clear and cool, and though the weather forecast was growing increasingly ominous—something about Winter Storm Hercules and a cold front for the ages—today wouldn't be that bad: perfect for cutting and hauling wood, and even better for performing a ritual around here that's become a New Year's Day tradition. I call it "turning over the year," and it involves going out to the garden and turning over a patch of earth. Sometimes, of course, this is impossible, since the ground's frozen as solid as cement, but this year, except for a hard crust, the earth opened easily. In about a quarter of an hour, I had a nice patch turned and in the process, I unearthed something unexpected: an overlooked Red Norland potato. I need to make some turkey soup soon. This spud will be a fine addition to the stock.