New year, new hip, new home, new education!

Happy New Year. Much has happened since I last discovered chipmunks had stolen my late beet crop; in a few paragraphs I'll explain what's been going on, and tell you about why I'm so excited about the summer to come.

Almost as soon as last year's growing season ended, I turn my attention to my health. Late in the year, I made the decision to move forward with a total hip replacement. It's something that I've always known would occur, and had been putting off for years. But last summer when I found I could not ride my bike for even a short distance without a great deal of pain, I realized the time had come. In short, on February 27 I got a total hip replacement and just a few days ago I was given the green light for much more activity. Like tying my own shoes! And swimming. And bending over so I can work and plant in our garden!

Another major change also occurred in February, just a few weeks before surgery. Jay and I have been looking for a permanent place to call home for several years, and we found just the place in January. We moved into our new home on Madison's east side on February 16, with snow on the ground and little knowledge of what might lie underneath.

Now that the snow is gone, we have found that our front and back yards are empty canvases on which to paint our dream yard and garden.

Finally, sometime late last year I discovered a new term, "permaculture," and a nearly year-long course about sustainable food production, community building, water catchment, and good garden design. Without knowing much about the course, I signed up. It just felt like the right thing to do. With just two classes out of 10 under my belt, I love it! I'll certainly write more about what I learn this year.

I hope you will join me for the growing season as The Urbane Farmer gets his hands dirty.

Meet my new hip, a titanium, stainless steel and plastic arrangement installed on Feb. 27.