Napa, at the Threshold of Spring

Today I am reminded why this is my favorite time of year in Napa. While the vines slumber, the rest of the valley moves visibly towards Spring. Already, the mustard lies heavily layered amongst the rows of vines, whose recently pruned silhouettes look like clutching fingers trying to escape their plush yellow beds. Piles of vine canes, the subtractions of last years growth, lie tied and sometimes burning in bundles at the edges of vineyards, and wispy plumes of smoke rise and fade in the still air. At this time of year, the mornings are still to cold to plant heavily. Cheating Jack Frost, we risk planting lettuces, chard, spring garlic, broccoli, asparagus, and bare root strawberry starts. Counting the days until it's safe for tomatoes...