The view outside our window hasn’t changed much this winter.

It’s headed our way again – more snow! You know you’ve had a long winter of storms when two kids overhear the news on the radio and groan.

The indoor growing season, in the house, is what we focus on until we can garden outside again. We tend to African violets, orchids, herbs, and other succulents.

The hibiscus tree comes inside from the patio, and thrives in the winter sunshine, that streams through the windows in the den.  The windows are a warm and sunny spot for the orchids which put on their show at this time of year.

The shovels are ready for another round of snow, but there is a sure sign of spring. that arrives in the mailbox almost every other day.

Garden catalogues for the 2014 growing season. The coffee table in the living room holds the thoughts and ideas for the upcoming outdoor season.

It looks like March is going to arrive like a lion this year. The orchids remind us that the growing season, that happens inside, brings wonder during the cold months.

Tomorrow is Dr. Seuss’ birthday, and in honor of the author’s day, it’s Read Across America Day. Want to make some green eggs and ham to celebrate?

Use some chives, or a combination of herbs, to make an herb-infused oil. Place about 1/2 cup of extra-virgin-olive-oil, with a handful of chopped herbs,  in a sauce pan and gently heat.

Add a dash of Kosher salt and pour into a blender and mix. Melt some butter in a pan. When the butter is melted, crack an egg in the pan. As the egg cooks, tilt the pan, and spoon the melted butter over the yolk for a picture-perfect egg.

For the ham portion, of our green eggs and ham, we use round slices of Canadian bacon. You can warm them in the oven as you make the eggs.

Place the ham on the plate first. and top with the egg and the herb oil. to make them “green.” We’ve tried putting the herb oil in eggs and scrambling them, but the guys said it “just looked too weird to eat.” Fair enough.

The plants we grow in the house all winter long help get us through to the next outdoor growing season. The guys are  learning the satisfaction of watching something grow.

And always give, what looks to be a plant on the way out, one more chance. It may surprise you. Who doesn’t like a surprise?