January

The fields are dry now, the corn a pale shade of straw.

The brick, thatch and rust tiles blend beautifully into their brown, monotoned background of hills, which stand silently and patiently, knowing that they shall one day bear their gifts. It is January.

The snow of last week is fading, exposing the countryside once again. Everywhere there are logs stacked up, fireplaces waiting each evening to be lit. People are indoors, so it is natural to assume that so are the crops. Many of the long-lasting vegetables from months before — pumpkins, potatoes, onions and carrots — are cooked and eaten with various meats. There is cavolo nero, a dark green type of cabbage that provides satisfying meals. The hunting season continues until towards the end of this month and still provides a lot of meat — pigeon, wild boar, pheasant and guinea fowl.