Beginnings are chancy, full of hope, expectation, fear and dread.
Re-starting can be just as iffy.
The first market of the year poses questions such as what to bake? Will our regulars remember that this is re-start week? And how much should I bake? What will the other producers bring? New year, new ideas, new products? Or same old reliables, only less? Should I share my indecision or just muddle along in ignorance?
Eventually, after counting the eggs, I decide to make only what I am happy to bring home.
So I bake, getting back in to the rhythm after only limited baking over the Christmas break. Then I pack, adjusting bags and card with lots of sticky tape. (Note to self - must buy correct sizes this week!) Pinny, herbal teabag, red and blue pen.
Car has decided it is too old to go out in the dark, so may not start, but there are friends and a back-up plan.
I hope the alarm works.
Next morning, it snows. Beautiful fluffy flakes of white devastation. Some customers brave the weather but for others the temptation to stay indoors is overwhelming. Disappointment and lots of goodies go home, but it is only the first of the year - first market, first disappointment but also first hope - that it will get better. It will, promise?