Ah, Gypsy, I know whatcha mean. I've had to suppress my jealousy a few times reading about the abundant (and often growing wild) foods and herbs in the warmer climes. Here in southern Ontario the fruit trees I put in last fall are all leafing... which had me panicking last friday when we dipped down to -7

Happily they seemed to have survived. The plums are just barely starting to blossom.
I have four varieties of peppers and three of tomatoes sprouted in trays all over my kitchen table. I tried again to grow rosemary (I always kill the poor little plants I bring home from the nursery) and so far there is one little sprout... and I'm not sure it's not some random weed that snuck in through the seeding medium.
The peas, beans, and spinach seed I saved from last year are waiting patiently for May 24 to roll around. I lucked out huge when by bro-in-law dropped off a 'display model' rototiller that was donated to the re-store he manages. (they can't stock stuff with combustables in em, like fuel, so I am helping 'dispose' of it

) Now, after a year of living here, I know where to put my gardens. I have high hopes for this season.