digging

I go through this every Spring. Should I or shouldn't I (attempt to) plant a garden?
If you've ever read my profile, you know that my ideal backyard contains two experiences: a clothesline and a garden.
Now, a clothesline I've never had. I just love the idea of hanging my sheets, clothing and other cloth items out to be blown and sun-shined dry by the natural elements. I grew up with a clothesline in my backyard, and although I often protested the stiffness of air-dried sheets, the overall aroma of sunshine in my bed at night won me over.
The garden. Now that I have had before. I think it was the second summer in our old house. I remember being hesitant because I really didn't know how to plant, what to plant or how to care for these luscious fruits and vegetables that I imagined growing in my backyard.
Overall, it was a success. I'll admit, a few vegetables were burnt up by the sun due to my lack of watering and delay in picking them at just-the-right time.
So when I had the idea to plant another garden the next spring, my husband was supportive, yet realistic. Would I have the time? Do I have to energy to put into this bed of greenery? I didn't think I could do it, so I gave up.
Now here we are, six years later, in a new house with a postage stamp-sized backyard and I am still dreaming of that garden.
The homesteader in me imagines my backyard to be a place where the needs of my family can be met by what we grow/raise/do on our land. I'll admit that I've often fantasized about living in that "Little House on the Prairie", chickens and all!
But it's always the same debate: realism versus idealism.
A dear friend of mine just gave me several packets of seeds: Sugar Snap peas, Butterhead lettuce, carrots and watermelon. Should I take this as a sign to "go for it"? For now they are tacked to my bulletin board awaiting their fate. I think they just might be in for a wild ride!