Next to the fireside last night,
having just watched one of our favorite Christmas
films, getting the photos ready for my last December
post-the power went out. It is amazing how much
that changed things. it didn’t used to, but with Mom
here, the power going out is less an adventure in
simplicity and more a challenge of keeping her warm
and safe and unworried. We sometimes lose power
for days and days, but it was only out several hours
last night, and with the morning has come the
light (to sky and to my mood!) and the continued
snowfall (which can now be enjoyed).

Some of us are in the kitchen, listening to the
radio and uploading new music and reading
new books, some of us (who convinced me that
playing video games in the living room was
“nostalgic” since living away at college) are by the
Christmas tree, controllers in hand. Some of us are
wandering about, nibbling on doughnuts
and almonds and stocking candy.

Outside, the blackbirds are covering the
snow-capped feeder and the goats and hens are
cosily circumscribed in the little rectangle of
dry straw in the paddock, while the snow
continues to blow and fall.

I am anticipating days ahead filled with rest
and good food and lots of reading. I know I will
also pause now and then to receive the truly lovely
and welcome gifts of your notes and visits here,
(as I do always, with so much happiness). It has
been so wonderful to spend
December with you.

I will drop another note in the snowy hedgerow
sometime soon….when the spirit moves.

p.s. I forgot the last picture….of our tiny bell, which
is always placed on the end of the branch of our Christmas
tree that will be most often be brushed against as we
go between kitchen and living room. We have given
so many angel’s their wings since Christmas Eve!

…”sweet Christmas bells are ringing”