Winter storm

A forecast for heavy snow called for waffles for supper. 

They brought the whipping cream and an impromptu barn-raising was held.

Small treasures

Grocery shopping in the city, treats at lunch, a first hair cut, and several procrastinated chores: 

another successful and enjoyable errand day.

Stripes

The rhythm, sound and smell of ironing was pleasant and calming 

and my melancholic spirit felt better for the task.

Valentines

Wine and chocolate: oh happy thought.

Oh Heart

A husband's flowers; neighbourly cupcakes; a whispered "I wuv you" in the dark;

Valentines is so much more than romantic love.

Kitties

A very runny nose is offset by finding a pair of kitty shoes, complete with ears. 

(Why don't they make polka-dot tights in grown-up sizes?)

Blue Sky Monday

Another week begun with the usual routines. 

However, her two-hour morning nap was an unscheduled response to an unwelcome midwinter cold.

Charlotte Gray

Charlotte Gray by Sebastian Faulks

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


I expected a war-romance kind of book (perhaps because I haven't read Sebastian Faulks before?) and got so much more. It feels like Faulks takes his readers very seriously, and gives us something to really chew on and think about.



Yes, there's romance, but it's complicated. In addition, there is beautiful descriptions of the scenery of France, a delve into how people handle the psychological damage of war, and a historical narrative on life in France during the Second World War.



One of my favourite things about Faulks' writing: his thorough descriptions of food and clothing. It really helps build a mental picture of the world of 1940s era France and England.



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Sundays

Sunday: a whole day to spend together as a family.

Groundhog's Shadow

She cried because the puddle from yesterday was solid ice today. 

But at least there were flowers to smell.

Melt

Oh daughter, your curiousity inspires me.

Tea for Two

Tea for the little girls; tea for the big girls. A happy way to spend the morning.

Orange

We saw a squirrel, two chickadees and a surprise blizzard, and shared supper with a most beloved uncle.

Horizon

A walk in the sunshine does my heart good.

Abacus Beads

Broken glasses; frustrated toddler; extreme cold; 

I wished for Friday on Tuesday.

Toddler hugs; conversations with friends; a generous husband; it's Friday night.

All is again right in my world.

The Little Shadows

The Little Shadows by Marina Endicott

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Well-developed characters including a whole mix of personalities: it is clear the author spent considerable time creating these people. I especially appreciated the nuances between the sisters--their deep bond but their clear individual spirits.

The book is good and thick with a long enough plot to really develop a story and capture my interest..

Finally, it was a really interesting setting (the Vaudeville theatre world) and time period (pre and during the First World War) about which to read.

A Canadian author and a story that takes place in my home province. A joy to read.



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Twenty-five Below

Long blue shadows offset by golden sunlight that pierced the cold.
Frost on her eyelashes; she sang the entire time, bundled in blankets in her stroller.

Out My Window

A busy sunny morning and an afternoon putting things in order;

counting the minutes til Daddy comes home.

Hands and Feet

Dishes is a favourite chore for small hands these days, 

and on short gloomy days, it is a fun thing we can do together.

December in Ten

Advent  and cookies and snow and coffee and knitting and Christmas.