Packing

She loves riding "up high," 

which is a boon to our grand plans of snowshoeing in the mountains this weekend.

The Inbetween

I identify with this. Especially the hair. And the soup. And the beliefs.

Icicle

The perfect "snow day": blustery in the morning, warm, sunny and beautiful in the afternoon. 

We spent just as much time outside today as we did inside.

Whiteness Abounds

We shoveled twice today and could easily have done it again. 

Snowfall warning in effect and with nowhere to go, we built paths and angels and went for a long walk, in awe of the white mascara on the landscape.

Spectacle

We had to hunt all over for said "glasses," but she insisted that I must take a picture of her in them. 

A last escapade before bed.

Gently falling

They walked me home from work in the pouring snow. 

My heart delighted in the huge flakes and I wished I could stay outside til dark.

Sick Day

I left them with blankets and pillows to snuggle and commiserate on the couch 

and went for a walk solo, wonderfully lost in my thoughts.

Olive Theory

I taught her to put whole olives on her fingers. We share a love for olives, much to her father's dismay.

One Step

It was a grumpy day for the most part but there were moments where we understood each other perfectly, and that made everything ok.

Brilliance

We had few definite plans for the day, aside from shoveling the sidewalk, 

and it felt so good to just be.

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.