"Winter, a lingering season, is a time to gather golden moments, embark upon a sentimental journey, and enjoy every idle hour." – John Boswell
After a full and bustling December we are settling into a somewhat quieter January. Breath in, breathe out. It is a little window before things pick up again and I have learned to gather moments where they can be found. This week we have brought home into clear focus again, taking into account the things scheduled in coming weeks and months and balancing those with a steady rhythm in this house and a generous dose of idle hours. We need those too.
There is a board where local bird watchers make notes of recent sightings. We didn't see anything too exotic but lots of ducks and swans. And birdwatchers. Hard core bird watchers. I admit to some camera envy. Holy cow. The equipment there rivaled the sidelines of an NBA game.
If you look closely you see the blonde backs of some lowland cattle grazing in the tall grass prairie.
Tonight we were 'getting on track' again. That is what I said this morning when Daddy flew to the States. Since there would be no more movies with Dad this week and no more evening football games or events we were going to go to bed earlier and get up earlier.
And stuff like that.
We cleaned the house today. And played outside. And picked out some crafts to make this week. And ate soup with our leeks. And watched the first Christmas movie. And got out the advent wreath to light tomorrow. And said the St. Andrew novena. And a rosary. And read a story – or four.
And then. And then….. Instead of all that 'getting back on track" Moira and the little girls begged to reeeeaally quickly set up just that first small tree. Yes, the first. I have a few of them. As Dorcas Lane would say, "Christmas trees are my one weakness." (Do go watch the clip. It is a riot. I will wait here. ; ))
They chose the long coveted little white tree we snatched up for a pittance at the thrift shop this fall which will stand in Moira's room. She was so very excited and brought the little girls up to help her assemble it. At the bottom of the box was a long strand of twinkly white lights which miraculously all still worked. Out they came too.
This is as far as we got when Daddy called to say he landed. It truly was past time for bed. We will get back on track another night. There is hot chocolate to be stirred and lights to string and memories to be made.
It's going to be a great season.
Oh Christmas lights, light up the street
Light up the fireworks in me
May all your troubles soon be gone
Oh Christmas lights keep shining on.
– Coldplay
Beauty is everywhere a welcome guest.
– Goethe
Thankful for what appeared at the back door this week, surplus from the recent 'lifting'. Have you any favorite ways to use leeks? We are planning on a pot of potato soup but that will not use them all.
The carrots are eaten like candy by the children so I doubt they will ever see the inside of a stock pot. : )
“Eat leeks in March and wild garlic in May
And all year after physicians may play.”
– Welsh Proverb
"Family life is rarely perfect, but some things can be pretty darn good. Sharing conversation and food with those we care about can be one of life's continuing joys.”
- Miriam Weinstein, The Surprising Power of Family Meals: How Eating Together Makes Us Smarter, Stronger, Healthier and Happier
Starry Sky Journal 