~Toasting One's Toes By The Fire~

Good day to you.  Oh, what a blustery day we have here in Vermont.  Once again, snow covers the ground and a bitter, howling wind blows.  Three short days ago our temperatures reached well into the 50's, rain poured down and MUD was the only thing one could see.  It's funny, this month of March we've been having...we've had our hints of Spring but for the most part it's been the "December of my dreams" with snow falling almost daily and sometimes for days at a time.... making everything gorgeous, calm ...quiet...AND Christmas-like.  There was even a holiday show on the last time it snowed, which was so odd as it is very unusual for stations to run them this time of year.  I like to think that it's a gift from above ..and perhaps my sweet Odie has had a hand in it too.  As if he is trying to give a bit of Christmas spirit back to me so that,  in the future, I will not associate Christmas, at least maybe not so much, with his passing.  It's just been funny little things happening..nothing anyone but me would understand or even pick up on..but the little things are there and I notice them.  Little things reminding me of a past Christmas memory, things yet to come,  faith and possibilities.   My constant worry has lifted and things are falling back into place.  I have made decisions on things I was procrastinating with and put plans into action for new directions.  

I have unburied my creativity & imagination and renewed my enthusiasm for something I thought I had lost.  I have made new friends, discovered new paths with lovely possibilities and found encouragement and delight in things I never knew existed.  

 As you all know, I am a very big fan of Children's Literature.  My moppets are the result of a lifetime spent devouring these enchanting books and as of late, through a lovely new group I belong to, I have been given the gift of books I had yet to discover.  Wonderful homey, comforting, enchanting books filled with all the things I love..and yet, I had no idea they were out there.  Filling up the dusty sections of my favorite library and ..thankfully...still (though difficult to find) on amazon!!

 

One of these new delights is the book The Willows In Winter.  I have no idea how I never knew this book existed as Wind In The Willows is one of my all-time favorite books!!!  One would think I would have, at some point, been made aware of it's sequel.  At any rate, it arrived in the post this afternoon and I can hardly wait to dive into it this evening. 

"The Mole sat toasting his toes by the fire"
  (the first line and photo from page one)

Now..I ask you...who would not enjoy such enchantment.

I am off now to check on my pork roast in the oven, pour myself another cup of coffee and dress a wee turkey.

Wishing you a most pleasant evening.
♥Doreen