The sweetest season approaches

A boule of sourdough bread is about ready to come out of the oven. The house smells great and the oven has taken the edge off any late November chilly drafts, although this afternoon’s weather (mid 40’s) is a big improvement over yesterday’s. Last week’s snow along the edges of the road is actually melting in the sun. The Daughter Person, Son-In-Law, and Granddaughter are visiting for dinner. Things are looking better than okay, at least for the moment, in our little corner of the world.

The dogs and I took a stroll to check the ice cover on the “pond” north of the property. The ice is still there, although a couple of places look a little soft. But then it is more a creek than a pond. It drains, very slowly, to the Sunrise river about half a mile away.

a seasonal favorite

Photo by J. Harrington

I’m looking forward to cutting down and putting up the tree this weekend. The Better Half and I did a quick scan a few days ago and picked out this year’s tree, but then I noticed several pines growing on the south side of the drive that I’ve not looked at carefully. Some time over the next few days I’ll go peek and see if there’s one I think looks even better than the already carefully selected specimen.

Still to come are the wonderful sights, smells and tastes of the Better Half’s Christmas cookie baking. I have a particular fondness for thumbprint cookies filled with raspberry jam, but, in a pinch, will settle for frosted cookies. I do promise to leave at least a few for Santa on Christmas Eve.

[little tree]

By E. E. Cummings

little tree 

little silent Christmas tree 

you are so little 

you are more like a flower 

who found you in the green forest 

and were you very sorry to come away? 

see          i will comfort you 

because you smell so sweetly 

i will kiss your cool bark 

and hug you safe and tight 

just as your mother would, 

only don't be afraid 

look          the spangles 

that sleep all the year in a dark box 

dreaming of being taken out and allowed to shine, 

the balls the chains red and gold the fluffy threads, 

put up your little arms 

and i'll give them all to you to hold 

every finger shall have its ring 

and there won't be a single place dark or unhappy 

then when you're quite dressed 

you'll stand in the window for everyone to see 

and how they'll stare! 

oh but you'll be very proud 

and my little sister and i will take hands 

and looking up at our beautiful tree 

we'll dance and sing 

"Noel Noel" 

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