The Cutting of the Tree

Saturday's view. I love the color palette of a snowy day.

It's snowing!!, Mr. Lovely, Boughs and lights

1. The snow began falling at first light and fell all day! Big, white, fluffy flakes that turned our whole world magical.
2. A new horse guest arrives in the snow. He is a beautiful Percheron/Arabian cross. The two mares are smitten and follow him around all day. A girl in the house is also smitten and can't keep her eyes off him.
3. A little greenery here and twinkle lights there make the house cozy and festive. #3 arranges the snow village much nicer than I could ever do.
4. As the storm clears, the clouds turn a deep, dark, purple gray. They appear an ominous contrast to the white landscape and the effect is stunning.

Smells like snow, The list, We're holding a book for you

1. We step outside and agree that the air "feels" like snow.
2. Shopping lists are my life saver. They are my guide and my friend. I keep it in hand, reminding myself not to waver from the list and I am victorious! I even cross things off the list just so I don't confuse myself and buy something twice. (Huh!?)
3. The librarian phones to tell me my book is in. I have forgotten what I ordered, so she reads the title to me. "Oooo, can't wait!", I say.

My Favorite Meal, The Cookie Jar, Wow, Well Done

1. I prepared the beef stew early today. Now dinner is out of the way and the kitchen smells good all morning.
2. A full cookie jar with extras to give away. "I hear you guys in the cookie jar!".
3. Daughter #4 comes down, dressed for her choir performance. She looks so pretty and I suggest she add some jewelry. She returns wearing earrings and has suddenly gone from girl to young woman.
4. Daughter #3 phones with all sorts of good news and positive things happening. I'm glad to hear that hard work and perseverance, tempered with prayer has led to good things.

Thinking Back, The Helper, Soft Pretzels

1. Once Monday hit, the week became a blur. I could only pause briefly to think about what a great weekend we just had. My life is full of blessings which I do not deserve. I think about that every day...
2. Tess and I bravely hit the shopping mall. Walking around in circles in the bookstore, hopelessly trying to find one particular title. Tess spots it right there and I am so glad to have her eyes helping me today.
3. We eat fattening, dripping with butter, soft pretzels for lunch and they are very, very good.
4. Boxes of Christmas garlands, lights and bows sit in a jumble. A group of us put our ideas together and, Voila! we create a very pretty display. When we've finished, a pot of delicious bean chili and sandwiches are ready for us.

New Toy, Nice having You Around, Ice Skating

1. Baby lies on her back and brings her feet up in front of her face. She eagerly grabs them like a new toy.
2. Daughter #3 happens to be around the house more these days. It's so nice to have her nearby. She is content and I enjoy her presence.
3. A bright, full moon lights up the chilly evening. It triggers a memory of ice skating on a frozen pond under such a full moon a long, long time ago. The cold of a New York winter, the sound of skates slicing the ice with their "chink, chink" and children's voices echoing in the darkness.