I’ve been captured at home the past five days due to children with contagious conjunctivitis. It’s put a total hitch in my typical secretive December agenda. Errands that need to be made are being forgotten and presents are starting to be made rather than purchased. Typically I would say that’s a good thing, but because it’s getting harder to go to stores for proper supplies, I fear that my homemade presents may be stretching from delicately handcrafted towards eyebrow raisingly funky.

The rain we had last week was very welcome and we’ve been enjoying the water it’s left behind. It’s a whole new world out there compared to last year. Things are lush and green and growing, instead of cold and dry and brown. Mushrooms are growing. The wood stove is getting a work out and knitting projects are getting finished (Ashton Shawlette is done!). I am experimenting more with my sourdough starter and my attempts are falling flat. Quite literally as you can see. They taste delicious but a little more rise would be appreciated.

The days are getting so dark, aren’t they? I feel like I’m just noticing it this year for the first time for some reason. I tucked flameless candles on timers into all the bedrooms to guide us down the hall to bed each night. That has been my favorite winter tradition the past three years. Having all these warm little lights along the cold dark hallway is a welcome addition during these dark days.

I continue to tidy so I’ll never have to tidy again. Which is a good thing because my very favorite thrift store in town burned straight down to the ground last month! They moved to a new spot and they need to fill it up again. I’m doing my part to help in that project. It’s lovely to open a closet and see all that open space.

The starlings have been here in amazing numbers and at moments fill up the entire sky right back to the horizon. It’s miraculous to watch. We are being told to batten the hatches, that another storm is coming tomorrow night and it’s going to be fierce. Stay warm and dry my friends and if you need something inspiring to read, meet Milla.)