The irony of winter is its warmth. Rather than isolating us, the cold draws us closer, giving us an excuse to relax and while away hours in each other’s company. It’s also a great time for playing in the kitchen, and when the weather breaks, perfect for a long walk with a friend.
EIGHTH ANNUAL
Joined by a legion of neighbors and friends, we started the year exactly right with our 2017 Hoppin John Party
NEXT THING YOU KNOW
Bob’s trying out new recipes. Cauliflower was in season at the Farmer’s Market so he bought a couple of giant heads and turned one into Cauliflower Buffalo Wing sandwiches. It may sound unusual but actually it was delicious on kaiser rolls with homemade ranch dressing, lettuce and tomato.
AND THEN, THIS
We know to expect snow in winter but always have mixed reactions. First dismay, turning to fascination
and finally, enchantment. We relax into it, neighbors wander by for cocoa laced with coconut rum, we wander over to the neighbors for more libations, we set out a jigsaw puzzle, and fill large pots with water in case the power goes out. No one drives, there are only a handful of snow plows in Chatham County, most of the shops close but no matter because the grocery stores have already been stripped of milk and bread and school is out for a week.
FULL MOON
By the time the moon turned full, the temperatures were well above freezing and we could step off the back porch in our shirt sleeves for a good look.
A NICE DOSE OF CULTURE
Sometimes it’s good to step outside our routines and experience something new. Linda Watson treated Camille to a nice long walk to the Art Museum and around the Museum Park. Check out the captivating sculptures they encountered along the way at: NC Museum of Art
A BIG FLUSH
Bob often finds oyster mushrooms growing on the poplar stump out front when he goes out to feed the birds. This haul was a doozy!
LIGHT PLAY
We have our own little art exhibit out behind the house where the trees reach up and catch the day’s last rays of sunshine.
A MOTHER’S JOY
Emily’s delight with young Nolan is balm for the soul.
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THIS MONTH’S QUOTES:
“Heroes are not giant statues framed against a red sky. They are people who say: This is my community, and it is my responsibility to make it better.” – Studs Terkel
“I said, “I started traveling in the South for that very reason, because I saw so many outsiders committed to solving Africa’s problems. They were the same problems that exist here – poor housing, poor access to health care and education. Child hunger. Illiteracy.” – Paul Theroux, writing about Fargo, Arkansas in “Deep South”
“Lighthouses don’t go running all over an island looking for boats to save; they just stand there shining.” – Anne Lamott, Bird by Bird
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