Aunt Louise

Late afternoon on Christmas Eve, some years ago, my mother looked out the front window of her New England home into fading light and snow. “Maybe your Aunt Louise’s package won’t make it this year,” she said. No, we assured our mother and grandmother, the package will...

Winter Blooms

Last month’s killing frosts had rendered our meadow plants dormant. It was time to mow before snow arrived. On Saturday morning, Keith fueled and started the gas-powered weed-whacker for me then held it while I donned ear and eye protections and adjusted the shoulder...

Waiting

Yesterday, I rolled up the 100-light illuminated garland looped over the loft railing and put away the rest of the Christmas decorations. Hand towels printed with scenes of snowmen, jingle bells, and reindeer will get laundered today then stored. Only the poinsettia...