back in time

On our 1500 mile road trip to the woods of northern Wisconsin, we spent four wonderful days with David's parents at the family's remote 125 year old log cabin, which is complete with water pump and outhouse. Days were spent cooking, hiking, and enjoying nature, trees, rocks, grass, earth, old buildings, dirt roads, wind, and absolute silence.


We saw plenty of wildlife, of which we kept a running tally, and were lucky to have had the camera ready at just the right moment on a few occasions. We saw 20 deer, nine hawks, six bald eagles, five ravens, two coyotes, two golden eagles, two whiskey jacks, and one blue heron, not to mention tracks and scat of all sorts, including deer, porcupine, canine, and even bear! 


The kids had ample opportunity for all the activities that we constantly wish there was more time for back home, including archery, kite flying, whip cracking, rock collecting, bird watching, and hiking. Days were both action-packed and relaxing, depending on the moment. The sun played a constant game of peek-a-boo most of the time we were there, but the air was fresh and the wind was strong. My favorite part? The scent of wild leeks as we stepped through the organic rubble of the forest floor. The sunbeams and stark blue sky occasionally peeking through the clouds. The cabin in its clearing. 

sugar and spice and everything nice

Sugar and spice
and everything nice
that's what little girls are made of

Sunshine and rainbows
and ribbons for hair bows
that's what little girls are made of

Tea parties, laces
and baby doll faces
that's what little girls are made of

As Esme turns five years old today, I cannot help thinking of how hard it is to keep up with her. She can play with her doll or in her kitchen for hours, humming and whispering all the while. She will dance to music--or dance without it, get swept up in the magic of an audio book, make fascinating and intricate collages out of scraps and do-dads, stir fresh fruit into her oatmeal, and pick out the brightest outfit known to girl-kind. She will curl up in your lap and listen as you read book after book, turning the pages and pausing at pictures. She will climb in bed with her big sister, shining flashlights together under the quilt and sneaking giggles until they both fall asleep.

Happy birthday to you, dear Esme.

the wedding

My brother tied the knot last month. Congratulations to Austen and Jennifer! The wedding itself was a lovely traditional ceremony in Columbus, Ohio, and the reception was in a nearby Italian restaurant's ballroom--and a total blast! Mother Nature attributed cold, blustery weather for the affair, but the food and guests added a cozy feeling to the whole thing.

Both of my girls were flower girls in the ceremony. It was such an honor for them. Clad in lovely green dresses with hand-knit wraps to match, they looked gorgeous. We do not yet have pictures of the ceremony, but the following are a collection of various candid shots of family and friends having a great time at the party!

The girls, from right to left -- top row: my mother, me, my cousin; bottom row: my mother's sisters.

My cousin and me.

My new sister-in-law and me! -- Self-portraits are my favorite!

Me and the groom -- my bitty baby brother, all grown up!

Little Esme, the younger daughter.

Evelyn, the elder daughter, in motion.

The party!

retreat

It seems with every season change, I am ever more aware of the ticking of the clock, the passing of another year. With each holiday, I get caught up in the joy and celebration and love of our family and friends. But once the holiday is gone, I need time to stop and reflect, to remember, to share. I want to linger in the memories and embrace the traditions we cherish. 

What sweet memories do I carry away from this holiday season?

  * Exchanging cookies with family and friends

  * Classic carols sung and favorite books  read over and over

  * Cold, quiet nights spent sitting around the fire while sipping cups of tasty hot things

  * The handmades -- dyed yarn, ornaments, hats and scarves and gloves, clothes and bags

  * Snow in time for our celebration with my in-laws -- a white Christmas

The holidays are over. Tomorrow, we all go back to the normal grind. I will miss the coziness of the house decorated for the Yuletide season. And, again, 2012, I welcome you and the wonder of the new beginning you promise us.

 

 

welcome 2012

Happy New Year and welcome to 2012!

We had a lovely end to 2011, but it went altogether much too fast. The holiday season came and went so quickly, as it always seems too.

Our family spent New Year's Eve playing Scrabble and listening to holiday music by the Christmas tree. As for calling in the new year, the children crashed out early on the couch, but at midnight, my husband and I shared a clink and a kiss. Neighbors rang bells, clanked pots and pans with spoons, and shot off a few fire crackers. It was a sweet and romantic start to 2012.

I am hoping 2012 will generously give all of us much joy and happiness! Happy New Year to you and yours!