Polar Plunge

The water was a balmy 38 degrees. I didn't know this until tonight when I was watching the news. I had calculated in my head upper 40's. Even in the summer it doesn't get much warmer than 60 degrees. The air temperature was 32 or so and it started snowing just before we went in.

There were ice floes even. But, I went in. I did it for many reasons...the cause (NRDC Climate Change campaign), to embrace my Scandinavian roots, to feel alive and connected to planet, to show Maisie it is good to be adventurous, as a spiritual pilgramage...and I think I will do it again.

Thank you so much to all who donated and to John and Annette who were there for the occassion.

More Sights of the Season

In no particular order...Christmas Eve at great Grammie's, Tyler, Solstice sunset, beeswax reindeer we made...

Christmas Day

Christmas is a time when you get homesick - even when you're home. ~Carol Nelson

I think it is a longing for a time that is long ago gone and the people who have come and gone from our lives as well. Mostly it is missing the child in ourselves and the freshness and wonderment of the season. You can stay light in your heart about this day, but never again will you capture that innocence and carefree-ness.

Some Sights of the Season

Christmas waves a magic wand over this world, and behold, everything is softer and more beautiful. ~Norman Vincent Peale

What M is reading right now.

This is the selection of books we read tonight before bed: Momma, Momma Carry Me; Where is Baby's Christmas Present; On the Day You Were Born; Ten Apples Up on Top; Maisy Takes a Bath; Max's Bedtime; and Bear in Sunshine.

She told me tonight when queried about what makes her happy, "books and reading". So, I assume she was very happy when she finally went to sleep.

Happy Winter Solstice

Today is the longest night of the year. May you have blessings and find moments of light to brighten and guide you at this mysterious, wonder-filled, glorious time of the year.

The Atomic

A very significant piece of my history was destroyed by fire yesterday morning, The Atomic. It was a gas station and general store owned and operated by my mother's family in Mayfield , NY. My grandmother lived across the road. I spent a ton of time there. My uncle and his family lived over the store. There was a creek that ran in back and a quarry. I loved that place. The business was usurped by unethical employees aided by a head injury incurred by my uncle. My grandmother's house was usurped by unethical family aided and abetted by the infirmaties of old age. And now the old gal has gone down in flames. R-I-P Atomic, old friend.

Today was brillant. The sky, the air, the snow, the company...I spent the whole day with my daughter and friends and family. HE is still feeling under the weather, so Maisie and I hit the road. First stop was the holiday open house at Nezinscot Farm in Turner. There, we met up with Tricia and Kevin and visited with the goats, alpacas, and sheep. We spent some time in the store seeing cheese (cheddar with bacon and blueberries) being made, listening to live music, drinking cider and eating donuts, looking for the barn cat and playing the piano. We then went to Livermore to K and T's home and played with Angelo, their dog and more piano! Then on to Yarmouth to a family holiday party where there was more piano and organ playing. Back at home, we gifted Mom with some anadama bread and we put up the tree! And...HE says she thinks she is feeling a bit better...finally!

First sticking snow of the season

In the bleak midwinter Frosty wind made moan, Earth stood hard as iron, Water like a stone; Snow had fallen, snow on snow, Snow on snow, In the bleak midwinter, Long ago.
Christina Rossetti

I, however, find it not bleak at all. My only infidelity to my wife is my love affair with Winter.

The Swiner

H1N1 Day 1 (painting)

H1N1 Day 6 (getting some fresh air)

Fever and cough really does describe this virus, but also just plain uncomfortable and CRANKY. Of course, a fever of 105+ might contribute to that and then add a double ear infection and you got a long, long, long weekend. For everyone.