What is really fun here in the shire is the morning ritual. It goes something like this. Morning comes and Earl prepares delicious cups of tea for us to sip in bed while we watch the birds enjoy their breakfast. Dressed in his long burgundy robe Earl ventures out on to the snowy deck, reminding me somewhat of St. Francis of Assissi, as he spreads out a seed filled meal fit for all kinds of birds. We can see them from our bedroom window and they are such a delight to watch. Right now there are doves, chick-a-dees, finches, of at least two varieties, woodpeckers and cardinals. When the warmer days come we will have our tea on the deck and enjoy our feathered friends in the open, but here in the cozy warmth, while the snow falls, it is yet another simple moment that is, to coin a term, priceless.

I have decided to muse on my life here in New Hampshire and how really content I am. I have learned that simple things are truly best and that trying to keep up with the frantic pace of the hamster wheel is not for me. I admit that my age, now 3 score something, has a lot to do with such a thought. So what would it have meant had I begun this simpler life sooner? Having time now to gaze out the window and see snow receding rather than melting seems a way to hold on to the past but not have it constantly dripping. I just let it recede in to a safe place where if necessary I can call it up. Ah silly idea to go back, much better, rather, to look forward and see where the simple path leads. I have some cranberries in the refrigerator and they've been there awhile. I think it is time for cranberry nut bread. A cup of tea and a slice of the cranberry bread when Earl gets home will be a simple, joyous event that anyone can achieve.