the zen of the perfect fireplace

an ode of thanksgiving

It wasn’t the coldest weekend of the month (that was the first weekend) but yesterday was just plain yucky (technical term). Pretty sunrise but raw, strong northerly wind, and heavily cloudy all day long in southern Pennsylvania. No, it was not my favourite type of weather.

I did get to go on two long walks so I surpassed my step target. That was really good as that did not occur during recent conference. I foolishly departed Annapolis without my mittens. Being stubborn, I generally would not ask to borrow from our exceptionally well-prepared, outdoorsy friends but I was not going to pass up the chance to walk the dogs, see the woods, hear the birds, and walk.

By the time we returned from the second walk, through the blackberry brambles I mentioned yesterday, I was most definitely cold. I have no doubt I reduced the size of the pores on my face because they were not happy with extended exposure to the wind. However, we had a marvelous, fulfilling walk so I didn’t think about the pores or cold hands or stickers that I got on my jeans.

When we got back to the house, I thought only of the fire in the fireplace. It was