Cheery Thoughts on a Gloomy Day

We woke to find an inch of slushy snow on the ground and schools canceled due to the prediction of a major snow storm starting later in the day. While we've waited for the pretty snow to start, it's been a gloomy day. Here's a few happy thoughts to cheer up this gray day.



Isn't this illustration lively and fun? This is Winnie, the star of the Winnie the Witch books. On Monday I read Winnie in Winter for Story Time, and we all enjoyed it so much that I thought you might enjoy hearing it, too. I don't have a link to me reading it, but I did find this delightful video of the Welsh actor Tom Ward reading it for the BBC's Cbeebies Bedtime Stories. In this story, Winnie, who is tired of winter, learns that "winter is lovely, too." It's a good reminder for all of us on this gray, wintry day.

Ben and I met with this morning with the design/construction company that is going to redo the entrance to our house, including a new porch and deck, walkways, and landscaping. They're even going to include a pond in their designs, in the off chance we have enough money "for everything." Yeah! We're finally underway!

Guess who wore this beautiful sweater? Yes, indeed, it was me. Check out the precision in the cross over pattern, the delicate ribbing, and the sweet buttons. That's all Grandma's handwork. I don't know what amazes me most; that she was such a talented knitter, or that she kept my little sweater all these years. I was so touched when I saw it. Thank you, Grandma.


On Monday I wore my nice Frye boots and a skirt and sweater to Story Time, causing one cute little girl to ask "Why are you wearing a dress?" and another one to tell me "You look pretty!" Aw, shucks. It sure did feel good to be wearing these boots again; amazing what losing a few pounds can do.

And last, I thought I'd share Ben's recent photo of Fetcher visiting the pond goldfish who are spending the winter downstairs in the cellar. I had wondered why they sometimes seemed a bit agitated, and now I know!