home

If home is where the heart is then I have three places in which to shelter it, even though only one stores all my personal belongings! I love my daughters' homes and all that's in them. And I love those moments when I pass through them -- at the end of the day, when I drop off a kid or two and my daughter is in the middle of dinner preparation, or on these visits to Chicago, walking the same blocks that the young guys know and love, shopping at their bakeries, eating (take-out these days) at their local eateries, discovering a good tea or a yummy wine (this time La Petite Soeur blanc) at their warm and welcoming home.

 

My older girl and I are to meet up with Juniper and parents (Primrose is in school one last time this year) after they run their morning errands -- drop offs, appointments, and a trip to Mindy's for breakfast treats. It's our final time with the little one. I wont see her again in person until next year, so do forgive me for my camera work. I want many images dancing in my head. Here are a few to share with you:

 

Is it "deck the halls with boughs of holly, fa la la la la..." or a yawn??

My breakfast buddies, attacking treats from Mindy's Bakery. With my milky coffee? Heaven.

"Hey, is anyone going to attend to my breakfast? Or maybe it's a second breakfast? Or third?"

That satisfied smile... (with Aunt Goat)

Irresistable... A newborn still, but not for long!

Candy cane...

Parents and child...

And toward the lunch hour, we drive home.

Meanwhile, back in Madison....

And at the farmhouse: the internet is down, the new high chair pieces don't fit together (we are on our second one already), the cats knocked down some ornaments. But the tree is lovely nonetheless, the extra ruglach cookie from Mindy's is delicious, and the candle gives us its magical Christmas glow.

This has been an enormously beautiful December for me! Without doubt a standout month. It had its share of tense moments, but they all resolved beautifully into this sea of warmth and love. I am so full of smiles...

And a partridge in a pear tree...