A Day of Simple Pleasures

It's a Saturday morning in Vermont in the dead of winter. The holidays are behind us, the gardening season is still months away.  There is a stack of books on my desk and a list of tasks for work that are always waiting for attention.   Most days start with a very long list of things to do, chores to check off the list, people to see, things to accomplish.   But on this day, there is nothing that demands attention.   It is unexpected and unfamiliar.  So I wander around the house feeling unfocused and unproductive.  I resist making a list but instead sit down at the piano and read through some music.  I sing a bit, playing some familiar songs that make my heart swell.

Next I head to the kitchen to make a "mash" for our chickens.  This is a hard time of year for the chickens who spend happy days in the summer, pecking around the garden, wallowing in the dust and dirt under the lilac bushes and just generally entertaining themselves and us.  The mash consists of leftovers- some squash, some kale salad, some over-ripe pears and some yogurt.  Yum.  Does that sound delicious or what?   It's hard to believe how much pleasure I get in concocting a mash like this for my "girls".  I empathize with them during the long cold winter months when they are literally "cooped up".  They seem to take it all in stride but I know how much they appreciate some treats and also a break in the daily routine of the long, cold winter.

The day is sunny and bright and despite the cold, I revel in being outdoors.  With the chickens fed, I invite Sydney, the wonder dog, to come for a walk in the woods with me.  We tromp through the deep snow and Sydney runs on ahead, sniffing out all of the scents that bubble up from the trail.  Perhaps she smells the deer that walk along this snowy trail or the foxes or coyotes who live in these woods.   It's very peaceful and I am energized by the fresh air.

We return to the house newly invigorated and I decide to make some broccoli soup.  I always enjoy cooking and especially love making a hearty soup in the winter.  If only we had grown the broccoli in our summer garden, then I would have been doubly grateful for the pleasure of making this delicious, nutritious soup.

I spend a bit of time trying to get on top of the clutter and chaos that my husband and son are able to create.  Sadly, the boys in the family don't seem to care about the orderly house that I so value.  Of course it would be better if they would pick up after themselves.  But I have learned that sometimes it is better to take the time and do some clean up myself for my peace of mind. God knows nagging them to do it never works.

I head out to do some errands and to shop for the food that I will prepare for dinner. Sydney is my traveling companion which makes me so happy.   I take the scenic route, driving along the frozen Connecticut River.  What's the rush?  There is nowhere that we need to be  so I can take whichever route I like.  I remember how the river looks in the summer.  I drive by the Whippy Dip, the popular ice dream stand that attracts droves of visitors in the summer months.  It is shuttered for the winter, but it's not hard to imagine it back in business a few months from now with happy families and groups of friends, enjoying a frozen treat at the outdoor picnic tables.

We return to the house and prepare a hearty dinner to share with a dear friend who is coming for dinner.  I even fit in an hour or so of reading.  So many books, so little time.  A crackling fire, good conversation and the Winter Olympics keep us entertained for the evening.

There is something about the ebb and flow of the seasons that makes living in New England such a delight. It's nice to slow down for part of the year and to enjoy simple pleasures.  That's the kind of day that I have had.

Play Piano-  Check
Feed the chickens- Check
Take dog for a walk-  Check
Make some soup-  Check
Shop for dinner-  Check
Read a book-  Check
Cook dinner-  Check
End the day with family and friends over a meal-  Check

Now that is a nearly perfect day. Come Monday, I'll be back to my very busy and demanding schedule. But I'll be warmed by the simple pleasures that I shared with a wonderful dog, my dear husband and son and a close friend.  Anyone for some hearty soup?