november 7

I haven’t said anything here about the presidential campaign, and I don’t have much to say about the election results. Well, I do, but I won’t. I’ll just say: Peggy Noonan was right when she said that this cake was baked awhile ago. I was truly shocked when Obama gained traction during the campaign; I am not shocked that he was re-elected.

We needed Ron Paul, and got the opposite. But then, doing hard things doesn’t seem to be my generation’s forte.

*****

Last week, my mother-in-law braved several miniature planes and flew in for a visit. We love, love, love when she visits. Beatrice was especially smitten, and they were practically inseparable.

*****

Frost really and truly hit this week. I checked the temperature before setting off for my walk: 24 degrees. Brrrr! Cold, and achingly beautiful. That’s the North Country for you.

*****

Less daylight in the evenings just means cozier dinnertimes. Summer always was my favorite season, thanks to green grass, gorgeous flowers, balmy weather and bare feet. But the longer I’m a mama, the more I grow to love these months of being hemmed in by darkness come late afternoon. Candles, music, the smell of dinner, laughing children finding creative ways to enjoy the confines of a house: these are lovely things.