This new year has already delivered a winter's worth of snow, along with some significantly frigid temperatures. Fortunately I didn't have any meetings or necessary errands during the harsh weather and could hibernate indoors! This week we're experiencing the traditional January Thaw, with temperatures well above freezing (as opposed to the below zero Fahrenheit we had for so long!), accompanied by rain and fog. Today is pleasantly sunny.
This is the time of year when my indoor garden is especially delightful. Currently or recently in bloom: sweet olive, passiflora, crown of thorns, hyacinth, and my white azalea, which I've had for well over a decade...possibly as long as 15 years.
Soon to come are the amaryllis...the red one I received at church last Christmas has sent up a flower stalk. My mother gave me one this Christmas and it's sprouting 2 flower stalks. I've got a third, a gift given to me 11 years ago by our late Bishop, which I'll bring out after the other two are finished.
Today is a day of remembrance for me...The duchess in my historical novel died on this day, and because her birthdate went unrecorded I honour her today. Here are two portraits of her, made three years apart.
My accomplishments this year--so far--include lots of writing, much planning, regular ballet exercise (not because of any resolutions, it's just what I do), and overseeing some final home improvement projects. Before Christmas we replaced the washer and dryer that came with the house with the kind we had at the Lodge. The installation of our whole-house generator has begun. And we're getting a new gas range. My meetings for this month are behind me. Later this week I shall probably head over to the State House to give testimony in favour of a bill that I always voted for when I served in the Legislature. I hope I remember how to behave like an "Honorable," which I still am!
Thanks to those who expressed their kind condolences about my father. Much appreciated.
