A few days ago I picked up an old Country magazine and opened it to a page of memories of olden days before indoor plumbing.
One lady recalled carrying all their water from four miles away, and melting snow in the winter sometimes for household use, and how to this day she can't bear to waste water!
It made me realize we aren't the only ones filling up bins of snow to melt by the woodstove.
There's something about just knowing you aren't alone.
Realizing that people remember these things yet recall those hard days as "good ol' days," is enlightening.
Because it wasn't the hard work, the misery of the pots of snow and wet puddles around the house, but just the simple living that people remember and cherish.
And I couldn't help thinking that really, in a way, even I enjoyed having something new for the children to do on snowy days--filliing up bins and pots with that beautiful snow.
It was a reason to go outside.
Because all day long is filled with indoor work for me.
Often simple, unpretentious work like just helping your little girl make apple-blueberry crisp.
And making the most of happy moments together.
And listening to the children's merry chatter about the brand new baby bunnies out in the hutch.
The hours of listening to reading, helping high schoolers with geometry (and spending a good part of an hour today just figuring out one algebraic question in it!), checking lessons and giving spelling tests.
It's really not a bad thing then to dress up warmly in my long johns, boots, coat and scarf and go outside to do my own part of shoveling the deck, steps, and sidewalk, and filling a big tote and a couple canning pots with snow to melt.
And then walk around just enjoying the winter scenery.
All day yesterday the birds fluttered and flew about in our couple of trees. I could hardly take my eyes off them. These humble little birds are such a gift of God to me out here on the prairie.
I sometimes wish for the colorful Pennsylvania cardinals and bluejays.
But yesterday I was reminded, "Aren't sparrows just about your favorite bird?"
So I thanked God for the sparrows and juncos!
There was such a hushed stillness that was so beautiful and calming outdoors.
I was incredulous at these frosty cobwebs in the corners of our porch ceiling.
Beside the wasp nests!
And so then back inside to oversee sorting black beans to soak for enchiladas or burritos. Hannah loves to help with making sure there are no little rocks in the beans.
Carrie and Rose are masters at making the most delicious lasagna ever with our own homemade goat cheese.
And you can see that the blueberry apple crisp came out just yummy!
My hubby and son moved the piano back to its place after we'd taken the Christmas tree down days ago.
Mom washes the colander and other utensils after Rose made goat cheese today.
And another hen fell into the water bucket, so the children brought her inside to dry out her feathers beside our woodstove!!
The happy ending to one of those "good ol' days"!
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